The Anime Effect

Kyle Higgins joins The Anime Effect to explore how anime and tokusatsu are reshaping American superheroes. The writer of Radiant Black, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Ultraman, Nightwing, and Teen Titans breaks down what Hollywood can learn from transformation sequences, legacy heroes, and more.

What we're watching on The Anime Effect:

⭐ Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers: https://bit.ly/4i9iKMb

⭐ Apocalypse Hotel: https://got.cr/4guNvKe

⭐ Eden of the East: https://got.cr/4y0YoJZ

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Hatsune Miku is officially entering Magic: The Gathering with a new Secret Lair Commander deck, and MTG designer Carmen Klomparens joins The Anime Effect to reveal how it came together.

Plus, we break down Spider-Man’s latest anime crossover, the first look at Gachiakuta Season 2, Neon Genesis Evangelion joining The Criterion Collection, and a new My Hero Academia special.

This week on The Anime Effect:

⭐ Hatsune Miku x Magic: The Gathering

⭐ BTS Interview w/ Senior Game Designer Carmen Klomparens

⭐ Spider-Man’s growing anime connection: https://bit.ly/4xoYyKH

⭐ Gachiakuta Season 2 first look: https://got.cr/4wKfJpX

⭐ Evangelion is moving to Criterion: https://got.cr/3TDAXHH

⭐ A new My Hero Academia special is out: https://got.cr/4fO2lda

What do you think of Hatsune Miku’s MTG era? Send us your anime questions, hot takes, and recommendations: https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

The Anime Effect is Crunchyroll’s weekly anime podcast hosted by Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. Each week, the crew dives into the biggest anime news, interviews creators and guests, shares recommendations, debates fandom hot topics, and answers listeners' questions.

GUEST: CARMEN KLOMPARENS (https://got.cr/4z39Tlj)

HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President

SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters

V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon

MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano

From The Anime Effect podcast to video essays, interviews, and deep dives on your favorite anime, Crunchyroll Presents takes you closer to the world of anime.

GET MORE ANIME ⭐Start your FREE 7-day Crunchyroll trial: https://got.cr/cp-7days

Read More Anime Headlines NOW at Crunchyroll News: https://got.cr/4q0DlUO

#HatsuneMiku #MagicTheGathering #AnimeNews

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Spider-Man is swinging out with a new manga! The Anime Effect breaks down Marvel’s next big partnership, Akira Toriyama’s Eisner Award honor, SDCC 2026 highlights, Mobile Suit Gundam RG XARX-ZERO, and the secret sauce for the ULTIMATE anime remake.

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President

SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters

V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon

MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano

From The Anime Effect podcast to video essays, interviews, and deep dives on your favorites, Crunchyroll Presents takes you closer to the world of anime.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Apostolides joins The Anime Effect this week to talk Ghost in the Shell, his first major anime role, and the legacy of Resident Evil’s Leon Kennedy. Plus, we dive into Akira, anime dubbing, Leon's best lines, and the internet’s obsession with “Daddy Leon.”

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

Demon Slayer Earns Critics' Choice Awards Nomination & More

One Piece’s LEGO Special Drops First Trailer, Paving a New Frontier for Anime

Naruto Creator Makes Surprise Marvel Cameo to Crown the Best Spider-Man Movie

Find Nick on Instagram and X!

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Live-action anime is heating up Hollywood! The Anime Effect breaks down Naruto’s Team 7 casting search & My Hero Academia’s movie update! PLUS, big Anime Expo news continues with Solo Leveling’s movie debut, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2, Godzilla Minus Zero, and Studio Ghibli’s new anime drop.

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah President

SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters

V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon

MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano

From The Anime Effect podcast to video essays, interviews, and deep dives on your favorites, Crunchyroll Presents takes you closer to the world of anime.

FREE 7-DAY CRUNCHYROLL TRIAL ⭐️ https://got.cr/cp-7daysFollow

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The Anime Effect is live from Anime Expo 2026! The hosts unite IRL to explore why anime conventions are bigger than ever, AKIRA’s theatrical return, Star Wars' new anime, The Apothecary Diaries movie, and the wildest Naruto release we've heard about in years!
Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.
Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

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This week, The Anime Effect prepares for Anime Expo 2026 this week with an unhinged episode that puts our hosts’ IQs to the test. From Cyberpunk’s TV return to the Joker’s anime spotlight, we’re going all in on the biggest headlines of the past week to make you a bigger & better anime fan.

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

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Hololive’s Takanashi Kiara joins The Anime Effect this week to talk gateway anime, VTuber stardom, KFP, and niche anime faves. PLUS, the hosts break down Pokémon’s adorable Aardman series, Crunchyroll’s Summer 2026 anime lineup, and Naruto’s new TCG.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

Crunchyroll Summer 2026 Seasonal Lineup

Naruto Trading Card Game Announced

Find Takanashi Kiara Here on YouTube

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

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It's another big week for anime news, y'all! We're breaking down the headlines this week including news on Marvel’s Mangaverse returning, Dr. STONE coming to Fortnite and a Code Lyoko revival! PLUS, we hear about the anime moments living rent-free in your minds in Fan Service.

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

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Anime is bigger than EVER, so The Anime Effect is breaking down why 1 in 5 Americans now watch it. PLUS, the hosts unpack huge Anime Expo updates, recent gaming reveals like Persona 6, and revisit the anime scenes that live rent-free in their heads!

Welcome to The Anime Effect, the weekly podcast hosted by Crunchyroll's own in-house, resident anime experts – Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, and Leah President. The show is a lively mixture of roundtable news and discussion with Crunchyroll hosts and special guests as they debate hot topics, provide recommendations, and tackle fan questions.

Talk to us! https://got.cr/AnimeEffectQuestions

HOSTS: Nicholas Friedman, LeAlec Murray, Leah Presiden

SHOWRUNNER: Megan Peters

V/A DIRECTOR: Shaun Michael Colon

MARKETING PRODUCER: Carla Solorzano

From The Anime Effect podcast to video essays, interviews, and deep dives on your favorites, Crunchyroll Presents takes you closer to the world of anime.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices