Spiraken Review Podcast

Xan taste-tests Cooking With Wild Game by EDA, a J-Novel Club isekai manga adaptation that blends fantasy survival with culinary adventure. Can this webnovel-turned-manga stand out in a crowded genre, or does it reheat tired tropes? We break down its flavors—both fresh and stale.   Discussion Includes: How it compares to popular isekai/cooking manga Panel announcements for Animazement 2025 (May ev...

In this episode, Xan explores Kingyo Used Books by Seimu Yoshizaki —a heartwarming iyashikei anthology where a Tokyo used bookstore becomes a haven for manga lovers. Discover how this Viz Media Signature title celebrates manga’s power to heal, connect, and inspire through its vignettes of everyday life. ----more---- Discussion Highlights: Why this series stands out in the healing manga genre How Y...

In this episode, Xan dissects The Climber—a profound sports manga adaptation of Jiro Nitta’s novel, with story by Toshio Nabeda and Hiroshi Takano, and striking art by Shin’ichi Sakamoto. This Viz Media Signature title explores the psychological extremes of solo mountain climbing, blending breathtaking visuals with existential tension. Discussion Highlights: Why this manga transcends typical sport...

 In this powerful episode, Xan examines Real - Takehiko Inoue's (Vagabond) brutally honest seinen manga about wheelchair basketball and overcoming physical/emotional trauma. How does this Viz Media-published series tackle disability with more nuance than typical sports narratives? We break down its unflinching realism and why it stands apart in Inoue's legendary career. Support the channel: Keep S...

 In this episode, Xan explores Akihito Tsukushi's critically acclaimed Made in Abyss - a haunting seinen manga that blends adorable character designs with disturbing body horror. Follow the journey of young explorers venturing into a mysterious chasm where beauty and terror intertwine. Is this Seven Seas Entertainment title worth reading despite its unsettling themes? Join us for a deep dive (pun...

In this episode, Xan dives into Gachiakuta by Kei Urana —a brutal, high-octane shonen manga about a "Cleaner" navigating a dystopian wasteland. How does it stack up against classics like Battle Angel Alita and Dorohedoro? Is it the next big action series? Let’s break it down! 📢 Gofundme Update: We’re raised enough to fix our spiraken laptop! Hurray! Thanks to our amazing supporters! Help us conti...

 Xan tackles Hikari-Man —Hideo Yamamoto’s (Homunculus) twisted tale of electromagnetically sensitive outcasts seeking vengeance. Is this brutal seinen sci-fi a cathartic triumph or a descent into madness? Some Minor spoilers, and some raw analysis of Yamamoto’s signature darkness, plus updates on new manga releases you need to know. ----more---- Support the channel: 🔗 Gofundme | Patreon (Shoutout...

Xan dives into Last Quarter, a haunting romance from Ai Yazawa (creator of Nana) —blending supernatural mystery with her signature emotional depth. Does this hidden gem live up to her legendary status? No spoilers, just pure admiration for Yazawa’s art and storytelling magic. Plus, updates on the latest manga releases you won’t want to miss! Support the channel: 🔗 Gofundme | Patreon (Thanks to ou...

In this episode, Xan dives into Takahashi from the Bike Shop by Arare Matsumushi   - a critically acclaimed josei romance about an office worker falling for a blunt bicycle shop owner. Despite its unconventional art style, this Yen Press title has captured readers' hearts. But does the storytelling overcome its visual quirks? Join us as we explore what makes this slice-of-life manga work (or not)!...

 In this episode, Xan cracks open Ice Head Gill by Ikuo Hachiya a new Shonen Jump series about an axe-wielding boy battling liches in a frostbitten world. Does this Norse mythology-infused action manga deserve its spot in Jump’s lineup? Tune in as we break down its standout moments, generic tropes, and icy lore! Support the show: Help us keep the lights on at tinyurl.com/spiraken (thank you to our...

In this episode, Xan explores Super Cub by Tone Koken (illustrated by Kanitan) - a heartwarming slice-of-life manga about a lonely girl discovering freedom through her Honda Super Cub. ----more---- Is this motorcycle-focused story worth your time? Join us as we dive into the manga adaptation of this popular web novel, geek out about what makes the Super Cub so special, and discuss the latest relea...

In this episode, Xan dives into Hikaru in the Light by Mai Matsuda, an inspirational music manga now being released in full color by Scholastic. Does the colorization enhance the story, or does it change the tone of this limited series? Join him as he explores its origins on the Azuki Manga app, shares his thoughts on the adaptation, and breaks down why this series is worth your attention. Before...

