Story x Story

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our Story Club livestream on Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean with Ian Urbina, director of The Outlaw Ocean Project and Will Segal, composer, educator and project’s co-executive producer.

We unpack how the production came together, then dig into the project’s unique narrative approach — including the transformative creative decision to feature cast members from Hamilton.

You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ian’s reporting has been transformed through Will’s musical direction, rooted in a deep love of hip hop, to tell a hard-hitting animated documentary story with emotional honesty. You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/live/YnPpEwFhORE

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

Thank you to the team at London Breeze Festival. London Breeze was established in 2016 to showcase emerging filmmakers from across the UK and around the world. The organisation is committed to championing new, diverse, and underrepresented voices in film through festival events and screenings, both in cinemas and on its online film hub, Breeze Online. It is also committed to growing the next generation of filmmakers through children and youth showcases and a new 19–25 young adult competition launching in 2026, alongside its community programmes.

Connect with Will online:

Will wrote the music and lyrics of Rhapsody on the Outlaw Ocean. He recruited and led the project’s seventeen performers, animators, and musical producers. A classically trained musician with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford University, he has been working since 2006 at the intersection of rap and musical theatre.

Connect with Ian online:

The Outlaw Ocean Project is a non-profit journalism organization based in Washington D.C. that produces investigative stories about human rights, environment and labour concerns on the two thirds of the planet covered by water. Before founding The Outlaw Ocean Project, Urbina spent roughly 17 years as a staff reporter for The New York Times. He has received various journalism awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, two George Polk Awards and an Emmy. Several of his investigations have also been converted into major motion pictures.

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Breeton Boi, a UK-based rap artist and entertainer, to talk about his journey into music and how he’s built an independent career by combining formal education with a lot of self-learning.

eyond the music, he gets into what it takes to stay grounded in an industry full of unexpected pressures and why having the right support system can be the difference between burning out and building something sustainable. A must-listen if you’re working towards your own independent creative career.

Connect with Breeton Boi online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii don the spandex and dive deep into Supergirl (starting at 27:07), with guest Vik Deluca, comic creator, historian, and scholar at Forbidden Planet.

We unpack why DCU Kara Zor-El’s introduction had a less than solid landing, with a story short on emotional punch even as the lead performance showed real promise…and source material that’s truly top tier. Along the way we explore themes that the film makes steps towards but executes unevenly, and what we were still hopeful of by the end from a hero who brings a more grounded, realistic perspective that should contrast beautifully with Superman’s boy-scout image.

We debate what’s working, what isn’t, and what this film says about the cycle of violence and dealing with trauma and grief. This week’s storytelling tip focuses on crafting opening sequences that build emotional investment from the very first scene.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Onimusha: Way of the Sword (PS5), Bugle Call: Song of War (Manga), Tower Dungeon (Manga), Mujina into the Deep (Manga), One Piece (Crunchyroll), Shifting Gears (Disney+), Yakuza Fiancé (Crunchyroll), Reborn as a Vending Machine (Crunchyroll), Trapped in a Dating Sim: The World of Otome Games Is Tough for Mobs (Crunchyroll), The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent (Crunchyroll), I Shall Survive Using Potions (Crunchyroll), Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS4), Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll), Mob Psycho 100 (Crunchyroll), Black Clover (Crunchyroll), The Boys (Prime Video)

Connect with Vik Deluca online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Otterweave Games Studio Director and Founder Marco Ng to explore his journey into indie game development!

Marco shares what inspired him, how he keeps the journey sustainable, and takes us inside his current project, EMITIME.

From the impact of promotional events and a supportive community to the realities of building a game and bringing it to the public, the conversation gives us great insight into the early stages of game development and how to manage expectations when bringing a game to market.

Connect with Marco online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting our conversation with Cat Aquino and Dominique Duran from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators Episode 48.

Nigel digs into the origins of their new release, *Champion of the Rose*, discovering what it takes to build a compelling world for your story, and the real work behind research and worldbuilding. The pair also share what the journey looks like as you’re heading towards your first published manga (Viz Originals) and the support and challenges that come with a publisher.

From early influences and inspirations to the practical realities of getting a book ready for release, we also talk about creative partnership: what makes a creative collaboration work, how you stay aligned across the process, and how that relationship strengthens the final story.

You can also watch the full livestream video on the mayamada YouTube channel.

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

Connect with Cat online:

Connect with Dominique online:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii get on their bikes and dive deep into Akira (1988) - the cyberpunk anime classic that still resonates today - with our guest Daniel Morrison of Creative Genius Games.

It’s an anime classic and we unpack the film’s heavy themes and the characters that carry them with real quality, and debate why Akira went on to inspire so many stories after it. From its gripping narrative momentum to animation that set a new standard, we explore what makes the film feel so urgent decades later.

This week’s storytelling tip is about exposition through character relationships.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive), Once Upon a Time (Disney+), That Time I got reincarnated as a slime (Crunchyroll), Mistborn: The Alloy of Law (Novel), Gachiakuta (Crunchyroll), Witch Hat Atelier (Crunchyroll), Better Call Saul (Netflix).

Connect with Daniel online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Animator, Producer and Storyboard Artist Seraphina Bewick to hear the early-stage story of developing her independent anime, Magic Gyaldem - an idea she’s been carrying since the age of 15!

Seraphina shares the realities of bringing animation to life while juggling full-time work at a major studio, what she took away from the BBC Ignite programme, and the challenges of working with a mainstream developer to shape an idea for public consumption.

We also dig into her anime origin story, what’s next on the road to getting Magic Gyaldem made… and, somehow, end up going deep on gardening. One for the animation curious and green thumbs alike!

Connect with Seraphina & Magic Gyaldem online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

We're back from our mid season break and recording new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Toy Story 5 (starting at 28:26), asking the big question a fifth film has to answer: after 30+ years, does this franchise still have something new to say…and does this sequel justify its existence?

We dig into the film’s shift in focus as Jessie takes centre stage, and Bonnie’s journey through a digital world with devices that are taking the place of traditional toys and imaginative play. From there, we unpack how the story deals with its “villains”, whether it’s the devices themselves, cyberbullying, and the way tech reshapes childhood.

This week’s storytelling tip is about executing on your story’s thematic question: committing to what your narrative is trying to argue, and following that idea through to an earned payoff.

Other stories we're enjoying include: The Disappearances of Lydia Fontaine (Audiobook), The Little Serpent and the Wings of Night (Book), The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Book), Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Gachikuta (Crunchyroll), Angel's Egg (Cinema), The Alloy of Law (Book), The Odyssey (Cinema), Disco Elysium (Steam), Dragon Striker (Disney+).

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

We've been on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the great conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April.

Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year's Campaign 40 photoshoot). You'll hear advice on networking and building a career in the creative industries, alongside great insight from people who are actively living it.

This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with mayamada's own Alex Duval, a creative who has taken his career to a professional level. Alex shares his experiences navigating the industry, the lessons he's picked up along the way, and what it was like networking at EVO in the United States - one of the world's biggest fighting game events. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your professional presence, there's plenty to take away from this one.

Check out the previous segments on the podcast feed and get ready as we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month - see you then!

Connect with Alex online:

"Do I Look Like A Gamer?"

Campaign Website: https://looklikeagamer.com

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026.

Each segment is being released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest (including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot). You’ll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry.

This episode features hosts Nigel and Tazziii in conversation with interdisciplinary artist and game designer Symoné, alongside eSports and Game Design Lecturer Ivan Phillips. Together, they dig into what game design really means beyond mechanics, how designers can welcome different kinds of players without losing their creative vision, and the mindsets that help make games culture more inclusive.

We’ll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we’ll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month!

Connect with Symoné online:

“Do I Look Like A Gamer?”

Campaign Website: https://looklikeagamer.com

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We’re about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August! In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April 2026.

Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and will introduce you to another amazing guest, including some of those who took part in this year’s Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry.

This first segment features Tazziii and Nigel in conversation with Community Manager Dan Finch, who gives a wealth of insight into building inclusive online communities and takes us through his love for Destiny and D&D.

We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month — see you then!

Connect with Dan online:

“Do I Look Like A Gamer?”

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We’re about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

This week, Nigel sits down with Learning & Community Curator Leah Dungay to explore Behind the Screens, the National Videogame Museum’s new exhibition opening in summer 2026, which aims to transform how UK videogame heritage is collected and understood.

It’s a response to the challenges of preserving video games and takes a people-centred approach, with community-led partnerships that reflect the complexity of games: documenting developers and their creative processes, and recording the social histories of gameplay and the fandoms within it.

We talk about Leah’s role within the project, why preservation matters (especially as games, platforms, and marketplace access change), and what “community” really means within gaming culture. We also share what to expect from the “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” diversity campaign, which is set to be featured in the exhibition!

Leah also reflects on her own journey with games - from N64 favourites to the joys of Pokémon Snap.

NOTE: This is the last episode recorded before our mid-season break. Over the next month, we’ll be sharing audio from our “Do I Look Like A Gamer?” campaign launch livestream, and will be recording new episodes of the Story x Story podcast in August!

Connect with Leah online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey — whether they’re discovering what’s possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by Community Manager of Out Making Games Dan Finch and GamesAid Vice Chair Dom Shaw for our summer video game roundtable (from 26:19).

We dig into the newly revealed Steam Machine pricing, whether the hardware is worth it, and what it says about gaming becoming too expensive. Then we get into a little game called GTA VI launching without a disc, how much Rockstar can charge for the world’s most anticipated game launch, what “ownership” looks like in a download-only future, and whether today’s world is ready for GTA’s infamous satire.

And there’s still time to debate the many missteps of the major platform holders, plus what we’re actually looking forward to in the games industry.

