Spiraken Review Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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

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

Bluesky: @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

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

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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

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

Bluesky: @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 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?

👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell for weekly manga reviews!

💬 Follow us @spiraken on Youtube, Twitter/X, Bluesky, and Instagram

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🛡️ Join our Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord

🎥 Watch more on YouTube and Twitch

#IceHeadGill #ShonenJump #MangaReview #NorseMythology #AxeWieldingHero #Spiraken #WheelOfManga #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #shonenmanga #adventuremanga #sliceoflifemanga #spirakenreviewpodcast

Music Credit: Closing Theme: Trendsetter by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

Random Question of the Day: What’s your favorite Norse-inspired manga? (Vinland Saga? MÄR? Let us know in the comments!)

Find Us Everywhere:

📧 Email: [email protected] | [email protected]

📚 Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken

🛒 Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken

In this thought filled episode, Xan reviews one of Hayao Miyazaki's earliest works. Is it as good as Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind? Well, find out as he reviews the 1983 life changing epic emonogatari (Illustrated story) Shuna's Journey by Hayao Miyazaki.

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As Xan discusses the origins of this water color masterpiece, he also goes over the latest manga releases and more importantly , this seminal work's impact on so many films, books and stories. 

Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter 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 and hope you enjoy this episode.

#spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #adventuremanga #shonenmanga #emonogatari #hayaomiyazaki #shunasjourney #miyazakihayao #princessmononoke  #romancemanga  #firstsecondpublishing #podcasthq #manga #spirakenreviewpodcast 

Music Used in This Episode:  Closing Theme-Trendsetter by Mood Maze (Uppbeat)

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US

Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spiraken/

Our Email [email protected]

Xan's Email [email protected]

Our Patron https://www.patreon.podbean.com/spiraken or https://www.patreon.com/spiraken

Our Discord https://tinyurl.com/spiradiscord

Our Twitter https://twitter.com/spiraken

Our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/spiraken

Our Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/spiraken 

Our Amazon Store http://www.amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Random Question of the Day: Do you want to see this made into an anime film?

In this hilariously short episode, Xan reviews a 4-koma gag manga about the most secret of organizations. What organization is he talking about? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews the comedy manga series The Evil Secret Society of Cats by Pandania.

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As our intrepid host discovers he is a human agent of The Evil Secret Society of Cats, he also goes over the simple premise behind this comic series, and his thoughts on the latest manga releases.

Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter 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 and hope you enjoy this episode.

#spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #joseimanga #petmanga #pandania #theevilsecretsocietyofcats #akunohimitsusoushikineko #felinecommander  #comedymanga  #sevenseasentertainment #podcasthq #manga #spirakenreviewpodcast 

Music Used in This Episode:  Closing Theme-Trendsetter by Mood Maze (Uppbeat)

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US

Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spiraken/

Our Email [email protected]

Xan's Email [email protected]

Our Patron https://www.patreon.podbean.com/spiraken or https://www.patreon.com/spiraken

Our Discord https://tinyurl.com/spiradiscord

Our Twitter https://twitter.com/spiraken

Our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/spiraken

Our Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/spiraken 

Our Amazon Store http://www.amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Random Question of the Day: Are you a human agent of the Evil Secret Society of Cats?

Only Five more Episodes Til Episode 500! In this momentous episode, Xan reviews a fetch quest story with an insanely dark premise. What's it about? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews the action, supernatural manga series Hell's Paradise - Jugokuraku by Yuji Kaku.

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As Xan discusses the beautiful artwork in this horrific story, he also goes the over various compelling characters who are competing over a full pardon and the horrors that await them on the island of Kotaku.

Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter 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 and hope you enjoy this episode.

#spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #horrormanga #shonenmanga #yujikaku #hellsparadisemanga #jigokuraku #gabimaruthehollow  #shonenjumpplus  #vizmanga  #podcasthq #manga #spirakenreviewpodcast 

Music Used in This Episode:  Closing Theme-Trendsetter by Mood Maze (Uppbeat)

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US

Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spiraken/

Our Email [email protected]

Xan's Email [email protected]

Our Patron https://www.patreon.podbean.com/spiraken or https://www.patreon.com/spiraken

Our Discord https://tinyurl.com/spiradiscord

Our Twitter https://twitter.com/spiraken

Our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/spiraken

Our Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/spiraken 

Our Amazon Store http://www.amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Random Question of the Day: Are you excited for the anime adaptation?

In this episode, Xan reviews a shonen manga that features ghosts and aliens. Do the two concepts merge well together? Well, find out as he reviews the sci fi horror action series Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu.