In This Episode, Xan has the privilege to review a cornerstone manga series that has influenced so many. Is it worth the hype? Let's find out as he reviews Ashita no Joe/Tomorrow's Joe/Ashita no Joe: Fighting For Tomorrow by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba. ----more---- As our intrepid host goes over this inspirational story of a young man reaching for a better future, he also goes...

In This Episode, Xan has the privilege to review a signature samurai manga that discusses one of the most popular Japanese Swordsman of all time. Is it worth the hype? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue. ----more---- As he discusses this novel inspired manga, xan also discusses the latest manga releases as well as the special new collector's edition of Vagabond th...

 In This Episode, Xan reviews a shonen action series about protecting a neighborhood and kicking ass. Is it worth reading? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Wind Breaker by Satoru Nii. ----more----As our host discusses the familiar yet revised plot of this story, he also goes over the latest manga releases. Remember to support our gofundme to help repair our editing computer at www.tinyurl...

 In This Episode, Xan reviews a seinen manga about arranged marriages, psychotic fiancès and weird overtures of love. Is it romantic? Well sit back and find out as he reviews Yakuza Fiancè: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii by Asuka Konishi. ----more---- As our intrepid host goes over this compelling story, he also talks a bit about our gofundme http://www.tinyurl.com/spiraken and recent manga. Thank you to ou...

 In This Episode, Xan reviews a slice of life manga that is about love, coincidences and fish? Is it a good manga? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Friday At The Atelier by Sakura Hamada. ----more----   As our intrepid host goes over the confusing nature of this manga, he also talks about our new gofundme, which you can find at https://gofund.me/7f1eb404 . Also thank you to our First Dona...

Happy 2025, we have returned!!! And to celebrate that, Xan discusses a historical fiction manga about the Miburo/ The Shinsengumi. Is it worth checking out? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews The Blue Wolves of Mibu written by Tsuyoshi Yasuda. ----more---- As our intrepid host goes over a little of the history behind this manga, he also discusses some good manga adaptations for the miburu's...

In This Episode, Xan reviews a manga about two teens in rival schools who fall in love. Is it generic or does it do something new? Let's find out as he reviews the Rom Com Drama Manga series The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity by Saka Mikami. ----more---- As our intrepid host discusses this manga, he also goes over the latest manga releases. Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @sp...

In this episode, Xan reviews an action fantasy manga that has some very familiar tropes. Does it do anything new? Let's find out as he reviews the action fantasy manga series Wistoria Wand and Sword by Fujino Omori with art by Toshi Aoi. ----more---- As our intrepid host goes over this manga, he describes the series that may have inspired it, goes over its differences from Danmachi and talks about...

In this episode, Xan reviews the critically acclaimed slice of life cooking series by Fumi Yoshinaga. Does it live up to the hype? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews What Did You Eat Yesterday by Fumi Yoshinaga. ----more---- As he goes over this oddly sweet story, he also goes over the latest manga releases. Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter @spiraken.bsk...

In this episode, Xan discusses a slice of life manga about a yakuza lieutenant discovering the wonder of K-pop. How geeky is it? Well, let's find out as he reviews the comedy, slice of life manga series The Yakuza's Bias by Teki Yatsuda. ----more---- As our intrepid host talks about how fandoms affect a person, he also goes over the latest manga news and talks about a change in the podcast. Rememb...

In this episode, Xan reviews a supernatural troubleshooter manga that hits a lot of tropes but doesn't do anything new with them. Will he enjoy this manga? well, sit back and find out as he reviews the action shonen jump series Gokurakugai by Yuto Sano. ----more---- As our intrepid host dissects this manga, he goes over the other series that this reminds him of, talks about his panel plans for the...

In This Episode, Xan reviews the prequel manga to Ai Yazawa's seminal work Paradise Kiss. Is it just as good? Well Sit back and find out as he reviews the drama, romance, shojo manga series Neighborhood Story by Ai Yazawa. ----more---- As our intrepid host nerds out on this manga, he also goes over the design of the physical tankoban and also goes over the light releases this week. Hope You Enjoy....

In this episode, Xan reviews a sports manga about succeeding by hard work and the belief that you can prove everyone wrong. So sit back and enjoy as he reviews the seinen figure skating manga series Medalist by Tsurumaikada. ----more---- As our intrepid host goes over the addictive qualities of this sports manga, he also goes over some of the great artwork and his thoughts of the latest manga rele...