Spiraken Review Podcast

Spiraken Review Podcasts
  • 1.5 (2)
  • ANIMATION & MANGA
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

For over 600 episodes, the Wheel of Manga has been our chaotic overlord. One spin could bring the cozy fantasy of Restaurant to Another World or the body-horror of Tokyo Ghoul—we just hold the microphone. But that's not all! Get our unfiltered manga hot takes, on-the-ground convention reports, movie reviews, and dive deep with our Monthly Book Club. Whether it's the slick action of Lupin III or the profound soul-searching of Vagabond, if it's a story with pulse, we've covered it. Your weekly dose of glorious uncertainty starts here.

  1. APR 1

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 624: Assassin & Cinderella

    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 the stunning artwork and the dynamic between our deadly leads. Discussing the predictable but undeniably enjoyable story beats. The latest manga releases from this week. Support the Show: Help us keep the reviews coming: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "If you had to marry your professional rival, would you negotiate a truce or plot your escape?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #AssassinAndCinderella #YuzoNatsuno #Ecchi #Shojo #SpyManga #SquareEnixManga Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

    15 min

  2. MAR 25

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 623: Centuria

    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 the first chapter's dark, visceral opening and what it sets up. Discussing the comparisons to Berserk and where Centuria stands on its own. The latest manga releases from this week. Support the Show: Help us keep exploring the darkness: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "What's a dark fantasy series that genuinely unsettled you—and made you keep reading?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #Centuria #TohruKuramori #DarkFantasy #ShonenJump #Berserk #NewManga Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

    18 min

  3. MAR 18

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 622: Tamon's B-Side

    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 navigates idol culture. Discussing the premise of a fangirl navigating her idol's public face versus his private reality. The latest manga releases from this week. Support the Show: Help us keep the spotlight on new manga: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "If you discovered your favorite celebrity was secretly a total mess behind the scenes, would you want to know—or would you rather keep the illusion?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #TamonsBSide #YukiShiwasu #Shojo #JPop #IdolManga #RomCom #VizMedia Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

    20 min

  4. MAR 11

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 621: Cyberpunk Edgerunners Madness

    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 manic energy of Rebecca and Pilar as they dive headlong into Night City's underworld. Discussing the striking art style and how it captures the grit and gloss of the Cyberpunk universe. The latest manga releases for the week. Support the Show: Help us keep the chrome shiny: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "If you were an edgerunner in Night City, what would your signature piece of cyberware be?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #CyberpunkEdgerunnersMadness #CyberpunkEdgerunners #BartoszSztybor #DarkHorseManga #Cyberpunk2077 #NightCity Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

    18 min

  5. MAR 4

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 620: Kindergarten Wars

    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. ----more---- In This Episode: Discussing the familiar "assassins and school" setup and how it compares to series like Assassination Classroom, Mission: Yozakura Family, and Full Metal Panic—while doing something distinctly its own. Why Rita, Convict #999, makes for a surprisingly hilarious and compelling protagonist. The latest manga releases for the week. Support the Show: Help us keep the chaos contained: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "If you had to teach at a school for assassins, what subject would you specialize in?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #KindergartenWars #YouChiba #Shonen #ActionComedy #AssassinationClassroom #NewManga Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

    18 min

  6. FEB 25

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 619: I Want To Escape From Princess Lessons

    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 unsettling undertones of Prince Clarke's behavior and the story's "stockholm syndrome" energy. Examining how the narrative diverges from classic tropes by giving Lettie the agency to leave. The latest manga releases and news. Support the Show: Help us keep the critical conversations going: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "What's a popular romance trope that you find more unsettling than romantic?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #IWantToEscapeFromPrincessLessons #IzumiSawano #Shojo #RomanceManga #ProblematicFaves #MangaDiscussion Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

    19 min

  7. FEB 18

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 618: Magical Midlifer

    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 magical girls supported by grizzled, middle-aged veterans. Discussing the manga's distinctive artwork and its narrative strengths and weaknesses. The latest manga releases and a recap of our Ichibancon adventures! Support the Show: Help us keep the reviews fresh: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "If you had a magical girl (or guy) sidekick, what mundane, middle-aged problem would you need them to help you with most?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #MagicalMidlifer #Maki #Seinen #MagicalGirl #GenreSubversion #KanaManga #ComedyManga Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

    17 min

  8. FEB 11

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 617: City Hunter Omnibus

    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 still hold true? We reload and find out. In This Episode: A fresh look at Ryo Saeba's iconic blend of lethal skill and legendary lechery. Evaluating the quality and presentation of this new Kana omnibus release. The latest manga releases and our Ichibancon 2026 itinerary—hope to see you there! Support the Show: Help us keep sweeping up new reviews: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: "If you had a 'City Hunter' style business card, what three letters would you use as your signal?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #CityHunter #TsukasaHojo #Seinen #ActionManga #KanaManga #ClassicManga #Ichibancon Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord X: x.com/spiraken YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

    15 min
See All (999)

Ratings & Reviews

1.5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

For over 600 episodes, the Wheel of Manga has been our chaotic overlord. One spin could bring the cozy fantasy of Restaurant to Another World or the body-horror of Tokyo Ghoul—we just hold the microphone. But that's not all! Get our unfiltered manga hot takes, on-the-ground convention reports, movie reviews, and dive deep with our Monthly Book Club. Whether it's the slick action of Lupin III or the profound soul-searching of Vagabond, if it's a story with pulse, we've covered it. Your weekly dose of glorious uncertainty starts here.

Information

  • Creator
    Spiraken Review Podcasts
  • Years Active
    2008 - 2026
  • Episodes
    999
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2007 AD Villanueva. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Spiraken Review Podcast