Spiraken Review Podcast

Xan explores the heartfelt world of In the Clear Moonlit Dusk by Mika Yamamori, a romantic comedy that follows two "princes" who discover there's more to each other than their striking appearances. This series captures honest emotions, genuine vulnerability, and a captivating slow-burn dynamic between Yoi and Kohaku. Is it worth the read? We dive in. In This Episode: Discussing the honest, tender...

Xan dives into the charming world of Akira Failing in Love by Shinta Harekawa, a fun rom-com about a girl whose awkwardness around her crush is matched only by her determination. This series wears its heart on its sleeve and its tropes proudly. Is it worth the read? We break down the sweet nature behind the familiar beats. In This Episode: A look at the numerous tropes that power this endearing ro...

Xan enters the arena of Liar Liar by Funa Yukia (original story by Haruki Kuou), ----more---- a light novel adaptation manga centered on mind games, deception, and a dose of fan service. Set on an island where everything is settled through strategic "Games," this series follows a transfer student who stumbles into the role of pseudo-strongest. Is it worth navigating, or does it feel like a game we...

Xan explores the boundary between sexy storytelling and simple ecchi with Virgin Ventures: The Hilarious Hijinks of Erotic Amateurs by Kuroseimu. ----more---- This manga follows an inexperienced duo attempting to write erotic fiction despite having zero real-world experience. Is it worth reading as a story, or does it tip over into porn with plot? We break down the laughs, the cringe, and the surp...

Xan takes aim at Love Bullet by Inee, ----more---- a new shojo manga that reimagines cupids as gun-toting matchmakers with a modern edge. Does this quirky premise deliver a bullseye, or does it miss its target entirely? We break down the confusing narrative, oddly low-energy pacing, and where this mid-tier story lands. In This Episode: A spoiler-light discussion of the story's unique but muddled e...

Xan returns to a cornerstone of shojo manga: Ai Yazawa's Nana. ----more---- Twenty-five years after its debut, this quintessential story of two young women—both named Nana, both chasing dreams in Tokyo—remains a cultural touchstone. Does it hold up? We revisit this groundbreaking series in its new sprayed-edge omnibus edition and compare it to our original review. In This Episode: A spoiler-light...

For our 625th episode, Xan returns to a seinen landmark: Old Boy Deluxe Edition by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi. Famous for its explosive 2013 film adaptation, this brutal noir thriller asks whether a story about revenge, confinement, and raw desperation ages like fine wine or crumbles under its own weight. We revisit our original review and see how it holds up. In This Episode: A spoiler-...

Xan dives into the deliciously predictable world of Assassin & Cinderella by Yuzo Natsuno,   an ecchi shojo where a spy and an assassin trade bullets for wedding vows. Does this Square Enix title follow the Spy x Family blueprint, or does it carve its own path by adding a generous helping of spice? We break down the art, the tension, and the tropes. ----more---- In This Episode: Appreciating t...

Xan ventures into the grim world of Centuria by Tohru Kuramori, a dark fantasy manga that has drawn inevitable comparisons to Berserk. With its brutal opening, eldritch horrors, and a protagonist burdened by 100 stolen lives, does this newcomer topple the king of grimdark, or does it land somewhere in the middle? We tread carefully—keeping the mystery intact. In This Episode: A measured look at th...

Xan explores the world of J-pop fandom with Tamon's B-Side by Yuki Shiwasu, a shojo series that peels back the glittering curtain of idol life. When a devoted fangirl discovers her favorite idol is actually a gloomy, insecure mess behind the scenes, she becomes determined to support him—whether he likes it or not. In This Episode: Breaking down the lexicon of the J-pop fan world and how the series...

In this episode, Xan plugs into the world of Night City once more with Cyberpunk Edgerunners Madness by Bartosz Sztybor with art by Asano. This manga prequel to the acclaimed Netflix anime series follows Rebecca and her brother Pilar as they claw their way toward becoming legendary edgerunners. Strap in for a chaotic ride through the City of Dreams. ----more---- In This Episode: Following the mani...

In this episode, Xan enrolls in Kindergarten Wars by You Chiba, a shonen action-comedy that takes the "assassins at school" premise and cranks it up to eleven. Set in a kindergarten for VIP children where the teachers are ex-criminals working off their sentences, this manga knows exactly what it is—and runs with it. Does it carve its own identity, or does it feel too familiar? Let's find out. ----...

n this episode, Xan examines I Want To Escape From Princess Lessons by Izumi Sawano (Author), Uri Sugata (Illustrator), and Miru Yumesaki (Contributor). What begins as a familiar "princess in training" setup quickly evolves into something far more complicated—a story about captivity dressed in romantic clothing. We unpack its tangled dynamics. ----more---- In This Episode: Discussing the unsettlin...

In this episode, Xan dives into Magical Midlifer by Maki, a new manga that flips the magical girl genre on its head. Instead of sparkly teenagers, we follow middle-aged men working behind the scenes to clean up the mess—literally. Is this a fresh, clever subversion or a story that leans too heavily on familiar tropes? We break it down. ----more---- In This Episode: Analyzing the unique premise of...

In this episode, Xan revisits a legendary seinen series originally reviewed way back in Episode 102 by former co-host Kal. City Hunter by Tsukasa Hojo  follows Ryo Saeba, a "Sweeper" who cleans up Tokyo's underworld while chasing beautiful women, and his partner Kaori, who keeps him in check with a giant hammer. Does this new Kana omnibus edition elevate the classic, or does the original review st...

In this episode, Xan dives into the hot new Shonen Jump sensation, Ichi the Witch, by Osamu Nishi with art by Shiro Usazaki. This series follows Ichi, a feral boy who becomes the world's first male witch. Does this hit have the magic to become one of the "New Big Three"? We analyze its unique premise, stunning artwork, and shonen potential. In This Episode: A light spoiler look at the first chapte...

In this episode, Xan dissects the romantic comedy Hope You're Happy, Lemon by Mizuki Kishikawa. This manga takes the classic "body swap" premise and injects it with the high-stakes drama of an ex-girlfriend wild card. Does this story honor the beloved trope with fresh emotion, or does it rely on predictable beats? We analyze its charms and challenges. In This Episode: A light spoiler discussion of...

In this episode, Xan and Gretta delve into the charming yet complicated world of Betrothed to My Sister's Ex by Tobirano, with art by Chikage Nakakura. This manga adaptation of a hit light novel presents a classic Cinderella romance with a mistaken-identity twist. Does this tale of an overlooked baron's daughter and a dashing count earn its "happily ever after," or does the heroine's profound self...

In this episode, Xan delves into the dark, hyper-detailed cyberpunk world of Mujina into the Deep by Inio Asano (creator of Goodnight Punpun). This highly anticipated manga presents a brutal, near-future dystopia where human rights are a commodity. Does this stark departure from Asano's usual work justify its intense hype? We dissect its visceral art, grim narrative, and polarizing characters. In...

In this episode, Xan travels to that galaxy far, far away to review Star Wars: Path of the Lightsaber by Kenny Ruiz. This manga follows a young salvager who discovers a lost lightsaber in the tumultuous era right after The Last Jedi. Is this a worthy addition to Star Wars canon, or does it fumble its potential? We ignite our sabers and dive into this new corner of the saga. In This Episode: A brea...

Happy New Year from Spiraken! Xan and Gretta kick off 2026 with a tranquil and beautiful manga to match the season of new beginnings. They review Wash It All Away by Mitsuru Hattori, a calming slice-of-life story about a woman with amnesia who finds peace running a laundry service. Is it a masterclass in relaxation, or is it too uneventful? We unfold the layers of this gentle series. In Our First...

Merry Christmas Eve! In this special holiday episode, Xan unwraps Kamudo, the new fantasy epic from the legendary duo Akira Himekawa (creators of The Legend of Zelda manga). Set in a divine world before mankind, this series follows Kamuna, a boy born with a dragon's hand. Is this widely anticipated manga worth the hype? We dive into its stunning art and mythic world to find out! In This Festive Ep...

In this episode, Xan travels back to the dawn of modern manga with Lost World by the legendary Osamu Tezuka. As the inaugural work in Tezuka's classic sci-fi trilogy, does this proto-manga about a rogue dinosaur planet stand as a visionary classic, or is it a fascinating but dated relic? We unearth its historical importance and see how it holds up today. In This Episode: Analyzing the historic, fo...

In this episode, Xan ventures into the grim, oppressive world of Tower Dungeon by legendary creator Tsutomu Nihei (Blame!, Knights of Sidonia). Does the master of sci-fi architecture successfully conquer the dark fantasy genre with this tale of a nightmarish, living tower? We explore whether his iconic style creates a new horror classic or falters outside its usual domain. Also in This Episode: Th...

In this episode, Xan delves into the award-winning Akane-banashi by Yuki Suenaga, illustrated by Takamasa Moue. ----more---- This manga brilliantly explores the traditional Japanese art of rakugo through the eyes of a young woman on a mission of artistic revenge. Does it successfully translate the humor, tension, and passion of live performance onto the page? We break down this modern shonen maste...