We’ve been watching a ton of anime lately, so it’s time to rank our top 10 of the year (so far).

On top of that, we’ve got a bunch of anime news to cover: Perfect Blue is coming back to theaters for a limited run, Labubu and Uniqlo just dropped a collab, and Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo are starring in a new animated sci-fi film called ARCO. Plus, scalpers are already ruining the One Piece x McDonald’s collab.

We also share weekly thoughts on To Be Hero X, DanDaDan, Kaiju No. 8, and One Piece, and then wrap things up by catching up on Boruto chapters 55–65.

We’ve been watching a ton of anime lately, so it’s time to rank our top 10 of the year (so far).

On top of that, we’ve got a bunch of anime news to cover: Perfect Blue is coming back to theaters for a limited run, Labubu and Uniqlo just dropped a collab, and Natalie Portman and Mark Ruffalo are starring in a new animated sci-fi film called ARCO. Plus, scalpers are already ruining the One Piece x McDonald’s collab.

We also share weekly thoughts on To Be Hero X, DanDaDan, Kaiju No. 8, and One Piece, and then wrap things up by catching up on Boruto chapters 55–65.

To Be Hero X just keeps getting better.We catch up on the series all the way through episode 20, break down what’s happening, and throw out some wild theories about what might be coming next.

We also talk about how Kaiju No. 8 has been consistently great, why Dan Da Dan is such a standout series, and our excitement for My Dress-Up Darling season 2.

On top of that, we dive into the latest Black Clover chapters where Yuno pulls off an insane combo, mixing Asta’s anti-magic with his wind and star magic. It’s a stacked episode — let’s talk anime.

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THIS EPISODE UNPACKS:

Anime/Manga News Nuclear Takes: Gege Akutami’s real relationship with Oda, LA One Piece S2 trailer breakdown, Boruto vs. One Piece fandom wars, and Black Clover’s 10th anniversary surprises!

Horikoshi’s Bombshell: My Hero Academia’s end game vs. his new series’ "unfulfilled MHA ambition" .

Weekly Anime Fire:Kaiju #8 S2: Defense Force’s new threats & Kafka’s secret struggle, Dandadan S2,

My Dress Up Darling S2: Marin’s cosplay revolution & Gojo’s new designs, Gatchiakuta’s. One Piece Egghead Arc: Vegapunk’s revelation & Saturn’s wrath.

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This week on The Anime Alchemists, we’re diving into anime’s biggest headlines and hottest debates—delivered with the deep dives you’d expect from Trash Taste and the news rigor of The Anime Experience.

TOPICS COVERED: Controversy Alert: Shueisha’s ex-chief editor Torishima (Dragon Ball’s former editor) criticizes Oda’s anime involvement—is One Piece’s manga suffering?Real-World Impact: Why Indonesians are flying One Piece’s Straw Hat flag as a political protest against government corruption

Exclusive Reveals: Solo Leveling: Ragnarok WEBTOON spinoff confirmed + Uniqlo’s Dandadan collab (July 3rd)Series

Deep Dives:Kaiju No. 8 Season 2’s looming threats, Gachiakuta’s 2025 anime hype (Bones Studio),

Boruto Chapters 50–55 breakdown: Kawaki’s betrayal & Code’s revenge,

Cant Forget a Fun Martin Game Classic

IN THE VEIN OF SHONEN FLOP / ANIME OUTSIDERS:We debate Torishima’s harsh Oda take, analyze how anime symbols fuel real-world protests, and unpack whether Boruto’s latest twist justifies the hype.

Content Warning: Political themes, spoilers for Boruto and Kaiju No. 8.Stream now on Spotify/Apple Podcasts

This Week: Emory and Gary break down the VShojo collapse – the charity allegations, the talent exodus (Kson, Projekt Melody, Zentreya, Geega, Kuro Kurenai, Michi Mochievee, AmaLee), and what it means for VTubing. Then, we hit the anime trenches: Emory’s updates on To Be Hero X, Silent Love, My Dress-Up Darling S2, Dandadan, Gachiakuta, and One Piece. Finally, Gary reviews Boruto Chapters 41-50 – and explains why the manga’s finally earning its hype.

// THE TALKING POINTS //

VShojo’s Downfall: Did poor management drive out Kson, Melody & Zen? The charity theft claims exposed. Anime Deep Cuts: Why To Be Hero X feels like peak Bones action. Dandadan’s horror-comedy balance. Boruto’s Redemption? Gary argues Chapters 41-50 fix pacing issues & deliver payoff (Kawaki’s vulnerability, Mitsuki’s role). One Piece’s Endgame: How Egghead redefines the Straw Hats’ threat level.

// FEATURED SERIES // Water Magician, To Be Hero X, Silent Love, My Dress-Up Darling, Dandadan, Gachiakuta, One Piece, Boruto,

// JOIN THE CONVO //

Was Kson’s exit the final nail for VShojo? Has Boruto’s manga actually gotten good? Is To Be Hero X 2025’s best new action anime? Sound off below. Subscribe for weekly unfiltered anime takes:

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This week on the Anime Alchemist Podcast, we break down the emotional impact of Kuma’s flashback in One Piece and what it means moving forward. We also take a closer look at Oda’s recent post featuring an Imu plush — is it a joke, or is he hinting at something bigger?

In our Weekly Anime Reports, we talk about the latest developments in My Dress-Up Darling and Gachiakuta, and why these series continue to stand out in the current season.

We also revisit Boruto chapters 31 through 40, discussing the highs, the lows, and how the manga is setting the stage for what’s next.

If you’re into thoughtful anime discussion with a laid-back vibe, you’re in the right place.

New episodes drop every week — like, subscribe, and leave a comment to let us know what you’re watching or reading right now.

This week on the Anime Alchemists Podcast:We get into some HUGE anime news, with the passing of legendary voice actor James Carter Cathcart (Known for voicing various characters in the Pokemon anime), as well as the announcement of Windbreaker's discontinued Manga/anime due to some INSANE allegations. We also get into our weekly reviews for the summer anime season with My dress up darling season 2, DandaDan, To be hero X and Ruri Rocks. GO WATCH TO BE HERO X IT'S AMAZINGLastly, Gary talks reviews another set of chapters from the Boruto manga and how its surprisingly good! All this and more, make sure to like, subscribe and turn the notifications on to get all updates on our episodes!

Hosts: Emory & Gary | 90 min | Explicit | Out NowThis Episode Covers:,Boruto Chapters 11-21: Kawaki’s turn, Himawari’s power surge, and the explosive start of the Returners Saga2025’s Major Premieres: My Dress Up Darling S2, Kaiju #8 S2, Reincarnated as the 7th Prince, and Dandadan S2 rumorsTrailer Breakdowns: Jobless Reincarnation S3 teaser and the unexpected Vending Machine Anime S2Hidden Gem Spotlight: Gatchiakuta, Silent Witch, Ruri Rocks, Apocalypse Bringer Mynogha, and why Fragrant Flower’s ending has fans fired up,Deep Cuts: The Water Magician’s unique magic system and Welcome to the Outcast Restaurant’s chaotic charm.

Gary speedran 10 chapters of Boruto, we preview Toonami’s Lazarus marathon (July 12th!), and debate whether Demon Slayer’s new trailer tops Solo Leveling’s hype. Then: Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo’s absurd English dub hits Toei’s YouTube for free, Pom Pom Purin reclaims Sanrio’s #1 spot, and we investigate Peppa Pig’s suspiciously inflated height stats.

Stick around for our classic One Piece/Naruto tangents – Including Bunny Lords official ranking, and how One Piece is possibly the most woke series ever.

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