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Another graphic novel series for young folks, with a welcome message of self-acceptance. That’s the Shark Princess series, written and illustrated by Nidhi Chanani. “Meet Kitana—a Shark Princess and the first of her kind. Her allergy-ridden best friend Mack wants to be one too, but he worries that his sharp teeth and big sneezes make him too dangerous to be a princess. With Kitana’s help, Mack realizes his unique shine. When Mack puts on his crown for the first time, these Shark Princesses are ready to explore the ocean and embark on a fintastic adventure! Nidhi Chanani’s signature artwork brings this underwater series to life in a spunky tale about friendship and redefining who and what a princess can be.” Shark Princess and its sequels are available from Penguin Random House.

image c. 2026 Penguin Random House

Spring has sprung – or autumn has fallen, if you’re in the southern hemisphere! – and I at least am definitely feeling that fresh burst of energy. Whether you’re enjoying the longer days, rainy afternoons, or cozy evenings indoors in general, it’s the perfect time to kick off work on a fresh story or just reconnect with fellow furry writers.

On the note of connecting and fresh stories, the reading list for the 2025 Cóyotl Awards has been out for some time now (check it out here!), and voting for nominations begins on the 15th of this month, March. The list is packed with an incredible range of stories, voices, and styles from across the fandom, so if you’ve been looking for something new to read, don’t waste time getting a start! Even just reading a few entries and casting your nominations can make a very real difference in celebrating and showing appreciation for the authors who put so much time and passion into the writing corner of our fandom.

That aside – may the new season treat you well, and as always, happy reading, happy writing, and the very warmest greetings and wishes to the entire guild!

Your president,
Gabe Foxx

Here are the current open markets for your short stories:

Plott Hound – Deadline March 15, 2026
CLAW Vol. 2 – Deadline April 30, 2026
This Is Halloween – Deadline When Full
Children Of The Night – Deadline When Full

Please also check out the latest book releases from our members:
The Bones Behind the Glass, by Renard Avec-Histoire, Released August 18, 2025.
Gravitational Pull, by Ty Fox, Released August 19, 2025.
Tikadi’s Gift, by Moth Flutterby, Released October 17, 2025.
Thorns, by Roscoe G. Beetle, Released October 31, 2025.
Legend of Ahya: A Divinity Decayed [Book 5], by Matthew Colvath, Released Nov. 30, 2025.
The Wideness of the World: An Early Modern Anthology, Released December 13, 2025.
The Analog Cat and Other Animals, by Alice Dryden, Released December 2025.

Going beyond just a simple hotel simulator, Hotel Galactic invites its players into a role filled with mystery, management, and a multitude of tasks to complete to build up a rundown intergalactic hotel into a bustling, beautiful hub of life and hospitality that tourists from across the galaxy visit to feel renewed, well fed, and taken care of. To accomplish this, developer Ancient Forge has employed the use of nostalgic anime-styled visuals, a hefty helping of unlockable and satisfying gameplay elements, and well-tuned audio accouterments to compliment it all. Through its bumpy beginnings, Hotel Galactic manages to set sail and take you on a trip that you’ll gladly continue revisiting.

Meet two pets with very different views on life in The Great Puptective, the first in a graphic novel series written and illustrated by Alina Tysoe. “Truffles the cat is the only pet in the house and reigns in peace and quiet, only exerting himself to find the best place to take a nice, long nap — preferably in a spot of warm sunshine. Then Poppy the puppy bursts onto the scene. Poppy is loud, enthusiastic, excitable, and — worst of all — a puptective! She’s got an eye for crime and a nose to solve all mysteries that come her way… even though she’s not completely sure what a mystery is. Truffles cannot let this intrusion stand. Poppy won’t be able to continue disrupting his precious me-time if she’s shipped to the North Pole! But could this irrepressible new companion be just what this grumpy cat needs?” This and more adventures are available from Simon & Schuster.

image c. 2026 Simon & Schuster

Platformers are a curious breed. Ever since the days of Mario and Sonic the Hedgehog, they’ve remained popular. Yet being innovative and different can be a little difficult to accomplish at times. Fortunately Croak, the upcoming bouncy 2D platformer from WoodRunner Games doesn’t have such difficulties. In a Steam Next Fest, it takes a lot to really stand out and after playing the demo, I can see why it caught the eye of my fellow staff members. This game is a gem in the making and will be well worth checking out when it fully releases.

