Spiraken Review Podcast

Xan dives into the charming world of Akira Failing in Love by Shinta Harekawa,

a fun rom-com about a girl whose awkwardness around her crush is matched only by her determination. This series wears its heart on its sleeve and its tropes proudly. Is it worth the read? We break down the sweet nature behind the familiar beats.

In This Episode:

A look at the numerous tropes that power this endearing romance.

Why the sweet, earnest core makes up for the predictable moments.

The latest manga releases from this week.

Hype for our 18-year anniversary this coming Friday!

Continuing to discuss our panels for Animazement 2026.

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #AkiraFailingInLove #ShintaHarekawa #RomCom #Shojo #NewManga #18YearAnniversary #Animazement2026

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Xan enters the arena of Liar Liar by Funa Yukia (original story by Haruki Kuou),

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a light novel adaptation manga centered on mind games, deception, and a dose of fan service. Set on an island where everything is settled through strategic "Games," this series follows a transfer student who stumbles into the role of pseudo-strongest. Is it worth navigating, or does it feel like a game we've played before? We break down the familiar beats.

In This Episode:

A spoiler-light discussion of the game system and its mechanics.

Xan's honest feelings on this very familiar story and where it stands among similar titles.

The latest manga releases from this week.

Continuing the hype for our Animazement 2026 panel schedule.

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #LiarLiar #FunaYukia #HarukiKuou #LightNovelAdaptation #GameManga #YenPress

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Xan explores the boundary between sexy storytelling and simple ecchi with Virgin Ventures: The Hilarious Hijinks of Erotic Amateurs by Kuroseimu.

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This manga follows an inexperienced duo attempting to write erotic fiction despite having zero real-world experience. Is it worth reading as a story, or does it tip over into porn with plot? We break down the laughs, the cringe, and the surprisingly straightforward romance.

In This Episode:

A spoiler-light discussion of the sexy but simple narrative and its appeal.

Debating where this ecchi title lands on the substance vs. fanservice spectrum.

The latest manga releases from this week.

Continuing the hype for our Animazement 2026 panel schedule.

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #VirginVentures #Kuroseimu #Ecchi #RomanceManga #ComedyManga #NewManga

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Xan takes aim at Love Bullet by Inee,

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a new shojo manga that reimagines cupids as gun-toting matchmakers with a modern edge. Does this quirky premise deliver a bullseye, or does it miss its target entirely? We break down the confusing narrative, oddly low-energy pacing, and where this mid-tier story lands.

In This Episode:

A spoiler-light discussion of the story's unique but muddled execution.

Why this high-concept premise struggles to hold attention.

The latest manga releases from this week.

Plus: Spiraken's initial panel list for Animazement 2026 is here!

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #LoveBullet #Inee #Shojo #RomanceManga #NewManga #YenPress

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Xan returns to a cornerstone of shojo manga: Ai Yazawa's Nana.

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Twenty-five years after its debut, this quintessential story of two young women—both named Nana, both chasing dreams in Tokyo—remains a cultural touchstone. Does it hold up? We revisit this groundbreaking series in its new sprayed-edge omnibus edition and compare it to our original review.

In This Episode:

A spoiler-light discussion of why Nana remains a defining work in Ai Yazawa's legendary career.

Appreciating the wondrous, expressive art that captures the punk energy and emotional depth of the story.

Examining the quality and presentation of this new 25th anniversary omnibus edition.

The latest manga releases from this week.

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #Nana #AiYazawa #Shojo #Josei #ClassicManga #VizMedia #AnniversaryEdition

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For our 625th episode, Xan returns to a seinen landmark: Old Boy Deluxe Edition by Garon Tsuchiya and Nobuaki Minegishi.

In This Episode:

A spoiler-light discussion of this groundbreaking story and its impact on the thriller genre.

Praising the wondrous, visceral art that brings this dark tale to life.

Comparing the manga to the iconic film adaptation and our original review from Episode 116.

The latest manga releases from this week.

Plus: Xan hypes his guest appearance on Paul Chapman (The Almighty Gooberzilla)'s Greatest Movie Ever Podcast at gmepodcast.com.

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #OldBoy #GaronTsuchiya #NobuakiMinegishi #Seinen #DarkHorseManga #Thriller #ClassicManga

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Xan dives into the deliciously predictable world of Assassin & Cinderella by Yuzo Natsuno,

an ecchi shojo where a spy and an assassin trade bullets for wedding vows. Does this Square Enix title follow the Spy x Family blueprint, or does it carve its own path by adding a generous helping of spice? We break down the art, the tension, and the tropes.

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In This Episode:

Appreciating the stunning artwork and the dynamic between our deadly leads.

Discussing the predictable but undeniably enjoyable story beats.

The latest manga releases from this week.

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #AssassinAndCinderella #YuzoNatsuno #Ecchi #Shojo #SpyManga #SquareEnixManga

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Xan ventures into the grim world of Centuria by Tohru Kuramori,

a dark fantasy manga that has drawn inevitable comparisons to Berserk. With its brutal opening, eldritch horrors, and a protagonist burdened by 100 stolen lives, does this newcomer topple the king of grimdark, or does it land somewhere in the middle? We tread carefully—keeping the mystery intact.

In This Episode:

A measured look at the first chapter's dark, visceral opening and what it sets up.

Discussing the comparisons to Berserk and where Centuria stands on its own.

The latest manga releases from this week.

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #Centuria #TohruKuramori #DarkFantasy #ShonenJump #Berserk #NewManga

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Xan explores the world of J-pop fandom with Tamon's B-Side by Yuki Shiwasu,

a shojo series that peels back the glittering curtain of idol life. When a devoted fangirl discovers her favorite idol is actually a gloomy, insecure mess behind the scenes, she becomes determined to support him—whether he likes it or not.

In This Episode:

Breaking down the lexicon of the J-pop fan world and how the series navigates idol culture.

Discussing the premise of a fangirl navigating her idol's public face versus his private reality.

The latest manga releases from this week.

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #TamonsBSide #YukiShiwasu #Shojo #JPop #IdolManga #RomCom #VizMedia

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In this episode, Xan plugs into the world of Night City once more with Cyberpunk Edgerunners Madness by Bartosz Sztybor with art by Asano.

This manga prequel to the acclaimed Netflix anime series follows Rebecca and her brother Pilar as they claw their way toward becoming legendary edgerunners. Strap in for a chaotic ride through the City of Dreams.

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In This Episode:

Following the manic energy of Rebecca and Pilar as they dive headlong into Night City's underworld.

Discussing the striking art style and how it captures the grit and gloss of the Cyberpunk universe.

The latest manga releases for the week.

Support the Show:

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Random Question of the Day:

#Spiraken #MangaReview #CyberpunkEdgerunnersMadness #CyberpunkEdgerunners #BartoszSztybor #DarkHorseManga #Cyberpunk2077 #NightCity

"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)

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