• Manga Circle: Yokohama Kaidashi Kikō - Introduction (first 2 volumes)

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    ★★★ SETUP DISCORD BEFORE EVENT ★★★

    Manga Circle typically meets on second Sundays to discuss a selected work of manga and its international relevance. This event is suitable for attendees 18+ with any level of manga knowledge or experience. We recommend reading the entire selection beforehand – spoilers guaranteed!

    Manga Circle typically meets on second Sundays to discuss a selected work of manga and its international relevance. This event is suitable for attendees 18+ with any level of manga knowledge or experience. We recommend reading the entire selection beforehand – spoilers guaranteed!

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    Yokohama Kaisdashi Kikou or (ヨコハマ買い出し紀行) or Yokohama Shopping Log (commonly abbreviated as YKK) is a critically acclaimed manga from Hitoshi Ashinano (芦奈野ひとし) that depicts a subtly surreal, relaxing world inhabited by Androids and the remnants of a decayed human civilization post climate catastrophy. Despite its potentially dark backdrop the story focuses mainly on the quiet adventures of its android protagonist, Alpha Hatsuseno and her friends and they go on simple adventures and enjoy the small things in life.

    We are going to be reading the first 2 volumes of this classic Iyashikei manga that has been long awaited in the English speaking world.

    Getting the Comic
    Please allow for more time for this to ship given the state of things. Some books are available through your local public library - CPL for Chicago has a very extensive collection. Please let me know if there are issues with books being delayed.

  • Anime Deep Dive: Jarinko Chie TV

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    Chie the Brat (or Jarinko Chie or Downtown Story) is a 1981 comedy tv series directed by studio Ghibli's co-founder Isao Takahata (Heidi, Tale of Princess Kaguya, Grave of the Fireflies). The TV series was produced hot off the heels of the 1981 movie of the same name (from the same director) and was based off of a long running seinen manga series. This series takes a goofy look at the lives of a dysfunctional family who runs a Takoyaki shop in the industrial city of Osaka (Chicago's sister city in Japan which has a similar reputation for organized crime, industry and comedy). Set in the 1960s the series provides a bit of a nostalgic look at a Japan that no longer exists.

    The story is set in Nishi-Hagi-cho, Nishinari-ku, Osaka (Kansai region) and follows the misadventures of Chie Takemoto, a cheerful girl who works at her father Tetsu's Yakitori and Kushiyaki shop. She also has a pet cat named Kotetsu. She has a habit of saying, "I'm the most unfortunate girl in Japan."

    The story follows Chie as she navigates fifth grade of elementary school. Like most serialized series, stories are episode and time rarely moves forward. There is a running gag where the character Masaru, fed up with Chie's antics, remarks "Next year she will advance to 6th grade", but then the story reverts to the status quo and Chie jokes, "Is it okay to be in fifth grade again this year?".

    This is a long overlooked series that has been hard to find in English, join us as we take a look at an overlooked series from a master of animated filmmaking.

  • 🏖️ Beach Party at Montrose Beach!

    Montrose Beach

    Join us for our 2nd annual beach outing! We’re going a bit earlier in the day to avoid the crowds and intense afternoon sun.

    • Dress and mask to your comfort level! No one is obligated to swim.
    • BYO Everything and leave no trace. Usual beach stuff: bottled water, sunscreen, blankets, towels, flip flops, sunscreen, hats, beach balls.
    • We’ll cancel if the weather is too cold or stormy.

    ℹ️ https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/montrose-beach

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  • Art Circle: An Online Creator Space

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    ★★★ SETUP DISCORD BEFORE EVENT ★★★

    Art Circle is your place to draw, color, sketch, model, and whatever other creative endeavor you're into!

    Work on your creations in the video chat and let's talk art, anime, and whatever you're in the mood for!

    Feel free to share what you've worked on, get some constructive criticism, and provide your own feedback for others.

  • Member Mixer via Discord

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    ★★★ SETUP DISCORD BEFORE EVENT ★★★

    Join our monthly social! Mixers are perfect for meeting fellow members, especially if you haven't been to many (or any) of our events yet.

    Online Mixers happen alternating months and work like this:

    • 6:45 Open – Test your audio/video in #stream.
    • 7:00 Intro – Say hello in #chat during announcements and Q&A.
    • 7:15 Shuffle – 4-person rooms randomly rotate every 15-20 minutes.
    • 8:45 Close – Group picture, final words, sometimes post-event chat.

    We recommend using a computer with headphones. Android phones may disconnect.

  • Art Circle: An Online Creator Space

    Link visible for attendees

    ★★★ SETUP DISCORD BEFORE EVENT ★★★

    Art Circle is your place to draw, color, sketch, model, and whatever other creative endeavor you're into!

    Work on your creations in the video chat and let's talk art, anime, and whatever you're in the mood for!

    Feel free to share what you've worked on, get some constructive criticism, and provide your own feedback for others.

  • Member Mixer at District Brew Yards

    District Brew Yards

    Mixers are all about meeting other members, so it's perfect if you haven't been to many (or any) of our meetups yet.

    • This is a 21+ bar so bring your valid ID
    • Check-in for a name tag when you arrive
    • Support this venue with a purchase
    • Non-alcoholic beverages available
    • Access via #9, #65, Green/Pink at Ashland
    • Ample street parking

  • At-Con Mixer @ Anime Magic

    Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago

    Come hang at Anime Magic 2023! We’re meeting at Red Bar, the lobby lounge within the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.

    Mixers are all about meeting other members, so it's perfect if you haven't been to many (or any) of our meetups yet.

    • This is a 21+ bar so bring your valid ID
    • Check-in for a name tag when you arrive
    • Invite your guests to create a Meetup acct to join
    • Support this venue with a purchase
    • Non-alcoholic beverages available

  • 🌳 Picnic at Horner Park!

    Horner Park

    Our annual picnic is the perfect place to reconnect with long-time friends and meet our newest members in person.

    • Find us on the big hill near the Montrose-side tennis courts (see map).
    • BYO Everything: blanket, food, utensils, sunscreen, games, etc.
    • Feel free to share individually packaged snacks.
    • Leave no trace. Take leftovers home. No grilling.
    • We’ll cancel this event for bad weather.

    ℹ️ Learn about Horner Park →

  • Art Circle: An Online Creator Space

    Link visible for attendees

    ★★★ SETUP DISCORD BEFORE EVENT ★★★

    Art Circle is your place to draw, color, sketch, model, and whatever other creative endeavor you're into!

    Work on your creations in the video chat and let's talk art, anime, and whatever you're in the mood for!

    Feel free to share what you've worked on, get some constructive criticism, and provide your own feedback for others.