Games we're enjoying this week include: Destiny 2 (Windows), 007 First Light (PS5), My Hero Ultra Rumble (Windows), R.E.P.O (Windows), Cult of Lamb (PC), Halo: Infinite Multiplayer (Xbox), Boyfriend on Demand (Netflix), Fall Guys (Windows), Marvel Rivals (Windows), Horizon Zero Dawn (PS5)

Connect with Dom online:

Connect with Dan online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Nareice Wint, a producer and game developer at Miami Avalon, to discuss her journey into games and finding her way from AAA to indie development. We look at the differences and realities of two very different landscapes, from the structure and scale of AAA studios to the personal responsibility and creative freedom of building something independently.

Nareice also gives us a look at the challenges of that personal journey, as we get real about navigating games while facing hurdles like the Job Centre and the negative perception of video games in society.

With a decade of experience behind her, and off the back of a successful game release with Ascend, Nareice shares how her path has led her to redefine what success now means.

Connect with Nareice online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii live, die, and repeat once more for a dive deep into All You Need Is Kill (from 25:06), with Comic Creator and WIP Comics Member Lara Callaghan.

We compare this new anime adaptation to earlier versions (including Edge of Tomorrow) and explore whether it brings anything new to the table. From there, we dig into the film’s distinctive visuals and its more internal, character-led perspective, looking closely at the arcs, relationships, and themes that come up across its many loops.

This week’s storytelling tip is about third-act constriction: how narrowing a protagonist’s options, space, and agency can intensify tension and force decisive character choices.

Other stories we’re enjoying include: Zerocalcare (Books), The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Book), Interview with the Vampire (Netflix), Love Through a Prism (Netflix), The Art of Sarah (Netflix), My Demon (Netflix), Cannon Busters (Netflix), Invincible (Amazon Prime), Yumi and the Nightmare Painter (Book), Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 (Disney+).

Connect with Lara online:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

In this special episode of Story x Story, we’re sharing the audio from our Anime in the Mainstream panel at MCM Comic Con London (May 2026).

Anime is no longer as niche as it once was, and is now defining entertainment for a whole generation. Our panel explores what makes anime land emotionally, how streaming and social media are accelerating its rise, and what is at stake as Hollywood and global platforms invest more into the medium we’ve been enjoying for years.

Nigel is moderating the panel, which features Lara Callaghan, Vittorio Deluca, Marta Camilo, and Marcus Tan, with audience questions at the end. Whether you’re familiar with, or new to, the world of anime, this conversation will help give a clearer picture of how anime is different from much of Western animation, plus insight into the question of adaptations, anime-inspired work, and more.

Don’t forget to tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

Connect with Lara online:

Connect with Marta online:

Connect with Vik online:

Connect with Marcus online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

Nigel and Tazziii head to the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham for a special in-person episode recording! We're hitting the track for a deep dive into 100 Meters (the anime adaptation of Uoto’s manga). This is an existential story that asks one central question: “Why do you run?” and then explores multiple answers through characters whose ambitions, anxieties, and identities collide in subtle ways.

We unpack the character arcs, and why anime often does grey areas well in a way that lands differently from many Western narratives. It’s a heavy story, and we debate how well it works as both an emotionally intense narrative and a thematic argument about purpose, pressure, and self-worth. We also discuss how well adaptations can work even if you have never read the source material.

This week’s storytelling tip is about four corner opposition from an internal and ideological viewpoint rather than a purely external conflict.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Ranma 1/2 (Netflix), The Warrior Princess and the Barbarian King (Crunchyroll), The Light in the Mist (Puzzle Game), The Legend of Vox Machina (Amazon Prime), Gardens of the Moon (Novel), and Bob’s Burgers (Disney+).

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by executive producer Jerome Mazandarani - the producer behind Cannon Busters - for a behind-the-scenes industry look at how anime has gone from niche subculture to mainstream global entertainment.

We dig into Jerome’s journey producing Cannon Busters, what it actually takes to get an anime made, and what it’s like navigating Japanese production pipelines and fan expectations as someone coming from outside the industry. We also explore the impact technology and streaming have had on anime’s rise, the pressures that come with increased global demand, and the big question: as anime becomes more widespread in funding, audiences, and production…will it stay “anime”?

Connect with Jerome:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

In this Rewind episode, we’re revisiting a great conversation from Casual Conversations With Comic Creators with Rachael Smith who is back for her third visit to our livestream series.

Rachael breaks down what goes into making a successful Kickstarter, with the recently funded Nap Comix as a real-world case study. We dig into the behind-the-scenes work that helps a campaign succeed, from planning and audience building to communication, scope, and delivery.

We also talk about awards and recognition, what it really takes to promote your work as an artist without burning out, and the excitement of stepping into new narratives as Rachael gives us a special announcement about an upcoming new comic project.

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii set sail into One Piece Season 2 (from 26:11), joined by our crew of guests Dom Shaw, Lao K and Louise Karunwi.

It’s a wide‑ranging discussion with some views you might not expect, as we get into how faithful the live‑action adaptation feels, what changes land (and which ones don’t), and whether a story this big can ever truly make the leap to live action. We also dig into the places we visit, the colourful costume work, and the themes Season 2 brings to life, pulling out what’s working and what still feels like it’s finding its sea legs.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Go For It, Nakamura! (Crunchyroll), The Ramparts of Ice (Crunchyroll), You and I Are Polar Opposites (Crunchyroll), Abbott Elementary (Disney+), Hogwarts Legacy (PlayStation), Invincible (Prime Video), Black Mirror (Netflix), Tales of Arise (Xbox), Bad Sisters (Apple TV+), Prime Target (Apple TV+), Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (Prime Video), Little Kitty, Big City (Xbox), The Legend of Vox Machina (Prime Video), Daemons of the Shadow Realm (Crunchyroll)

Connect with Dom online:

Connect with Lao online:

Connect with Louise online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Mereida Fajardo, a Bristol-based comic and zine-maker, illustrator, and arts facilitator, to explore her journey and deep relationship with the physical medium of comics. Mereida shares how The Dark Knight first got her into comics, and the critical education decision that saw her follow her passion rather than what was expected of her by others.

We also dig into her work as an event organiser and what she is building in Bristol for comic and zine makers through Zinezilla.

Connect with Mereida online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into The Super Mario Galaxy Movie (starting at 25:29) with script editor Sashi Gopalakrishnan and Games Aid chair and member of Games London's Ensemble Sara Veal.

We talk about the franchise’s incredible success in film form, even as the sequel’s narrative can feel loose and under-structured, and what that trade-off means for its different audiences. From a storytelling and fan perspective, we get into what works in the execution, what feels thin, and the value of stories supposedly “for kids” in a TikTok generation.

This week’s storytelling tip is about developing an earned redemption arc.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Netflix), Fullmetal Alchemist (Crunchyroll), Belonging: Remembering Ourselves Home (Book), Paradise (Disney+), Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice (Disney+), The Yakuza's Guide to Babysitting (Crunchyroll), Buddy Daddies (Crunchyroll), I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Be (Crunchyroll), Castle in the Air & House of Many Ways (Book), Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair (Disney+), Down Cemetery Road (Apple TV), Wonder Man (Disney+), Margot Got Money Troubles (Apple TV), Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (Netflix), Saga (Comic).

Connect with Sashi online:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sashi_sketches

Connect with Sara online:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are joined by CEO of Kunta Content, Dean Gichukie, for a conversation about video games as a way to explore culture. We get to dig into the legacy of games that take players into worlds inspired by diffeent places, histories, and mythologies beyond our own, and what it looks like when studios get cultural exploration right…as well as the pitfalls that come up when they get it wrong!

We also talk about making games in Africa through Kunta Content’s work on HIRU, the online controversies and backlash cycles that can come with efforts to make games more culturally diverse, and what we want to see from the industry in the future as cultural storytelling in games continues to evolve from early days of Street Fighter to today’s more expansive cultural swings.

Connect with Kunta Content online:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

In this Rewind episode, we're sharing the audio from a Story Club livestream where Nigel and Tazziii break down a great story with guests live.

This episode sees us revisit the 2025 anime The Last Blossom with guests Lara Callaghan and Rayna Denison, exploring a film that moves with a thoughtful pace and flow.

Even though the narrative is set in the world of the Yakuza, this story is less about crime and more about love and reflection. The conversation unpacks the film as a character study and considers the impact of an elderly yakuza's actions on the people around him.

There are some heavy themes and emotional depth, and we dig into the ways the story balances vulnerability, redemption and masculinity.

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with our hosts and the mayamada community, including Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

Connect with Lara online:

Connect with Rayna online:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into GOAT (starting at 29:28), with animator and illustrator Fahim Motahar.

GOAT is a sports animation that feels nearly there with strong individual elements, but they do not always click together into a fully satisfying whole. We get into where the narrative works and doesn’t beyond its impressive look and all star cast.

We also examine the sport itself and how authentic the animation feels to the rhythms of play, then unpack the narrative journey with questions around both the protagonist and antagonist, where the themes land (or fall short), and what it really means to make stories for younger audiences. This week's storytelling tip is about clear skill progression for your protagonist.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Outer Wilds (Xbox), The Anarchy (book), Loot (Apple TV), Severence (Apple TV), Arcana Academy (book), Dan Da Dan (Netflix), Jack of All Trades (Crunchyroll), Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (Netflix), Project Hail Mary (Cinema), Louis Theroux: Inside The Manosphere (Netflix).

Connect with Fahim online:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Alizée Musson to explore her internationally winding path to a career in animation, and the making of her first published book, The Art of Writing Animation: Storytelling Craft for Writers & Animators.

We dig into why she took on the challenge of publishing a book , the amazing range of animation talent she spoke to for it, and what she learned along the way. Alizée shares so much from hr journey and gets to the heart of why sharing your voice matters when telling a story.

This conversations is a must-listen for anyone interested in writing for animation and the craft of storytelling in any form.

Connect with Alizée online:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii do a retrospective of Fallout Season 2 (from 14:35) with Content Creator Jack Mullen. After an excellent first season, we explore what makes the series so consistently high quality, from its world-building to its craft, and how season 2 adds depth to its protagonists as their motivations and arcs become more complicated and intriguing to follow.

