Hello, fellow Otaku!

Here is some of what's going on in the world of anime today:

• Three facts about My Hero Academia season 7 hero, Star & Stripe.

• March Madness - Con Style.

Character Spotlight: Star & Stripe

For fans of the hit anime My Hero Academia, the season 7 premiere cannot get here soon enough. Those who do not follow the manga may have been surprised to see a female character resembling All Might in the last scene of the season 6 finale. Who is she? She's no other than the number 1 hero in the United States, Star & Stripe, and here are three facts you should know about her.

Star & Stripes Real Identity

Star & Stripe's real name is Cathleen Bate, and she is an American hero who took All Might's message of hope and then adapted it to her take on peace in her home country. As a symbol of peace in the West, she was all too ready to come to the aid of the Japanese heroes, flying into the fray (in the final scene of season 6) before receiving government approval to intercede.

Star & Stripe’s Relationship with All Might

All Might saved Cathleen and her family when he was studying abroad in the United States. This act changed her forever, and though her quirk is very different from One for All, she modeled everything she does to her idol. Star & Stripe even rocks eight tufts of hair that closely resemble All Might's as a sign of her commitment to peace and justice.

Star & Stripe’s Quirk

Beyond her enhanced durability and indomitable will, Star & Stripe possesses an interesting quirk called New Order. The quirk allows her to set new rules for anything she touches. Star & Stripe can give herself almost any ability and nullify the quirks of those she comes into physical contact with. She can also use her quirk on both living and inanimate objects.

Check out Star & Stripe in the upcoming new season of My Hero Academia, premiering May 4, 2024.

Anime March Madness

As Spring quickly approaches, convention season is in full swing. No matter where you are, there is likely a convention near you. Here are some of the anime conventions that are happening in March 2024:

March 1-3, 2024

• KhromaKon - Baltimore, MD

• Kawacon - San Antonio, TX

March 8-10, 2024

• Banzaicon - Columbia, SC

• Erie Anime Fest - Erie, PA

• Cape Anime Con - Cape Girardeau, MO

March 15-17, 2024

• Anime New Mexico - Albuqueque, NM

• Colorado Anime Fest - Denver, CO

• GalaxyCon - Richmond, VA

March 22-24, 2024

• Anime Las Vegas - Las Vegas, NV

• Tora Con - Rochester, NY

March 29-31, 2024

• Anime Boston - Boston, MA

• Kawaii Kon - Honolulu, HI

• MTAC - Nashville, TN

Not seeing a convention near you? Check out www.animecons.com for upcoming conventions worldwide.

An Otaku’s Commentary