I realized there’s no convenient list for all of the analysis I’ve done so far, so I thought I’d make this list and then link it to the front page of the blog, updating it when I make new posts. Enjoy!

Analysis for Other Series



Visual Language in Violet Evergarden - Despite a reputation for style over substance, Violet Evergarden cleverly uses visual language to reinforce its narrative.



Samurai Jack and the Faraway Woman - Japanese stories often have bittersweet conclusions, and Samurai Jack stays faithful to its roots.

Animation Retrospective: The Real Ghostbusters - This 1980s animated series based on the film Ghostbusters has examples of good writing in it, and this post takes a closer look at three episodes in order to show that.



Analysis for Star vs. the Forces of Evil



The Holy Grail - Subtle hints throughout the series foreshadow the appearance of a literal Holy Grail at some point – probably in the form of Lekmet’s horn.

The Death of the Self - Star’s unconscious fear of losing her identity is a long-running theme throughout the series that drives much of her behavior.



The Triple Goddess - Star, Moon, and Eclipsa are each in a different stage of life, and their relationship to a mythological concept has thematic importance for the coming seasons.

Star as the Goddess Venus - Star’s ability to use both light and dark magic – and combine them – hints at her real identity as Venus, the morning and evening star.

Ludo’s Journey - In season two, Ludo is the only character to undergo a full-fledged hero’s journey, and “Bon Bon the Birthday Clown” takes on special significance for his arc.



Metaphorical Dimensional Scissors - The idea that a pair of scissors metaphorically represents a couple is widespread, and the series incorporates this idea regarding Star, Marco, and their dimensional scissors.

Illusions, Clowns, and “Trickstar” - Magic, clowns, and trickery all play key roles in not only the narrative but also in how characters develop – particularly Ludo, the most clownish figure of all.



Indiana Jones in Star vs. the Forces of Evil - The latter half of the second season is littered with stealth references to Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

The Sonnet Theory - Season two’s February release was intentionally structured to resemble a sonnet. What could the implications of that be?



Parallel Stories in the Season Two Finale - “Face the Music” and “Starcrushed” work as a pair, each being compared and contrasted with the other. The end result of this is some insight on the nature of Moon and Star’s relationships.



Toffee as Sauron - Toffee’s missing finger, Moon’s tapestry, and some cunning wordplay all point toward Toffee being inspired in part by the Lord of the Rings himself.

Ludo’s Unconscious Transference - In “The Hard Way,” Ludo treats Glossaryck like a surrogate father, and the writers slip in some clever language to drive that point home.



The Limits of Violence: As a seasoned warrior, Toffee won’t be defeated through violence alone. Star will have to use her creative ingenuity and spontaneity to bring about his downfall.

The Role of Deception in the Season Two Finale - Both Ludo and Glossaryck are deceptive in “Starcrushed”; is there some master plan behind it?

Visual Metaphors in “Just Friends” - The end of “Just Friends” has some interesting visual metaphors, some of which refer back to earlier motifs.

Thoughts on “Trickstar” - This odd little episode has far more going on in it than meets the eye.

Jackie and Marco’s Date - There’s a lot going on in the date between Jackie and Marco in “Bon Bon the Birthday Clown.”

The Identity of the Sea Captain - The Sea Captain who speaks to Marco in “Blood Moon Ball” might be Glossaryck in disguise.

The Importance of Genre in Star vs. the Forces of Evil - The series fits many genres, but will it end in happiness or in tragedy? “By the Book” offers some insight.



A Brief Guide to Analysis - The narrative elements that make up Star vs. the Forces of Evil’s repertoire are diverse and expertly used, and we can study them.

Double Take #1: “Lobster Claws” - The debate over good and evil in this episode leads to some surprising psychological complexity.



Double Take #2: “The Other Exchange Student” - Star’s conspiracy theory in this episode is intended to be a hint to the audience that there’s more going on in the series than appears at first glance.



Double Take #3: “The Banagic Incident” - An early episode contains some light references to Arthurian legend which return in full force in later seasons.



Double Take #4: “Cheer Up Star” - The pratfall effect is a psychological phenomenon that not only our perceptions of Star and Marco, but explains how they might become attracted to each other.



Double Take #5: “Monster Arm” - Did an early episode foreshadow Toffee’s arm becoming a wand?

Vaylon’s Crazy Theory #1: Pony Head - Pony Head will die, and Marco will use her horn as a weapon. This theory does not have much in the way of evidence, hence the label.

Vaylon’s Crazy Theory #2: Queen Moon - Mirroring the legend of the Fisher King, Queen Moon will lose her mind, and Ludo will use Lekmet’s horn to restore her to sanity. Star will realize that Lekmet’s horn is the Holy Grail.



At a Glance: “Lint Catcher”/”Trial by Squire” - A first-impressions review of episodes from season three.



At a Glance: “Demoncism”/”Sophomore Slump” - A first-impressions review of episodes from season three.

At a Glance: “Club Snubbed”/”Stranger Danger” - A first-impressions review of episodes from season three.

At a Glance: “Scent of a Hoodie”/”Rest in Pudding” - A first-impressions review of episodes from season three.



Posts on Critical Theory



Statement on Politics and Critical Analysis - In this post, I talk about my belief that all art is political, how this belief shapes my choices, and why I feel obligated to talk about critical analysis as a result of that.

Statement on the Scope of this Blog - In this post, I talk about my criteria for analysis and the reasons why I don’t go into the technical details of visual art, my ultimate goal being to bring literary criticism to animation.



Ask Away



As usual, feel free to send me questions or requests.

