Spiraken Review Podcast

Xan dives into the wild, insanely fun world of Phantom Busters by NeoShoco

This paranormal buddy comedy follows a straight-A student who doesn't believe in ghosts, an exorcist who swallows them whole, and a club that's anything but normal. Does the hype around this unique concept live up to the reading experience? We break down the insane elements, the humor, and the dynamic that makes this series stand out.

In This Episode:

Discussing the unique concept and the hilarious, offbeat dynamic between the characters.

Xan's thoughts on the insane, high-energy elements that drive the story.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Hyping up Xan's appearance at Otakon next week!

Don't forget to check out our Book Review Podcasts on Mondays!

Support the Show:
Help us keep the comedy 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 your favorite paranormal or supernatural comedy manga or anime?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #PhantomBusters #NeoShoco #Paranormal #BuddyComedy #Shonen #NewManga

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: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com
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 sets sail into the unique fantasy world of Galaxias by Ao Hatesaka

This alternate-world adventure follows Jio, a girl hidden from the world by her father, and Nereid, a mysterious amnesiac. Together, they must navigate a world where dragon-tailed beings exist alongside humans, and where a living legend named Yuri Holst may hold the key to their future. Does this buddy-cop dynamic and unique setting deliver a compelling story? We break down the adventure.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the unique buddy-cop dynamic between Jio and Nereid.

Exploring the fascinating setting where dragon-tailed humans coexist in a modernish world.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Don't forget to check out our Book Review Podcasts on Mondays!

Support the Show:
Help us keep exploring new worlds: 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 have any mythical creature's trait, what would you choose and why?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #Galaxias #AoHatesaka #FantasyManga #Adventure #Kodansha #NewManga

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: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com
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 takes a critical look at the sci-fi manga Rai Rai Rai by Yoshiaki

This fast-paced series follows a struggling space exterminator who gets abducted and implanted with a deadly alien entity. While the premise has potential, the execution feels overly familiar—with artwork that echoes other artists and a story that never quite finds its own identity. Is this mid-tier sci-fi worth your time? We break down what works and what doesn't.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the familiar artwork and its derivative nature.

Xan's thoughts on the fast-paced but ultimately mediocre story.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Asking a question for one of our upcoming panels at Otakon!

Don't forget to check out our Book Review Podcasts on Mondays!

Support the Show:
Help us keep the critical 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 manga or anime that you feel borrowed too heavily from other works?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #RaiRaiRai #Yoshiaki #SciFiManga #Shonen #VizMedia #Otakon2026

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: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com
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 dives into the long-awaited manga Billy Bat by the legendary Naoki Urasawa (creator of 20th Century Boys, Monster, and Pluto) with co-author Takashi Nagasaki

Set in post-WWII America and Japan, this mystery follows a cartoonist who discovers that his creation may be connected to an ancient, world-shaping force. Does this series stand alongside Urasawa's iconic works? We break down the incredible artwork, the compelling mystery, and the feel of this ambitious story.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the incredible artwork and the atmospheric post-WWII setting.

Xan's thoughts on how this mystery compares to Urasawa's other masterpieces.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Talking about upcoming convention appearances at Otakon!

Support the Show:
Help us keep exploring Urasawa's world: 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 Naoki Urasawa series, and why does it stand out to you?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #BillyBat #NaokiUrasawa #TakashiNagasaki #Seinen #Mystery #KanaManga

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: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com
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 explores the world of high school yuri romance with Rainbows After Storms by Ruka Kobachi

This series follows best friends turned secret lovers as they navigate the highs and lows of their hidden relationship. While the concept is sweet and the main characters are undeniably adorable, the plot falls into a familiar pattern that repeats chapter after chapter. Is it worth reading? We break down the charm and the stagnation.

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In This Episode:

Discussing the adorable main characters and the sweet, heart-fluttering concept.

Xan's honest thoughts on the overly familiar plot structure and its mid-tier execution.

The latest manga releases and updates.

Talking about upcoming convention appearances at Otakon!

Support the Show:
Help us keep the reviews honest: 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 romance manga that you loved despite its flaws—or one that lost you because it got too repetitive?"

#Spiraken #MangaReview #RainbowsAfterStorms #RukaKobachi #Yuri #ShojoAi #RomanceManga #VizMedia

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: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan: xan@spiraken.com
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