AniPro Podcast

Anime Protagonist Podcast
  • 4.8 (10)
  • ANIMATION & MANGA
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

AniPro Podcast is your weekly go-to for anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. Hosted by Cole, Mike, and Jay, we spotlight classic anime, debate the hottest seasonal shows, dive into manga, and explore the culture behind it all. No gatekeeping, no drama, just three passionate nerds with lively, thoughtful discussions and the occasional gaming detour. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to anime, AniPro is your enthusiastic and welcoming guide to Japanese entertainment.

  1. 40M AGO

    221 - The One Piece is [WEEB]

    Can the Live Action Fix a One Piece Hater? + Top 10 Zelda Games, Beast Wars & Slay the Spire The wait is finally over. After weeks of teasing, after Cole resolved to continue to hate it in 2026, AniPro finally watches the live action Netflix adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece! Do the boys like it? Or was the treasure merely the friends made along the way? Also, Mike's playing Zeldas, Jay's slaying spires, Cole's reliving his childhood, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Introductions & US Olympic Hockey06:03 - Parenting Woes & Sickness08:34 - The Legend of Zelda Franchise & IGN Top 10 Debate25:02 - Slay the Spire Board Game Impressions29:34 - Transformers: Beast Wars & 90s CG Nostalgia36:11 - Mailbag: What Power Does Kirby Get From Us?40:43 - AniPro Asks Trivia: One Piece Casting49:38 - One Piece Live Action Review Starts01:01:28 - Production, Sets & Multicultural Casting01:09:33 - The Straw Hats & Villain Actor Performances01:29:25 - Questionable CGI & Directorial Choices01:37:41 - Adaptation Changes & Future Season Worries01:55:15 - Final Thoughts & Next ReviewsSupport AniPro: TokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offPatreonMailbagFollow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Now and Then, Here and ThereGame: Needy Streamer OverloadLive Action: One Piece Live ActionMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 7m

  2. FEB 22

    220 - You and I are Polar [WEEB]s

    Winter 2026 Mid-Season Anime Reactions + Pokémon Switch News & JJK Modulo Join AniPro as they list their top 10 winter 2026 anime! From exciting newcomers to beloved returns, there's bound to be an anime for you! Also, Cole's returned, Mike's reading manga, Jay's excited for a 22 year old game, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & Cole's Japan Trip03:39 - Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch!11:03 - Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Manga34:39 - Winter 2026 Honorable Mentions38:28 - Hell's Paradise S2 & SHIBOYUGI44:01 - MF Ghost S3 & Gnosia47:57 - Trivia: Is Silent Hill's School from Kindergarten Cop?52:50 - The Winter 2026 Top 10 Anime55:38 - #10: Love Through a Prism1:00:38 - #9: Sentenced To Be a Hero1:06:04 - #8: Chained Soldier Season 21:12:14 - #7: Tamon's B-Side1:18:24 - #6: Oshi no Ko Season 31:24:33 - #5: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 21:29:30 - #4: Journal with Witch1:34:05 - #3: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3: The Culling Game1:40:39 - #2: You and I Are Polar Opposites1:45:59 - #1: Fate/strange Fake1:51:50 - Upcoming Reviews: Botan Kamiina, Now and Then, Here and There & MoreSupport AniPro: PatreonTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offMailbagFollow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Now and Then, Here and ThereGame: Needy Streamer OverloadLive Action: One Piece Live ActionMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    1h 57m

  3. FEB 15

    219 - A Preconceived [WEEB]

    Is Anime Just for Kids? Debunking Myths + Star Trek, Pokémon, & New Anime Movies There are a lot of misunderstandings out there, so this week AniPro is playing Mythbusters as they put those impressions to the test! Also, Cole's on his long-foretold trip to the otherlands (or is he?), Jay's a champion of some other kind, Mike remembers his movie marathon, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & The "Cole is Away" Prank03:38 - Cole's Star Trek Phase & Enterprise Model11:03 - Best Western Openings: Simpsons, Dragon Ball, Pokemon16:30 - Jay's Pokémon Platinum Run & Team21:59 - The Legacy of Nintendo Consoles32:03 - Mike's Solo Cinema Trip & Marvel Runtimes37:18 - Movie Review: All You Need Is Kill41:15 - Movie Review: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya46:31 - True or False: Can Magikarp Jump a Mountain?51:39 - Myth: Anime is Just Pornography01:00:18 - Myth: Anime is for Kids01:07:09 - Myth: Manga Isn't Real Reading01:18:42 - Myth: Manga is Always Better than Anime01:30:37 - Myth: Subs are Always Superior to Dubs01:45:02 - Upcoming Reviews: One Piece Live Action & MoreSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat (Code: ANIPRO)Follow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: TV: One Piece Live ActionGame: Needy Streamer OverloadAnime: Now and Then, Here and ThereManga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkMusic & Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    1h 49m

