Zannen, Canada

G4, G4TechTV, ZDTV... no matter what you call it, it had one of the most interesting evolutionary path of any channel on Canadian TV, and some of the most interesting anime selections. Does Anime Current stand the test of time? Jarvis and I try to get to the bottom of that.

Amanda joins me to talk about this year's Anime Revolution: the only anime convention sponsored by Church's Chicken. The Vancouver con is far from the best out there, but I'll be damned if it isn't one of the most interesting to talk about. Hear about all of the highs and lows of the 2017 event.

Jose Argumedo from the One Piece Podcast joins me to share his thoughts on the streaming economy and why we can't quite escape from the bundling tactics that have stigmatized cable for many. We also chat a bit about Discotek releases and Adult Swim.

In another retrospective on anime that have had a unique cultural impact in Canada, Dave Merrill joins me to gush about the legendary space pirate Captain Harlock. Under the localized title "Albator," the 1978 series was once a massive social phenomenon in French-speaking Canada. What made this show resonate so strongly with people? Is it worth checking out today? And... why is Harlock always rock...

Jarvis Gray joins me to chat about the good times had at Sakura-Con 2017, the shut down of Nyaa and the unexpected impact this might have on people who need clips or can't stream anime, the lost Anne of Green Gables dub and just how blown away we've been by Persona 5.

Remember when Power Rangers was banned in Canada by the CBSC? Pan and I sure do! In this episode we recount the somewhat rocky history of Super Sentai in Canada. Also: the Conservative Party of Canada is holding their leadership conference at the same time and place as Anime North! What could this mean? Episode breakdown: 3:30 - Pan shares her thoughts on Saban's Power Rangers movie 22:00 - How th...

Crunchyroll recently released a new dub for the third season of Gintama, one of the few recently produced in Vancouver, BC. Michael Daingerfield, the voice of Gintoki, stops by to talk about his work. Patrick also joins me to dig into the new dub.

Karl and Corey join me to talk about the sad demise of HMV, how the increasingly restrictive US border under 45 may impact Canadian anime fans, and what you might be missing if you don't have an over-the-air antenna. Also, more musing about anime on CBC. Episode breakdown: 00:00 - HMV closure 24:00 - The implications of the recent US travel ban 35:00 - Karl becomes enamoured once again with over-t...

Has Beyblade had a unique cultural impact in Canada? I'm still a little on the fence, but Ashley and Noah join me to make a pretty solid argument.

Try to find some kind of complacency in this tumultuous 2016 holiday season as Jesse, Eryn, Ian and Randy recount our favourite movies, TV shows, comics and video games from the past year. If you weren’t paying attention to DC’s new Hannah-Barbera comics already, you might want to reconsider now. Episode Breakdown 2:00 - A look back at anime in Canada over the past year, whether streaming, broadca...

Lissa Pattillo from Seven Seas Entertainment talks about how the manga market has changed over the years, how important it is for the industry to have stuff on TV and the perils of bringing manga (smutty or otherwise) over the US border. Episode breakdown: 2:15 - Looking back on Kuriousity and changes in the manga market since then 14:00 - Comparing our market to Europe 21:00 - Overcoming the digi...

Crunchyroll recently released electoral-style maps breaking down the most popular new anime in each Canadian province and US state, and man were there some notable differences. Canadian map: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2016/10/30-1/feature-crunchyrolls-most-popular-fall-anime-by-provinceterritory US map: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/10/27/feature-crunchyrolls-most-popula...

You must watch "The Secret Path." Directed by Gord Downie of The Tragically Hip, this animated feature recently broadcast on CBC tells the story of Chanie Wenjack who escaped from a residential school in 1966 in a way that no other medium could. Ian Whitcombe joins me to explain why. "The Secret Path" can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGd764YU9yc We also take a little time to dis...

Jesse and Karl share their thoughts on Crunchyroll and Funimation's recent partnership announcement - hands down the second-most important anime news of the week.

Cameron Archer from Gloryosky (sweetposer.com) joins me to talk about industry presence at Canadian anime cons, the new fall TV line-up and... could anime work on the CBC?

When McPizza was test marketed, it never made it outside of our borders. When Pepsi Max was, it spread to countless markets. Karl helps me figure out which junk food analogy best fits Crunchyroll's current strategy. We also talk about Viz streaming on Tubi TV, upcoming Ocean dubs and some thoughts on the Iron Man anime which finished its run on Family CHRGD. 2:25 - Talk about some new shows this s...

Sailor Moon is unanimously considered the starting point of modern anime fandom in English-speaking Canada. Is this historical designation still important in an age where the series is receiving US-based redubs and remakes? Randy and Eryn share their thoughts. Also, an interview with the ADR director of the original DiC dub, Roland Parliament, featuring Emily Gonsalves from Moon Chase and the Toro...

Over 20 years, John Rooney has worked at YTV, Teletoon and DHX Media. Acting as Director of Programming during the Bionix era and helping oversee the launch of Adult Swim Canada, John has overseen many key moments in anime and animation in Canadian media. I ask him to help dispel myths about acquisition, production, and talk also about a bunch of other stuff that will keep you 90s kids satisfied....

LINK TO IMPORTANT CANCON SURVEY: http://pch.sondages-surveys.ca/s/dwc/?l=en The Iron Man anime is hitting... Family CHRGD? What's Viz up to this time? Is there any hope for Canadian content with a new survey from the Ministry of Heritage, or should we just stick with anime forever? Karl returns to share his perspective. Episode breakdown: 4:30 - The Iron Man anime is hitting Family CHRGD 13:40 - D...

A few theatrical updates, and a rundown of the new shows for the spring 2016 season with Corey and Ian. Episode breakdown: 5:00 - Theatrical updates 9:20 - Everything you need to know about Super Lovers 14:20 - Ian mercifully changes the subject to The Lost Village 18:25 - Streaming issues, Kabenari of the Iron Fortress 29:30 - My Hero Academia, Joker Game, Ace Attorney, Flying Witch, and more! 41...

In a surprise turn, Mongrel Media will be releasing Mamoru Hosoda's "The Boy and the Beast" in Canada rather than FUNimation - both theatrically AND on home video. Yet we've gotten almost no news about this. Randy Forbister helps speculate on just what on earth is going on with this movie. Also, other theatrical issues, as well as streaming. Episode breakdown: 0:30 - Quick catch up with Randy 10:3...

Inuyasha made a significant splash when it first debuted on YTV in 2003... far greater than many of us seem to remember, in fact. What were the exact cultural circumstances that caused Inuyasha to dominate Canadian Google searches for years? Ian and Noah help me get to the bottom of this. Episode Breakdown: 5:45- Our personal experiences with Inuyasha 25:00 - The Japanese context of the show 29:50...

Hazel and Bell from the popular webcomic "Always Raining Here" join me to discuss new anime for the winter 2016 season. But first, Karl and I talk about the new policy changes for Canadians on Crunchyroll a few other unfortunate developments Episode breakdown: 0:15 - Crunchyroll is restricting access for non-premium users! Netflix is blocking VPNs! The Anime Network free lunch is over! 33:00 - Haz...

Former Zone host Sugar Lyn Beard talks about her time as a host and producer at YTV, an unlikely start in radio and her fond memories working on Sailor Moon S and SuperS. She also shares details on some surprising projects we can expect from her in the future!

Get in the holiday spirit as Jesse, Karl, Eryn and Rin-senpai recount their personal highlights of 2015. Episode breakdown: 01:00 - News rundown 15:00 - We each share our media highlights of the year