Spiraken Review Podcast

Spiraken Review Podcasts
  • 4.8 (13)
  • 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. FEB 4

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 616: Ichi The Witch

    In this episode, Xan dives into the hot new Shonen Jump sensation, Ichi the Witch, by Osamu Nishi with art by Shiro Usazaki. This series follows Ichi, a feral boy who becomes the world's first male witch. Does this hit have the magic to become one of the "New Big Three"? We analyze its unique premise, stunning artwork, and shonen potential. In This Episode: A light spoiler look at the first chapter's high-concept, "first male witch" hook. Discussing the beautiful, dynamic artwork and Shiro Usazaki's artistic return. The latest manga releases and a preview of our upcoming schedule for Ichibancon next week! Support the Show: Help us power up our 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 could master one type of 'witch' magic from any series, what would it be and why?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #IchiTheWitch #OsamuNishi #ShiroUsazaki #ShonenJump #Shonen #ActionManga #VizManga 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

  2. JAN 28

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 615: Hope You're Happy Lemon

    In this episode, Xan dissects the romantic comedy Hope You're Happy, Lemon by Mizuki Kishikawa. This manga takes the classic "body swap" premise and injects it with the high-stakes drama of an ex-girlfriend wild card. Does this story honor the beloved trope with fresh emotion, or does it rely on predictable beats? We analyze its charms and challenges. In This Episode: A light spoiler discussion of the first chapter's compelling setup. Analyzing the manga's execution of the body-swap trope and its tangled love triangle. Breaking down the character dynamics and emotional stakes. Highlighting the latest and greatest manga releases. Support the Show: Help us keep the reviews balanced: 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 swap bodies with someone from your past for a day, who would it be and why?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #HopeYoureHappyLemon #MizukiKishikawa #RomCom #BodySwap #Shojo #VizManga 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

  3. JAN 21

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 614: Betrothed To My Sister's Ex.

    In this episode, Xan and Gretta delve into the charming yet complicated world of Betrothed to My Sister's Ex by Tobirano, with art by Chikage Nakakura. This manga adaptation of a hit light novel presents a classic Cinderella romance with a mistaken-identity twist. Does this tale of an overlooked baron's daughter and a dashing count earn its "happily ever after," or does the heroine's profound self-sabotage undermine the fantasy? We debate the highs and lows. In This Episode: Analyzing the classic "Cinderella with a twist" premise and its execution. A critical discussion about Marie's extreme self-deprecation and its impact on the romance. Sharing what we enjoyed about this popular shojo adaptation. The latest must-read manga releases and news. 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: "What's a classic romance trope (like mistaken identity or Cinderella) that you never get tired of, and what makes it work for you?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #BetrothedToMySistersEx #Tobirano #ChikageNakakura #Shojo #RomanceManga #Cinderella #LightNovelAdaptation 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

    24 min

  4. JAN 14

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 613: Mujina Into The Deep

    In this episode, Xan delves into the dark, hyper-detailed cyberpunk world of Mujina into the Deep by Inio Asano (creator of Goodnight Punpun). This highly anticipated manga presents a brutal, near-future dystopia where human rights are a commodity. Does this stark departure from Asano's usual work justify its intense hype? We dissect its visceral art, grim narrative, and polarizing characters. In This Episode: Analyzing the shift from Asano's introspective slice-of-life to this ultraviolent, action-sci-fi world. A critical look at the manga's stunningly detailed artwork and its bleak, oppressive themes. The latest manga news and announcements for upcoming events. Support the Show: Help us navigate challenging works: 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 the most drastic genre shift you've seen from a creator you admire, and did it work for you?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #MujinaIntoTheDeep #InioAsano #Cyberpunk #SciFiManga #VizSignature #ActionManga #Dystopian 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

    22 min

  5. JAN 7

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 612: Star Wars Path of the Lightsaber

    In this episode, Xan travels to that galaxy far, far away to review Star Wars: Path of the Lightsaber by Kenny Ruiz. This manga follows a young salvager who discovers a lost lightsaber in the tumultuous era right after The Last Jedi. Is this a worthy addition to Star Wars canon, or does it fumble its potential? We ignite our sabers and dive into this new corner of the saga. In This Episode: A breakdown of the story's unique setting in the post-Last Jedi timeline and its scrappy, ground-level protagonist. Analyzing how it expands—or doesn't expand—the lore of the Jedi and the Force. The latest manga news and releases. A quick apology for this episode's lateness! Thanks for your patience. Support the Show: Help us keep the hyperdrive running: 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 found a lost lightsaber in the Star Wars universe, what would you do with it?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #StarWars #PathOfTheLightsaber #KennyRuiz #StarWarsManga #VizManga #SciFiManga #TheLastJedi 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

  6. JAN 1

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 611 : Wash It All Away

    Happy New Year from Spiraken! Xan and Gretta kick off 2026 with a tranquil and beautiful manga to match the season of new beginnings. They review Wash It All Away by Mitsuru Hattori, a calming slice-of-life story about a woman with amnesia who finds peace running a laundry service. Is it a masterclass in relaxation, or is it too uneventful? We unfold the layers of this gentle series. In Our First Episode of 2026: A deep dive into the serene, healing atmosphere and stunning art of Wash It All Away. Discussing the unique premise of cleaning as a metaphor for emotional healing. The latest manga releases to add to your new year's reading list. Introducing Book #5 in the "45 Books for 45 Years" project (This Will Be Fun by E. Asher). Support the Show for the New Year: Help us start 2026 strong: 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 your favorite relaxing or 'healing' activity, and is there a manga, book, or show that captures that feeling for you?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #WashItAllAway #MitsuruHattori #SliceOfLife #Iyashikei #HealingManga #SquareEnixManga #HappyNewYear 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

  7. 12/24/2025

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 610: Kamudo

    Merry Christmas Eve! In this special holiday episode, Xan unwraps Kamudo, the new fantasy epic from the legendary duo Akira Himekawa (creators of The Legend of Zelda manga). Set in a divine world before mankind, this series follows Kamuna, a boy born with a dragon's hand. Is this widely anticipated manga worth the hype? We dive into its stunning art and mythic world to find out! In This Festive Episode: A review of the lush art and ambitious world-building in Kamudo. Update #4 in the "45 Books for 45 Years" project (Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin). The latest manga releases for your holiday wishlist. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Support the Show: A great gift to the podcast: 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 could receive one fantastical ability (like a dragon's hand) as a 'gift,' what would you choose and why?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #Kamudo #AkiraHimekawa #FantasyManga #VizManga #LegendOfZelda #HolidayEpisode #MerryChristmas 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

    21 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Spiraken Manga Review Ep 609: Osamu Tezuka's Lost World

    In this episode, Xan travels back to the dawn of modern manga with Lost World by the legendary Osamu Tezuka. As the inaugural work in Tezuka's classic sci-fi trilogy, does this proto-manga about a rogue dinosaur planet stand as a visionary classic, or is it a fascinating but dated relic? We unearth its historical importance and see how it holds up today. In This Episode: Analyzing the historic, foundational style of this early sci-fi adventure. A look at the "Tezuka Star System" and how it shapes the classic characters. Update #3 in the "45 Books for 45 Years" project (Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros). The latest manga news and releases. Support the Show: Help us preserve manga history: 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 the oldest or most historically significant comic or manga you've ever read, and what did you think of it?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #LostWorld #OsamuTezuka #Tezuka #ClassicManga #SciFiManga #DarkHorseManga #HistoryOfManga 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

    23 min
See All (999)

4.8
out of 5
13 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