  4. FEB 8

    218 - The Fifth Annual [WEEB]ies

    2025 Anime Awards - Anime of the Year, Best Girl & Our Teeny Tiny Trophy Over the past few weeks, you've voted, and now it's time! It's the fifth annual WEEBie awards: the annual AniPro awards show that will determine what the best anime had to offer truly was! From best OP, to best girl, to Anime of the Year, this is a show you're not going to want to miss! Also, a winner is crowned, one of us is out of touch, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction & The 5th Annual WEEBie Awards05:26 - How the Voting Works09:03 - Explaining "Out of Touch" Points & The Teeny Tiny Trophy13:06 - Biggest Flop of 202518:08 - Best Opening Sequence23:26 - Best Ending Sequence29:29 - Best Direction37:00 - Visuals in Anime45:00 - Best Studio53:52 - Question of the Week: Was Kirby named after a vacuum? & Ad Break58:32 - Best Girl01:08:36 - Best Boy01:14:48 - Best Duo01:22:01 - Most Fun Anime01:28:09 - Most Underrated Anime01:35:47 - Anime of the Year01:43:08 - The "Out of Touch" Award01:47:51 - Teeny Tiny Trophy Presentation01:51:39 - Upcoming ReviewsSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat (Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off)Follow & Subscribe: X / TwitterInstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Now and Then, Here and ThereGame: Needy Streamer OverloadTV: One Piece Live ActionCredits: Opening: “Shibuya” | Music via slip.stream & Break Music by AniPro Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    1h 56m

  5. FEB 1

    217 - [WEEB] Torch

    Black Torch Review & The Canceled Manga Debate With an anime on the way, AniPro took a look at the Black Torch manga to see what caused the greenlight despite its early demise! Also, Jay's still sick, Mike's throwing on music, Cole's all over the map, and more! Topics & Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro & The Tower of Manga04:50 - Reading Detective Conan09:50 - YouTube Premium & Background Noise16:29 - Purple Tape Entertainment28:11 - Upcoming Manga Reviews: Botan Kamiina, Akane Banashi & Magical Girl Dandelion41:05 - Question of the Week: The Skyrim Giant Glitch45:11 - Review: Black Torch51:18 - Do Axed Manga Deserve Anime Adaptations?56:50 - Comparing Black Torch to Kaiju No. 8 & Chainsaw Man01:00:31 - The Bleach Inspiration & Art Style01:13:00 - Shonen Tropes & Loose Ends01:23:30 - Did the Ending Satisfy?01:34:16 - Why Was It Popular in the West?01:40:43 - Hopes for the Anime Adaptation01:48:33 - Final Thoughts & Ratings01:57:14 - Upcoming Anime, Game & TV ReviewsSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter)InstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When DrunkAnime: Now and Then, Here and ThereGame: Needy Streamer OverloadTV: One Piece Live ActionCredits: Opening: “Shibuya” | Music via slip.stream & AniPro Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 1m

  6. JAN 25

    216 - The Worst of the [WEEB]

    2025 Worst Anime Awards - The Middies, Overrated Shows & Our Favorite Reviews While they warm up for the WEEBies, AniPro explored the other end of the spectrum. This week, it's the worst of Anime in 2025. AniPro Presents: The MIDdies!Also, the boys reminisce about their past reviews, Cole's found a new obsession, and more! 00:00 - Introduction to The Middies02:53 - Reviewing 2025: Our Favorite & Least Favorite Reviews09:32 - What's On Our Minds: YouTube Premium & Duolingo19:28 - Retrospective: Best Anime Reviews of 202526:30 - Retrospective: Best Manga Reviews of 202531:35 - Retrospective: The Most Forgettable & Disappointing Reviews47:08 - AniPro Asks: Can Sonic The Hedgehog Swim?48:06 - Ad Break: Tokyo Treat & Sakurako53:09 - Answering The AniPro Asks56:30 - The Middies: Worst OP01:04:38 - The Middies: Most Visually Painful01:21:05 - The Middies: Worst Girl01:27:35 - The Middies: Worst Boy01:34:10 - The Middies: Worst Chemistry01:40:00 - The Middies: Least Fun Anime01:45:38 - The Middies: Most Overrated Anime01:54:23 - The Middies: The Middest Anime of 202502:01:45 - Upcoming Reviews & Wrap UpSupport AniPro: PatreonMailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 offFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter)InstagramDiscordNext Reviews: Manga: Botan Kamiina Fully Blossoms When Drunk → Akane Banashi → Magical Girl DandelionAnime: Now and Then, Here and There → Neon Genesis Evangelion →Game: Needy Streamer OverloadTV: One Piece Live ActionMusic & Credits: Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” Music via slip.stream & AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 5m