It’s Pokémon Day! It was on this day 30 years ago that Pokémon Red & Green released in Japan. While we celebrate Pokémon’s 30th anniversary, this is a good time to look forward as we appreciate the past! As always, the whole direct itself is on YouTube and I recommend watching it as there are things I won’t mention or spend much time on in this article. Besides, it'll be more fun to see what surprises are in store that way.

Another one lost in the shuffle, but definitely worth a look. Kiva is a one-shot full-color comic from Scout, written by Motoki Tomatsu and Yumiko Fujiwara, with art by Bashar Ahmed. “A pet dog is left behind on his own when a nuclear disaster forces the residents of a small town to evacuate. As he navigates the wilderness that takes over the town, he comes face to face with a savage pack of wild dogs, determined to claim back their territory.” In an interview over at Comic Book Club, the creators talk about their inspiration for the work.

image c. 2026 Scout Comics

The 80’s was an era of some incredible memories. We had the birth of many amazing horror films, we saw the rise of heavy metal, and video games really started to take off. As a child of the 90’s, I missed out on many classics from that era, so I’m thankful many publishers and developers are bringing many of these titles to modern systems either with new collections or remakes. However, that doesn’t mean all the games from that time were pieces of art and, sadly, The Monty Mole Collection is one such case. Originally developed by Gremlin Graphics for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, this collection includes the original trilogy of Wanted: Monty Mole, Monty On The Run, and Auf Wiedersehen Monty, along with three bonus games by the names of Monty Is Innocent, Sam Stoat: Safebreaker, and Moley Christmas (which was given away as a free games in copies of Your Sinclair magazines back in the day). Now, while it’s always awesome to see older games make a comeback and I’m all for game preservation, that doesn’t mean that every game aged well and this is one of those cases.

So how did we miss this one? Let’s catch up! Cissy is a full-color creepy comic book series written by Charles Chester and illustrated by Alonso Gonzales. Eleven year-old Gabriel is awakened in the middle of the night — by his sister Maddy’s teddy bear Cissy, who can talk! Despite Cissy’s best efforts, a sinister and powerful being known as The Crying Man has stolen away Maddy and taken her to a frightening realm known as The Dark Lands. Now Cissy needs Gabriel’s help to mount a rescue mission! Issues are still available at Scout Comics.

image c. 2026 Scout Comics

Everyone loves Steam Next Fest here at Gaming Furever! Our staff goes through the entire list of games published in the Fest to find and list each and every one that features anthropomorphic character(s), or features animals as a focus. This time, we went through all 3450+ games to get to this list of 370+ games. We could've missed a couple, but we hope this is an all-encompasing list for this season's available games! Almost every one has a demo, so go have fun and wishlist the ones that pique your interest!

We have also an actively updated Furry & Animal Games List over at @GamingFurever on Twitter and  another List on @GamingFurever on Bluesky that you can follow and get constant updates for lots of indie titles with TONS of lovely furry characters! If you're a developer of any of these games, feel free to hit us up on email over on our Contact Us page! We'd love to talk to you about your development!

Previous Steam Next Fest Articles: October 2025 | June 2025 | February 2025 | October 2024 | June 2024 

Here's your February 2026 Steam Next Fest list (in alphabetical order):

Before I came across Demon Tides, I was unfamiliar with developer Fabraz and their brand of slick, colorful action platforming and exploration that they established with the first two games in their “Demon Turf” series. But after spending some time in their newest game, I can confidently say I’m addicted to it wholeheartedly. This bodes well for the fate of Bubsy 4D, the next game on the horizon from this developer. First though, we get this gem of a title that is absolutely bursting with content, charisma, and charm. Demon Tides grabs you by the fashionable collar and pulls you furiously across vast water zones in search of more and more answers and collectibles, with a healthy dose of narrative along the way.

