Bento Radio

Alex Holt-Cohan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Visual Arts
  • Weekly

After more than two decades of devouring every shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei anime he could find, this seasoned oldtaku is still watching—week to week, episode by episode—and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Join him every week for fresh takes on your favorite series, hidden gems you’ve never heard of, and the kind of anime reflections only years of obsession can bring. Follow the host here: Bluesky Instagram YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5d ago

    Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Season 2

    Alex dives into Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Season 2, reflecting on the show’s pivot from Season 1’s tragic ambition to a darker meditation on vengeance, humanity, and redemption. After a brief apology for a botched recording last week and a plug for his Bento Watch app beta on bento-box.ghost.io, Alex outlines the new cast—Wee (a legendary mercenary trying to rebuild after spiraling), Dee (a netrunner driven by revenge), Roman (a young filmmaker), and Talia (a terminally ill girl reliant on cybernetics)—and the season’s core mystery around Capri and Project Capricorn. He situates Edgerunners within the tradition of anthology storytelling, drawing comparisons to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure connective tissue, Love, Death & Robots, Robot Carnival, and classic anime influences from Cowboy Bebop to Mobile Suit Gundam: 08th MS Team and Gundam Hathaway. Alex argues that Night City itself becomes the returning “character,” with Season 2 intentionally chasing a mid-90s to early-2000s action anime vibe. He critiques the OP/ED choices and the decision to keep characters separated for long stretches, noting it reduces the intimate “hangout” warmth that made Season 1’s relationships—like David and Lucy—so affecting. He highlights layered references, including clear nods to Naruto’s core trio dynamics, and praises Talia as the best-written character, especially in how the show handles disability, biracial identity, and corporate abuse embodied by a cold, careerist antagonist. While Season 2’s ending is softer and bittersweet compared to Season 1’s devastating finale, Alex appreciates how David Martinez’s legend threads through the narrative and speculates on a possible “star system” approach for future seasons. New episodes drop Thursday nights Eastern Time, and links to the site and socials are available in the episode and channel descriptions. Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Oct 22

    oops

    sorry no episode this week my mic wasn't working properly. Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Oct 15

    Dramacon

    In this episode of Bentail Radio, recorded on October 15, 2026, host Alex dives into Svetlana Chmakova’s acclaimed three-volume original English-language (OEL) manga Dramacon, unpacking its depiction of romance, creative ambition, and early-2000s American anime fandom. Alex examines how the first anime bubble and publishers like TOKYOPOP shaped the OEL category, contrasting authentic artistic expressions—including creators like Edie Sky and LeSean Thomas, as well as anime-influenced Western animation such as Avatar and Castlevania—with the corporate misuse of "anime" as a predatory marketing buzzword. The discussion journeys through the fictional "Yatta-Con" setting across three consecutive years, analyzing Christie’s crumbling relationship with Derek, her evolving romance with cosplayer Matt Green, and classic mid-2000s convention staples like glomping, yaoi paddles, and Artist Alley struggles. Additionally, Alex tackles the series' darker themes of relationship melodrama and assault, while delivering a detailed analysis of Matt's hidden physical disability—concealing a lost eye behind sunglasses. Drawing poignant parallels to his own personal experiences living with a hidden physical disability, masking, and public perception, Alex offers an empathetic, insightful exploration of fandom history, representation, and narrative depth. Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Oct 8

    Fall 2026 Watch list

    n this episode, Alex offers his seasonal preview of what he’s watching for the Fall 2026 anime lineup. He kicks things off with a highly anticipated remake of a '90s classic, Magic Knight Rayearth, discussing the legacy of its creator, Clamp, and their early influence on the isekai genre. Alex explores how this female-led fantasy epic might be reinterpreted for a modern audience, especially compared to the male-dominated isekai of today. Next, Alex shifts from fantasy to sci-fi with Reincarnated as a Space Mercenary. He explains that while it may not be revolutionary, its sci-fi setting offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical medieval fantasy isekai. The conversation then turns to the season's most peculiar entry, FX Fighter Kurumi, a magical girl anime about the high-stakes world of foreign exchange trading. Alex questions whether the show will seriously tackle the anxieties of gambling or simply become a meme generator. Finally, he introduces a wild card, Super Psychic Policeman Jojo, a gritty cop drama with a supernatural twist that seems to harken back to the crime stories of the '80s. Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Oct 1

    Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation Season 03 part 01

    In this episode of Bentel Radio, Alex presents a detailed analysis of the third season of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and the controversial nature of its protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat. He argues that much of the fan criticism misses the point of the character, who is written not as an ideal to aspire to, but as a complex individual grappling with the trauma and isolation of his past life. Alex contrasts Rudeus with characters from other popular media, such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Succession, and Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series, to explore how authors create characters who are distinct from their own personal views. Alex posits that Rudeus's story is a powerful depiction of someone finally getting the support system they lacked, allowing them to grow and mature. The narrative, he explains, is not just about a fantasy adventure but about watching someone build the life they were denied. The conversation also touches on the world-building of the Mushoku Tensei universe, emphasizing that the world operates on its own rules, independent of the protagonist—a sign of sophisticated storytelling. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider their discomfort with flawed characters and appreciate the deeper commentary on personal growth, redemption, and the impact of community. Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Sep 24

    daemons of the shadow realm

    In this episode, Alex explores Demons of the Shadow Realm, positioning Hiro Arakawa’s newest manga and anime adaptation within the broader arc of her career—from the comedic, edutainment charm of Silver Spoon to the enduring legacy of Fullmetal Alchemist. After a plot overview featuring twins Yuru and Asa, demon contracts, and warring factions, Alex dives into audience expectations and the pitfalls of comparing every Arakawa project to FMA. He contrasts the clean-cut moral framing often found in shonen hits with Demons of the Shadow Realm’s messier, more adult exploration of agency, where characters make difficult choices within flawed systems. Alex also touches on Arakawa’s openness to real-world issues—like acknowledging Ainu land and nuanced portrayals of disability—and how that engagement can invite controversy yet enrich her storytelling. Along the way, he considers seasonal release structures, noting how 24-episode pacing and breaks can distort audience perception compared to FMA’s uninterrupted run. He references creators like Togashi and Otomo to show how great artists evolve, urging listeners to trust Arakawa’s craft and meet the series where it is, rather than demand the “original recipe.” Recorded on September 24, 2026, this thoughtful critique is a must-listen for fans navigating hype, legacy, and what makes modern dark fantasy resonate. Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Sep 17

    The Ghost In The Shell (2026)

    In this episode of Bentail Radio, host Alex offers an overwhelmingly positive review of the new Ghost in the Shell adaptation from Science SARU and director Mokaochan. Alex argues that this series finally breaks free from the self-serious, contemplative tone set by Mamoru Oshii's iconic 1995 film, which has heavily influenced nearly every subsequent adaptation, including Stand Alone Complex and Arise. By embracing the humor, levity, and even the "oiled-up lesbian beach fun" from Masamune Shirow's original manga, Alex believes this version presents the most fully-realized version of Major Motoko Kusanagi and her world. The conversation explores how previous adaptations often struggled to depict the characters' lives outside of their high-stakes jobs, resulting in one-dimensional portrayals. Alex celebrates the new series for giving its characters rich interior lives, a sense of humor, and personal relationships, making the world of Section 9 feel more lived-in and authentic than ever before. He also mentions his recent interview with the director, Mokaochan, available on the show's companion site. Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Sep 10

    Roujin Z

    In this episode of Bento Radio, host Alex takes a deep dive into the 1989 anime film Rojuin Z, the lesser-known but fascinating follow-up project from Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo. The discussion kicks off with a look at the central question: what happens after you create the work you'll forever be known for? Alex explores how legendary creators like Otomo, Hayao Miyazaki, and Hideaki Anno continue to produce art, often in wildly different genres and tones than their most famous projects. The conversation then shifts to Roujin Z itself, a darkly comedic sci-fi film about an automated, military-grade hospital bed that gains sentience and goes on a rampage to fulfill its patient's last wish. Recorded on September 10, 2026, the episode analyzes how the film satirizes Japan's anxieties about its aging population, the over-automation of elder care, and the dangers of technology developed without empathy. Alex contrasts the serious, cyberpunk grit of Akira with the surprisingly light, comedic, and character-driven tone of Roujin Z, arguing that it showcases a different but equally compelling side of Otomo's creative genius. Visit https://bento-box.ghost.io/ for more anime thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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About

After more than two decades of devouring every shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei anime he could find, this seasoned oldtaku is still watching—week to week, episode by episode—and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Join him every week for fresh takes on your favorite series, hidden gems you’ve never heard of, and the kind of anime reflections only years of obsession can bring. Follow the host here: Bluesky Instagram YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Holt-Cohan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Alex Holt-Cohan
  • Show Website
    Bento Radio