In the nostalgic labyrinth of Kowloon Walled City, realtor Reiko Kujirai stands out as a woman hungry for change in a place clinging to the past. Her colleague Hajime Kudou—stubborn, traditional, and oddly charming—represents everything she's trying to leave behind. As these opposites find themselves increasingly drawn together, something mysterious lurks beneath their budding connection, a secret that could make their romance impossible.

Join Mat and special guest Georgie (aka Mainly.Manga) as they get into the first volume of Jun Mayuzuki's masterpiece— which may very well be the most captivating Vol.1  featured on the show so far! 

In this spoiler-filled deep dive of the first volume, they uncover:

• The breathtaking cinematic techniques that transform Kowloon from setting to character
• How subtle sci-fi elements create layers of intrigue beneath the romance
• The provocative content that earned this manga its shrink-wrapping.
• How it stacks up against Mayuzuki's other work: After The Rain.

Whether you're already enchanted by Mayuzuki's world thanks to the new Anime or just curious about this critically-acclaimed series, this episode promises to enhance your appreciation of this uniquely atmospheric love story set in a reimagined piece of history.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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The Trouble Shooter agency doesn't just solve problems—they OBLITERATE them! Join us as we dive into Yuto Sano's adrenaline-pumping world of "Gokurakugai," where monster hunting isn't just a job, it's an art form.

This week, Mat is joined once again by Lea to dissect what some consider to be the next big Shonen series! We'll be unpacking: the jaw-dropping artwork that leaps off every page, it's excellent characters and how in almost every frame, we see a flicker of classic shonen woven into Sano's vision (for better and worse...)

We ask ourselves is "Gokurakugai" destined for shonen superstardom? Or will its familiar elements prevent it from claiming the title of 'the next big thing'? 

**CONTENT WARNING:** Though not explicit, this episode touches on trafficking, exploitation, and sexual themes. Listener discretion advised.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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When a tyrant god's reign is prophesied to fall, does it herald salvation—or apocalypse?

Three centuries ago, the God of Thunder committed the ultimate betrayal: murdering the Heavenly Emperor and seizing the throne of Tenkai for himself. His reign has brought nothing but darkness and cruelty to the celestial realm. Now, a lone stargazer's prophecy speaks of a being with the power to split the heavens asunder. Is this mysterious figure the long-awaited saviour who will free Tenkai from oppression? Or does their arrival mark the first step toward universal annihilation?

On this week's episode, Mat welcomes Lucy and Robin from the excellent 'CLAMPcast in Wonderland' to delve into RG Veda—the stunning professional debut of the legendary manga collective CLAMP, published in English by Dark Horse.

Together, we unravel the book's mythological trappings, incredible artwork and overall immaculate vibes. 

The conversation extends beyond RG Veda itself, examining how its main themes of fate and destiny became foundational elements throughout CLAMP's illustrious body of work, as well as suggesting other entry points into their huge back catalog of works based on taste and genre preference! 

Join us for this divine journey into the dawn of one of manga's most influential creative forces!

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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The cops claim it. The Yakuza fight for it. Gangs and hoodlums bleed for it. But everyone in Treasure Town knows the truth: these streets belong to two orphaned kids named Black and White. Their legendary story, still hailed as manga royalty three decades later, isn't just about survival—it's about the soul of a city itself.

This week, Mat welcomes acclaimed comic artist CROM (Raiders, Bird King) for a deep dive into Taiyō Matsumoto's urban masterpiece, Tekkonkinkreet. They'll unpack how this classic story stacks up against Matsumoto's celebrated catalog and discuss its profound influence on CROM's own artistic evolution.

From its raw, kinetic visuals to its haunting meditation on innocence and violence, discover why Tekkonkinkreet continues to captivate readers and why you need more Taiyō Matsumoto in your life!

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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Is Negi Haruba's dark take on sentai heroes a revolutionary deconstruction like 'The Boys,' or just another forgettable genre flip?

This week, Mat welcomes back Zane Taichou from Undisputed Anime to dive deep into Kodansha's provocative manga sensation 'Go! Go! Loser Ranger!'

Together, they unpack the series' subversive themes, examine whether those Garth Ennis comparisons hold water, analyze what makes the storytelling so captivating, and deliver their verdict on whether the anime's first season successfully captures the manga's edge. 

For fans of Power Rangers, superhero deconstructions, or anyone curious about the manga ahead of the anime's second season - this is one episode you won't want to miss!

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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What happens when you take a tale written by 'The God of Manga' and let the 'Master of Suspense' retell it? Well, you only get one of the greatest works of Manga ever written!

On this week's episode, Mat is joined once again by his podcasting partner in. crime Tom, to talk about an undisputed masterpiece: PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka by Naoki Urasawa, published in English by Viz Media.

This week there's no doubt in our minds: we want you to read this book if you haven't and we're going to tell you why!

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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On this week's episode, Mat's joined by Pippa (aka StrawberryShojo), to talk about a Classic work of Historical Fiction / Shojo Manga, The Rose of Versailles by Riyoko Ikeda, published in English by Udon Entertainment.

Join us as we talk about the book's place in history, scratch the surface of it's themes, and get sucked in by all of the drama! Suffice to say, it's a premium release of a classic work that's worth picking up!  Join us to find out why!

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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On this Manga Tak-ked On (i.e. a Bonus Episode), Mat is joined one again by Undisputed Anime's TsuTsuDae, to talk about his complete 180 on modern High School Shōjo Manga, Honey Lemon Soda by Mayu Murata, published in English by Yen Press.

Join us as we get into a spoiler-tastic (upto Vol 6. from 00:04:00 on) episode where Tsu tells us where Honey Lemon Soda really put Shōjo sparkles in his eyes, and why Mat is now regretting talking to him, as it's been added back onto the 'to read' list as result!

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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On this week's episode, Mat's bacon is saved emergency guest TsuTsuDae of the Undisputed Anime Podcast, to talk about the long running Shonen classic, D.Gray-Man by Katsura Hoshino.

Join us as we talk about the book's long history, how it balances mature themes with lighthearted moments, and get nostalgic for the bygone era where the local comic book shop dictated what you read... 

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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On this week's episode, Mat is joined by Fred Tornager to discuss a comic book about comedy: and the excellent Show-Ha Shoten! by Akinari Asakura & Takeshi Obata, published in English by Viz Media.

Join us as we 'dissect the frog' of comedy, gush about Obata's artwork, then talk about what works and doesn't in the first volume of the 'Bakuman of Manzai Comedy'. 

Find the 'Unpacking Japan' episode Mat discusses in the intro with professional Manzai comedian, Nick-niisan, here.

Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music!

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