We also unpack the balance the season strikes between tying up key narrative threads and leaving just enough unresolved to set up what we now expect to come next, and talk about how well the show carries over the games’ core themes into this TV adaptation…and which character we would be in the wasteland!

Other stories we're enjoying include: Resident Evil Requiem (PS5), Final Fantasy (Various), Arcana Academy (Book), Dan Da Dan (Netflix), Family Plan (Apple TV+), Extraordinary (Disney+), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Netflix), Gardens of the Moon (Book), Bob's Burger (Disney+), The Simpsons (Disney+)

Connect with Jack online:

Connect with mayamada:

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey: https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Raquel Turner, Corporate Strategy Manager at Talkmind, to discuss her journey into mental health work and her passion for creating accessible mental health resources for people across pop culture.

We get to explore her experiences creating the Talkmind zine, its reception at MCM Comic Con, and how she balances her professional work with her own mental health journey. And we also get to talk some anime and manga, revealing the deeper layers in stories that only come with repeat viewings!

Connect with Raquel Turner online:

Connect with mayamada

mayamada is a manga brand and mission-driven creative agency all about equipping young and aspiring creatives to thrive on the creative journey - whether they're discovering what's possible, developing new skills, or sharing expertise with the next generation.

Join our Studio77 community on Discord to connect with other creatives and be part of the journey https://discord.gg/b5fmnuT

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Zootopia 2 (starting at 24:05), with writer and producer behind the Write for Animation channel, Pietro Schito.

Disney's sequel to the wildly popular 2016 film returns with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde facing new challenges. We focused on how the film develops the relationship between the two lead characters, and how much change we expect from a sequel. There are a ton of new characters to explore, as well as visually impressive environments and themes that continue to be relevant in society today.

We consider whether the sequel manages to build on the original's foundation, and debate whether the third act's revelations work to bring the narrative to a satisfying end.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Xbox), Bugonia (Cinema), "Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None" (Crunchyroll), The Daily Life of the Immortal King (Crunchyroll), Slow Horses (Apple TV+), Arcana Academy (Book), Vinland Saga (Netflix) and God of War Ragnarok: Valhalla (PS5), Better Call Saul (Netflix), The Legend of Vox Machina (Prime Video), Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Netflix)

Connect with Pietro Schito online:

In this Rewind episode, we're sharing the audio version of The Studio77 Report livestream. It's our seasonal gathering where the creative community can check in on progress, celebrate wins, and learn from challenges on the creative journey.

Nigel and Tazziii explore the spring theme of Renewal, before getting into some creative industry news with more examples of anime's mainstream success and significant leadership changes at Xbox.

We also hear insights from Inel Tomlinson on making space to be creative, Nareice Wint on working across different disciplines in indie development, and Corey Brotherson on being selective with your work as you grow. And for our guest segment, HaZ Dulull joins us to talk about his Kickstarter campaign for Astro Burn, creating a physical edition of his indie game that celebrates game preservation.

Whether you're just starting out or expanding your skills in a new direction, this show is about identifying what you want to grow and taking intentional steps towards it.

Episode links:

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with the mayamada team and community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

✅ Share your challenge entry and meet other on the creative journey in the mayamada Studio77 Discord: https://discord.gg/Dq8JXAp

NOTE: We recorded this episode before Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond left Microsoft. For Nigel and Tazziii’s initial take on that news, watch The Studio77 Report for Spring 2026 on the mayamada YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/9Tw-70R9as4?t=1805

Our first video game roundtable of 2026 sees Nigel and Tazziii sit with Mathew Allcock, Wayne Emanuel, and Janelle McCurdy to discuss the games they're playing and the video game news stories that have caught their attention (from 21:31).

We get into a range of stories including the implications of Valve's Steam Machine and Steam Frame delays caused by the ongoing RAM crisis and debate what rising RAM prices mean for the cost of gaming as well as the potential impact on next-generation console release schedules.

The conversation then turns to whether Xbox's multi-platform strategy is actually working and the cost to their brand, while also looking into Larian Studios' controversial AI troubles and Nintendo's ambitious cinema plans.

Games being enjoyed this week: Reanimal (PC), My Little Puppy (PC), Resident Evil Village (PS5), The Alters (PC), Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (PC), Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (Xbox 360), FC26 (PS5), Divinity Original Sin 2 (PC), Lego Fortnite (PC), Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (PS4), Animal Crossing (Switch), Lego Fortnite (PC), Sifu (PC), God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla (PS5)

Connect with Wayne online:

Connect with Mat online:

Connect with Janelle online:

In this Rewind episode, we've got the audio from the February 2026 episode of Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, where Nigel talks to comic creators around the world to explore their work and the craft of making comics.

This series is all about highlighting the people behind the art as we uncover their unique stories, and this month features Corey Brotherson, an award-winning writer, editor and creative consultant whose extensive portfolio spans comics, video games and more.

Corey is joining for his second appearance on the show, and once again shares honest insights about his transition from video game writing to comics, why self-confidence plays such a big role as a freelancer (your income depends on it!), and the value of taking opportunities when they're presented. It's a candid look at the ups and downs of a freelance career from someone who has been doing it for 20+ years!

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 shows with Nigel, Tazziii and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Jade Leamcharaskul, a composer and game audio producer, to discuss her journey from game development to focusing on music composition.

We get open and honest as we talk about dealing with imposter syndrome, knowing your worth, and the value of networking to gain major opportunities.

This is a great conversation with a long-time freelancer packed with lessons for those looking to build a creative career path in video games.

Connect with Jade online:

Were back from our recording break with Season 8 of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into F1: The Movie (starting at 23:53) with our guests: content creator Mavitivo plus filmmaker and inventor Jabril Muse.

We explore how Brad Pitt's role in Hollywood may be reflecting the film's themes of redemption and the dynamic between experience and youth on the race track. Despite its straightforward narrative, we discuss how F1 is shows that a simple story can still be effective when executed at a high level, proving that a story can be greater than the sum of its parts.

This week's storytelling tip focuses on designing protagonists who learn from each other, creating character relationships that drive growth.

Other stories we're enjoying:Poker Face (Peacock), Hijack (Apple TV+), Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO/Max), Sentimental Value (Cinema), It Was Just an Accident (Cinema), Silo (Apple TV+), Slow Horses (Apple TV+), Shrinking (Apple TV+), Children of Benin Kingdom by Dinah Orji (Book), Ameku MDDoctor Detective (Crunchyroll), Yakuza Fiancé (Crunchyroll), Fire Force (Crunchyroll), Spy x Family (Crunchyroll), Rick and Morty (Netflix), His & Hers (Netflix), Carry-On (Netflix), People We Meet on Vacation (Netflix), Marty Supreme (Cinema)

Connect with Mavitivo online:

This week, we're sharing the closing roundtable from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream. Nigel and Tazziii are joined by three prominent voices from the gaming community: Sally Sheppard (game educator and founder of Wyrdren Games), InDeeDee (content creator and community builder), and Daniel Morrison (founder of Creative Genius Games).

This conversation explores what community means for the future of gaming - especially as major UK events like EGX and Insomnia have closed their doors as standalone events. We also discuss what needs to improve in games education to better prepare the next generation of developers, and what gives them hope as we look towards 2026.

It's an insightful discussion about resilience, representation, and the responsibility we all share in shaping a more welcoming gaming industry.

This is our final Rewind episode before Season 8 begins next week! We'll be back in February with brand new interviews, discussions, and stories from across the creative industries.

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, and Games Night.

Connect with Sally online:

Connect with InDeeDee online:

Connect with Daniel online:

In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting three gameplay interview segments from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream, where Tazziii played indie games live while Nigel interviewed the developers behind them.

First up, Vicky and Luxille from Studio Lavacado showcase their cosy tiling puzzle game Floramino. Then HaZ Dulull from Beyond The Pixels brings us Astro Burn, a nostalgic cute-em-up shooter featuring a jetpack-wearing cat astronaut. Finally, Nareice Wint of Miami Avalon shares her transition from AAA to indie development whilst showcasing Ascend.

These conversations explore fantastic and practical insights from each developer, from understanding scope and building awareness around your game to the challenges of moving from AAA to the indie space. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of indie game development.

This is Part 3 of our Next 1UP Rewind series. Throughout January, we'll be sharing more segments from the livestream before recording new episodes for Season 8 in February!

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, and Games Night.

Connect with Studio Lavacado online:

Connect with HaZ & Beyond The Pixels online:

Website: https://www.beyond-the-pixels.com

Connect with Nareice online:

In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting the first roundtable discussion from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream, where Nigel talks with three super supportive voices from across the games industry.

Joining the conversation were Jarvs Tasker, Head of Communications at Happy Volcano and an award-winning accessibility advocate; Roshelle Patterson, a games UX researcher whose work spans AAA titles like World of Warcraft and indie projects focused on climate and social issues; and Dom Shaw, a passionate champion for neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities with over a decade of experience across events, charity, and advocacy work.

This roundtable explored the personal lessons each took from a difficult year in 2025, the invaluable power of community in sustaining creative work, the importance of putting your work out into the world even when it feels unpolished, and the real value of industry awards and recognition. Despite rocky times in games, we managed to pick out great encouragement and some practical wisdom for anyone navigating the games industry during uncertain times.

This is Part 2 of our Next 1UP Rewind series. Throughout January, we'll be sharing more segments from the livestream before recording new episodes for Season 8 in February!

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, and Games Night.

Connect with Jarvs

Connect with Roshelle

Connect with Dom

Happy New Year! In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting the opening interview from the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" Next 1UP: End of Year Livestream, where Nigel sat down with Dean Gichukie, CEO and Game Producer at Kunta Content.

Dean shares his journey founding an African game studio with a vision to make great African games. We talk about his experience building Kunta Content in Kenya, and the inspiration behind their Maasai-inspired 3D game HIRU. This conversation explores what representation means from an African lens, the unique opportunities and challenges in the global gaming industry, and Dean's advice for aspiring game developers in underrepresented regions looking to break into the industry.

