Spiraken Review Podcast

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.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 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.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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.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 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.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 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.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 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.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