A3K Podcast

New York Comic Con 2008

Mr. Russell and Andrew Choi are joined by AnimeDiet cohorts Mike, Jeremy, and Ray in a discussion about the new season of anime and Soul Calibur IV. After, AnimeDiet discusses their panel at AX and the key to maintaining a successful editorial blog. Also included: the Cowboy Bebop movie and a rant about Evangelion’s theological faux-profundity. Originally released August 3, 2008.

Joshua Valencia and Andrew Choi reunite with Mr. Russell and Jd Banks this week for a podcast chock-full of new stuff that everyone’s watching, playing, and talking about. Mr. Russell dishes on Funimation’s new YouTube initiative, and the crew breaks down anime’s continued presence as a digital medium. Also in this fun-bag-of-a-podcast: a breakdown of Anime Nation’s “Blockbuster DVD’s of 2008”, perspective of what Production I.G. and Mamoru Oshii are up to, and Jd’s look into why the heck a manga guide of Akihabara would be released. Originally released October 19, 2008.

LADIES, RESTRAIN YOURSELF: podcast-demigod Ichigo from Anime Pulse joins Mr. Russell, Andrew Choi, Joshua Valencia and Matthew Callueng in a free-form extravaganza that runs the gamut from weaboo con-fandom (“con-dom”, anyone?) to examining contexts in anime. Also: Matthew is back from the dead, and just as clueless as ever. Wait, how clueless? There’s only one way you’re gonna find out. Originally released October 26, 2008.

On our belated-Halloween special, Mr. Russell, Joshua Valencia, and Jd Banks collectively get giddy over some eye candy–or, the new Dragon Ball to hit Shonen Jump. Our trick-or-treaters run all around the neighborhood, stopping by Gears of Wars 2’s house and making an excursion into another abode, where convention-protips are doled out instead of candy (yuck!). BONUS: The gang discerns between geeks, nerds and spazzes! And Matthew’s not here to get all sensitive about it! Originally released November 2, 2008.

On this top secret episode, Mr. Russell, Andrew Choi, Joshua Valencia and Jd Banks, discuss a very controversial subject that cannot even be mentioned in this description. You have to listen to it to believe it. We talk about anime, games and maybe even manga. Originally released November 9, 2008.

Matthew Callueng returns to the show for ONE NIGHT ONLY! (Well, not really.) On this week’s podcacophony, we try our best–but still fail–to stay on topic, as Mr. Russell digs into Black Lagoon, and asks the question “Why can or can’t we call anime cartoons?” Joshua Valencia gives first impressions of Left 4 Dead, which leads into a discussion on fool-proof ways to prevent the zombiepocalypse. Jd Banks discusses tendencies of the classic anime fan (kind of), and Andrew Choi still can’t get off Fallout 3 and Beck. Lots and lots of overtalk, arguing, and general “WTF?” ensues! Originally released November 16, 2008.

While Joshua Valencia and Andrew Choi are busy scarfing leftover turkey down their throats, a panel featuring Mr. Russell, Jd Banks and Matthew Callueng initiate the holiday season by offering tips on how to get what you want this year. And in preparation of how you’ll be spending those holiday bucks, Mr. Russell dishes this week’s DVD releases as Jd and Matthew collectively cheer over the set release of Air Gear. Then, in the second segment, the gang gives the update in shota/lolicon regulation and digital distribution of anime. Originally released November 30, 2008

The game loving, anime negligent Anime 3000 panel return as Andrew Choi and Joshua Valencia go crazy on Chrono Trigger DS, Castlevania: Order of Ecclesia, and Super Street Fighter II Hyper Turbo Platinum Quadro Magnum HD Remix (I think I’m missing a couple of words in that title). This segways into a discussion about reviewing games and shows in the context of when they are released. Then Mr. Russell, who’s been totally bored by all this talk, digs in DVD releases of the week. Originally released December 07, 2008.