This is Part 1 of our Next 1UP Rewind series. Throughout January, we'll be sharing more segments from the livestream before recording new episodes for Season 8 in February!

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more content with our hosts and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, and Games Night.

Connect with Dean & Kunta Content online:

It's the final episode of 2025!! For our Season 7 Wrapped episode, Nigel and Tazziii are back with their personal top five favourite stories of the year. And this year we're adding some new categories including 'In Memoriam' for stories we've said goodbye to, and 'Personal Story Highlight' for those moments that really stood out.

Of course, we've still covering honourable mentions, stories that surprised and disappointed us, as well as our favourite ongoing or unfinished stories. So join us as we recap our favourite comic, anime, TV, film and video game stories that made us stop and take notice over the past 12 months.

We want to hear from you too! What were your favourite stories of 2025? Which moments or characters stood out to you? Join the conversation in our Discord and share your own picks with us.

We're going on a recording break over January, but will be back in February with Season 8 of Story x Story. In the meantime, you'll be able to enjoy some great bonus Rewind episodes until we start recording again in 2026 - Happy New Year!

The end of another means it's time to look back at the past 12 months of incredible story discussions!

This special episode brings you the best highlights, pre and post-show chats, and (many, many) bloopers from Season 7 of the podcast, featuring Nigel, Tazziii, and a brilliant line-up of guests from across the creative industries.

We've packed our favourite moments into this episode, celebrating the fantastic guests who've joined us throughout the year and the unforgettable bloopers that kept us entertained over many recording sessions - from forgetful moments and unexpected laughs to mute button mishaps.

Season 7 has been filled with insightful and entertaining conversations with diverse voices across comics, manga, TV, and video games. So sit back and enjoy the ups, downs, insightful wisdom, and everything in between as we recap another season of Story x Story!

A huge thank you to everyone who has joined us as guests and also listened to another year, and here's to more great stories ahead 🎉

This week on our final interview episode of 2025, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Inel Tomlinson, a multi-talented actor, comedian, gaming host and presenter. We had a wide-ranging conversation about making a creative career across stand-up comedy, hosting, video games and acting.

Inel shares invaluable insight on navigating the difficult schedules in television, the importance of being consistent when building a career, and the value of supporting friends making their way in the industry (get the fire emoji ready 🔥).

This episode is packed with advice from someone who is working across industries today and a must-listen for anyone wanting to build their creative career!

Connect with Inel online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (starting at 31:40), with guests Sky Tunley-Stainton from Safe in our World and comic creator Pigeon.

Del Toro's darker retelling of the classic tale brings stop-motion craftsmanship and new emotional depth to Carlo Collodi's original story. But how does it succeed as a narrative beyond great visuals and thematic ambition?

We discuss the value of stop-motion animation, and how the film connects audiences to a character's Ghost. Plus powerful themes woven throughout every aspect of the narrative, what it means to be disobedient, and our favourite moments in this retelling of an old story with a del Toro twist. This week's storytelling tip is about implementing a rule-based system that is tied to the emotional core of your narrative.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Witch's Egg (Graphic Novel), Bone Broth (Graphic Novel), Mother (Graphic Novel), BLOB (Graphic Novel) Tress of the Emerald Sea (Book), Wake Up Dead Man: Knives Out (Cinema), 2 Guys and a Girl (ITVX), Minx (ITVX), Artful Dodger (Disney+), Minor Arcana (Comic), A Game of Fate (Book), Animal Control (Channel 4), Running Man (Cinema), Two Black Boys in Paradise, Only a Child, Mental Roots and Meow or Never (Disrupting the Narrative screening), Dandadan (Netflix), Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (PS5), Klara and the Sun (Book), A Thousand Blows (Disney+)

Connect with Pigeon online:

Connect with Sky online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Martha Julian from Thought Bubble and Abi Wright from Festival of the Girl, two event organisers running national events at large scale. We explore what drives them to create these community spaces and the impact events can have on attendees across creative interests.

From the logistics of planning and the realities of funding to the challenges of sustaining events year after year, we delve into what it takes to keep going in an increasingly digital age. This is a must listen for event organisers and packed with valuable insights and practical advice for those looking to understand the dedication behind the events they love.

Connect with Martha online:

Connect with Abi online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Pixar's Elio (starting at 26:45), with guests mayamada illustrator Pinali and Lao K, the other mayamada co-founder.

Pixar's latest animation didn't receive the warm reception the studio might have hoped for. We explore the off-screen drama that impacted the on-screen narrative, why Elio felt disconnected and made it difficult to connect with certain characters, the Pixar "bean mouth" problem and what we expect from our animation today, as well as how well the film executed its themes of grief, loneliness and identity.

Not everything can be a home run, and we look at which moments did work and what we want to see from Pixar animation in future. This week's storytelling tip is about getting your protagonist's Ghost right.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Predator franchise (film series), Hazbin Hotel (Prime Video), Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (Netflix), Sifu (Epic), Vinland Saga (Netflix), Moving Out (Steam), Howl's Moving Castle (Spotify), The Flight Attendant (HBO Max via ITVX), High Potential (ABC), Gardens of the Moon (book), A Thousand Blows (Disney+), Invincible (Prime Video), The Paper (Sky).

Connect with Pinali online:

Connect with Lao online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Chitra Soundar, an award-winning children's author and executive producer, to discuss her journey from telling stories in Chennai, India to producing them for UK television.

We delve into the long process of bringing an idea to our screens in the form of animation, and how Chitra brought the Nikhil & Jay show to life on CBeebies. Chitra tells us why representation matters and how she is opening pathways for those from South Asian backgrounds and talent of colour in the industry, plus the preparation needed to ensure you are in the right position when opportunity comes - even if you have to create the opportunity yourself!

This conversation is a must listen for anyone interested in the work and business moves behind bringing animation to our screens.

Connect with Chitra online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into The Last of Us Season 2 (from 19:36), with a special voice note from Mr Midas sharing his thoughts on the game for context.

NOTE:Unfortunately, we experienced technical difficulties during recording which resulted in lost audio that we couldn't recover. This affected the Stories We're Enjoying segment and the start of the main story discussion. We apologise for any disruption this may cause.

You'll hear Nigel and Tazziii's thoughts on the latest adapted season from the genre-defining game. We discuss how faithfully the game's most emotional moments were translated and explore the difficulties of adaptation when only half of the source material has been covered in season 2, with season 3 expected to adapt the rest of the game.

We also examine narrative issues around Ellie and Abby's characters in the season, along with the television-specific moments that did impressed us.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Witch Watch (Crunchyroll), Zenshu (Crunchyroll), The Great Cleric (Crunchyroll), Pass the Monster Meat (Crunchyroll), One Piece (Netflix), Chainsaw Man (Crunchyroll), Invincible (Prime Video), The Paper (Sky Max)

In this Rewind episode, we're bringing you the audio from our live panel at MCM London Comic Con in October 2025: Anime 101 - Why It Hits Different. Joining Nigel and Tazziii are Simone Giampaolo kayPOWXD, and Badgerz as they explore why anime creates such powerful emotional connections and why it's making an even bigger splash in the mainstream.

This is a new format we're aiming to do more of next year - sharing audio from our IRL panels and roundtables to the podcast. So bear with us on the audio quality (we’re still working out the logistics) and we hope you enjoy the conversation about anime's unique storytelling power and its growing cultural impact.

Special moment alert:At the 37:49 mark, Badgerz proposes to kayPOWXD on stage! ✨💍 Definitely a first for us and huge congratulations to the newly engaged couple!

Check out our YouTube channel for the video of this panel (plus engagement) and other mayamada content from MCM Comic Con.

Guest Links

Simone Giampaolo

kayPOWXD

Badgerz

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Michael Nakan, a creative entrepreneur working at the intersection of media and technology.

Michael shares his journey from (unexpectedly) British roots into the worlds of film, TV, and now comics, including his work founding Envision Entertainment and creating content across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.

We get into the scary decline in reading for pleasure amongst young people in the UK and why comics are uniquely positioned to tackle this challenge of getting kids reading again.

Michael tells us about Comixit, the inspiring comics app for kids he's building and what features his team are preparing to launch. He also reminds us of the essential balance between creativity and business awareness that every creative entrepreneur needs to learn for success and sustainability.

Connect with Comixit online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are by themselves as they dive deep into Bong Joon Ho's darkly funny sci-fi satire, Mickey 17 (starting at 28:06).

We explore the film's anti-capitalist themes and how it uses the concept of "expendables" to critique exploitation of workers under capitalism.

We also talk about Pattinson's impressive dual performance playing two versions of Mickey, and how the film depicts leadership and political figures in a really negative light…raising questions about what this means for our real-world perception of leaders.

Finally, we debate whether Mickey 17 strikes the right balance in characterisation, or if it gives us too little of it. This week's storytelling tip is about the right balance of characterisation in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: A Touch of Darkness (Book), The Great Cleric (Crunchyroll), Secrets of a Silent Witch (Crunchyroll), The Case Study of Vanitas (Crunchyroll), I Was Reincarnated as the 7th Prince so I Can Take My Time Perfecting My Magical Ability (Crunchyroll), Little Nightmares 2 (Steam), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (IDW Publishing), Vinland Saga (Netflix/Crunchyroll), Fire Force (Crunchyroll), The Last of Us Season 2 (Sky Atlantic).

This week, we've got an Rewind episode for you with the audio from our autumn video game roundtable livestream! Due to an unexpected last-minute change, it's just Nigel and Tazziii alongside our faithful chat community, diving into the games we've been playing and the biggest news stories shaking up the industry right now.

We tackle some of the most pressing questions in gaming today: Has Xbox Game Pass's massive price hike pushed gaming into luxury territory? Are showcase livestreams like Sony's State of Play still worth watching (though we can't deny that Wolverine gameplay looked great)? What does Nintendo's aggressive patent strategy mean for developers and games like Palworld? And with EA's record-breaking takeover, how are business decisions and geopolitical movements reshaping the games we play?