What happens when you combine archeology, puzzle-solving and hamsters? You get Hamstermind, the adorable puzzle game by indie dev Righteous Tree. Solve puzzles and dive deeper into a mysterious pyramid in search of treasure. The premise has just enough going for it to keep you intrigued and the puzzles themselves are actually pretty relaxing and cozy. I wasn’t ever bored in my time with Hamstermind. It’s not revolutionizing the puzzle solver genre but it also doesn’t need to.

Arrkay has so many zines to catalogue! Keep him company while he and Tempe O'kun chat about vintage furry art and writing and the furries we meet along the way. Merch, Sweet Tees and stuff: https://culturally-fd-merchandise.creator-spring.com/ Support Culturally F'd: https://www.patreon.com/culturallyfd Listen in on TEMPO TALKS with Tempe O'Kun https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPk-itLl1jPyIK2c7mK-LpbvfDNqfcSW Check out Tempe O'Kun's books "Sixes Wild" and "Windfall" here: http://furplanet.com/shop/?affillink=YOUTU2907 Here's a playlist of his other Culturally F'd videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPk-itLl1jPS7tnT4hdJwBI-CeLF8Kb_

This has been around a while — time we got to it. Between Snow and Wolf is a full-color graphic novel written by Agnes Domergue and illustrated by Helen Canac. “What secret is hidden in the heart of the forest? Lila lives with her father on a snowy island. From a young age, he has protected her from a curse and a demon. One day when he is away for a longer period of time, Lila imagines him already a prisoner and decides to go looking for him. She then discovers a forest asleep under the snow, populated by enigmatic spirits and a white wolf.” The inspiration of Hayao Miyazaki is quite obvious here — and the comparison is welcome. This is still available in hardcover from Magnetic Press.

image c. 2026 Magnetic Press

兽曜日首次进驻饭店 125位同好齐聚台南参与《越元盛宴-兽曜府城》2026

Bubsy. If there is any name that brings dread and hatred to gamers, it’s Bubsy. In the entire history of gaming, I don’t think there’s any series that has as much undeserved hatred as the Bubsy series. Ever since I can remember, I’ve seen nothing but negativity and vitriol towards this series: From AVGN to JonTron to even Top Ten lists of the Worst anything, it seems Bubsy was destined to be the internet’s punching bag. And yet? Yet, there still seems to be a fan base, as evident by the upcoming release of Bubsy 4D and the release of the topic for this review: Bubsy In: The Purr-Fect Collection, the latest collection release from Limited Run Games and Atari. Now, I have never played any of these games before this collection came out. Heck, I never knew of their existence until the rise of sites like YouTube and the early days of game reviewers, as well as sites like GameTrailers, so back then? The most I knew about the series was that they were bad. Yet, in the back of my mind, I always wanted to try these games and actually see if they were terrible or not as bad as people made them out to be. Well, after finally trying the games for myself, I can safely and quite honestly say: These are not terrible and I don’t think they are deserving of their infamous reputation. In fact, I actually really liked the games and think they might be actual hidden gems.

Furry is worldwide! Join us as we visit far-flung corners of this fluffy fandom. In this episode, the furries of central Canada tell us about their local fandom and what it's like being a furry there. This video was produced in partnership with Manitoba Furries. Tempo, our resident writer, was previously guest of honor at Wild Prairie Fur Con in Winnipeg! Want to share you scene with us? Reach out to us in the comments! Merch, Sweet Tees and stuff: https://culturally-fd-merchandise.creator-spring.com/ Support Culturally F'd: https://www.patreon.com/culturallyfd Listen in on TEMPO TALKS with Tempe O'Kun https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPk-itLl1jPyIK2c7mK-LpbvfDNqfcSW Check out Tempe O'Kun's books "Sixes Wild" and "Windfall" here: http://furplanet.com/shop/?affillink=YOUTU2907 Here's a playlist of his other Culturally F'd videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIPk-itLl1jPS7tnT4hdJwBI-CeLF8Kb_

