2AM OTTACK! - Anime Manga Podcast -

In this episode we return to Orb: On the Movements of the Earth to marvel at how unexpectedly right Cisco was about the plot; define, explain, and explore the Greek terms introduced by the most recent episodes; introduce a new Japanese Word of the Day; and give some predictions about where the show might go in its last episode! Feel free to argue, compare notes, or correct us in the comments! Othe...

In this episode we talk about the classic 1991 anime Fushigi no Umi no Nadia aka Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water . From the secret politicking behind the scenes to the connections to other classics like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Neon Genesis Evangelion , find out lots more about this awesome show and its untoppable theme song! 0:00 Opening   02:24 Introduction to Nadia: The Secret of Blue W...

In this episode we return to The Apothecary Diaries to discuss the second season, why having a conversation with Japanese people that includes Chinese names can be extremely difficult, notable challenges to patriarchy in Chinese history, and how color blindness could help you solve a maze!  Find out more by listening! 0:00 Opening 04:28 Fun facts about Japanese and English readings of Chinese prop...

In this episode, we talk more about Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, examining lead's use in plumbing (and the etymological connection there), the nature of evil and responsibility for state- or church-sanctioned violence, the absolute banger-ness of Sakanaction's full version of Kaiju, and other topics related to the most recent three episodes of the show!  Learn something new and geek out wit...

In this episode, we talk about The Apothecary Diaries ' fictional Chinese setting, they very real toxic plants that appear both there and in LA, how to tell whether someone is a bonafide eunuch or not, and why more weebs ought to be appreciating this show. Embrace your inner poison otaku! Chapters:  0:00 Opening 02:57 The Apothecary Diaries ’ Fictional Chinese Setting 08:35 Poison Otaku Mao Mao 12...

In this episode we talk about the excellent new anime Medalist, the plot of the first few episodes, the opening and ending theme songs, and things that struck us as notable or weird about the show.  Learn more about skating in Japan, giant flying worms, and why Japanese pronunciation sometimes winds up being extremely unfortunate. Chapter:  02:35 What is “Medalist”? 07:23  “Medalist”: More Than Ju...

In this episode, we talk about the new anime Ameku Takao’s Detective Karte (aka Ameku M.D.: Doctor Detective) and our reactions to it!  What’s this show’s appeal? What do Okinawa and autism have to do with this?  And why the hell is the ending theme song by the Gospellers? Find out the answer to *some* of these questions in this episode! ...............................................................

In this episode we return to our favorite new anime of this season, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, to talk about books on bodies, Jesus’s thoughts about material acquisition, Polish female astronomers, and the mind-blowing concept of daycare… at a concert. #33 Best Anime about Astronomy EVER?! Orb: On the Movements of the Earth 33 Best Anime about Astronomy EVER?! Orb: On the Movements of the...

In this episode we talk about the brand-new, Japan-only anime series Zenshu and its first three episodes.  Join us as we explore its title, plot, theme songs, and callbacks to famous earlier anime series!  01:53 Zenshu’s Plot & Meaning of the Title  05:12 “Magical Girl” Anime Vibes & Sadako Hair 09:21 Featured Classic Anime Explained 14:06 Feminism in Zenshu  20:49 Words of the Day - Tappu...

In this episode, we talk about the first two (thanks Japanese VPN!) episodes of Sakamoto Days, and introduce the characters, voice actors, and music!  We also introduce not one, not two, but THREE words of the day!  Learn more about this exciting series and Japanese in this week’s 2 AM Ottack! 00:29 Sakamoto Days & Its Rating 04:46 Main Characters: Taro Sakamoto and and Shin Asakura (Aka Shun...

In this episode, Cisco recommends (and mispronounces the title of) Show-ha Shoten! , a monthly manga running in Jump SQ, and comments on the depictions of gender in Ichi the Witch and Hima-Ten! , two series from Weekly Jump.  Which is your favorite? ........................................................................................... In this shorter podcast series, Cisco gives his opinion on...

In this episode we talk about our orb-session with Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, which has been one of our favorite anime series so far.  How does an anime about the development of heliocentrism manage to be as exciting as Game of Thrones?  What the hel-iocentrism is “heliocentrism,” anyway? To what extent exactly is the lingering “great man theory” of science responsible for the blind spots...

In this episode, we uncover all the secrets of the occult and UFO (ultimate freakin’ otaku) anime, Dandadan!  Listen and you too can be privy to all the secret callbacks known only to Japanese people “of a certain age” who watched a lot of Ultraman and energy drink commercials in the early 1990s!  If you’re wilting, this episode will pep you right up! 03:23 The Secret Dandadan Recap   04:33 The Se...