We cover the big three platform holders as well as the wider industry, so tune in for our takes and catch us live next time on the mayamada Twitch channel for more live Studio77 shows.

Games we've been playing: Dead Space 2, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Destiny: Rising, Astro Bot, Shinobi: Art of Vengeance

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Marina Díez, an award-winning game designer and Forbes Under 30 lister, to discuss her extraordinary journey as the first guest who was encouraged to get into games by their parents!

She’s now CEO of her own game studio, Three of Cups Games and we delve into how a proactive approach to creating opportunities helped her break into the gaming industry rather than waiting for doors to open.

Join the conversation and hear about the challenges of not only designing emotionally impactful games but also running an entire studio built on diversity and ethical foundations.

Connect with Marina online:

In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting our Story Club discussion of The Colors Within, where Nigel and Tazziii invite guest for a novel twist om the book club format.

This episode features Film Scholar Rayna Denison, making her first appearance on the show, and returning guest Bish from GAL Podcasts. Together, they delve into explore this beautifully animated coming-of-age film that explores friendship, music and perception.

We cover how this film takes a different approach to other music-centred stories like Blue Giant and Whiplash, with less focus on technical excellence and more on using music to bring outcast friends together. We explore the use of colour to represent emotions and perception, how religious themes thread meaningfully through the narrative, and debate whether leaving character motivations to the imagination helps or hurts the storytelling.

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content: The Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

Guest Links

Connect with Dr Rayna Denison

Connect with Bish & GAL Podcasts

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into KPop Demon Hunters (at 29:58), with guests Comic Creator Liza N. Cooper, and Watercolourist Tony Moy.

This Netflix animation has become overnight sensation and we explore how it manages to make the local global, connecting with not just KPop fans but mainstream audiences of all ages (ourselves included!). The film uses simple, emotional storytelling to keep things moving, alongside fantastic songs that we break down and debate which we enjoyed best. But does it succeed as a narrative beyond its catchy tunes and vibrant animation?

We examine the film's themes of friendship, identity and demon-hunting heroics, debating which moments work and how well the story's themes resonate. This week's storytelling tip is about designing a trio of protagonists for your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Bring Her Back (Cinema), Weapons (Cinema), Dungeon Crawler Carl (Book), Tulsa King (Paramount+), Solo Leveling (Crunchyroll), The God and the Gumiho (Book), The Scarlet Veil (Book), The Comic Shop (Kickstarter), Dragon Goes House Hunting (Crunchyroll), Astrobot (PS5), Dandadan (Netflix), The Paper (Sky), Shinobi: Art of Vengeance (PS5), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (Comic),Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)

Connect with Liza N. Cooper:

Connect with Tony Moy:

- Website: http://www.tonymoy.art

- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/tonymoyart.bsky.social

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tonymoy88

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/tony_moy

- TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tony_moy

- Twitch: https://twitch.tv/tony_moy

- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@tony_moy

In this Rewind episode, we're revisiting one of our Studio77 shows, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, where Nigel sits down with a different creator to explore their work and the craft of making comics.

This series is all about highlighting the people behind the art as we uncover their unique stories. This episode features a conversation with award-winning creators Rachael Smith and Paul Cornell, whose impressive portfolios include Quarantine Comix, Doctor Who, and work for Marvel and DC Comics.

The duo joins us to share insights about their creative processes and journey in the industry, with a special focus on their exciting new collaboration Who Killed Nessie? - a comedy cryptozoological whodunnit launching at Waterstones in September and showing at Thought Bubble in November. We explore how this mystery graphic novel came to life and discover the fascinating twists and turns of their creative partnership.

Tune in to the mayamada Twitch channel each month for more Studio77 content with Nigel, Tazziii and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

Connect with Rachael Smith online:

Connect with Paul Cornell online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Fergo and Judy Powell, two comic creators at different stages of their creative journeys, to discuss their paths into the world of independent comics.

From introspective perspectives…to stories about premeditated murder (true story!), we explore what drives them to persevere through the challenges of the creative process. We delve into their contributions to the new WIP Comics infinity-themed anthology and their unique approaches to the project.

Join us for valuable tips and inspiration for both new comic creators and those looking to keep momentum going on their own creative paths.

Connect with Fergo online:

Connect with Judy online:

Website: https://www.judypowell.online

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpowell470

This week, Nigel and Tazziii dive deep into Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (starting at 19:58), with our guest SARE, a music artist and DJ from London.

The third instalment in the Sonic film franchise brings some darker themes with the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog while maintaining its family-friendly appeal. But does the balance work when the lead character brings enough slapstick for the entire cast?

We examine how director Jeff Fowler has adapted the source material for younger audiences, navigating more complex themes of grief and revenge, and discuss why storytelling approaches look different when creating content for family audiences. This week's storytelling tip is about making good use of flashbacks.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Summer Pockets (Steam), The Fragrent Flower Blooms with You (Crunchyroll), Sonic Racing Crossworlds Open Beta (PlayStation/Xbox), Metaphor Refantazio (PlayStation), Dance with the Devil Musical Anime (Crunchyroll), Abbot Elementary (Disney+), Castle (Disney+), Gamer (BBC iPlayer), Heaven Official's Blessing (Crunchyroll), Destiny Rising (iOS), Out and About (Steam), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Dandadan (Netflix), Tokyo Revengers (Disney+), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin (Comic), Eyes of Wakanda (Disney+)

Connect with SARE online:

This week, Tazziii is away for one more week so Nigel is joined by guest co-host Aisha (aka Doomed Prinny) for an insightful conversation about cosplay culture in 2025.

We dive into a discussion on the evolution of cosplay in the digital age, we explore how technology has transformed the craft, culture and our perceptions of what makes a good cosplay. We debate the boundaries between digital enhancement and traditional costume crafting, the impact of social media on cosplay standards, and the tension between cosplay as a personal hobby versus a professional career.

Listen for a fantastic analysis of authenticity, craft, and values in cosplay culture!

Connect with our guests online:

Aisha (Doomed Prinny)

Bekzxx

Dani (Hijabi Hoo)

Coco

This week, Tazziii is away so Nigel goes solo with guest Des Gayle from Altered Gene to dive deep into the new Superman film (starting at 20:14), directed by James Gunn.

The latest addition to the DC Universe is a fresh take on the iconic superhero, introducing a new cast and new lead, but does it succeed as a narrative beyond being the first film in James Gunn's DCU reboot?

We examine how this version differs from previous Superman iterations, debate whether the large cast works, and discuss why it's so difficult to make a compelling Superman film. The episode also explores the wider DCU and MCU outlook amidst general audience superhero fatigue at the box office - can these films return to their former glory? This week's storytelling tip is about effective extended dialogue scenes in fixed locations.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Nightwing, Superman (DC). Bosch (Amazon Prime Video). Shinobi Art of Vengeance (PlayStation), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Fire Force (Crunchyroll), Vinland Saga (Netflix), Bob's Burgers (Disney+)

Connect with Des online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Tom Jenkins, Creative Director at Spud Gun Studios, to hear about his journey from North West London to being part of a leading team in British online animation.

Listen as we delve into how navigating challenging educational experiences shaped his approach to creativity and content creation, leading him to Mashed — formerly owned by Channel 4 and now an independent powerhouse with billions of views!

We get to hear Tom explain why authentic storytelling matters more than view counts, with must-hear insights for content creators at any stage of their own creative journey.

Connect with Tom Jenkins online:

We're back from our recording break with brand new episodes of Story x Story! This week, Nigel and Tazziii get into the family spirit with a deep dive into The Fantastic Four: First Steps (starting at 26:39), with special guest filmmaker Jed Shepherd.

We discover whether third time is the charm with yet another reboot of Marvel's first family. Now under Marvel's stewardship, is this the story to succeed in telling a coherent, comics-accurate narrative where many have failed before?

We examine this relatively simple but effective story and debate whether light-touch storytelling works to ensure an emotional bond with the ensemble cast and themes of sacrifice. This week's storytelling tip is about creating an effective ensemble cast.

Other stories we're enjoying include: A Short Stay in Hell (Book), Piranesi (Book), The Toxic Avenger (Shudder), Bring Her Back (BBC iPlayer), Watch the Skies (Channel 4), Kpop Demon Hunters (Netflix), Grounded 2 (Xbox), Wings and Embers (Netflix), A Court of Frost and Starlight (Netflix), A Court of Silver Flames (Netflix), You are Ms Servant (Crunchyroll), Wise Man's Grandchild (Crunchyroll), I'll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History (Crunchyroll), Tokyo Revengers (Disney+), Superstore (Netflix), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Ironheart (Disney+), Dandadan (Netflix)

Connect with Jed online:

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August. In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April.

Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and features fantastic guests, including participants from the Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and valuable tips on networking and other industry processes from experienced professionals.

This final segment features Nigel in conversation with Tazziii and our headline guest Cinzia Musio, Interim CEO for Code Coven and award-winning Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Consultant. We spoke with them about the economic and diversity challenges facing the gaming industry today, and got into some great insights on how to create more inclusive spaces. This is the last Rewind segment of our recording break, and we'll be back with brand new episodes in August - see you then!

Campaign Website

"Do I Look Like A Gamer?": https://looklikeagamer.com

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Guest Links

Cinzia Musio

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August. In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April.

Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and features fantastic guests, including participants from the Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and valuable tips on networking and other industry processes from experienced professionals.

This second segment features Nigel in conversation with indie developer Daniel Morrison, Content Creator Curly Locks, and sibling gamers Michael & Kin Hoang as they discuss the ins and outs of effective networking skills. We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll resume recording new episodes of the podcast next month - see you then!

Campaign Website

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Guest Links

Daniel Morrison

Curly Locks Gamer

Michael Hoang

Kin Hoang

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August. In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April.

Each segment will be released as a new episode on the podcast feed and is packed full of amazing guests, including some of those who took part in the Campaign 40 photoshoot. You'll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry.