  7. JAN 18

    215 - Elfen [WEEB]

    Elfen Lied Anime Review + Stranger Things & Winter 2025 Anime Thoughts Join AniPro as they explore the 2004 horror anime that divided the anime community: Elfen Lied! Is it good? Is it bad? Or is it simply incomprehensible? Also, Cole's getting anxious, Mike's seeing strange objects, Jay's raving about anime, and more! 00:00:00 - AniProPod 215 Intro00:02:08 - Stranger Things00:13:10 - Sentenced to Be a Hero & SHIBOYUGI00:21:02 - Pre-Japan Trip Stressing00:31:00 - Mailbag: Anime From Villian Perspective00:41:02 - Question of the Week / Break00:49:21 - Review Intro & Set Up00:56:06 - Is It A Must Watch?01:00:52 - Connections To Other Works01:11:36 - Characters01:28:44 - Art Style & Production Choices01:45:23 - Our Final Thoughts & RatingsVote for our 5th Annual WEEBies Awards using the link below. Voting Closes on the 24th, and is completely anonymous. https://forms.gle/DuC2jTXU9u4TrZ1N6 Support AniPro: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag: https://anipropod.com/mailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AniProPodInstagram: https://instagram.com/anipropodDiscord: https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews: Anime – Now and Then, Here and There → Neon Genesis EvangelionManga – Black TorchMusic & Credits: Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” | Music via slip.streamBreak Music By AniProEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    1h 56m

  8. JAN 11

    214 - [WEEB] Discuss The BEST of Fall 2025

    Fall 2025 Awards - Best Girl, Best Boy & The Zelda Timeline Debate This week; it's an episode of earth-shattering surprises, devastating steals, and the coveted 'Anime of the Season' award. That's right! It's the Fall 2025 awards! Also, Mike's making music, Cole's reliving the classics, Jay's contemplating the timeline, and more! 00:00 - Intro & Creative Struggles: Music Production12:11 - The Legend of Zelda: Timeline vs. Legend Debate20:52 - A Link to the Past & SNES Nostalgia29:00 - The Fall 2025 Draft Results34:24 - Biggest Flop of the Season44:11 - Best Opening Theme (OP)49:31 - Best Ending Theme (ED)55:43 - Best Direction01:00:16 - Best Visuals01:05:37 - Best Anime Studio01:10:08 - Trivia: Is Digimon Just Tamagotchi for Boys?01:11:37 - Intermission & Support the Show01:16:18 - Best Girl01:24:16 - Best Boy01:32:32 - Best Duo01:39:03 - Most Fun Anime01:45:54 - Most Underrated Anime01:53:46 - Best Continuing Anime02:01:21 - Best New Anime of the Season02:08:50 - The Weebies Vote & ConclusionVote for our 5th Annual WEEBies Awards using the link below. Voting Closes on the 24th, and is completely anonymous. https://forms.gle/DuC2jTXU9u4TrZ1N6 Support AniPro: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/AniProPodMailbag: https://anipropod.com/mailbagTokyoTreat: Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniProFollow & Subscribe: X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AniProPodInstagram: https://instagram.com/anipropodDiscord: https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7Next Reviews: Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There → Neon Genesis EvangelionManga – Black TorchMusic & Credits: Credits: Opening: “Shibuya” | Music via slip.streamEnjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

    2h 14m
See All (202)

4.8
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

AniPro Podcast is your weekly go-to for anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. Hosted by Cole, Mike, and Jay, we spotlight classic anime, debate the hottest seasonal shows, dive into manga, and explore the culture behind it all. No gatekeeping, no drama, just three passionate nerds with lively, thoughtful discussions and the occasional gaming detour. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to anime, AniPro is your enthusiastic and welcoming guide to Japanese entertainment.

Information

  • Creator
    Anime Protagonist Podcast
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    202
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anime Protagonist Podcast
  • Show Website
    AniPro Podcast