Spiraken Review Podcast

 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...

In This Episode, Xan reviews another isekai series, this time it's one where the main character uses low level spells. Is it worth reading? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews the isekai light novel manga adaptation Failure Frame I Became The Strongest and Annihilated Everything With Love Level Spells by Kaoru Shinozaki & Keyaki Uchi-Uchi. ----more---- Besides discussing this story, Xan...

In this episode, Xan reviews a sci fi shonen manga about an alien from Planet Happy, who discovers the truth about consequences and the human condition. Prepare to be introspective as he reviews the manga one shot series Takopi's Original Sin by Taizan5. ----more---- As our intrepid host summaries this dramatic story, he also announces what panels he will be doing at Otakon and the latest Manga Ne...

In this ep, Xan reviews a shoujo manga about first love, tradition and trying to not be intimate. So sit back and enjoy as he reviews Let's Do It Already by Aki Kusaka. ----more---- As our esteemed host discusses the unique element of traditions in this manga, he also goes over the latest manga news.  -------------------------------------- Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken...

In This episode, Xan reviews a post apocalyptic horror manga about turning, not into zombies, but rather into cats!!! How insane is this? well, sit back and find out as he reviews the manga Night of the Living Cat  by Hawkman with art by Mecha-Roots. ----more---- Besides discussing this manga, our intrepid host also goes over the latest manga releases. Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow...

In This Episode, Xan reviews a manga about a hero who cannot defeat the Demon King, because of a cat. How is it? Well, relax and find out as he reviews the comedy action manga Cat on the Hero's Lap by Kousuke Iijima and illustrated by Shiori. ----more---- As our intrepid host discusses the danger of cats sleeping on your lap, he also goes over the new home of the Spiraken Review Podcast and the la...

In this episode, Xan reviews a Josei manga about the what if's in your life and the regrets you have in your 30s. Is it worth checking out? Well sit back and find out as he reviews the rom com josei series Tokyo Tarareba Girls by Akiko Higashimura. ----more---- As he discusses this manga, he also goes over what was chosen from our x.com poll and what the latest manga releases are. Remember to Like...

In this ep, Xan reviews an action manga created by the mangaka responsible for Tokyo Ghoul. How does it compare? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Choujin X by Sui Ishida. ----more---- As he discusses the similarities between this and other superpowered manga, he also talks a little bit about Animazement 2024 and he geeks out over the latest manga releases. Remember to Like, Share and Subs...

In this episode, Xan reviews a shonen manga about assassins and con artists looking for love. Is it a good manga? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews the action, romance manga series Marriage Toxin by Joumuaku with art by Mizuki Yoda.  ----more---- As our intrepid host discusses this manga's better qualities, he also talks about his upcoming panels at Animazement 2024 and goes over the lates...

Happy 16 Year Anniversary To Spiraken!!!! In this special anniversary episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan reviews a science fiction, survival mech series. Is it worth the read? Well Sit back and find out as he reviews Snowball Earth by Yuhiro Tsujitsugu. ----more---- Besides discussing the manga, Xan also goes over some fun statistics about the podcast and reveals the panel schedule for Anim...