Sunday Spotlight: Girrion Comic Kickstarter

5 / 22 / 16

I don’t often cover Kickstarters that are already funded, but sci-fi comic Girrion is more than worth highlighting. For just $10, you can help support the continued production of this indie comic project and get PDFs of issues 1-5 in the process!

Girrion is a sci-fi fantasy epic told from the point of view of factory worker Jarra, whose mundane life is turned upside-down when his city is attacked by a dark force. Author Tom Lintern was kind enough to give me a peek at issues 1-3, and I was immediately struck by the gorgeous art! It is clear Tom’s influences include manga as well as western comics, and I was surprised to get a real Nausicaä vibe from the world presented in the pages of Girrion. Somehow, despite being full of machinery and grime, everything comes across as extremely organic. Head over to Girrion website for a 12 page preview of issue one to see what I mean!

Girrion issue 1 preview — One of my favorite pages from issue 1 of Girrion, featuring Princess Uralla

The current Kickstarter is to fund the production of issues 4 and 5 of Girrion, but its easy to catch up by purchasing the first three volumes in the Kickstarter or through the online storefront. But if you want access to some exciting bonuses such as pencil versions, signed issues, and more, be sure to back the Kickstarter before it ends on May 26th!

AnimeKoumi Subscription Box Review

5 / 20 / 16

Over the past couple years, I’ve reviewed my fair share of monthly subscription services. AnimeKoumi, however, offers something I’ve never seen attempted in a subscription box before: merchandise featuring unique, anime-inspired illustrations every month! Designed to bring a little anime spice to your everyday life (“koumi” does mean “spice” in Japanese, after all), this box from artist AnimeSpice is perfect for anime fans looking for something a little different.

Cute’n Nerdy Pins and Patches at Shop Susie Pie (+ Giveaway!)

5 / 17 / 165 / 17 / 16

I’ve been a follower of Susan aka Susie Pie’s illustrations on Instagram for many moons, and when I learned she was delving into the realm of enamel pins, I was thrilled! But she hasn’t stopped there – her new online store, appropriately named Shop Susie Pie, features all kinds of cute and nerdy pins and patches, as well as paper goods featuring her gorgeous illustrations. Read on for my full impressions, and don’t miss out on the exclusive giveaway and coupon code for Chic Pixel readers at the end of the post!

Oyatsubox April 2016 Review

5 / 10 / 165 / 11 / 16

This April OyatsuBox celebrated its 2 year anniversary, and they made sure to do so in style! As always, I received a Premium box priced at $30 including shipping, which comes with 10-14 snacks. When I first reviewed OyatsuBox back in March 2014, which may have even been their first shipment, and I can wholeheartedly say that two years later they are still one of the best Japanese snack subscription boxes around. Watch my unboxing video to see exactly what was in the anniversary shipment, and read on for more detailed photos and thoughts!

May 2016 Community Game-Along: Metroidvania

5 / 4 / 165 / 4 / 16

Wait, it’s May already?! Where has the time gone? We need to get crackin’ on these Metroidvania games!

That’s right, the May Community Game-Along theme is Metroidvania games! I’m really excited for #MetroidvaniaMay to make a comeback, as it was one of the first themes once I started these events back in 2014. Since this post is coming a bit late this month, I’ll cut right to the chase: if you’d like to participate, all you have to do is play any game that qualifies as a “Metroidvania” title (and believe me, there is a lot of debate on what is and what isn’t). Be sure to share your experiences in thoughts using #MetroidvaniaMay so all the other participants can join in the fun!

If you need a few ideas, check out my original Metroidvania May post, or try one of these titles:

Bob’s Magical Chainsaw: A Lumberjack’s Tale (Browser) – Chic Pixel Plus’ very own Sarah O’Donnell helped make this free browser-based game last month for low rez jam, and since it has light Metroidvania mechanics, it’s perfect for this month’s Game-Along! If you’d like to hear a little about the process of making the game, she talks all about it on episode 43 of Chic Pixel Plus.

Salt and Sanctuary (PlayStation 4) – If you want to play a timely new release, Salt and Sanctuary just came out for PS4 this past March and has received praise for basically being a 2D Dark Souls game with Castlevania elements. It certainly has the dark vibe down!

Rabi-Rabi (PC) – Perhaps you prefer your Metroidvania with a dash of moe and bullet hell shooter? Then look no further than Rabi-Rabi! It also packs a good bang for your buck with loads of content and a hefty difficulty for true Metroidvania savants.

Valdis Story: Abyssal City (PC, Mac) – It’s always great to see a Kickstarter success story, and Valdis Story: Abyssal City is exactly that! Unfortunately I can’t say much else about this action platformer with RPG and Metroidvania elements, but from what I’ve heard, it’s considered one of the best recent releases in the genre!

What will you be playing for Metroidvania May? Share your picks and suggestions in the comments!

Sunday Spotlight: Monstrous Lovers on Indiegogo

5 / 2 / 165 / 2 / 16

Sunday Spotlight has turned out to be a great way to feature fundraising campaigns I wouldn’t have the chance to cover otherwise, so this week (despite it already being Monday in Australia) I’d like to turn your attention toward a BL visual novel on Indiegogo called Monstrous Lovers!

Monstrous Lovers is about a government employee whose job is to ensure the peaceful coexistence between monsters and humans, which of course leads to him falling in love with one of four different monster boys. The game will be made available in both English and Spanish and even include Spanish voiceovers, something you don’t see too often in indie visual novels!

Unfortunately, the Indiegogo campaign finished its initial fundraising period without reaching its goal, so the developers have opted to extend it so that this rad-looking game can get the funding it needs to be made. If you’re a fan of BL or romance visual novels, be sure head over to the Indiegogo page to check out the demo and help this game get over the finish line!

Sake Kit Kat Tasting Video and Giveaway!

4 / 19 / 16

Sake Kit Kats are the latest in Japan-exclusive Kit Kat flavors, and after covering them back in February, I simply had to get my hands on a box! Not only did I get one for myself, but I also got one extra to give away to a lucky reader! Check out my Apricotsushi Samples tasting video to see what I thought, and if you want to give sake Kit Kats a try yourself, enter the giveaway using the widget below!

The giveaway is open worldwide and ends on April 25th at 11:59 pm EST. Don’t forget to do the daily entries for more chances to win!

Sake Kit Kat Giveaway