Spiraken Review Podcast

In this special episode, Xan is joined by Gretta to revisit a true classic: Mushishi by Yuki Urushibara. Originally reviewed in Episode 120, does this beloved fantasy mystery about a wandering "Mushi Master" hold up after all these years? We examine the beautiful new Kodansha Collector's Edition to see if it's the definitive way to own this atmospheric and philosophical series.

In This Nostalgic Episode:

A fresh look at Ginko's journeys and the ethereal world of the Mushi.

Is the new Collector's Edition worth the upgrade over the original prints?

Does Xan's original review from 120 episodes ago still stand?

The latest manga news and Gretta's new obsession with Murder, She Wrote.

Support the Show:
Help us continue our journey through 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 a manga or book you loved years ago that you'd love to see get a beautiful, deluxe re-release?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #Mushishi #YukiUrushibara #Kodansha #CollectorsEdition #Seinen #FantasyManga #ClassicManga

Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)
License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken
Email: [email protected] | Xan: [email protected]
Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken
Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord
X: x.com/spiraken
YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken
Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken
Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan dives into the brutal and unique dystopian action of Tank Chair by Manabu Yashiro. This manga features a comatose assassin in a weaponized wheelchair and the sister who guides him on a violent path to recovery. Is this an underrated gem for fans of Chainsaw Man and Dorohedoro? We load up and fire off our full review.

In This Episode:

Breaking down the hyper-violent, heartfelt, and utterly original premise.

How the series balances its crazy action with a powerful sibling bond.

An announcement for an upcoming convention appearance!

The latest headlines from the world of manga.

Support the Show:
Help us keep the spotlight on hidden gems: 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 creative or unexpected weapon you've seen in a manga or anime?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #TankChair #ManabuYashiro #Seinen #ActionManga #DystopianManga #HiddenGem #kodanshaManga

Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)
License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken
Email: [email protected] | Xan: [email protected]
Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken
Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord
X: x.com/spiraken
YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken
Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken
Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this episode, Xan examines Mr. Megaman (Rockman-san) by Yushi Kawata & Yukito—a bizarre but charming slice-of-life manga where the Blue Bomber trades battling Robot Masters for a career in dentistry. Is this Udon Entertainment manga a loving tribute or a cavity-inducing misstep? We drill into this unique video game homage to find the root of its appeal.

In This Episode:

Analyzing this quirky slice-of-life take on a classic Capcom icon.

Who this niche manga is for (and who might want to skip it).

The latest manga news and upcoming releases.

Support the Show:
Help keep the podcast running: 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 weirdest or most unexpected 'day job' you can imagine for a classic video game character?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #MrMegaman #RockmanSan #MegaMan #UdonManga #SliceOfLife #VideoGameManga #Capcom

Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)
License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken
Email: [email protected] | Xan: [email protected]
Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken
Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord
X: x.com/spiraken
YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken
Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken
Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

YouTube Tags:

n this episode, Xan kicks off the 600s with a delightful change of pace: Cats with Jobs by Pandania. This wholesome slice-of-life manga explores the secret world of felines with careers. Is it the cathartic and relaxing read we all need? We dive into this charming webcomic-turned-manga to see if its gentle humor and positive vibes are a perfect palate cleanser.

In This Episode:

A review of this gentle, episodic manga about working cats.

How it succeeds as a comforting, low-stakes read.

Exciting new updates and the latest manga news.

Support the Show:
Help us continue reviewing: 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 your pet (or a favorite animal) had a job, what would they be perfectly suited for?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #CatsWithJobs #Pandania #SliceOfLife #WholesomeManga #Webcomic #ComfortRead

Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)
License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken
Email: [email protected] | Xan: [email protected]
Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken
Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord
X: x.com/spiraken
YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken
Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken
Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Celebrate 600 episodes of the Spiraken Manga Review! For this landmark episode, Xan tackles the controversial and popular Chained Soldier (Mato Seihei no Slave) by Takahiro with art by Yohei Takemura. Does this hit fantasy harem manga about a young man empowering a squad of super-powered women live up to its hype, or does it get... well, chained by its own tropes? We deliver a definitive verdict for this Yen Press title.

In This Special Episode:

A critical deep-dive into the series' unique power system and ecchi-heavy narrative.

Our honest "mid-tier" assessment and who this manga is really for.

A look ahead at the future of the Spiraken Manga Review!

The latest and greatest in manga news.

Support the Show for 600 More:
Help fuel the next chapter: 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 'guilty pleasure' manga or anime you enjoy, regardless of its critical reception?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #ChainedSoldier #MatoSeiheiNoSlave #Takahiro #Episode600 #FantasyHarem #YenPress #Milestone

Music Credits:
"Trendsetter" by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat)
License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US
Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/spiraken.bsky.social
Instagram: instagram.com/spiraken
Email: [email protected] | Xan: [email protected]
Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken
Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord
X: x.com/spiraken
YouTube: youtube.com/@spiraken
Twitch: twitch.com/spiraken
Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken