INSiGHT: NEO Magazine: Issue 178 (Review)

NEO Magazine, distributed by Uncooked Media, is a monthly compendium of Japanese interests, ranging from anime, film and manga to even music and videogames. For this month's issue of NEO, issue 178 brings a dual-cover layout. The primary side contains promotional art for the issue's key feature; an article suggesting  animations to enjoy in the summer months, as well as tips and tricks for Cosplay Creation, and an interview with the creator of Full Metal Panic!, Shouji Gatou. The reverse side is an extended look at and talk with the producers behind Shining Resonance Refrain, a recent release on Nintendo Switch.

After looking into the best choices for Summer viewing, readers can enjoy a look into SEGA's upcoming game releases, including the Shenmue I&II collection, Valkyria Chronicles 4 and the dancing spin-offs to Atlus' Persona series. There are opinion pieces for a number of current titles, including Sushi Striker: The Way of Sushido, Mario Tennis Aces, and Harvest Moon: Light of Hope.

Long-term NEO subscribers will likely enjoy the recap from writer Adam Miller as he recounts his 10 years In Japan, and many of his experiences there. Budding manga artists can learn about hatching and shading techniques with the manga School feature, and also take a look at one of Japan's most bizarre drawn properties, Stupid Woman's Black Betrayal, in the manga Snapshot article.

Other features include a list of NEO's merchandise picks for this month: a Bonsai Tree kit and Monopoly Zelda among them, and a Top Ten list for the hottest tracks currently going in the Land of the Rising Sun, with a certain green-haired fictional idol topping them all. The latest DVD and Blu-ray release of the Dragon Ball Super anime, compiling 12 episodes into Part 4 is explored in detail, featuring Adult Trunks as he returns once again to warn of a great threat to both present and future timelines.

Wrapping up the issue is an extract of Her Impact, a new manga by Mikel Miles and Lavender Khan. A piece beforehand has an interview with the duo, talking about the manga's unusual story direction of a single mother fighting her way to the top of the boxing circuit, and their current projects and inspirations. NEO Magazine, issue 178, is available now from all good retailers.