圣诞怪盗嘉年华台聚登场　猫介、罗恩携手与粉丝互动

《星光计划》：国际兽视在马来西亚完成首次跨境兽聚

Hi Papabear,

This is my first time writing to you. I’m writing because I feel like I struggle with the belief that I’ll never be accepted by gay/bi men for something I did in the past and I also isolate myself and struggle with guilt for that as well. I’m a bisexual guy and was closeted to my family for most of my life until last month when I came out to my mom. I also came out to my younger brother about 6 months ago and he was the first to know in my family. I’m glad that my mom accepted me and said that she loved me. She couldn’t understand why I thought that she would disown me and said that I kind of took my time (I’m almost 24). It was actually my new year’s resolution to come out to her this year since being closeted was making me so miserable and amplifying the guilt that I felt and still kind of feel for something I did a little over 2 years ago.

Back in 2023, I remember being intent on trying to date or hookup just like people my age. I felt like I was behind and that everyone my age was doing that. I tried dating girls on dating apps, but I didn’t have any luck, and I get more nervous/awkward around girls than guys to be honest. I thought it’d be a good idea to focus on making friends online instead. I eventually made a friend online and we met 4 times in person. From the moment I met him, I could tell he was obviously gay. I really liked him as a friend. He was really kind, and I liked texting with him. However, I’m ashamed to say that I was kind of embarrassed to be seen in public with him because I was scared of people judging us, and I didn’t feel comfortable with people in public seeing me as bisexual. I remember one time he told me that he frequented adult livestreams and that gave me an idea. I suggested we experiment in an “intimate” way. We did and I ended up losing my virginity to him. That same day, I let him know that I wasn’t interested in a relationship and that I was only looking for something casual. He told me that he didn’t want a relationship either.

That was the last time I saw him. I was scared to meet up with him again for two reasons: that was the first time doing something intimate with someone and I was nervous to see him again; also, I was embarrassed to be seen with him. We still texted, but I made excuses not to hang out. Eventually, he ended up moving away to the East Coast after getting a job. I felt terrible for the way I acted towards him. I apologized to him via text and said that I was sorry for not meeting up with him again and that I was nervous about being intimate and that I felt like I had used him for sex (something that my friends and people online said I did). My friend was really empathetic, and he wrote a long reply. He said he was never mad at me and that he had a lot of fun with me. He said that he didn’t want me to beat myself up and that if I was ever in his current city to hit him up again so he could show me around. He said he didn’t feel used and that he wanted my first time to be safe because his wasn’t. He was sexually assaulted in the past. That’s one of the things I felt the most guilty about. I constantly ask myself if I added to his trauma.

Online I was told in a gay forum on Reddit that gay guys disliked people like me. They said that men like me who are DL are a really common problem. I was told that I never really cared about him and told that I should give up on dating/hooking up with men. I lived with guilt for a long time, and I couldn’t even ask my family for help since I thought they would no longer accept me. To help with the guilt, I remember trying to donate money to charity and help others, even strangers, and I stopped when I realized I was being taken advantage of. At one point, I even took the online advice to heart and decided I was never going to pursue men again because I was closeted and was only going to hurt them.

It’s been over 2 years, and I haven’t done anything with anyone else. My friend and I no longer talk (and I think it’s better that way now). He’s doing good with his new career, and it keeps him busy. No dating/no hookups since. Some old friends were surprised to hear this, and I just made some excuse like “I’m focusing on improving myself now.” I went to another counselor, and he convinced me to come out to my brother, and my brother helped me by telling my mother for me. I’m very grateful to my counselor and brother for that. He also suggested that I go to the pride center on campus. The thing is I feel like I can’t. I’m scared they won’t accept me. I’m scared they’ll see me like the people do on Reddit. My worst fear is repeating what happened with my friend in the future. I guess I’m just writing this to see if I could get some encouragement. I often wonder what it would be like to be in a loving relationship, and it’s something that I really want one day. I feel terrible when people my age or younger talk about kissing or dating while I still think about my friend from over 2 years ago. I’m writing just wanting encouragement to put myself out there instead of wasting my 20s living in the past and isolating myself. I wonder how I could go around trying to date men or just befriend them one day again. I know this is a long letter.