We threw together a last minute program with some amazing anime news and segments. Our quasi-regular panelist, Benu (Anime Genesis) joins Mr. Russell and Jd Banks as they discuss anime distribution… again. They also discuss the fledgling manga industry with Tokyo Pop and Broccoli falling under the weight of the terrible economy. Originally released December 14, 2008

In this mystery episode of the A3K Podcast, we surely talk about something anime-related. Mr. Russell, Andrew Choi, Joshua Valencia and Matthew Callueng discuss something that is so top secret that we can’t tell you what it’s about. You have to listen for yourself to experience the magic that is this episode. See if you can solve the mystery that is this episode. The prize at the bottom of this cereal box is your life being changed forever. Originally released December 21, 2008.

EVA, EVA, EVA!. We’ve resurrected the tireless topic of Evangelion in this episode. Andrew Choi tells us not to be scared of downloading the Japanese demo of Resident Evil 5. Mr. Russell explains why One Outs isn’t Yaoi and Joshua Valencia gives us his impression of the latest Street Fighter video game. Regular panelist Jd Banks and special guests Benu and Dwayne (Nomanninja) also make an appearance. Originally released December 28, 2008.

Mr. Russell, Andrew Choi, Joshua Valencia and Jd Banks kick off 2009 in a two-hour epic that covers anything and everything, from Josh and Jd’s adventures at Anime LA to a plethora of shows, games, and manga that we’ve been watching, playing, and reading. Then, in news, Mr. Russell accuses Andrew of being a subtitle snob, and the probability of online distribution of manga is discussed. Off-topic and lame jokes included! Originally released January 4, 2009.

In the aftermath of last episode's podcastathon, Mr. Russell, Joshua Valencia, Jd Banks and Benu (who is a regular at this point) break down what they’ve been doing, playing and dot dot dotting. Benu recaps his rollercoaster ride through the halls of ALA. Jd lets us know why Statistics is better in manga form and Mr. Russell gushes over Code Geass for the thirteenth time. Originally released January 11, 2009.

Benu from the Anime Genesis podcast fills in for the vacationing Andrew Choi as Jd Banks and Mr. Russell discuss the fledgling anime industry. Sounds like a repeat, believe, Murphy’s Law makes sure this is a show to remember. Even without Joshua Valencia, the crew finds a way to make the show about video games. Tekken 6, ADV, Bandai and more anime titles getting the Hollywood treatment, only on the Anime3000 Podcast. Originally released January 18, 2009.

In this special Full House edition of the Anime3000 Podcast, Mr. Russell, Joshua Valencia, Jd Banks, Matthew Callueng and Benu break down the stigma facing both Japanese and American Otaku. Matthew returns and gives us an exclusive look at Anime Expo 2009. Benu rants about ANN’s yellow journalistic tactics. Joshua shares his distaste for Mr. Russell’s dry humor and Jd just gets annoyed.Originally released January 25, 2009.

The original crew is back as they discuss the new Madhouse series RideBack. Burnout Paradise, new iPhone apps, Afro Samurai and much more on this special Ground Hogs Day Anime Spectacular. Originally released February 02, 2009.

What happens when Mr. Russell takes two of the Internet’s premier anime bloggers, an internationally controversial podcaster, and a writer fresh out of New York Comic Con? Total chaotic bliss, as Michael Huang and Jeremy “from Redondo Beach” of AnimeDiet gab with Mr. Russell, Andrew Choi, and the dangerously-close-to-regular Benu about the new season of anime and New York Comic Con. Andrew explains what it’s like being the new kid on the block covering an anime convention, while Benu spoils some breaking news. Wait, what news? Originally released February 09, 2009.

The contents of this podcast are so varied that we’ve decided to present you with a few questions instead of a description: Did Mr. Russell really watch ten straight episodes of Skip-Beat? Is Toradora merely moe fodder, or is Andrew Choi being reductive? Why has Joshua Valencia got his panties in a twist over Shugo Chara? Is there really a singular “hardcore” videogame audience anymore? Why does a song like “Jizz in My Pants” have a Naruto AMV–and how does this relate to an upcoming contest? Did Jd Banks even talk this episode? Matthew Callueng also makes an appearance. Originally released February 16, 2009.