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As our intrepid host discusses the crazy aspects of this story, he also goes over the unique art style of Yukinobu Tatsu, and the latest manga releases. 

Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter 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 and hope you enjoy this episode.

#spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #actionmanga #shonenmanga #yukinobutatsu #dandadan #scifimanga  #shonenjumpplus  #vizmanga  #podcasthq #manga #spirakenreviewpodcast 

Music Used in This Episode:  Closing Theme-Trendsetter by Mood Maze (Uppbeat)

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US

Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spiraken/

Our Email [email protected]

Xan's Email [email protected]

Our Patron https://www.patreon.podbean.com/spiraken or https://www.patreon.com/spiraken

Our Discord https://tinyurl.com/spiradiscord

Our Twitter https://twitter.com/spiraken

Our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/spiraken

Our Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/spiraken 

Our Amazon Store http://www.amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Random Question of the Day: Would you rather have psychic Sci-Fi powers or would you want ghost super speed?

In this episode, Xan reviews a sexually charged seinen manga about a germaphobe with a disturbing issue. How unique is this one shot? Well, Sit back and find out as he reviews Drip Drip by Paru Itagaki.

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As our host goes over the basic premise of this manga, he also analyzes the main protagonist's issues and ponders on who this is really for.

Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter 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 and hope you enjoy this episode.

#spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #sliceoflifemanga #seinenmanga #paruitagaki #dripdripmanga #botabotamanga  #romancemanga  #vizmanga  #podcasthq #manga #spirakenreviewpodcast 

Music Used in This Episode:  Closing Theme-Trendsetter by Mood Maze (Uppbeat)

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US

Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spiraken/

Our Email [email protected]

Xan's Email [email protected]

Our Patron https://www.patreon.podbean.com/spiraken or https://www.patreon.com/spiraken

Our Discord https://tinyurl.com/spiradiscord

Our Twitter https://twitter.com/spiraken

Our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/spiraken

Our Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/spiraken 

Our Amazon Store http://www.amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Random Question of the Day: Would you go out with the main character?

In this slightly cringe filled series, Xan reviews another Isekai, this time it's about a main protagonist who wants to be the edgelordy puppet master in the shadows. Is it enjoyable? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews The Eminence in Shadow by Daisuke Aizawa with art by Anri Sakano and character design by Touzai.

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As our host goes over the Wtf logic that Cid has, he also goes over the ingenious idea of Slime armor and hypes up the latest manga updates.

Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter 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 and hope you enjoy this episode.

#spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #isekai manga #seinenmanga #daisukeaizawa #lightnoveladaptation #theeminenceinshadow   #actionmanga  #yenpressmanga  #podcasthq #manga #spirakenreviewpodcast 

Music Used in This Episode:  Closing Theme-Trendsetter by Mood Maze (Uppbeat)

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US

Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spiraken/

Our Email [email protected]

Xan's Email [email protected]

Our Patron https://www.patreon.podbean.com/spiraken or https://www.patreon.com/spiraken

Our Discord https://tinyurl.com/spiradiscord

Our Twitter https://twitter.com/spiraken

Our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/spiraken

Our Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/spiraken 

Our Amazon Store http://www.amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Random Question of the Day: Is this a good manga in your opinion?

In this episode, Gretta returns to help Xan review an evil isekai series about a fairy who wants to get rid of all cats, chocolate and video games! How will the main character survive in this new world? Well, Sit back and find out as they review Romantic Killer by Wataru Momose.

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As our intrepid hosts talk about the unique combination used for this manga's plot, Xan also discusses his thoughts on where it will go, and Gretta talks up the enjoyability of this manga.

Remember to Like, Share and Subscribe. Follow us @spiraken on Twitter 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 and hope you enjoy this episode.

#spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #isekai manga #shonenmanga #romcommanga #watarumomose #isekaiojisan #riomantickiller  #otomegamemanga  #vizmanga  #podcasthq #manga #spirakenreviewpodcast 

Music Used in This Episode:  Closing Theme-Trendsetter by Mood Maze (Uppbeat)

Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES

WHERE TO FIND US

Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spiraken/

Our Email [email protected]

Xan's Email [email protected]

Our Patron https://www.patreon.podbean.com/spiraken or https://www.patreon.com/spiraken

Our Discord https://tinyurl.com/spiradiscord

Our Twitter https://twitter.com/spiraken

Our Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/spiraken

Our Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/spiraken 

Our Amazon Store http://www.amazon.com/shops/spiraken

Random Question of the Day: What three things would Riri take away from you?