This second segment features Tazziii in conversation with the indie development team behind JoveGuille's Jordi & Oslo game, Content Creator Damien Pedryc, alongside Streamer & Presenter GoldiRoxs. We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast next month - see you then!

Campaign Website

"Do I Look Like A Gamer?": https://looklikeagamer.com

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We're about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Guest Links

Guillem Jove

Callum May (GoldiRoxs)

We're on a recording break over July and will be back with new episodes in August. In the meantime, we're bringing you Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" representation campaign launch livestream back in April.

You'll hear advice on game development and, as ever, great tips on networking and other parts of the process from people who are in the industry.

This first segment features Tazziii in conversation with indie developers C Bedford of à la mode games and Felix Li, creator of the game Pool 2, alongside Podcast Host Cameron Keywood.

We'll be bringing you the other segments over the coming weeks, and we'll be back recording new episodes of the podcast in next month - see you then!

Campaign Website

“Do I Look Like A Gamer?”: https://looklikeagamer.com

The "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign is our annual initiative focused on improving representation in the gaming industry. We’re about highlighting diverse voices and experiences in gaming while challenging stereotypes about who gamers are.

Guest Links

Cameron Keywood

C Bedford

Felix Li

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit at the video game roundtable with games journalist and author Gary Swaby, content creator Cameron Keywood, and producer and voice artist Radiant G.

In the first half of the show, we dive into the games we've been playing before launching into a great discussion on some major gaming stories that have caught our attention.

We discuss the Nintendo Switch 2's record-breaking launch, Microsoft's partnership with Asus for a new handheld and what it means for Nintendo's future, plus we give our assessment on Geoff Keighley's latest iteration of the Summer Game Fest!

Video games we're playing: Civilization VII (PC), Marvel Rivals (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Monster Hunter Wilds (PlayStation, Xbox), Apex Legends (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Blue Prince (PC), Sniper Elite: Resistance (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), Doom: The Dark Ages (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword & Echo's of Wisdom (Switch), Astro Bot (PlayStation), Sifu (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), GTV 5 (PC, PlayStation, Xbox), South of Midnight (Xbox)

Connect with our guests online:

Gary Swaby

Cameron Keywood

Radiant G

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with UK-based electronic music artist SARE to talk about their self-taught journey from video game and anime fan to their current position as a singer-songwriter, remixer, and DJ.

Listen as we delve into how their experience within a creative family led them to take their formal training to another level by learning how to make their own music based on a love of geek culture—which is taking them across the globe!

Hear how they prepare for shows, the impact social media has on their following, and what they learn from collaborating with other artists in the industry. A must for aspiring professionals looking to turn their passion into a budding creative career.

Connect with SARE online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii get heavy as they dive deep into the heart-wrenching anime film A Silent Voice (starting at 21:51), with Comic Creator Feff Silvers.

A redemption story with a bully at its core, this complex narrative explores many issues including bullying, social anxiety, depression, and suicide. We explore whether it is able to weave those topics together in a narrative that makes us care about the journey…and wow is there a lot of feelings to explore here!

We look at the way issues characters deal with in the past impact them in the present day and whether everyone is deserving of forgiveness, debating which moments affected us the most and how the story's themes are so important for society today. This week's storytelling tip is about designing an unlikable protagonist.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Witch Hat Atelier (Manga), Yakuza Fiancé (Crunchyroll), Apothecary Diaries (Crunchyroll), Once Upon A Witch's Death (Crunchyroll), The Legend of Zelda (Nintendo Switch), Dr Stone (Crunchyroll), Superstore (Netflix), South of Midnight (Xbox), Better Call Saul (Netflix), Win or Lose (Disney+)

Find Feff online:

⚠️ CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains discussions of bullying, social anxiety, depression, and suicide. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help: ⁠https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/mental-health-helplines⁠

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are overrun with memes as they dive deep into A Minecraft Movie (starting at 21:12), with our guest Danni Unbox, an Award-Winning Tech, Gaming & Lifestyle Creator.

It's a story based on the best-selling video game of all time, but one we went in with little to no expectations... so did it deliver? We take a serious look at a decidedly non-serious story to pick apart the journey to save the creative spirit!

We examine the very fast-paced plot, eclectic characters, and loose themes to see if it all works as a coherent story, debating which moments work and whether the story's themes manage to break through the chaotic energy of the plot to resonate effectively. This week's storytelling tip is about how not to do character exposition.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Minecraft (Xbox), AtomFall (PC), Pirates of the Caribbean (Disney+), Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye (Cinema), The Unaware Atelier Meister (Crunchyroll), The Brilliant Healer's New Life in the Shadows (Crunchyroll), Solo Leveling (Crunchyroll), Wild Card (Netflix), Superstore (Netflix), GTA V (PlayStation/Xbox/PC), Astrobot (PlayStation), Black Mirror (Netflix).

Connect with Danni Unbox online:

This week, Nigel sits down with Fahim Motahar, an Animator on the Cbeebies show Nikhil & Jay, to discuss his journey from studying journalism to finding his passion in animation - a path that led him to one of the most ground-breaking preschool shows in recent times.

We hear how his early love for '90s cartoons and supportive parents, who exposed him to various creative activities across cultures, inspired him to pursue animation as a career. This experience prepared him to join a team of over 30 animators in creating the show's initial 52-episode run.

This episode is great for anyone wanting to learn more about the animation process and what it's really like working on a new show for a major distributor. We also get to dive into anime influences along the way!

Connect with Fahim online:

- Website: https://fahimation-art.webflow.io

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fahimation_art

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with C.B. and Tom, the husband and wife team also known as à la mode games, to discuss their journey from part-time to full-time indie game development!

In a bumper interview, we delve deep into both the technical and human side of bringing a video game to market with a team doing it for the very first time. We get to hear insights into how their technical and creative backgrounds prepared them to bring their debut game "Sorry We're Closed" to life, including the challenges and lessons learned along the way to developing and marketing a game for real.

This is a must-listen if you're planning to make your first game, or interested in the behind-the-scenes of working on a creative project with a close friend or significant other.

Connect with à la mode games online:

- Website: https://alamode.games

- Twitter: https://x.com/alamodegames

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alamodegames

- Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alamodegames.bsky.social

This week, Nigel and Tazziii are going alone as we fly south for the winter with our deep dive into DreamWorks' emotional ride, The Wild Robot (starting at 20:44).

It's a new spin on the fish out of water story and one that tugs hard on the heartstrings and makes us question whether kindness can be a survival skill. But does its somewhat predictable plot impact the emotion of its journey?

We examine how a narrative that revolves around robots and animals manages to tell such a human story about adapting to harsh environments, parenthood, friendship and growing beyond your programming. This week's storytelling tip is about designing a Fool Triumphant narrative journey.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Slime ISEKAI Memories, That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Four Seasons, Resident Alien, Gangs of London, Sakamoto Days, Thunderbolts*

In this Rewind episode, we're bringing you the audio from our monthly Studio77 Report with Nigel and Tazziii discussing their reactions to the hotly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 console!

Join us as we break down the recent Nintendo Directs and views on the console itself, from newly revealed specs, including surprise inclusion of 4K gaming… to the surprise increase in pricing. We'll share our reactions to the hardware features, launch titles from Mario Kart World to third party, and what this means for Nintendo's next generation of gaming.

You can catch the Studio77 Report live on Twitch and YouTube each month: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada and https://youtube.com/mayamadatv

This week, Nigel and Tazziii upgrade their operating systems to metaphysical levels for a dive deep into Spike Jonze's scarily accurate Her (starting at 26:52), with Comic Creator Nathan Hawthorne and Community & Member Engagement Lead Sara Veal as guests.

Even over a decade old, we discuss how relevant this story is to today's world post mass ChatGPT adoption. Even in its pastel tones, it manages to capture our growing dependence on AI companions from a professional and relational level...but does it work as a narrative beyond its foreshadowing?

We examine its surprisingly human themes of moving past the pain of breakups, loneliness in a technologically connected world, and what our relationship with AI means for our relationships with the flesh-and-blood people around us, debating which themes about what makes love special for humans resonate effectively. This week's storytelling tip is about creating a meaningful job role for your protagonist.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Wild Card: Let the Tarot Tell Your Story (Book), You (Netflix), It Takes Two (Xbox), Dr Stone (Crunchyroll), Beastars: Final Season Part 1 (Netflix), Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Crunchyroll), Campfire Cooking in Another World (Crunchyroll), The Witch Hat Atelier (Manga), The Apothecary Diaries (Manga & Crunchyroll), Vinland Saga (Netflix), Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+), South of Midnight (Xbox), Sinners (Cinema).

Connect with Nathan online:

Website: https://www.hawthornearts.com

Twitter: https://x.com/hawthornearts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hawthornearts

Connect with Sara online:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/digitalbruhaha

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalbruhaha and https://www.instagram.com/sirena.curiosa

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Roshelle Patterson, a UX Researcher and Writer, to discuss her journey from serving in the U.S. Air Force to working in the video games industry across both AAA and indie titles, including Blizzard's World of Warcraft: The War Within and the climate-focused indie project Waves of Jeju.

We hear how she navigated her path with intention and a desire to positively impact others. Join the conversation and discover how taking stock of what motivates you can lead to opportunities that are the perfect fit for you. This is a must listen for anyone worried about missing the “conventional” path to games...there is none!

Connect with Roshelle online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii explore what it means to be an introvert, extrovert and everything in between in the creative industries with Bridget Banton, television executive and founder of Dear Creative Gurl.

In this candid conversation, we delve into what makes different personality types tick and how they manifest in professional settings. From navigating networking events to managing energy levels during meetings, we share invaluable insights from our years of experience across mayamada, television, consultancy, and lessons learned along the way.

We also look at practical strategies for being your best self whilst pursuing creative entrepreneurship so that you can stay true to what energises you, discussing everything from sustainable work routines to authentic relationship-building. This week's episode is essential listening for anyone looking to better understand and leverage their personality type in the creative industries.

