Spiraken Manga Review

Xan tackles Übel Blatt by Etorouji Shiono —a brutal seinen revenge saga often compared to Berserk. Does this Yen Press manga carve its own path, or does it live in the shadow of giants? We dissect its grim worldbuilding, relentless action, and moral ambiguity. In This Episode: Why Übel Blatt’s antihero Koinzell stands out Latest manga releases worth your attention Animazement 2025 Panel Announcements (May event) *No episode 5/21* (Con prep mode activated!) Support the Show: Keep us reviewing: Gofundme (Thanks to our donors!) Engage With Us: Subscribe: YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X, Bluesky, Instagram Join our Discord Support on Patreon Rate us: Apple Podcasts Random Question: "What’s your favorite dark fantasy manga—and does it need a moral compass?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #ÜbelBlatt #EtoroujiShiono #Seinen #DarkFantasy #BerserkComparisons #RevengeManga #YenPress Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: 

Xan taste-tests Cooking With Wild Game by EDA, a J-Novel Club isekai manga adaptation that blends fantasy survival with culinary adventure. Can this webnovel-turned-manga stand out in a crowded genre, or does it reheat tired tropes? We break down its flavors—both fresh and stale.   Discussion Includes: How it compares to popular isekai/cooking manga Panel announcements for Animazement 2025 (May event) Latest manga releases worth your shelf space ----more---- Support the Show: Fuel our reviews: Gofundme (Thanks, donors!) Engage With Us: Subscribe: YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X, Bluesky, Instagram Join our Discord Support on Patreon Rate us: Apple Podcasts Random Question: "What’s your favorite ‘unusual premise’ manga (e.g., cooking, farming, etc.)?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #CookingWithWildGame #EDA #Isekai #CookingManga #JNovelClub #FantasySurvival #WebNovelAdaptation Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky:

In this episode, Xan explores Kingyo Used Books by Seimu Yoshizaki —a heartwarming iyashikei anthology where a Tokyo used bookstore becomes a haven for manga lovers. Discover how this Viz Media Signature title celebrates manga’s power to heal, connect, and inspire through its vignettes of everyday life. ----more---- Discussion Highlights: Why this series stands out in the healing manga genre How Yoshizaki blends nostalgia with quiet humor Latest manga releases & industry updates Support the Show: Keep us creating: Gofundme (Thank you, donors!) Engage With Us: Subscribe: YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X/Twitter, Bluesky, Instagram Join our Discord Support on Patreon Rate us: Apple Podcasts Random Question: "What manga changed your life—or comforted you when you needed it most?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #KingyoUsedBooks #SeimuYoshizaki #Iyashikei #SliceOfLife #VizMediaSignature #HealingManga #BookstoreStories Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YE

In this episode, Xan dissects The Climber—a profound sports manga adaptation of Jiro Nitta’s novel, with story by Toshio Nabeda and Hiroshi Takano, and striking art by Shin’ichi Sakamoto. This Viz Media Signature title explores the psychological extremes of solo mountain climbing, blending breathtaking visuals with existential tension. Discussion Highlights: Why this manga transcends typical sports narratives How Sakamoto’s art amplifies the story’s isolation themes Animazement 2025 Panel Announcements (May event details) Support the Show: Help us continue creating content: Gofundme (Thank you, donors!) Engage With Us: Subscribe: YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram Join our Discord Support on Patreon Rate us: Apple Podcasts Random Question: "What’s your personal ‘mountain’—an obstacle or goal that consumes you?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #TheClimber #Seinen #SportsManga #ShinichiSakamoto #JiroNitta #VizMediaSignature #PsychologicalManga #Isolation #Podcast Musi

 In this powerful episode, Xan examines Real - Takehiko Inoue's (Vagabond) brutally honest seinen manga about wheelchair basketball and overcoming physical/emotional trauma. How does this Viz Media-published series tackle disability with more nuance than typical sports narratives? We break down its unflinching realism and why it stands apart in Inoue's legendary career. Support the channel: Keep Spiraken running via Gofundme (thanks to our donors!) Engage with us: Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Follow @spiraken on Twitter/X, Bluesky, Instagram Join our Discord Support on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Question of the Day: "Have you ever watched wheelchair basketball?" Share your experiences below! #Spiraken #MangaReview #RealManga #TakehikoInoue #Seinen #SportsManga #DisabilityRepresentation #WheelchairBasketball #VizMedia #WheelOfManga Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US: Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social Instag

 In this episode, Xan explores Akihito Tsukushi's critically acclaimed Made in Abyss - a haunting seinen manga that blends adorable character designs with disturbing body horror. Follow the journey of young explorers venturing into a mysterious chasm where beauty and terror intertwine. Is this Seven Seas Entertainment title worth reading despite its unsettling themes? Join us for a deep dive (pun absolutely intended) into one of manga's most unique dark fantasy worlds. Support the channel: Keep Spiraken running by supporting our GoFundMe: tinyurl.com/spiraken Special thanks to our anonymous donors! Connect with us: Subscribe to our YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Follow @spiraken on Twitter/X, Bluesky, and Instagram Join our Discord community Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Question of the Day: "How far would you descend into the Abyss?" Share your answer in the comments! #Spiraken #MangaReview #MadeInAbyss #AkihitoTsukushi #SeinenManga #DarkFantasy #HorrorManga #SevenSeas #WheelOfManga #Manga

In this episode, Xan dives into Gachiakuta by Kei Urana —a brutal, high-octane shonen manga about a "Cleaner" navigating a dystopian wasteland. How does it stack up against classics like Battle Angel Alita and Dorohedoro? Is it the next big action series? Let’s break it down!

 Xan tackles Hikari-Man —Hideo Yamamoto’s (Homunculus) twisted tale of electromagnetically sensitive outcasts seeking vengeance. Is this brutal seinen sci-fi a cathartic triumph or a descent into madness? Some Minor spoilers, and some raw analysis of Yamamoto’s signature darkness, plus updates on new manga releases you need to know. ----more---- Support the channel:

Xan dives into Last Quarter, a haunting romance from Ai Yazawa (creator of Nana) —blending supernatural mystery with her signature emotional depth. Does this hidden gem live up to her legendary status? No spoilers, just pure admiration for Yazawa’s art and storytelling magic. Plus, updates on the latest manga releases you won’t want to miss! Support the channel:

In this episode, Xan dives into Takahashi from the Bike Shop by Arare Matsumushi   - a critically acclaimed josei romance about an office worker falling for a blunt bicycle shop owner. Despite its unconventional art style, this Yen Press title has captured readers' hearts. But does the storytelling overcome its visual quirks? Join us as we explore what makes this slice-of-life manga work (or not)! ----more---- Support the show: Help us keep creating content at tinyurl.com/spiraken - special thanks to our anonymous donors! Engage with us: Subscribe to our YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken Follow @spiraken on Twitter/X, Bluesky, and Instagram Join our Discord Support on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day: What life experience of a josei mangaka would you most want to read about? Comment below! #Spiraken #MangaReview #JoseiManga #TakahashiFromTheBikeShop #ArareMatsumushi #YenPress #RomanceManga #SliceOfLife #WheelOfManga #MangaRecommendations #MangaPodcast Music Credits:

 In this episode, Xan cracks open Ice Head Gill by Ikuo Hachiya a new Shonen Jump series about an axe-wielding boy battling liches in a frostbitten world. Does this Norse mythology-infused action manga deserve its spot in Jump’s lineup? Tune in as we break down its standout moments, generic tropes, and icy lore! Support the show: Help us keep the lights on at tinyurl.com/spiraken (thank you to our anonymous donors!). Want more Spiraken?

In this episode, Xan explores Super Cub by Tone Koken (illustrated by Kanitan) - a heartwarming slice-of-life manga about a lonely girl discovering freedom through her Honda Super Cub. ----more---- Is this motorcycle-focused story worth your time? Join us as we dive into the manga adaptation of this popular web novel, geek out about what makes the Super Cub so special, and discuss the latest releases in the series. Before we wrap up, we'd love your support to help keep this show running! Check out our GoFundMe at tinyurl.com/spiraken - we've got some great donor rewards, and every contribution makes a difference. Special thanks to our anonymous supporters - you rock! If you're enjoying the podcast, please: Hit like, share, and subscribe wherever you're listening Follow us @spiraken on Youtube, Twitter, Instagram, and Bluesky Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/spiraken Join our growing community on Discord at tinyurl.com/spiradiscord Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts at tinyurl.com/helpxan Thanks f

In this episode, Xan dives into Hikaru in the Light by Mai Matsuda, an inspirational music manga now being released in full color by Scholastic. Does the colorization enhance the story, or does it change the tone of this limited series? Join him as he explores its origins on the Azuki Manga app, shares his thoughts on the adaptation, and breaks down why this series is worth your attention. Before we wrap up, a quick reminder: if you’ve been enjoying the podcast and want to help keep the lights on, please consider supporting our GoFundMe at tinyurl.com/spiraken. We’ve got some fantastic tier rewards to thank you for your generosity, and every bit of support goes a long way. A huge shoutout to our anonymous donors—you’re the real MVPs!   Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to the podcast wherever you’re listening. Follow us on social media @spiraken on Youtube, Instagram, and Bluesky, and join our Discord community at tinyurl.com/spiradiscord. If you’re feeling extra generous, leave us a glowing review

In This Episode, Xan has the privilege to review a cornerstone manga series that has influenced so many. Is it worth the hype? Let's find out as he reviews Ashita no Joe/Tomorrow's Joe/Ashita no Joe: Fighting For Tomorrow by Asao Takamori and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba. ----more---- As our intrepid host goes over this inspirational story of a young man reaching for a better future, he also goes over the latest manga news and reveals some upcoming events for the podcast. Remember to support our gofundme to help repair our editing computer at www.tinyurl.com/spiraken and thanks to our anonymous donors. Producer Alexander H. Regardless, Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter @spiraken.bsky.social, and @spiraken on Instagram, subscribe to this podcast and our YouTube channel, Support our patreon and if you would kindly, please go to www.tinyurl.com/helpxan and give us a great rating on Apple Podcasts. Also join our discord and Thank you, hope you enjoy this episode. #spiraken #ma

In This Episode, Xan has the privilege to review a signature samurai manga that discusses one of the most popular Japanese Swordsman of all time. Is it worth the hype? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Vagabond by Takehiko Inoue. ----more---- As he discusses this novel inspired manga, xan also discusses the latest manga releases as well as the special new collector's edition of Vagabond that was just released. Remember to support our gofundme to help repair our editing computer at www.tinyurl.com/spiraken and thanks to our anonymous donors. Producer Alexander H. Regardless, Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter @spiraken.bsky.social, and @spiraken on Instagram, subscribe to this podcast and our YouTube channel, Support our patreon and if you would kindly, please go to www.tinyurl.com/helpxan and give us a great rating on Apple Podcasts. Also join our discord and Thank you, hope you enjoy this episode. #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #seinenmanga #actionmanga #hist

 In This Episode, Xan reviews a shonen action series about protecting a neighborhood and kicking ass. Is it worth reading? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Wind Breaker by Satoru Nii. ----more----As our host discusses the familiar yet revised plot of this story, he also goes over the latest manga releases. Remember to support our gofundme to help repair our editing computer at www.tinyurl.com/spiraken and thanks to our anonymous donors. Producer Alexander H. Regardless, Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter @spiraken.bsky.social, and @spiraken on Instagram, subscribe to this podcast and our YouTube channel, Support our patreon and if you would kindly, please go to www.tinyurl.com/helpxan and give us a great rating on Apple Podcasts. Also join our discord and Thank you, hope you enjoy this episode. #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #shonenmanga #actionmanga #highschoolmanga #newmangaexplained #bestmanga #mangarecommendation #winderbreakermanga #satorunii #windbreake