Thank you for your time.

Anonymous (age 23)

* * *

Dear Furiend,

I'm going to quote my late mother here: "Guilt is the most worthless of all the emotions." Guilt doesn't help you with anything. It just makes you miserable. 

There are some misconceptions in your letter that I need to correct. The first and most important one is that LGBTQIA social media communities like the one you came across on Reddit represent the gay community accurately. They absolutely do not. You should really know by now that online communities are dumpster fires full of trolls, bullies, and drama queens who rejoice in hurting other people and putting them down to make themselves feel better and more superior. DO NOT listen to them. Social groups online are extremely hit or miss, and you really take a chance going to them for support. Also, just because you had some bad exchanges on Reddit doesn't mean the entire worldwide gay community is critical of you. That's absurd when 99.99999999% of them have never heard of you or know you exist.

Instead, to help you navigate the LGBTQ world, I would like to recommend you start with a reputable organization known as The Trevor Project, which focuses on young people up to the age of 24, offering educational, peer support, and crisis management (including online counseling) services. Start with them, and they can help point you in the right direction. You've been making some mistakes (honest ones, don't berate yourself) because you lack guidance. You need someone to show you the ropes. Also, try the on-campus pride group like your counselor suggested. It's a good idea to make in-person connections. 

The comments those Reddit people gave you are bullshit, frankly (especially that comment in which they presume to tell you that you didn't actually love that guy--OMG!) Gay men who are on the "down low" or are closeted are omnipresent in the gay community. There are some gay men who look down on them, yes, but most people are very understanding about it. And being compassionate to those in the closet is actually the first step to get them out of the closet. When you feel judged, you're more likely to hide yourself.

Your friend is a great example of a compassionate friend. He seems pretty cool, actually, and it is my opinion that it is a mistake to cut him out of your life. He seems quite kind and supportive, and there is absolutely no reason why you can't be friends, chat online, or even make a phone call once in a while. It is quite clear you did not hurt or traumatize him in any way, so stop feeling guilty about something that just is not true. You're only hurting yourself.

You also, very fortunately, have support from your brother and mother. That's excellent! Do not underestimate the importance of their love and support, which proves that you are a person who is loved and valued and who is far too critical of himself.

Don't feel bad about that, either. It's very common for gay people to feel guilt and shame that they have feelings that meet with disapproval from conservative societies. What you need to realize is that your feelings are valid and natural, and they are not sinful or bad in any way. Stop punishing yourself. You deserve to find a boyfriend, find love, and be happy. You also should not feel any guilt about the sex you had with your first lover. It was consensual (he told you so! Believe him!) and you both had a rewarding and fun time. 

While there is much to say about spending time to focus on yourself, it's quite clear that you don't mean it when you tell people that; you're just using it as an excuse when you tell them you are not in a relationship. The real reason is that you are torturing yourself with guilt and you feel that sex is somehow wrong if you are not committing yourself to a long-term relationship. In truth, non-committed sexual relationships offer many benefits that include emotional, social, and physical. Here is an outstanding article on that by psychologist Heath Schechinger, Ph.D., who also explains the reason for people stigmatizing sexual openness in terms of social identity theory. Social identity theory states that people stigmatize others as one method of creating social cohesion and stronger bonds within their particular group. For example, a church congregation that identifies as hetero and white might label LGBTQIA and BIPOC people as outsiders and treat them as bad people. By sharing these prejudices, they form stronger bonds and a stronger identity within their group.

You want to not feel terrible that you aren't dating and finding someone to care about and kiss? I have a simple solution. 

Stop it.

The only person stopping you from being happy is ... YOU! So, knock it off.

Is that "tough love"? Not sure, but it's the truth.

Stop stopping yourself and go and meet people. Make friends with some. Make love to some. And, hopefully, make some close and enduring relationships. You deserve it as much as anyone else.

Bear Hugs,
Papabear