Guest Links

Connect with Bridget online:

- Website: https://www.dearcreativegurl.com

- LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/bridgetbanton

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearcreativegurl

- Substack: https://dearcreativegurl.substack.com/p/a-seat-at-the-table

In this Rewind episode, we're bringing you the audio from our recent Casual Conversations With Comic Creators livestream where Nigel talked with watercolourist and comic artist Tony Moy.

The international artist gave us some great insight into his creative journey, from teaching and working in the tech industry to working with Marvel Snap, travelling for some of the biggest conventions in the US and his passion project The 442nd — a watercolour comic about the Japanese American 442nd Battalion.

Originally streamed on Twitch, this conversation delves into Tony's unique artistic style, his experience teaching at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago, and what he's learnt about taking the leap to go for his dreams. Tune in for insights into the craft of making comics and bringing historical stories to life through art.

You can catch Casual Conversations With Comic Creators live on Twitch each month: https://www.twitch.tv/mayamada

This week, Nigel and Tazziii enlist into the most secretive British spy agency with this deep dive into Kingsman: The Secret Service (starting at 24:36), with Aisha Ahmed, Freelance Community Manager & Journalist.

We reminisce on this decade-old story and see if the comic book-inspired narrative still holds up or whether its portrayal of the London Roadman lifestyle is outdated in 2025. With a protagonist that displays a strong moral core beneath a rough exterior, it's a film that shares beats with another troubled youth who is enlisted into a super-secret agency to learn the tricks of the trade in order to take down a malevolent threat.

We examine the depiction of social mobility in a Bond-like setting, debating whether the tonal balance between refined gentleman and ultra-violence works for this adventure and how the story's themes resonate with our panel. This week's storytelling tip is about implementing a "Save the Cat" moment in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Adolescence (Netflix), Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (Crunchyroll), The Apothecary Diaries (Crunchyroll), I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I'll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time (Crunchyroll), Medaka Kuroiwa is Impervious to My Charms (Crunchyroll), Sakamoto Days (Netflix), Dr Stone (Crunchyroll), Vinland Saga (Netflix), Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+)

Guest Links

Connect with Aisha online:

- Twitter:https://twitter.com/Hades_kitty

-Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/Aisha_kicks_ass

-TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@Aisha_anime

- YouTube: https://youtube.com/@AishaAhmedAnime

This week, we’re bringing you a special Rewind episode featuring the “My Creative Journey” roundtable discussion from our Origins: Against All Odds manga launch event during Women’s History Month 2025, hosted by Japanese Gallery Kensington.

Moderator (and manga muse) Tazziii was joined by panellists Miyuki Panda, Janelle McCurdy, and Shazleen Khan for an open and honest conversation about their careers, discovering their voices, making it through the hard times...and licking cars?!

Check out the episode and don’t forget to grab your copy of "Origins: Against All Odds" on our website at mayamada.com

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Simone Giampaolo, Director of Animated Films, to discuss his journey from the south of Switzerland to studying animation in the UK.

His path led him to work with some of the biggest names in animation, including major studios like Netflix, Disney, and Aardman, while still finding time to direct independent teams to award-winning work.

We delve into Simone's process to understand why he makes stories, what creativity means to him, and what makes animation such a unique medium for empathetic storytelling and conveying important messages—plus we discover how cute (and also what is) a Quokka is live on the podcast!

GUEST LINKS

This week, Nigel and Tazziii don their capes, cowls, and hit the bricks for a deep dive into The LEGO Batman Movie (starting at 27:17), with Content Creator Chochy.

We tackle this high-octane, laugh-a-minute exploration of the Batman mythos told through the LEGO IP, as we question whether this animated view of Batman's trauma and his relationship with The Joker has given us the best story about the Dark Knight to date. It's a fun ride, but does it succeed as a narrative that can entertain audiences on multiple levels?

We examine its themes of family, trust, and vulnerability, debating which moments work and whether the redemption arc ends on a satisfying note. This week's storytelling tip is about creating meaningful setbacks on the path to redemption for your protagonist.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Mickey 17 (Cinema), Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man (Disney+), Superman & Lois (The CW), School Spirits (Paramount+), Supacell (Netflix), Superstore (Netflix), Sakamoto Days (Netflix), My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom (Crunchyroll), Captain America: Brave New World (Cinema), Gangs of London (Netflix), Klara and the Sun (Book), Daredevil: Born Again (Disney+)

Guest Links

Find Chochy online:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with comic creator and Broken Frontier's "One to Watch," Shane Melisse, to discuss his journey from product design to forging his own path in the world of comics.

Shane has been on a real journey of learning since taking his first creative steps and shares with us the power of getting good advice and the benefit of being in a collective when starting out.

Listen in as we delve into how his style and background led him to create Road Knight, a story that has attracted audiences and Netflix's attention! We gain insight into creative ownership and understand the importance of trusting your own talent and stories while developing your craft.

Guest Links

- Website: https://www.shanefaced.com

- Twitter: https://twitter.com/shanefaced

- BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/shanefaced.bsky.social

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sadly put an end to the pursuit of perfection with a Retrospective deep dive into the second and final season of the hit animation series Arcane: League of Legends (starting at 28:52). Joining them are artist and digital content creator Liza N. Cooper and Wesley Louis from The Line Animation Studio.

After considering the first season a masterpiece, we explore whether the second season maintains the high standard set by the narrative and technical achievements of its predecessor.

We examine how the series has been able to adapt its lore to resonate so strongly with both fans and newcomers alike, debating its most impactful moments and whether the themes of redemption, grief, and the pursuit of perfection bring a satisfying conclusion to this 9-episode thrill ride!

Other stories we're enjoying include: Peppa Pig (BBC), Severance (Apple TV+), Jack Reacher (Prime Video), Dragon Ball DAIMA (Netflix), Scissor Seven (Netflix), Invincible (Prime Video), The Penguin (HBO Max), Umbrella Academy Season 4 (Netflix), A Man on the Inside (BBC iPlayer), Kiss Him Not Me! (Crunchyroll), The Apothecary Diaries (Manga), Blue Lock (Crunchyroll), I'm Still Here (Cinema), Blue Eyed Samurai (Netflix).

Guest Credits

Liza N. Cooper (Siberian Lizard)Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

Wesley Louis - The Line AnimationWebsite

TazziiiTwitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bluesky

mayamadaInstagram | TikTok | Bluesky | Twitter | YouTube

In this fourth and final segment of our 2024 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" International Future Summit livestream Rewind, Tazziii and Nigel are joined by Trevor Graham, Gaming Ambassador for Virgin Media O2, and Marta Camilo, Gaming Community Manager for Lego, to explore the future of community building and events in games.

It's been a challenging year with the closure of major in-person events in the UK, mirroring a global shift toward more controlled online experiences from large games companies. Will this trend continue, or do players still crave those special moments that come from sharing physical space?

Check out the podcast feed for parts 1-3, and stay tuned for the launch of the 2025 "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign this spring!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii host our first video game roundtable of the year and are joined by Content Creator TJBASC, Content Creator Fleur Nelle, and Presenter & Host Nimmz, who are on hand to share their thoughts on the games industry and make sense of it all through helpful situational family analogies!

In the first half, we dive into the games we've been playing before launching into the games industry news that has caught our collective attention (from 26.47). The recently revealed Nintendo Switch 2 is top of mind, as well as contrasting strategies from Microsoft and Sony. Can all three platform holders win the generation?

Video games we're playing: Stardew Valley (PC/Switch), Just Dance 2025 (Switch), Uncharted 3 (PS5), Fortnite (PC), Warframe (PC), Mario Party Jamboree (Switch), Granblue Fantasy: Relink (PS5), Loco Motive (PC), Titanfall 2 (Xbox), Echoes of Wisdom (Switch), Infinity Niki (PC), Little Nightmares 2 (Switch), Astrobot (PS5), Sifu (PC), Marvel Rivals (PC)

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Alexis Trust, Marketing & Publishing Product Lead at Chucklefish, to discuss their journey from AAA games to the world of indie game publishing.

We delve into their early days of sharing second hand game consoles with siblings led them to the army which prepared them to build communities for some of the biggest brands in games. Alexis later took that experience to support smaller teams in releasing games to the public, even trying their hand at making their own title.

Check out the conversation and discover how your unique path and experiences can be the reason you thrive in the video games industry!

We're back for a brand new season of the Story x Story podcast! This week, Nigel and Tazziii are making magic solo as we dive into the enchanting melodic adventures of Encanto (starting at 29:52).

We break down this musical narrative rooted in Colombian culture as it explores the challenges of stewarding gifts given to an individual and how to approach life when you believe you didn't receive something special. It's an emotionally colourful tale that manages to trigger some introspective moments with our hosts.

We examine themes of family, generational trauma and comparison with those around you. We also debate the narrative usefulness of one of Disney's most popular recent songs (and memes) as we finally get to talk about Bruno! This week's storytelling tip is about maintaining narrative momentum through music.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Gamers! (Crunchyroll), Mob Psycho (Crunchyroll), Sex in the City (Sky), Sugar Apple Fairy Tale (Crunchyroll), One Piece (Crunchyroll), Blue Lock (Crunchyroll), Tokyo Revengers (Crunchyroll, Disney+), Gangs of London (Netflix), A Real Pain (Cinema), Little Nightmares 2 (Nintendo Switch).

We're on a recording break in January before returning with Season 7 of the Story x Story podcast next month. During this time, we're giving our voices a rest (sort of) while treating you to some great Rewind episodes featuring conversations from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign launch livestream in December.

In this third segment, Tazziii and Nigel explore the evolving ways we play video games and discuss whether the industry has found the right balance between single-player, co-op, and live service games. Jay also shares insights on educating future gaming talent, what she enjoys about her role and potential impact on the industry that young people can have.

We'll return in February with Season 7 of Story x Story, packed with exciting discussions—from deep dives to roundtable conversations and interviews with creative industry professionals. Until then, enjoy this month's line up of episodes!

