History & Criticism

Afrofuturism is a cultural movement that seeks to explore and transform the experience of the African diaspora. Stretching across multiple art forms and genres, the movement taps into the limitless potential of creativity and the imagination to envision Black liberation through stories, music, architecture, fashion, music, and so much more.

Charlie, Dennis, Mac, Sweet Dee, and Frank are deplorable characters. They will never mature, become more self-aware, or less self-involved. That is what the creators of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia are committed to—and that’s why the show’s millions of devoted fans have stuck with the cult comedy hit for over sixteen seasons and counting. As thoughtful, provocative, and engaging as the show itself, this book also explores how the show has pushed the envelope and used absurdist comedy to explore major societal issues, including the #MeToo movement, LGBTQ+ rights, racism, and more.

In this Oxford Guide to Film Musicals, author Hannah Lewis gives listeners fascinating new insights into the development, style, and reception of the 2016 film musical La La Land. Directed by Damien Chazelle with music by Justin Hurwitz, the film tells the story of a romance between an aspiring actress and jazz pianist as the two pursue their dreams in Los Angeles. It uses a vintage form to tell a modern story and its blend of nostalgia and realism made it an instant classic even as it prompted a range of critical and audience responses.

Saturday Morning Forever: The Cartoon Network Effect is a soul-charged, nostalgia-laced journey through the cartoons that shaped a generation. From the suburban scams of Ed, Edd n Eddy to the emotional myth-building of Steven Universe, JJ unpacks the emotional, spiritual, and subconscious weight behind the madness.

We laughed at the rat who cooked. We cried when the old man floated away with his house. We felt weird things when a red panda exploded out of a teenage girl. But somehow, through all the animated chaos, these movies ended up saying something real. This book is a collection of short, heartfelt reflections on Pixar’s biggest hits — from Inside Out to Ratatouille, The Incredibles to Soul. It’s not a film analysis. It’s not a self-help book. It’s something weirder: A love letter to growing up with feelings, finding yourself in cartoons, and realizing maybe you’re not crazy for still crying at Up.