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
Aug 4, 2017
Aug 4, 2017
19 min
In this mini movie review episode, Xan delves deep into Midworld as he reviews the latest Stephen King adaptation. Is it a success or a failure, well sit back and listen as he reviews The Dark Tower, directed by Nikolaj Arcel and starring Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Taylor and Jackie Earle Haley
Aug 2, 2017
Aug 2, 2017
22 min
In this episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan goes over a manga which has won several awards and is responsible for a sequel series that has become hugely popular in the last year. So sit back and relax as he reviews the comedy manga, Osomatsu-kun by Akatsuka Fujio
Besides talking about this gag manga, Xan reveals the location of his upcoming panels at Otakon 2017 in Washington DC.. Hope you enjoy
Jul 25, 2017
Jul 25, 2017
26 min
In this episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan finished out the month of Aliens, Boxers & Crazy Curses, with a series that is celebrating its 30th anniversary. So, enjoy as Xan reviews Rumiko Takahashi's take on Sports Romances in One Pound Gospel
While mixing Catholicism and Boxing seems like a risky topic for manga, Xan talks about how it works in this series. He also talks about some of the other series Rumiko Takahashi created and how they stand the test of time. Hope you enjoy
Jul 18, 2017
Jul 18, 2017
24 min
In this episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan continues our theme month of Aliens, Boxers & Crazy Curses, with a series about insane neighbors, unrequited love and unlucky ronins. So, enjoy as Xan reviews Rumiko Takahashi's romantic comedy series Maison Ikkoku
Xan discusses how this is one of the few series of Rumiko Takahashi to have a proper ending as well as the unique elements that inspired the modern manga rom com. Hope you enjoy
Jul 12, 2017
Jul 12, 2017
28 min
In this zany episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan continues the Surprise theme month of Aliens, Boxers & Crazy Curses, with the first long running series by Rumiko Takahashi that made her the sensation she is. So, enjoy as Xan reviews Rumiko Takahashi's sci fi comedy series Urusei Yatsura/ Those Obnoxious Aliens
Besides being the origin of the first real Otaku Dream Girl, this manga sets up tons of tropes that are used in later manga and Xan talks about severel of these. Xan also talks about the upcoming panels at Otakon and some upcoming plans. Hope you enjoy
Jul 7, 2017
Jul 7, 2017
18 min
In this mini movie review episode, Xan gets flashbacks to high school as he reviews the superhero action movie Spider-Man: Homecoming, directed by Jon Watts and starring Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr.
Jul 4, 2017
Jul 4, 2017
18 min
In this fun episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan begins the Surprise theme month of Aliens, Boxers & Crazy Curses, with the first published manga by Rumiko Takahashi. So, enjoy as Xan reviews Rumiko Takahashi's Natte ne Yatsura/ Those Selfish Aliens
This manga is one of those that makes you laugh and confuses you at the same time. Xan also discusses the origins of Rumiko Takahashi and sets up the rest of the theme month. Either way Hope you enjoy
Jul 1, 2017
Jul 1, 2017
13 min
In this mini movie review episode, Xan puts on his earbuds and jams to amazing music as he reviews the action comedy music filled Baby Driver, directed by Edgar Wright and starring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Eiza González, Jon Hamm, Jamie Foxx and Jon Bernthal.
Jun 28, 2017
Jun 28, 2017
28 min
In this rhythmic episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan steps it up as he reviews an unexpectedly addictive sports manga. So, enjoy as Xan reviews Sesuji wo Pin! to ~Shikakō Kyōgi Dance-bu e Yōkoso~/Straighten Up! Welcome to Shika High's Competitive Dance Club by Takumi Yokota
Despite it's unusual concept, Xan found himself really enjoying this manga. Definetly check it out and if you are interested in finding out more about competitive dancing, check out wikipedia on where you can join. Either way Hope you enjoy
Jun 25, 2017
Jun 25, 2017
1hr 22 min
In This sepcial con review, Xan is joined by Doug Wilder from Animecons.tv and John McNally of Crazy O.T.A.K.Us. as they talk about their experiences at AnimeNext 2017 from June 9th - June 11th in Atlantic City, NJ.
Besides discussing the technical difficulties in having to re-record this podcast, our intrepid hosts discuss the merits of proper communication between con staff and panelists, the need for better game rooms and what panels/ cosplays were the most memorable at this convention
There is also some talk about what can be done to improve this convention and what our greatest memories about the con are.
Either way Hope you enjoy
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.