The Otaku Crew Podcast

For the first time ever, the Otaku Crew panelists take on the task of critiquing the nominees and winners of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards for 2026. While the winners of each category are known, the Otaku Crew asks the question, "Why did that win?" Tune in to find out. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims)**Don't forget to listen...

Join the Otaku Crew panelists as they dive into the delicious world of anime cuisine! From iconic dishes fans instantly recognize to everyday meals commonly seen across anime series, the crew shares their thoughts, favorites, and fun insights on the foods that bring anime worlds to life. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims)**Don't forget...

Kicking off 2026, the Otaku Crew dives into Netflix’s latest business strategy and its collaboration with renowned Japanese anime studio MAPPA. What are the pros and cons? What does this mean for other anime studios? Tune in and find out. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims)**Don't forget to listen and share us on Spotify and other audio...

Anime endings can be bittersweet—especially when beloved series end too soon or never get the conclusion they deserve. In this episode, The Otaku Crew breaks that cycle by spotlighting anime characters who they think deserve a second chance in the spotlight. The crew debates which characters should get their own spin-off series and why their stories are far from over. Intro & outro music: http...

Studio MAPPA is back on the big screen — but can they match the hype? In this episode, we’re breaking down MAPPA’s newest anime film and asking the tough question: does it stack up to the massive success of Studio Ufotable’s recent smash, “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle – Part 1,” or does it miss the mark? The Otaku Crew has done the research — we’ll explore the story, animation and fan reaction. I...

As the Fall anime season draws to a close, it’s crowned by one of the most anticipated releases of the year Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Part 1 . In this episode, we dive deep into our review of the film, exploring not only its breathtaking animation and emotional highs, but also what it sets up for the future of the trilogy. Join us as we unpack the story, themes, and the massive potential this...

The Yautja—more commonly known as the Predator—has long captivated fans across generations. As the franchise evolves from live-action films to animated adaptations, the Otaku Crew discusses its ever-expanding universe. What is the animated films' biggest shortcomings? Where does it truly shine? And what deeper themes lie beneath the surface of the hunt? Tune in as we dissect the legacy, impact...

The Devil May Cry franchise has been flying under the radar in the anime world since 2007—but that’s about to change. With Netflix stepping into the ring, the stylish demon-slaying action gets a brand new spin. In this episode, the Crew dives deep into Netflix’s reimagining of the beloved DMC universe.*Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims)**D...

The theme of the Monster has been one that many academics have address in academic circles, but how many of them talk about it in a weeby way? That is what the Otaku Crew does. *Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims)**Don't forget to listen and share us on Spotify and other audio platforms!*https://www.audibletrial.com/officialotakucrewSpo...

In the world of manga and its anime adaptations, there's an age-old question that fans can't seem to escape: how do the characters' portrayals of the human physique shift from page to screen? This intriguing topic is one that the Otaku Crew dives into headfirst in this episode, exploring the artistic liberties taken and what that means for the characters we love. *Intro & outro mus...

Nearly four decades after the release of the last animated Lord of the Rings film, Warner Bros. Animation presents The War of the Rohirrim . However, the question remains: did they do justice to Tolkien's legacy with this new project? The Otaku crew is on a mission to find out. *Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims)**Don't forget to l...

In this episode, our panelists deep dive into Junji Ito's spine-chilling series Uzumaki . Join us as we dissect the surreal and unsettling world of spirals, exploring the haunting themes, intricate storytelling, and Ito’s signature art style that have made this series a cult classic in the horror genre. *Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Si...

This episode brings together the creative talents of Break Out Productions as they join the Otaku Crew to dive into an exciting discussion: which iconic animes from the '80s and '90s deserve a modern-day remaster with cutting-edge technology? *Be sure to check out Brake Out Productions:*  https://www.youtube.com/c/BrakeOutProductions Twitch: ⁠https://www.twitch.tv/brakeoutproduction *Intro & o...

The Otaku Crew is back for another lively discussion, this time diving into a lesser-known anime that reimagines the Grimm Brothers' fairy tales, The Grimm Variation. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims) Don't forget to listen and share us on Anchor and other audio platforms! Anchor Link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/je5r8HDOSub Foll...

The Otaku Crew address their different experiences with the North American Anime convention known as Otakuthon. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims) Don't forget to listen and share us on Anchor and other audio platforms! Anchor Link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/je5r8HDOSub Follow us on our Social Media Platforms: Instagram: Thi...

The Otaku Crew delves into the topics of MBTI personality types and Enneagrams. While not intended for self-diagnosis, the crew members use these tools to relate to anime characters and gain deeper insights into their own personalities. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims) Don't forget to listen and share us on Anchor and other audio pla...

The Otaku Crew delve into the phenomenon that is the hit anime Solo Leveling. The discussion orbits around various aspects, including the original webtoon's influence, its seamless transition into anime format, and a brief exploration of its adaptation into the realm of video games. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims) Don't forget t...

The Otaku crew discusses which quirks can be useful and useless when applying them in real life. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims) Don't forget to listen and share us on Anchor and other audio platforms! Anchor Link: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/je5r8HDOSub Follow us on our Social Media Platforms: Instagram: ThinkOtakuCrew Tik...

The Otaku Crew teams up with members of the Actual Anime podcast to deliver an in-depth review of the new Yu Yu Hakusho Netflix live-action adaptation. Together, they offer comprehensive critiques, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the show, while also discussing areas for potential improvement. The anime's premise revolves around the tale of a teenager who sacrifices himself t...

The Otaku Crew panelists reconvene for another eagerly anticipated anime review session, directing their keen attention to the captivating storytelling of SpyXFamily 2. Throughout the discussion, panelists delve deep into the evolution of characters, the challenges they confront, and the overarching narrative arc of project Strix. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (...

After a decade-long anticipation, Hayao Miyazaki finally unveils his latest animated film, "The Boy and the Heron." Waste no time as the Otaku Crew swiftly immerses themselves in this cinematic masterpiece, ready to provide an insightful and thorough review. Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goes to Chuck Sims) Don't forget to listen and share us on Anchor a...

In our final podcast episode of 2023, our panelists delve into the unique realm of Netflix's adaptation, putting a distinctive spin on the beloved Scott Pilgrim Vs The World comic series. Entitled "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off," this isn't merely a retelling but rather an imaginative exploration of a 'what if?' scenario. Join us as we dissect and reimagine the Scott Pilgrim un...

The Otaku Crew reviews the Netflix One Piece live action show with the AnimePlus Podcat, BabbleTalk Podcast and the Otaku Comedy Club. The series follows the escapades of the Straw Hat Pirates, navigating perilous oceans, uncharted lands, and beyond in a relentless pursuit of the legendary "One Piece" – a mythical treasure destined to crown their captain, Monkey D. Luffy, as the "Ki...

The Otaku Crew's panelists delve into the much-anticipated discussion surrounding the iconic Japanese anime studio, Studio Ghibli. In this session, our members meticulously explore the evolution of environmentalism, tracing its roots from the early stages in Japan to its seamless integration into the cinematic realm through various Ghibli masterpieces. The discourse spans across historical, po...

The Otaku Crew co-founders Layfon and Wiseman Lee collaborate with with the nerdcore hip hop artists Geeskter The SuperNerd to discuss the Yugioh anime. They do not limit the conversation to just the anime, but also to the real life card game and the toxic community. Geekster Link: https://beacons.ai/geeksterthesupernerd Intro & outro music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u24i8... (Credit goe...