 In This Episode, Xan reviews a seinen manga about arranged marriages, psychotic fiancès and weird overtures of love. Is it romantic? Well sit back and find out as he reviews Yakuza Fiancè: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii by Asuka Konishi. ----more---- As our intrepid host goes over this compelling story, he also talks a bit about our gofundme http://www.tinyurl.com/spiraken and recent manga. Thank you to our producer donator, Alexander H and thanks to an anonymous donor.(you know who you are) Thank you so much Regardless, Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter @spiraken.bsky.social, and @spiraken on Instagram, subscribe to this podcast and our YouTube channel, Support our patreon and if you would kindly, please go to www.tinyurl.com/helpxan and give us a great rating on Apple Podcasts. Also join our discord and Thank you, hope you enjoy this episode. Producer: Alexander H. #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #seinenmanga #romancemanga #yakuzamanga #newmangaexplained #bestmanga #mangarec

 In This Episode, Xan reviews a slice of life manga that is about love, coincidences and fish? Is it a good manga? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews Friday At The Atelier by Sakura Hamada. ----more----   As our intrepid host goes over the confusing nature of this manga, he also talks about our new gofundme, which you can find at https://gofund.me/7f1eb404 . Also thank you to our First Donator, Alexander H. Thank you so much Regardless, Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter @spiraken.bsky.social, and @spiraken on Instagram, subscribe to this podcast and our YouTube channel, Support our patreon and if you would kindly, please go to www.tinyurl.com/helpxan and give us a great rating on Apple Podcasts.Also join our discord and Thank you, hope you enjoy this episode. Producer: Alexander H. #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #seinenmanga #romancemanga #sliceoflifemanga #newmangaexplained #bestmanga #mangarecommendation #fridayattheatelier #sakurahamada #mangarecommendation

Happy 2025, we have returned!!! And to celebrate that, Xan discusses a historical fiction manga about the Miburo/ The Shinsengumi. Is it worth checking out? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews The Blue Wolves of Mibu written by Tsuyoshi Yasuda. ----more---- As our intrepid host goes over a little of the history behind this manga, he also discusses some good manga adaptations for the miburu's story as well as discusses why we have been away for the last 3 months. Regardless, Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter @spiraken.bsky.social, and @spiraken on Instagram, subscribe to this podcast and our YouTube channel, Support our patreon and if you would kindly, please go to www.tinyurl.com/helpxan and give us a great rating on Apple Podcasts.Also join our discord and Thank you, hope you enjoy this episode.   #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #shonenmanga #actionmanga #samuraimanga #newmangaexplained #bestmanga #mangarecommendation #bluemiburu #thebluewolvesofmibu #tsuyoshiy

In This Episode, Xan reviews a manga about two teens in rival schools who fall in love. Is it generic or does it do something new? Let's find out as he reviews the Rom Com Drama Manga series The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity by Saka Mikami. ----more---- As our intrepid host discusses this manga, he also goes over the latest manga releases. Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter @spiraken.bsky.social, and @spiraken on Instagram, subscribe to this podcast and our YouTube channel, Support our patreon and if you would kindly, please go to www.tinyurl.com/helpxan and give us a great rating on Apple Podcasts.Also join our discord and Thank you, hope you enjoy this episode. #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #shonenmanga #romcommanga #romancemanga #newmangaexplained #bestmanga #mangarecommendation #fragrantflowerbloomswithdignity #Sakamikami #mangarecommendation #kodanshacomics #kodansha #podcasthq #manga #spirakenreviewpodcast Music Used in This Episode: Closing Theme-Tr