Bento Radio

In this episode, Alex uses Brand New Animal to unpack powerful themes of race, identity, and discrimination—both in anime and real life. Drawing from his own experiences as a biracial and disabled individual, he explores how shows like BNA, Static Shock, and Mushoku Tensei reflect society’s struggles with belonging, bias, and the fight for acceptance.

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In this raw and deeply personal episode of Bento Radio, Alex tackles one of the most divisive and emotionally complex anime of the last decade—Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation.

What looks like a standard isekai power fantasy is anything but. Beneath the magic spells and sword fights lies a story about depression, trauma, and what it really means to start over after you’ve hit rock bottom. We unpack Rudeus Greyrat’s flawed, often uncomfortable journey and why his story might be more honest—and more human—than most anime dare to be.

Alex explores:

• How the series deconstructs the isekai trope
• Why Rudeus’ character is intentionally hard to love—and why that matters
• Parallels to Yu Yu Hakusho, Evangelion, and real-world isolation
• How trauma, grace, and small acts of kindness shape our ability to grow
• The beauty and messiness of imperfect characters

This isn’t just an anime review—it’s a reflection on being different, being damaged, and daring to move forward anyway.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

🔗 Don’t forget to follow @AlexHoltCohan for updates and bonus content.

Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for platforms like Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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This is my seasonal "what I'm watching" episode, which is going to be an odd one. In it, I break down everything I'm excited to watch for the Summer 2025 anime season, including a returning series after 15 years. This isn't a normal episode—it's cut into chunks. If you're looking for a more typical episode, I encourage you to listen to previous ones in the YouTube or podcast feed. If you're watching on YouTube, podcast links are in the description; if listening to the podcast, YouTube links are in its description. If you're looking for fresh recommendations or want to know what's worth your time this season, you're in the right place!

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In this episode of Lunchbox Radio, Alex takes a deep dive into My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, the under-the-radar prequel that explores the grittier, street-level side of hero society. Set years before Deku’s rise, Vigilantes follows Koichi, Pop Step, and the quirkless Knuckle Duster as they patrol the rougher corners of Tokyo, fighting crime outside the law.

Alex unpacks how this spin-off expands the MHA universe with grounded storytelling, darker themes, and compelling character dynamics—while still delivering that Studio Bones action flair. From X-Men parallels to social commentary and surprise cameos, this episode is a must-listen for any fan looking to dig deeper into the world of quirks.

Whether you’re a seasoned My Hero fan or new to Vigilantes, this episode explores why this spin-off might just be one of the best stories in the franchise. Stay Plus Ultra!

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This week on Lunchbox Radio, Alex dives deep into Lazarus, the new cyberpunk anime from Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy). Streaming on HBO Max and dripping with dystopian aesthetics, Lazarus follows a world reeling from the miracle drug Hapuna—a cure for pain that turns out to be a death sentence.

Alex explores how Watanabe’s latest work channels themes of pharmaceutical greed, influencer toxicity, climate collapse, and humanity’s desperate need to feel again. We compare Lazarus to Terror in Resonance, Blue Submarine No. 6, and even the opioid crisis, highlighting why this show might be Watanabe’s most radical and uncomfortable work to date.

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Hey anime fans! Welcome back to Lunchbox Radio, hosted by Alex! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Gundam gquuuux, a 2025 anime that’s flown under the radar—mostly because it’s streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime. But before we get into the mecha action, Alex shares some summer studio woes (it’s hot up here in the treetops, requiring AC due to his highly elevated studio!) and talks about a recent trip to NYC to see the Takashi Murakami exhibit at the Gagosian Art Gallery in Chelsea (24th St, not 21st—don’t make the same mistake!). The exhibit, running until July 11th if listening on release, features Murakami's "slavish and giant recreations of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e paintings" and collaborations with Louis Vuitton.

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This week on the podcast, we’re diving into From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman—a new fantasy anime streaming on Amazon Prime. It’s not your average isekai, but it does play with familiar tropes in unexpected ways. We follow Beryl Garnet, a soft-spoken swordsman in his 30s who’s unknowingly trained an entire generation of elite warriors. As old students return and secrets unravel, the show offers a fresh spin on the mentor archetype, but not without some stumbles.

Alex breaks down what makes this series worth watching—like its rare focus on an older protagonist and grounded combat style—and where it falls flat, including stiff CGI, awkward English dialogue, and rushed emotional beats. We also compare it to other genre-bending anime like Kaiju No. 8 and The Executioner and Her Way of Life.