We're on a recording break over January and will be back with Season 7 of the Story x Story podcast. In the meantime, over January, we give our voices a rest (sort of) and give you a bunch of great Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations we had from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign launch livestream in December.

This second segment sees Tazziii and Nigel recap the highs and lows of gaming in 2024 with Dames4Games' own Destinee Cleveland alongside Content Creator Chochy.

We get into what continued to be a rocky year for the video games industry across the world, with the loss of favourite games events and the ongoing redundancies and studio closures. But it's not all bad as we're able to highlight personal positives from the year and look forward to (hopefully) a brighter 2025 for ourselves, the industry and wider culture!

We'll be back recording new episodes for Season 7 of Story x Story, and we've got a lot of great discussions in store—from deep dives to round table discussions and interviews with creative industry professionals. So enjoy this month's episode lineup and we'll see you again for Season 7 in February.

We're on a recording break over January and will be back with Season 7 of the Story x Story podcast. In the meantime, over January, we give our voices a rest (sort of) and give you a bunch of great Rewind episodes to enjoy as we revisit the amazing conversations we had from our "Do I Look Like A Gamer?" campaign launch livestream in December.

This first segment is a play-along with Mel Taylor, the Creative Director of MELLOW Games, a games studio working on a really intriguing narrative game called Blueberry. It's about a woman's life, memory processing, and trauma. Nigel spoke with Mel while Tazziii played her game live on stream, and you can hear that discussion in this week's Rewind episode.

We'll be back recording new episodes for Season 7 of Story x Story, and we've got a lot of great discussions in store—from deep dives to round table discussions and interviews with creative industry professionals. So enjoy this month's episode lineup and we'll see you again for Season 7 in February.

It's the final episode of 2024!! For our Season 6 Wrapped episode, Nigel and Tazziii have put together their personal top five favourite stories of the year. There's also room for honourable mentions, stories that surprised, and disappointed us as well as our favourite ongoing or unfinished stories. So join us as we recap our favourite comic, anime, TV, film and video game stories that made us stop and take notice over the past 12 months.

We're going on a recording break over January, but will be back in February with Season 7 of Story x Story. In the meantime, you'll be able to enjoy some great bonus Rewind episodes until we start recording again in 2025 - Happy New Year!

Another year comes to a close, which means it is time to look back at the past 12 months of incredible story discussions! This special episode brings you the best highlights, pre and post-show chats, and (many, many) bloopers from Season 6 of the podcast, featuring Nigel, Tazziii, a line-up of amazing guests—and a now fully reformed Craig!

We've packed our favourite moments into this episode, showcasing a year of deep dives into stories from Gran Turismo to Scott Pilgrim and Deadpool, along with insightful and entertaining conversations with new and returning guests across comics, manga, TV, and video games. Season 6 marks an extra special milestone as we celebrated our 200th episode 🎉🎉

So sit back and enjoy the ups, downs, sage advice, and everything in between as we recap another season of Story x Story!

This week, Nigel and Tazziii celebrate reaching 200 episodes of the podcast as they dive deep into the anime feature film Blue Giant (starting at 36:23). Joining them is special guest Lao K—not only the other mayamada co-founder but the person responsible for the podcast starting in the first place!

As we enter the double centurion club, we explore the creative journey of the film's three protagonists and how their perspectives on artistic talent weave into a tightly built wound narrative. The story gives us deeper insights about pursuing your dreams in the face of heavy resistance and some self-doubt. Its optimistic approach to creative obsession gives us a chance to debate views on success and storytelling in Eastern versus Western media.

There are themes aplenty to examine, and we get quite philosophical doing just that! This week's storytelling tip explores using underdog narrative beats in stories beyond sports dramas.

This episode was made possible thanks to All the Anime, who provided review copies of Blue Giant.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Dragon Ball Super (Crunchyroll), One Piece (BBC iPlayer), Monster Hunter: World (PC/Console), Foundation (Apple TV+), Holiday in Handcuffs (Disney+), Nutcracker (Disney+), So I'm a Spider, So What? (Crunchyroll), Gosick (Crunchyroll), In Another World with My Smartphone (Crunchyroll), Parallel World Pharmacy (Crunchyroll), Drug Store in Another World (Crunchyroll), If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord (Crunchyroll), Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (Crunchyroll), The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom (Nintendo Switch), Joker: Folie à Deux (Cinema), Arcane Season 1 & 2 (Netflix), Gladiator 2 (Cinema), The Wild Robot (Cinema)

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Lucia La Rezza, aka The Nerd Violinist. The musician, composer, and arranger joins us to talk about her journey from multiple Italian locations to the UK and her discovery of music and games. We relive recent performances at FORMAT and the Golden Joystick Awards, while also learning how Lucia found the stability needed to balance a full-time job with musical adventures that have taken her to major events in the UK and mainland Europe.

Lucia also shares her experiences managing physical and mental health and the personal evolution that allows her to make the best of each opportunity. This episode offers valuable insights into the musical side of games and how to move forward in life without letting others' opinions slow you down.

In this episode, we explore:

This week, we're revisiting a recent episode of our Studio77 show, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, the show where Nigel chats with another creator about their work and the craft of making comics!

It's about showcasing the human being behind the art as we discover each person's story. In this segment, Nigel is in conversation with Dutch Illustrator and Comic Artist Renee Rienties, whose work crosses comics to animation, directing and even event management!

Renee is another returning guest coming for her second sit-down on the show, and we take the opportunity to recap our time at the Malta Comic Con as well as look forward to other international events like The Big Draw and Angoulême Comic Art Festival. We also learn more about the projects Renee is working on as we discuss her evolution as an artist from her first efforts and the journey of becoming a full-time creative — with all the bumps and lessons that come with it!

Catch more shows live on the mayamada Twitch each month with Nigel, Tazziii and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Sophie Knowles, Lead Artist at Sad Owl Studios and 2024 BAFTA Breakthrough Cohort member. She joins us to talk about her journey to the UK and discovering a passion for the craft of art. We get to hear how a passion for anime and manga led her to discovering 2D art before making the switch to 3D and becoming a self-described generalist.

Sophie also shares her experiences working on the BAFTA award-winning game Viewfinder, and what the award meant to her personally. This episode offers valuable insights into video game art and what it takes to bring ideas to life visually whether you are the person coming up with the original ideas or supporting the development of great ideas in a team!

In this episode, we explore:

This week, Nigel and Tazziii say goodbye to a master of storytelling with Hayao Miyazaki's last film…maybe? Either way, we get autobiographical with a deep dive into The Boy and the Heron (starting at 19:36), with manga artists Inko and Chie.

It's a story that combines all that makes Miyazaki stories great, but with a message that can be a challenge to decipher for those not already familiar. We examine the narrative and pull apart why this left us feeling positive and hopeful by the end. It's a story that relies on the emotional journey of its main characters (from the cute to the absurd) over a logical plot. But it absolutely has something special to say in its themes about dealing with grief and accepting suffering as a part of life. This week's storytelling tip is about implementing a non sequitur narrative in your story.

Other stories we're enjoying include: Fairy Tale (Book), How High We Go in the Dark (Book), Kaos (Netflix), What We Do in the Shadows (Hulu/Disney+), Black Clover (Crunchyroll), Bob's Burgers (Disney+), The Way of Kings (Book), Agatha All Along (Disney+), Tokyo Revengers (Crunchyroll)

This week, Nigel and Tazziii sit down with Elizabeth Cox, the founder of Should We Studio, an independent production company dedicated to raising awareness of the most important issues shaping the future. She joins us to talk about her journey from the world of science to the animation industry and what her experience means for the stories she creates.

Elizabeth shares her experiences working on the studio's upcoming animated series Ada, a five-episode series exploring the ethical and social implications of new technologies. This episode is a great insight into the animation process and what it takes to produce new stories giving voice to underrepresented perspectives across history.

Tune in to discover:

How education prepared Elizabeth for the work she does today The challenges in transitioning from a science background to a creative role Insights into the animation industry

This week, Nigel and Tazziii venture out into the nuclear wasteland with a retrospective look at the Fallout video game adaptation (starting at 26:54), with a full house of guests: Content Creator Jack Mullen, Host and Presenter Aisha Ahmed, along with Cosplayer and Content Creator kayPOWXD.

We take a look at another video game adaptation that manages to sidestep a long line of below-par adaptations and deliver a narrative that faithfully brings the world of Fallout to new audiences while satisfying fans familiar with the games. It's all about the journey, and along the way are believable characters that bring emotional arcs and lore to its audience in a way that avoids endless exposition. It's a valuable lesson for future adaptations and a great listen for fans of the franchise!

Other stories we're enjoying include: Final Fantasy X (PlayStation), Final Fantasy XIII (PlayStation), Astro Bot (PlayStation), Little Goody Two Shoes (PC/Switch), Dandadan (Netflix), The Legend of Vox Machina (Amazon Prime), The Elder Scrolls Online (PC/Console), Life with an Ordinary Guy who Reincarnated into a Total Fantasy Knockout (Crunchyroll), Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle (Netflix), Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Xbox), Agatha All Along (Disney+), Bob's Burgers (Hulu/Disney+), Black Clover (Crunchyroll).

This week, we're revisiting a recent episode of our Studio77 show, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators, the show where Nigel chats with another creator about their work and the craft of making comics!

It's about showcasing the human being behind the art as we discover each person's story. In this segment, Nigel is in conversation with Fantasy Artist & Colourist Eren Angiolini, whose titles include: Critical Role - The Mighty Nein Origins, Justice League, DC Pride, The Domain and Doctor Who.

Eren is returning for their second sit-down on the show, and we get to hear about the work they are currently making progress on, which includes a recent epic Kickstarter campaign! Eren also details their love for Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) and the manifesting journey that landed them the Critical Role comic gig, plus we get to know how they see their career as a massive plot twist!

Catch more shows live on the mayamada Twitch each month with Nigel, Tazziii and the mayamada community: Studio77 Report, Casual Conversations With Comic Creators and Games Night.