Manga Review Episodes

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.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 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.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 ventures into the grim, oppressive world of Tower Dungeon by legendary creator Tsutomu Nihei (Blame!, Knights of Sidonia).
Does the master of sci-fi architecture successfully conquer the dark fantasy genre with this tale of a nightmarish, living tower? We explore whether his iconic style creates a new horror classic or falters outside its usual domain.
Also in This Episode:
The latest update on the "45 Books in One Year" project (now reading: Holding Pattern).
We're taking requests! What movie should we tackle in our next review episode?
All the breaking news from the manga world.
Support the Show:Fuel our exploration of dark corners: 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 creator (writer, artist, director) you'd love to see tackle a genre totally outside their usual wheelhouse?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #TowerDungeon #TsutomuNihei #DarkFantasy #Seinen #Grimdark #HorrorManga #Nihei
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 delves into the award-winning Akane-banashi by Yuki Suenaga, illustrated by Takamasa Moue.

In this episode, Xan dives into the acclaimed prequel, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, by Hideyuki Furuhashi and Betten Court.
This series explores the street-level heroes who operate without a license in the MHA universe. Does this grittier, more personal tale of Koichi and his friends surpass the global stakes of the original? We deliver our verdict on this complete collection.
 
In This Episode:
Why this prequel offers a fresh, ground-level perspective on the MHA world.
How it deepens the lore with fantastic backstory for key characters like Eraser Head.
An announcement for an upcoming convention appearance!
The latest manga news and releases.
Support the Show:Help us keep the spotlight on great spin-offs: 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 spin-off or prequel series that you think rivals or even surpasses the original?"
#Spiraken #MangaReview #MHAVigilantes #MyHeroAcademia #Vigilantes #HideyukiFuruhashi #BettenCourt #Prequel #SpinOff
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 tackles Kaiju Kamui by Shintaro Arima, a kaiju manga that wears its Evangelion influences on its sleeve.
 
Does this story of a pilot bonding with a biological weapon to fight monsters forge its own path, or does it get crushed under the weight of its inspirations? We break down what works and what feels a little too familiar in this action-packed series.

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