Spiraken Review Podcast

Xan dives into the wild, insanely fun world of Phantom Busters by NeoShoco

This paranormal buddy comedy follows a straight-A student who doesn't believe in ghosts, an exorcist who swallows them whole, and a club that's anything but normal. Does the hype around this unique concept live up to the reading experience? We break down the insane elements, the humor, and the dynamic that makes this series stand out.

In This Episode:

Discussing the unique concept and the hilarious, offbeat dynamic between the characters.

Xan's thoughts on the insane, high-energy elements that drive the story.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Hyping up Xan's appearance at Otakon next week!

Don't forget to check out our Book Review Podcasts on Mondays!

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #PhantomBusters #NeoShoco #Paranormal #BuddyComedy #Shonen #NewManga

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Xan sets sail into the unique fantasy world of Galaxias by Ao Hatesaka

This alternate-world adventure follows Jio, a girl hidden from the world by her father, and Nereid, a mysterious amnesiac. Together, they must navigate a world where dragon-tailed beings exist alongside humans, and where a living legend named Yuri Holst may hold the key to their future. Does this buddy-cop dynamic and unique setting deliver a compelling story? We break down the adventure.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the unique buddy-cop dynamic between Jio and Nereid.

Exploring the fascinating setting where dragon-tailed humans coexist in a modernish world.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Don't forget to check out our Book Review Podcasts on Mondays!

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #Galaxias #AoHatesaka #FantasyManga #Adventure #Kodansha #NewManga

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Xan takes a critical look at the sci-fi manga Rai Rai Rai by Yoshiaki

This fast-paced series follows a struggling space exterminator who gets abducted and implanted with a deadly alien entity. While the premise has potential, the execution feels overly familiar—with artwork that echoes other artists and a story that never quite finds its own identity. Is this mid-tier sci-fi worth your time? We break down what works and what doesn't.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the familiar artwork and its derivative nature.

Xan's thoughts on the fast-paced but ultimately mediocre story.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Asking a question for one of our upcoming panels at Otakon!

Don't forget to check out our Book Review Podcasts on Mondays!

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #RaiRaiRai #Yoshiaki #SciFiManga #Shonen #VizMedia #Otakon2026

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Xan dives into the long-awaited manga Billy Bat by the legendary Naoki Urasawa (creator of 20th Century Boys, Monster, and Pluto) with co-author Takashi Nagasaki

Set in post-WWII America and Japan, this mystery follows a cartoonist who discovers that his creation may be connected to an ancient, world-shaping force. Does this series stand alongside Urasawa's iconic works? We break down the incredible artwork, the compelling mystery, and the feel of this ambitious story.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the incredible artwork and the atmospheric post-WWII setting.

Xan's thoughts on how this mystery compares to Urasawa's other masterpieces.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Talking about upcoming convention appearances at Otakon!

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #BillyBat #NaokiUrasawa #TakashiNagasaki #Seinen #Mystery #KanaManga

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Xan explores the world of high school yuri romance with Rainbows After Storms by Ruka Kobachi

This series follows best friends turned secret lovers as they navigate the highs and lows of their hidden relationship. While the concept is sweet and the main characters are undeniably adorable, the plot falls into a familiar pattern that repeats chapter after chapter. Is it worth reading? We break down the charm and the stagnation.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the adorable main characters and the sweet, heart-fluttering concept.

Xan's honest thoughts on the overly familiar plot structure and its mid-tier execution.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Talking about upcoming convention appearances at Otakon!

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #RainbowsAfterStorms #RukaKobachi #Yuri #ShojoAi #RomanceManga #VizMedia

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Xan returns to the enchanting world of Witch Hat Atelier with its culinary spin-off, Witch Hat Atelier Kitchen by Hiromi Sato

based on the series created by Kamome Shirahama. This cookbook-manga hybrid invites readers into Qifrey's atelier after hours, where magical experiments take a delicious turn. Is this a worthy addition to the franchise? We break down the recipes, the art, and our honest feelings about this unique companion.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the informative and accessible recipes featured throughout the book.

Appreciating the great art style that captures the cozy, magical atmosphere of the original series.

Xan's thoughts on this spin-off compared to the main series (reviewed in Episode 544).

The latest manga news and a quick apology for the last review.

Talking about upcoming convention appearances at Otakon!

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #WitchHatAtelierKitchen #HiromiSato #KamomeShirahama #CookingManga #WitchHatAtelier #KodanshaManga

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Xan dives into the bizarre and thought-provoking world of Bug Ego by ONE (creator of One Punch Man) with art by Kiyoto Shitara.

This sci-fi manga follows two students who discover "hacks" that can alter reality itself—with dark and unpredictable consequences. Does this strange, Black Mirror-esque story deliver on its mind-bending premise? We break down the weirdness.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the eerie, tech-horror atmosphere and the moral questions at the heart of the story.

Xan's thoughts on this genre shift from the creator of One Punch Man.

The latest manga news and headlines.

Talking about upcoming convention appearances at Otakon!

Support the Show:

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #BugEgo #ONE #KiyotoShitara #SciFiManga #VizMedia #OnePunchMan #BlackMirror

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Xan finally reviews an iconic cornerstone of manga: Lone Wolf & Cub by Kazuo Koike with art by Goseki Kojima.

Now presented in a gorgeous new deluxe hardcover edition from Dark Horse Comics, this groundbreaking gekiga classic follows a disgraced samurai and his young son on a path of vengeance. Does it still hold up after all these years? We explore its enduring power.

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In This Episode:

Discussing why this genre-defining samurai epic remains essential reading.

Appreciating the beautiful design of this new deluxe oversized hardcover edition.

The latest manga news and headlines.

Talking about upcoming convention appearances at Otakon!

Support the Show:

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #LoneWolfAndCub #KazuoKoike #GosekiKojima #Gekiga #SamuraiManga #DarkHorseComics #ClassicManga #DeluxeEdition

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Xan ventures into the unsettling world of Grim Night Tales by Yamayu with art by Kensei Hokamoto,

a horror anthology praised by none other than Junji Ito himself. Based on two decades of collected real-life hauntings from across Japan, this Seven Seas Entertainment release promises spine-tingling terror. Does it live up to the hype? We break down the basic setup and share our honest thoughts.

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In This Episode:

An overview of this horror anthology's structure and the tales within.

Xan's thoughts on whether the chilling artwork and stories deliver genuine fear.

The latest manga releases from this week.

Hype for our upcoming Animazement 2026 convention report!

Support the Show:

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #GrimNightTales #Yamayu #KenseiHokamoto #HorrorManga #Anthology #JunjiIto #SevenSeasEntertainment #Animazement2026

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Xan explores the heartfelt world of In the Clear Moonlit Dusk by Mika Yamamori,

a romantic comedy that follows two "princes" who discover there's more to each other than their striking appearances. This series captures honest emotions, genuine vulnerability, and a captivating slow-burn dynamic between Yoi and Kohaku. Is it worth the read? We dive in.

In This Episode:

Discussing the honest, tender feelings depicted throughout this character-driven romance.

Why the connection between Yoi and Kohaku elevates the story beyond typical tropes.

The latest manga releases from this week.

Showing off some new merch.

One final hype for our Animazement 2026 panels!

Support the Show:

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #InTheClearMoonlitDusk #MikaYamamori #Shojo #RomCom #SlowBurn #Animazement2026

"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)

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