Spiraken Review Podcast

In this special episode, Xan is joined by Gretta to revisit a true classic: Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara. Originally reviewed in Episode 120, does this beloved fantasy mystery about a wandering "Mushi Master" hold up after all these years? We examine the beautiful new Kodansha Collector's Edition to see if it's the definitive way to own this atmospheric and philosophical series.
In This Nostalgic Episode:
A fresh look at Ginko's journeys and the ethereal world of the Mushi.
Is the new Collector's Edition worth the upgrade over the original prints?
Does Xan's original review from 120 episodes ago still stand?
The latest manga news and Gretta's new obsession with Murder, She Wrote.
Support the Show:Help us continue our journey through 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 a manga or book you loved years ago that you'd love to see get a beautiful, deluxe re-release?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #Mushishi #YukiUrushibara #Kodansha #CollectorsEdition #Seinen #FantasyManga #ClassicManga
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan dives into the brutal and unique dystopian action of Tank Chair by Manabu Yashiro. This manga features a comatose assassin in a weaponized wheelchair and the sister who guides him on a violent path to recovery. Is this an underrated gem for fans of Chainsaw Man and Dorohedoro? We load up and fire off our full review.
In This Episode:
Breaking down the hyper-violent, heartfelt, and utterly original premise.
How the series balances its crazy action with a powerful sibling bond.
An announcement for an upcoming convention appearance!
The latest headlines from the world of manga.
Support the Show:Help us keep the spotlight on hidden gems: 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 creative or unexpected weapon you've seen in a manga or anime?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #TankChair #ManabuYashiro #Seinen #ActionManga #DystopianManga #HiddenGem #kodanshaManga
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan examines Mr. Megaman (Rockman-san) by Yushi Kawata & Yukito—a bizarre but charming slice-of-life manga where the Blue Bomber trades battling Robot Masters for a career in dentistry. Is this Udon Entertainment manga a loving tribute or a cavity-inducing misstep? We drill into this unique video game homage to find the root of its appeal.
In This Episode:
Analyzing this quirky slice-of-life take on a classic Capcom icon.
Who this niche manga is for (and who might want to skip it).
The latest manga news and upcoming releases.
Support the Show:Help keep the podcast 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:"What's the weirdest or most unexpected 'day job' you can imagine for a classic video game character?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #MrMegaman #RockmanSan #MegaMan #UdonManga #SliceOfLife #VideoGameManga #Capcom
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken
YouTube Tags:

n this episode, Xan kicks off the 600s with a delightful change of pace: Cats with Jobs by Pandania. This wholesome slice-of-life manga explores the secret world of felines with careers. Is it the cathartic and relaxing read we all need? We dive into this charming webcomic-turned-manga to see if its gentle humor and positive vibes are a perfect palate cleanser.
In This Episode:
A review of this gentle, episodic manga about working cats.
How it succeeds as a comforting, low-stakes read.
Exciting new updates and the latest manga news.
Support the Show:Help us continue reviewing: 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 your pet (or a favorite animal) had a job, what would they be perfectly suited for?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #CatsWithJobs #Pandania #SliceOfLife #WholesomeManga #Webcomic #ComfortRead
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Celebrate 600 episodes of the Spiraken Manga Review! For this landmark episode, Xan tackles the controversial and popular Chained Soldier (Mato Seihei no Slave) by Takahiro with art by Yohei Takemura. Does this hit fantasy harem manga about a young man empowering a squad of super-powered women live up to its hype, or does it get... well, chained by its own tropes? We deliver a definitive verdict for this Yen Press title.
In This Special Episode:
A critical deep-dive into the series' unique power system and ecchi-heavy narrative.
Our honest "mid-tier" assessment and who this manga is really for.
A look ahead at the future of the Spiraken Manga Review!
The latest and greatest in manga news.
