Spiraken Review Podcast

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. ----more---- 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:Help us keep the chrome shiny: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day:"If you were an edgerunner in Night City, what would your signature piece of cyberware be?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #CyberpunkEdgerunnersMadness #CyberpunkEdgerunners #BartoszSztybor #DarkHorseManga #Cyberpunk2077 #NightCity Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

n this episode, Xan examines I Want To Escape From Princess Lessons by Izumi Sawano (Author), Uri Sugata (Illustrator), and Miru Yumesaki (Contributor). What begins as a familiar "princess in training" setup quickly evolves into something far more complicated—a story about captivity dressed in romantic clothing. We unpack its tangled dynamics.----more---- In This Episode: Discussing the unsettling undertones of Prince Clarke's behavior and the story's "stockholm syndrome" energy. Examining how the narrative diverges from classic tropes by giving Lettie the agency to leave. The latest manga releases and news. Support the Show:Help us keep the critical conversations going: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day:"What's a popular romance trope that you find more unsettling than romantic?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #IWantToEscapeFromPrincessLessons #IzumiSawano #Shojo #RomanceManga #ProblematicFaves #MangaDiscussion Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan revisits a legendary seinen series originally reviewed way back in Episode 102 by former co-host Kal. City Hunter by Tsukasa Hojo follows Ryo Saeba, a "Sweeper" who cleans up Tokyo's underworld while chasing beautiful women, and his partner Kaori, who keeps him in check with a giant hammer. Does this new Kana omnibus edition elevate the classic, or does the original review still hold true? We reload and find out. In This Episode: A fresh look at Ryo Saeba's iconic blend of lethal skill and legendary lechery. Evaluating the quality and presentation of this new Kana omnibus release. The latest manga releases and our Ichibancon 2026 itinerary—hope to see you there! Support the Show:Help us keep sweeping up new reviews: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day:"If you had a 'City Hunter' style business card, what three letters would you use as your signal?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #CityHunter #TsukasaHojo #Seinen #ActionManga #KanaManga #ClassicManga #Ichibancon Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan dissects the romantic comedy Hope You're Happy, Lemon by Mizuki Kishikawa. This manga takes the classic "body swap" premise and injects it with the high-stakes drama of an ex-girlfriend wild card. Does this story honor the beloved trope with fresh emotion, or does it rely on predictable beats? We analyze its charms and challenges. In This Episode: A light spoiler discussion of the first chapter's compelling setup. Analyzing the manga's execution of the body-swap trope and its tangled love triangle. Breaking down the character dynamics and emotional stakes. Highlighting the latest and greatest manga releases. Support the Show:Help us keep the reviews balanced: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day:"If you had to swap bodies with someone from your past for a day, who would it be and why?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #HopeYoureHappyLemon #MizukiKishikawa #RomCom #BodySwap #Shojo #VizManga Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan delves into the dark, hyper-detailed cyberpunk world of Mujina into the Deep by Inio Asano (creator of Goodnight Punpun). This highly anticipated manga presents a brutal, near-future dystopia where human rights are a commodity. Does this stark departure from Asano's usual work justify its intense hype? We dissect its visceral art, grim narrative, and polarizing characters. In This Episode: Analyzing the shift from Asano's introspective slice-of-life to this ultraviolent, action-sci-fi world. A critical look at the manga's stunningly detailed artwork and its bleak, oppressive themes. The latest manga news and announcements for upcoming events. Support the Show:Help us navigate challenging works: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day:"What's the most drastic genre shift you've seen from a creator you admire, and did it work for you?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #MujinaIntoTheDeep #InioAsano #Cyberpunk #SciFiManga #VizSignature #ActionManga #Dystopian Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Happy New Year from Spiraken! Xan and Gretta kick off 2026 with a tranquil and beautiful manga to match the season of new beginnings. They review Wash It All Away by Mitsuru Hattori, a calming slice-of-life story about a woman with amnesia who finds peace running a laundry service. Is it a masterclass in relaxation, or is it too uneventful? We unfold the layers of this gentle series. In Our First Episode of 2026: A deep dive into the serene, healing atmosphere and stunning art of Wash It All Away. Discussing the unique premise of cleaning as a metaphor for emotional healing. The latest manga releases to add to your new year's reading list. Introducing Book #5 in the "45 Books for 45 Years" project (This Will Be Fun by E. Asher). Support the Show for the New Year:Help us start 2026 strong: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day:"What's your favorite relaxing or 'healing' activity, and is there a manga, book, or show that captures that feeling for you?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #WashItAllAway #MitsuruHattori #SliceOfLife #Iyashikei #HealingManga #SquareEnixManga #HappyNewYear Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan travels back to the dawn of modern manga with Lost World by the legendary Osamu Tezuka. As the inaugural work in Tezuka's classic sci-fi trilogy, does this proto-manga about a rogue dinosaur planet stand as a visionary classic, or is it a fascinating but dated relic? We unearth its historical importance and see how it holds up today. In This Episode: Analyzing the historic, foundational style of this early sci-fi adventure. A look at the "Tezuka Star System" and how it shapes the classic characters. Update #3 in the "45 Books for 45 Years" project (Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros). The latest manga news and releases. Support the Show:Help us preserve manga history: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day:"What's the oldest or most historically significant comic or manga you've ever read, and what did you think of it?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #LostWorld #OsamuTezuka #Tezuka #ClassicManga #SciFiManga #DarkHorseManga #HistoryOfManga Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan delves into the award-winning Akane-banashi by Yuki Suenaga, illustrated by Takamasa Moue. ----more---- This manga brilliantly explores the traditional Japanese art of rakugo through the eyes of a young woman on a mission of artistic revenge. Does it successfully translate the humor, tension, and passion of live performance onto the page? We break down this modern shonen masterpiece. Also in This Episode: Announcing a personal project: "45 Books in One Year" (starting with Project Hail Mary). We want your input! What movie should we review next? The latest and greatest manga news. Support the Show:Help us keep the stories coming: Gofundme Engage With Us: Subscribe! YouTube | Website Follow @spiraken on X (Twitter), Bluesky, Instagram Join the community on Discord Support us on Patreon Rate us on Apple Podcasts Random Question of the Day:"What's a traditional art, craft, or skill you'd love to see a manga explore in-depth?" #Spiraken #MangaReview #AkaneBanashi #YukiSuenaga #RakugoManga #ShonenJump #VizManga #ComingOfAge #ArtisticRevenge Music Credits: "Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES WHERE TO FIND US Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.socialInstagram: instagram.com/spirakenEmail: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.comPatreon: patreon.com/spirakenDiscord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscordX: x.com/spirakenYouTube: youtube.com/@spirakenTwitch: twitch.com/spirakenAmazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken