Spiraken Review Podcast

In this episode, Xan dives into the acclaimed prequel, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, by Hideyuki Furuhashi and Betten Court. This series explores the street-level heroes who operate without a license in the MHA universe. Does this grittier, more personal tale of Koichi and his friends surpass the global stakes of the original? We deliver our verdict on this complete collection.   In This Episode:...

In this episode, Xan tackles Kaiju Kamui by Shintaro Arima, a kaiju manga that wears its Evangelion influences on its sleeve.   Does this story of a pilot bonding with a biological weapon to fight monsters forge its own path, or does it get crushed under the weight of its inspirations? We break down what works and what feels a little too familiar in this action-packed series. ----more---- In This...

In this special episode, Xan is joined by Gretta to revisit a true classic: Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara. Originally reviewed in Episode 120, does this beloved fantasy mystery about a wandering "Mushi Master" hold up after all these years? We examine the beautiful new Kodansha Collector's Edition to see if it's the definitive way to own this atmospheric and philosophical series. In This Nostalgic E...

In this episode, Xan dives into the brutal and unique dystopian action of Tank Chair by Manabu Yashiro. This manga features a comatose assassin in a weaponized wheelchair and the sister who guides him on a violent path to recovery. Is this an underrated gem for fans of Chainsaw Man and Dorohedoro? We load up and fire off our full review. In This Episode: Breaking down the hyper-violent, heartfelt,...

In this episode, Xan examines Mr. Megaman (Rockman-san) by Yushi Kawata & Yukito—a bizarre but charming slice-of-life manga where the Blue Bomber trades battling Robot Masters for a career in dentistry. Is this Udon Entertainment manga a loving tribute or a cavity-inducing misstep? We drill into this unique video game homage to find the root of its appeal. In This Episode: Analyzing this quirk...

n this episode, Xan kicks off the 600s with a delightful change of pace: Cats with Jobs by Pandania. This wholesome slice-of-life manga explores the secret world of felines with careers. Is it the cathartic and relaxing read we all need? We dive into this charming webcomic-turned-manga to see if its gentle humor and positive vibes are a perfect palate cleanser. In This Episode: A review of this ge...

Celebrate 600 episodes of the Spiraken Manga Review! For this landmark episode, Xan tackles the controversial and popular Chained Soldier (Mato Seihei no Slave) by Takahiro with art by Yohei Takemura. Does this hit fantasy harem manga about a young man empowering a squad of super-powered women live up to its hype, or does it get... well, chained by its own tropes? We deliver a definitive verdict f...

In this special milestone episode, Xan is joined by Gretta to revisit a true classic: Cat's Eye by Tsukasa Hojo. Originally reviewed 300 episodes ago, does the story of the three Kisugi sisters—art thieves reclaiming their father's work—still hold up? We dive into the new Kana omnibus edition to see if this iconic manga is worth a modern reader's shelf space. In This Episode: A fresh look at the c...

Xan hits the set with Tenmaku Cinema, the short-lived but ambitious manga from the acclaimed duo Yūto Tsukuda (Story) and Shun Saeki (Art). Does this Viz Media title swap culinary ecstasy for cinematic passion, delivering a heartfelt story about a young cinephile and his literal ghostwriter? We explore if it captures movie-making magic without the infamous Food Wars! fan service. In This Episode:...

Xan beams down to review Tokyo Alien Bros by Keigo Shinzō, a unique seinen manga that swaps alien invasions for everyday life. Follow two extraterrestrial brothers—one a natural, one a disaster—as they attempt to master "being human" in the heart of Tokyo. Does this heartwarming Viz Media title use its sci-fi premise to explore universal truths about family and belonging? We decode its charming bl...

Xan delves into Natsume & Natsume by Shunsuke Sorato, a shojo rom-com about a "villainous-looking" boy and an incredibly popular girl who share the same name. Does this Azuki Manga series live up to its fantastic setup, or does it become a case of wasted potential? We break down where this opposites-attract story soars and where it sadly stumbles. In This Episode: Analyzing the strong premise...

Xan explores Spacewalking with Me by Inuhiko Doronoda, a poignant coming-of-age manga about an unlikely bond between a daydreamer and a "yankee" delinquent. Does this Kodansha title use its cosmic metaphor to deliver a relatable story about human connection and the tethers that keep us grounded? We dive into its heartfelt narrative. In This Episode: Analyzing the powerful theme of emotional "tethe...

Xan explores a delightful departure from the norm with Lil' Leo by the legendary Moto Hagio—a foundational member of the Year 24 Group. Does this collection of charming short stories about a curious cat prove the iconic writer's versatility and add a lighter, heartfelt chapter to her monumental catalog? We delve into this Denpa-published gem. In This Episode: Appreciating the gentle, whimsical ton...

Xan saddles up for Buffalo 5 Girls by Moyoco Anno—a short-lived but explosive josei manga about a band of women fleeing oppression on stolen motorcycles across the Wild West. Was this bold, feminist tale from the creator of Sugar Sugar Rune worth the ride despite its premature cancellation? We dive into its themes of freedom, sisterhood, and what could have been. In This Episode: Analyzing Moyoco...

 Appare Ranman! – Steampunk Madness Across the Wild West! 🏎️ Xan fires up the engine on Appare Ranman!, a wildly inventive steampunk racing manga from the minds of Appareacing (story) and Antonsiku (art). Follow the chaotic duo of a genius inventor and a stoic ronin as they compete in a cross-country race through a fantastical 1890s America. Is it as unhinged and fun as Wacky Races? Let's find out...

Xan tackles Übel Blatt by Etorouji Shiono —a brutal seinen revenge saga often compared to Berserk. Does this Yen Press manga carve its own path, or does it live in the shadow of giants? We dissect its grim worldbuilding, relentless action, and moral ambiguity. In This Episode: Why Übel Blatt’s antihero Koinzell stands out Latest manga releases worth your attention Animazement 2025 Panel Announceme...

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)!...