Support the Show for 600 More:Help fuel the next chapter: 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 'guilty pleasure' manga or anime you enjoy, regardless of its critical reception?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #ChainedSoldier #MatoSeiheiNoSlave #Takahiro #Episode600 #FantasyHarem #YenPress #Milestone
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this special milestone episode, Xan is joined by Gretta to revisit a true classic: Cat's Eye by Tsukasa Hojo. Originally reviewed 300 episodes ago, does the story of the three Kisugi sisters—art thieves reclaiming their father's work—still hold up? We dive into the new Kana omnibus edition to see if this iconic manga is worth a modern reader's shelf space.
In This Episode:
A fresh look at the classic heist/romance and how it holds up today.
Is the new Kana omnibus release the definitive way to read it?
Our thoughts on the new Cat's Eye anime adaptation on Disney+.
The latest manga news and releases.
Support the Show:Help us celebrate 600 episodes: 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 manga from your past that you'd love to see get a brand-new, high-quality release?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #CatsEye #TsukasaHojo #KanaManga #ClassicManga #HeistManga #300Episodes
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Xan hits the set with Tenmaku Cinema, the short-lived but ambitious manga from the acclaimed duo Yūto Tsukuda (Story) and Shun Saeki (Art). Does this Viz Media title swap culinary ecstasy for cinematic passion, delivering a heartfelt story about a young cinephile and his literal ghostwriter? We explore if it captures movie-making magic without the infamous Food Wars! fan service.
In This Episode:
Analyzing the authentic filmmaking passion and terminology.
How this series compares to the creators' previous blockbuster hit.
Why this canceled manga still delivers a complete first story arc.
The latest must-read manga releases.
Support the Show:Help us keep the cameras rolling: 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 a ghostly screenwriter offered you one perfect script, what story would you want them to write for you?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #TenmakuCinema #YutoTsukuda #ShunSaeki #Shonen #FilmmakingManga #VizMedia #FoodWarsCreators
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Xan beams down to review Tokyo Alien Bros by Keigo Shinzō, a unique seinen manga that swaps alien invasions for everyday life. Follow two extraterrestrial brothers—one a natural, one a disaster—as they attempt to master "being human" in the heart of Tokyo. Does this heartwarming Viz Media title use its sci-fi premise to explore universal truths about family and belonging? We decode its charming blend of comedy and insight.
In This Episode:
How this manga uses aliens to explore the human experience.
The hilarious and heartfelt dynamic between the two brothers.
The latest manga releases you won't want to miss.
Support the Show:Help support 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 had to teach an alien one thing about being human, what would it be?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #TokyoAlienBros #KeigoShinzo #Seinen #SliceOfLife #SciFiManga #VizMedia #ComedyManga
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Xan delves into Natsume & Natsume by Shunsuke Sorato, a shojo rom-com about a "villainous-looking" boy and an incredibly popular girl who share the same name. Does this Azuki Manga series live up to its fantastic setup, or does it become a case of wasted potential? We break down where this opposites-attract story soars and where it sadly stumbles.
In This Episode:
Analyzing the strong premise and its execution.
Discussing where the story misses opportunities for deeper character growth.
The latest manga releases and updates.
Support the Show:Help us continue providing honest 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:"What's a manga or show you loved the idea of, but felt let down by the execution?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #NatsumeAndNatsume #ShunsukeSorato #Shojo #RomCom #AzukiManga #OppositesAttract
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Xan explores Spacewalking with Me by Inuhiko Doronoda, a poignant coming-of-age manga about an unlikely bond between a daydreamer and a "yankee" delinquent. Does this Kodansha title use its cosmic metaphor to deliver a relatable story about human connection and the tethers that keep us grounded? We dive into its heartfelt narrative.
In This Episode:
Analyzing the powerful theme of emotional "tethers" and friendship.
Why the dynamic between the two leads feels so genuine.
The latest manga releases you need to know about.
Support the Show:Help keep our podcast exploring new stories: 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:"Who was the most unlikely friend you've ever had, and what 'tethered' you together?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #SpacewalkingWithMe #InuhikoDoronoda #Shonen #SliceOfLife #ComingOfAge #Kodansha #FriendshipManga
Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken