Spiraken Review Podcast

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.
Episodes
Episodes



Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 585: Gachiakuta
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
Wednesday Apr 02, 2025
In this episode, Xan dives into Gachiakuta by Kei Urana
—a brutal, high-octane shonen manga about a "Cleaner" navigating a dystopian wasteland.
How does it stack up against classics like Battle Angel Alita and Dorohedoro? Is it the next big action series? Let’s break it down!
📢 Gofundme Update:
We’re raised enough to fix our spiraken laptop! Hurray! Thanks to our amazing supporters! Help us continue creating at tinyurl.com/spiraken. Shoutout to our anonymous donors—you’re legends!
🚀 Engage With Us!
Subscribe to YouTube.com/@spiraken & hit the bell
🔔 Follow @spiraken on Twitter/X, Bluesky, & Instagram
Join our Discord for manga chats: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord
Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken
Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts: tinyurl.com/helpxan
🎶 Featured Music: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
💀 Random Question of the Day: "Could YOU survive the Pit?" Let us know in the comments!
🏷️ #Tags (For Maximum Reach!): #Gachiakuta #KeiUrana #ShonenManga #ActionManga #DystopianManga #Kodansha #MangaReview #Spiraken #WheelOfManga #BattleAngelAlita #Dorohedoro #AnimePodcast #MangaRecommendations



Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 584: Hikari-Man
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Xan tackles Hikari-Man
—Hideo Yamamoto’s (Homunculus) twisted tale of electromagnetically sensitive outcasts seeking vengeance. Is this brutal seinen sci-fi a cathartic triumph or a descent into madness?
Some Minor spoilers, and some raw analysis of Yamamoto’s signature darkness, plus updates on new manga releases you need to know.



Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 583: Last Quarter
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Wednesday Mar 19, 2025
Xan dives into Last Quarter, a haunting romance from Ai Yazawa (creator of Nana)
—blending supernatural mystery with her signature emotional depth. Does this hidden gem live up to her legendary status? No spoilers, just pure admiration for Yazawa’s art and storytelling magic. Plus, updates on the latest manga releases you won’t want to miss!
Support the channel:🔗 Gofundme | Patreon (Thanks to our anonymous donors!)
Subscribe & Follow:▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken (Turn on notifications!)📱 Socials: @spiraken on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram🎧 Rate us: Apple Podcasts | Join our Discord
Random Question:"Would ‘Last Quarter’ make an amazing OVA/OAA series?" Comment your pitch below!
🎶 Featured Music:"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
🏷️ #Tags:#AiYazawa #LastQuarter #Nana #ShojoManga #VizMedia #ShojoBeat #MangaReview #Spiraken #SupernaturalRomance #MysteryManga #AnimeAdaptation #YazawaArt #MangaPodcast #wheelofmanga
⚖️ Legal:This review is protected under Fair Use. "Spiraken" is owned by AD Villanueva (2007–present). All manga art/images are property of Ai Yazawa and Viz Media.



Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 582: Takahashi From The Bike Shop
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
In this episode, Xan dives into Takahashi from the Bike Shop by Arare Matsumushi
- a critically acclaimed josei romance about an office worker falling for a blunt bicycle shop owner. Despite its unconventional art style, this Yen Press title has captured readers' hearts. But does the storytelling overcome its visual quirks? Join us as we explore what makes this slice-of-life manga work (or not)!



Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 581: Ice-Head Gill
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
Wednesday Mar 05, 2025
In this episode, Xan cracks open Ice Head Gill by Ikuo Hachiya
a new Shonen Jump series about an axe-wielding boy battling liches in a frostbitten world. Does this Norse mythology-infused action manga deserve its spot in Jump’s lineup? Tune in as we break down its standout moments, generic tropes, and icy lore!
Support the show: Help us keep the lights on at tinyurl.com/spiraken (thank you to our anonymous donors!).
Want more Spiraken?
👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell for weekly manga reviews!
💬 Follow us @spiraken on Youtube, Twitter/X, Bluesky, and Instagram
🎧 Rate us 5★ on Apple Podcasts
🛡️ Join our Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord
🎥 Watch more on YouTube and Twitch
#IceHeadGill #ShonenJump #MangaReview #NorseMythology #AxeWieldingHero #Spiraken #WheelOfManga #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #shonenmanga #adventuremanga #sliceoflifemanga #spirakenreviewpodcast
Music Credit: Closing Theme: Trendsetter by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES
Random Question of the Day: What’s your favorite Norse-inspired manga? (Vinland Saga? MÄR? Let us know in the comments!)
Find Us Everywhere:
📧 Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan@spiraken.com
📚 Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken
🛒 Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken



Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 580: Super Cub
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
Wednesday Feb 26, 2025
In this episode, Xan explores Super Cub by Tone Koken (illustrated by Kanitan) -
a heartwarming slice-of-life manga about a lonely girl discovering freedom through her Honda Super Cub.



Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 579: Hikaru in the Light
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
Wednesday Feb 19, 2025
In this episode, Xan dives into Hikaru in the Light by Mai Matsuda,
an inspirational music manga now being released in full color by Scholastic. Does the colorization enhance the story, or does it change the tone of this limited series? Join him as he explores its origins on the Azuki Manga app, shares his thoughts on the adaptation, and breaks down why this series is worth your attention.
Before we wrap up, a quick reminder: if you’ve been enjoying the podcast and want to help keep the lights on, please consider supporting our GoFundMe at tinyurl.com/spiraken. We’ve got some fantastic tier rewards to thank you for your generosity, and every bit of support goes a long way. A huge shoutout to our anonymous donors—you’re the real MVPs!
Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast wherever you’re listening. Follow us on social media @spiraken on Youtube, Instagram, and Bluesky, and join our Discord community at tinyurl.com/spiradiscord. If you’re feeling extra generous, leave us a glowing review on Apple Podcasts at tinyurl.com/helpxan—it helps more than you know!
Thanks for tuning in, and we hope you enjoyed this episode. Until next time, keep turning those pages!



Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 578: Ashita no Joe/ Tomorrow's Joe
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
In This Episode, Xan has the privilege to review a cornerstone manga series that has influenced so many. Is it worth the hype? Let's find out as he reviews Ashita no Joe/Tomorrow's Joe/Ashita no Joe: Fighting For Tomorrow by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba.

About Us
SPIRAKEN or Some Podcast Inventing Reviews About Kinetically Enhanced Narratives is a nerdy manga podcast that also talks about different geeky topics. Started in 2008 by Xan Villanueva and "May-San",this podcast is dedicated to inform our audience on what manga,anime,tv series, conventions or other nerdy thing is worth investing their time in.