Is Country Bumpkin a hidden gem or just another mid-season miss? Let’s talk about it.

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This week, we're diving headfirst into the absolute visual feast that is Redline! This 2009 anime film, directed by Takeshi Koike, isn't just a movie; it's an experience. Imagine hyper-stylized, high-octane, interplanetary racing where every frame is a work of art.

Follow Sweet JP, a charismatic and reckless racer with a love for old-school cars and an aversion to using weapons or dirty tricks, as he navigates underworld connections that sometimes force his hand. He competes in a series of high-stakes races across the galaxy with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the legendary Redline, the most dangerous and prestigious race in the universe. This race only happens every five years and is notorious for being held on hostile planets, with this year's event set on RoboWorld, a militarized planet whose government has outlawed the race and threatens to annihilate any participants who dare enter, naturally adding to the excitement.

If you're looking for high-octane action, a heartwarming romance, or simply one of the most beautifully animated films ever made, Redline delivers in spades. Its incredible soundtrack, which even blends character theme songs to indicate on-screen action and character relationships, enhances the experience. It's available for free on Tubi and Plex, so there's no excuse not to experience this absolute gem. Trust me, your eyes (and ears!) will thank you.

#RedlineAnime #AnimePodcast #LunchboxRadio #TakeshiKoike #AnimeFilm #SciFiAnime #RacingAnime #AnimeReview #MustWatchAnime #VTuber #AnimationArt #SweetJP #SonoshiMcLaren #RoboWorld #AnimeLoveStory #ActionAnime #HandDrawnAnimation #IntoTheSpiderVerse #Akira #PrincessMononoke #Tubi #Plex #OtakuLife #AnimeCommunity #PodcastNotes

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Hey everyone, it's Alex here and welcome to another episode of Bento Radio! Thanks for listening.

In this episode, we dive into the fantasy action anime, Inuyasha. Set across two time periods—modern-day Japan and the Sengoku, Warring States period of feudal Japan—this iconic series blends historical intrigue with supernatural adventure.

What’s the Story?

• The story follows Kagome Higurashi, a 15-year-old girl from present-day Tokyo, who is transported to the past after falling into a well at her family’s shrine.
• In the past, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon (Hanyo), sealed to a sacred tree.
• Kagome soon learns she is the reincarnation of a powerful priestess, Kikyo, and possesses the mystical Shikon Jewel (Shikon no Tama)—a mystical artifact with the power to grant immense power to those who possess it.
• After the jewel is accidentally shattered, its shards scatter across the land, and Kagome teams up with Inuyasha to recover them.

Engagement & Updates:

• If you like the show, be sure to like it and leave a five-star review on your favorite podcast platform.
• Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode when it comes out every Thursday!
• If you want to hear from me in between episodes, you can check me out over on Blue Sky Instagram. I've also got a YouTube channel, although I'm not doing anything with it currently. I've also got a webcomic coming out over on Webtoons. The links to all of that are in the description of the podcast proper, so go check it out.

Stay Connected:

Until next time, I have been Alex, and this has been Bento Radio.

#Inuyasha #AnimePodcast #BentoRadio #ActionAnime #FantasyAnime #Kagome #AnimeReview #SengokuEra #JapaneseHistory #PodcastUpdates

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In this episode of Bento Radio, we unpack the wild, time-traveling world of Tokyo Revengers—a series that’s more than just gang fights and high-stakes drama. We follow Takemichi Hanagaki as he’s thrust 12 years into the past with one goal: save his childhood love and rewrite fate. But beneath the punches and plot twists lies a deeper exploration of Japan’s youth, social exclusion, and the cultural roots of gang life.

We break down how the series uses time travel to explore trauma, redemption, and the ripple effects of choice. Then we zoom out—connecting the show to real Japanese subcultures like the Bosozoku biker gangs and Tsukiban girl gangs, and drawing parallels to anime like Great Teacher Onizuka, Yu Yu Hakusho, and Tenjo Tenge.

Join us as we explore:

• The psychology of second chances
• The rise and fall of Japan’s gang culture
• How tattoos, social class, and misfit identity shape the narrative
• And why Tokyo Revengers resonates so strongly with a generation that feels left behind

If you love anime that hits hard and makes you think, this one’s for you.

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