In this episode, we discuss the events of the penultimate cour of Beastars, as well as what the series has been trying to say since the outset. Is it about race, gender, general discrimination, or is it “just a story” a la Watership Down? Which is the best opening theme song? Find out our answers to these pressing questions and more this week! 02:47 The creator and background of BEASTARS 06:13 Wat...

In this episode, we talk about one of the only famous Christmas anime movies, Satoshi Kon's 2003 Tokyo Godfathers.  We explore the film's depiction of the unhoused, drag queens, and Japanese Christmas traditions.  Learn something new this holiday season and find out if this film is for you! 02:51 The plot of Tokyo Godfathers 03:51 How Satoshi Kon's films differ from other anime 07:55 The talent Ja...

In this episode, Cisco highlights Mission: Yozakura Family (is the series ending?!) and Astro Royale, and can’t help shouting out Me and Roboco and One Piece. Is Charles Dickens responsible for Weekly Shonen Jump’s format? Find out by listening! ........................................................................................... In this podcast, we talk all about Anime, Manga, Movies, music...

In this episode, Cisco introduces the monthly titles in the Shonen Jump app - Blue Exorcist, Gokurakugai, Seraph of the End, Show-ha Shoten!, and World Trigger.  Find out a little about each series, hear the hot takes, and discover a new read! ........................................................................................... In this podcast, we talk all about Anime, Manga, Movies, music a...

In the 13th episode, we talk about Me and Roboco and its rhythm of rapid-fire jokes! Don't blink (or let your ears close) as we explain why we love this manga and anime so much. Me and Roboco is worth re-reading and freeze-framing! ........................................................................................... In this podcast, we talk all about Anime, Manga, Movies, music and history t...

In this week’s episode, Cisco explains his love for Undead Unluck, some of the Japanese-language specific jokes in this week’s Me and Roboco, checks in on Syd Craft and Kagurabachi’s vibes, and reveals his ignorance of Edo-era slang. Undead Unluck Episode: #11 Undead Unluck: Unlocking the Unexpected https://open.spotify.com/episode/4MY2NtZtrty2mPYxugIUj0?si=44d10b1d49f340dc 00:27 Undead Unluck (we...

In this episode we talk about Ranma ½ - the original manga, the original 1980s/90s TV series, and the new remake!  Find out what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and what we think about this gender-bending classic! 01:50 New series announcement  03:03 Rumiko Takahashi’s many series 04:59 Gender themes and representation in Ranma ½  09:35 Why remake Ranma ½ in 2024? 15:38 Old and new series compa...

In this episode we check in on Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi and Syd Craft: Love is a Mystery and Cisco gives a shout-out to a location mentioned in Hima-Ten.  Featured this week is Super Psychic Policeman Chojo and its new “lewd” character! Undead Unluck Episode: #11 Undead Unluck: Unlocking the Unexpected https://open.spotify.com/episode/4MY2NtZtrty2mPYxugIUj0?si=44d10b1d49f340dc 00:46 New Series! S...

In this episode we break down "Otonoke," the Dandadan opening theme song by Creepy Nuts.  Learn more about what the title means, the inspiration behind the opening animation, the Easter eggs in the lyrics, and the bizarre origins of the samples used in the song!  We also go on some fun detours about possession and 2chan.  Enjoy! 02:00 What the Heck Is Creepy Nuts?!  05:18 The Story Behind “Otonoke...

In this new format, we introduce a brand-new manga title debuting this week in the Shonen Jump app and give a quick spotlight to one other running series.  Looking for a new manga to get into or a hot take on this week's new chapters?  Find it here! ........................................................................................... In this podcast, we talk all about Anime, Manga, Movies, m...

In this episode, we talk about Steins;Gate 0, the 2018 sequel to Steins;Gate, and explore the ways in which the show anticipated modern LLM AIs, the slow-burn pacing of the series, the voice actors, and the Japanese festival of Tanabata. Time-leap with us through this awesome show! ........................................................................................... In this podcast, we talk...

In this episode we discuss Tatsuki Fujimoto’s 2022 one-shot, Sayonara Eri (Goodbye, Eri).  We examine what the one-shot is trying to say, what happens at the end, and whether this one-shot will get a film adaptation like Look Back did!  How will people remember us after we die?  How will you remember this podcast after you’re done listening to it?!  Don’t say sayonara till you’ve heard it all! Loo...