Spiraken Review Podcast

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.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 hot new Shonen Jump sensation, Ichi the Witch, by Osamu Nishi with art by Shiro Usazaki.

This series follows Ichi, a feral boy who becomes the world's first male witch. Does this hit have the magic to become one of the "New Big Three"? We analyze its unique premise, stunning artwork, and shonen potential.

In This Episode:

A light spoiler look at the first chapter's high-concept, "first male witch" hook.

Discussing the beautiful, dynamic artwork and Shiro Usazaki's artistic return.

The latest manga releases and a preview of our upcoming schedule for Ichibancon next week!

Support the Show:
Help us power up our 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 could master one type of 'witch' magic from any series, what would it be and why?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #IchiTheWitch #OsamuNishi #ShiroUsazaki #ShonenJump #Shonen #ActionManga #VizManga

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 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.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 and Gretta delve into the charming yet complicated world of Betrothed to My Sister's Ex by Tobirano, with art by Chikage Nakakura.

This manga adaptation of a hit light novel presents a classic Cinderella romance with a mistaken-identity twist. Does this tale of an overlooked baron's daughter and a dashing count earn its "happily ever after," or does the heroine's profound self-sabotage undermine the fantasy? We debate the highs and lows.

In This Episode:

Analyzing the classic "Cinderella with a twist" premise and its execution.

A critical discussion about Marie's extreme self-deprecation and its impact on the romance.

Sharing what we enjoyed about this popular shojo adaptation.

The latest must-read manga releases and news.

Support the Show:
Help us keep the reviews 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 classic romance trope (like mistaken identity or Cinderella) that you never get tired of, and what makes it work for you?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #BetrothedToMySistersEx #Tobirano #ChikageNakakura #Shojo #RomanceManga #Cinderella #LightNovelAdaptation

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 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.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