2AM OTTACK! - Anime Manga Podcast -

In this episode, we share our experiences of seeing Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer The Movie Infinity Castle Arc Chapter One Akaza Returns (the full title) in 4DX.  What's 4DX? Who fell asleep? What was different between the Japanese and American audiences and reactions?  Find out the answers to these questions and more by listening! Listen also... https://youtu.be/MvmoAMbjOQY?si=wg6PoH15uqeDcqdi...

In this episode we discuss how “The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity” might be the most Japanese anime ever made in terms of its relentless apologizing, formal thank-yous, and characters with absolutely abysmal levels of self-esteem.  Join us to learn about the puns on the characters’ names, wallow in nostalgia for when you were too shy to ask someone out (or bask in the glow of knowing your ki...

In this episode, we talk about the plot of episodes 1-8 of The Summer Hikaru Died, focusing on the music used in the show (especially that incredibly moving choral piece!), whether the nature of Yoshiki and Hikaru’s relationship matters that much, and whether we’ve ever seen a wig ghost. Listen also... https://youtu.be/2O5eGTamHUE?si=9ksb9gG1dnp2GweK Check this awesome translation and singing of "...

In this episode, we discuss the opening and ending theme songs for Dandadan Season 2 as well as the events of episodes 1-8. What happened to the revolution in AiNA THE END’s Kakumei Douchuu? What’s wrong with WurtS’s Doukashiteru? Why is Yoshiki of X Japan wearing a neck brace? Are you Dandadown to find out? Listen also... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmsN4LSnNg4&t=1140s ......................

In this episode, Cisco recounts his experience of seeing Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle (that's a mouthful) at a Japanese theater in Akita prefecture. In addition to sharing thoughts about the film itself, we explore the differences between seeing movies in Japan and the US and where we see things going from here!  Warning: contains some SPOILERS for Infinity Castle, primarily wh...

 In this episode we wrap up our conversation about Takopi's Original Sin by discussing the events of the final episode and what the series is trying to say.  Do you agree with our critiques? How do YOU think the series should have wrapped up?  Listen and let us know what you think! ........................................................................................... Join us to explore and di...

 In this episode we talk about episodes 3-5 of the new Netflix anime Takopi's Original Sin, breaking down what we think is going on in the series' timeline and with the characters, as well as speculating about what the show is trying to say about abusers, victims, and people caught in between.  While this episode might not make you feel that good, we hope it will make you think!https://youtu.be/gr...

In this episode we talk about the new Netflix anime "The Summer Hikaru Died" - we talk about the plot's set-up, the characters' accents, the depiction of the Japanese countryside, and of course our opinions about the opening and ending theme songs. What would we change if we could? Listen and find out! ........................................................................................... Join...

 In this episode, we break down some of the events of the final episodes of  The Apothecary Diaries . Who's Tamamo? What's up with that jade cicada? Why does Mayu think Sir Jinshi is "like a little child?" Listen and find out! ........................................................................................... Join us to explore and dig deep into the world of anime and manga as well as the...

In this episode we talk about the new Netflix anime Takopi's Original Sin, and give our thoughts on the opening and ending theme songs, the ending's official music video, the themes and social problems depicted in the anime, and the story's twists and turns.  Join us to learn more about "ijime" in Japan and hear our reactions to this show! .............................................................

In this episode, Cisco shares his reactions and thoughts to the first three episodes of the second season of DanDaDan, released in American theaters (and worldwide!) as DanDaDan: Evil Eye.  How is the co-directing working out?  What’s different from the first season? Why the hell don’t these “first three episode” movies ever include the opening or ending theme songs? Listen for (most of) the answe...

In this episode we discuss the newest project from Shinichiro Watanabe, Lazarus. We cover the story, characters, opening and ending theme songs, and what the series is trying to say and how it might end. How similar is this to the original Cowboy Bebop? How did a more international team affect this show? Listen to our thoughts, watch it for yourself, and let us know what you think!...................

In this episode, we weigh in on the most recent developments in Kowloon Generic Romance, the relationship between the manga and the anime (and the dangers of adapting a work that's still in progress), the relationship between "originals" and "generics", why some people can see Kowloon and some can't, the emotions of the different characters, and what the "absolute self" really is. Discover who our...

In this episode, we talk about the opening and ending themes from this season's most bewitching anime, Witch Watch! Since we were deprived of getting to see (and hear!) them during the theatrical "Witch Watch Watch Party," find out how we feel about the series's music and all-important opening and ending animations!  Includes a bonus digression into the Japanese music industry's reliance on physic...

In this episode, we explore Netflix's original 18-episode anime series, Moonrise.  We discuss the awesome music, extraordinarily confusing plot, compelling character designs, and our thoughts about the series overall. Not sure what the heck was going on? Eager to know more about the series' origins?  Listen and find out! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Moonrise 01:26 Summary of the Story 03:16 Char...

In this episode, we avoid cringey Gen Z puns while talking about The Darwin Incident.  We explore veganism, the epidemic of mass shootings in America, the concept of animal rights, and how the United States is perceived from abroad.  Not sure what a humanzee is, or whether there's ever actually been one? Find out by listening! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Darwin Incident 02:59 Major Themes o...

In this episode we talk about the Apothecary Diaries (again!), this time examining the phenomenon of "magic" engraved mirrors and the history of ice cream.  How does a magic mirror work?  Who has the best claim to the invention of frozen creamy desserts - China, Persia, or England? What's a yuurei? Listen now and find out! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Episodes 38-42 of The Apothecary Diaries 01:...

In this episode we talk about the 2025 feature-length anime The Rose of Versailles.  In addition to our opinions about this version of the story, we talk about the historical people who inspired the characters, which parts are real and which are fiction, and the far-reaching influence of Riyoko Ikeda’s original 1970s manga.  Brush up on your knowledge of 1780s France by joining us for this convers...

In this episode we introduce To Be Hero X, a new Chinese-Japanese anime collaboration with an original story and star-studded Japanese voice cast.  We examine the mash-up of visual styles (which mixes 2D and 3D), talk about its time slot in Japan (replacing One Piece!), and opine on the series’ central conceit, which is that a hero’s social media popularity and people’s faith in them is what deter...

In this episode we discuss the recent Netflix remake of the 90s anime Yaiba! Samurai Legend, speculate about why 80s/90s remakes are so popular currently, and ponder the differences between remakes and reboots. What is a "yaiba" anyway? Find out in this week's 2 AM OTTACK!...........................................................................................Join us to explore and dig deep into...

In this episode we discuss our reactions to the first two episodes of the new anime Kowloon Generic Romance, the nature of nostalgia, the history of Kowloon Walled City, the theme songs, and the voice actors. Learn how to pronounce Kowloon in three languages, and how to talk about nostalgia in Japanese! 0:00 Opening Talk 02:17 Introduction to Kowloon Generic Romance 08:56 Where Does “Nostalgia” Co...

In this episode we talk about the end of the first cour of the second season of Apothecary Diaries, the history of firearms in China (and elsewhere), world bathing cultures, and the importance of consent. What the heck do those things have to do with the Apothecary Diaries? Listen and find out! ........................................................................................... Join us to e...

In this episode we give our honest reactions to the first episode of Solo Leveling *as we watch it!*  Join us as we question the story’s internal logic, Mayu repeatedly tells Cisco to stop talking (is this a podcast or isn’t it?!), and Cisco tries to give the protagonist unhelpful advice. Listen while watching along, or enjoy our incomprehensible non-sequiturs if you don’t! 0:00 Opening  3:10 Watc...

In this episode, we talk about attending the “Witch Watch” Watch Party / screening of the first three episodes in an LA theater. We discuss our reactions, expectations for the series, and thoughts about the opening and ending theme songs! We introduce a word of the day that appears in a huge variety of rom-com anime shows, and spill the beans about the truth of our watch party experience! 0:00 Ope...

In this episode, we bid farewell to talking about what’s obviously been our favorite anime of this season – Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. We break down the final episode’s content and meaning, especially the biggest question: what’s going on with Rafal?! We also talk about Sakanaction’s new music video for the opening theme song, introduce a new word of the day, and definitively answer the q...