Live from New York, it’s the A3K Podcast! …well, not really. Established in 2006, New York Comic Con has become the one of the preeminent cultural meccas for the comic fan, gamer, otaku, and even movie buff. But why? Is this the doing of large sponsors who are attracted to an event with a large profit margin, or fans who just respond incredibly well? Furthermore, what’s the main discrepancy between New York Comic Con and your run-of-the-mill anime convention? In this special edition of the A3K Podcast, Andrew Choi investigates the role of the otaku at New York Comic Con. Originally released February 19, 2009.

It’s a podcast sandwich this week as the legendary Chris MacDonald of Anime News Network stops by during the middle segment for the first half of a discussion that spans the past, present, and future of the anime press. Then, on the opposite ends of the show, Mr. Russell, Jd Banks, and Andrew Choi round robin with talks about stylistic nuance in anime and manga and why anime on Blu-ray will (or won’t) succeed. BONUS! Andrew doles out a comic recommendation and, in somehow related fashion, explains why his peers in middle school were so eager to stick their digits in his naval. Sound like fun? Looking something to do while destroying Ryu with your Zangief? Originally released February 25, 2009.

It’s a “classic” episode of the A3K Podcast, as Mr. Russell corrals Joshua Valencia, Andrew Choi, and the timeless Matthew Callueng together for a chat about Street Fighter 4 (with a rather lengthy derailment into arcade sticks). Mr. Russell and Andrew argue semantics in what exactly a “restructuring” means for Viz, and, if there wasn’t enough about fighting games already, Joshua moans in pleasure at the announcement of Tatsunoko vs. Marvel. Also included is the conclusion of our two-part interview with ANN’s Chris MacDonald. BONUS: What happens when you forge an Iggy Pop/Hirano Aya hybrid-opus? And exactly how bad is it? Originally released March 02, 2009.

It’s the most pretentious episode of the A3K Podcast yet, as Fightbait and perennial guest Benu join Andrew Choi and Mr. Russell to discuss why the otaku uses words such as seiyū and mangaka–is there a weaboo ulterior motive? The panel also weighs in on to what extent anime merits analytical discussion, with asides related to “fauxfundity” (pretentious) and NPR (über-pretentious). BONUS! Andrew explains how to cheat your GameFly queue, and Fightbait cries Nazism. Wait, what? I’m not clarifying. Originally released March 11, 2009..

Fightbait, Xan and Chris join Mr. Russell and Andrew Choi as they discuss the depressing state of anime. We also raise several questions. Is this show sponsored by Otaku USA? Is Astro Boy the future of manga in Hollywood or its final chapter? Finally, on a totally unrelated note, is St. Cloud, MN ready for its own super hero? All of this, plus a startling announcement in regard to the future of the Anime 3000 Podcast. Originally released March 30, 2009.

Two years after our last episode, the A3K Podcast is back! In this episode, Mr. Russell, Jahmere Durham, Mike Martinez and Cody Baier review Blue Exorcist, Tiger and Bunny, Deadman Wonderland and Astarotte’s Toy. Originally released June 7, 2011.

A host of anime podcasters both past and present discuss a number of topics surrounding anime, manga and gaming.

Mr. Russell, Sean Ryan, Cody Baier, Jahmere Durham, Mike Martinez and Fightbait rip into several series that some might consider overrated. This series include Naruto, Bleach, Evangelion, K-On! and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. There is one more selection, but you have to listen to find out. Warning, this podcast does contain spoilers. Originally released September 29, 2011.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell talk a little bit about who we are and what we do. After that, we put a call out for comments and voicemails. We end this segment with a discussion about the death of Google Reader, JManga, and EA’s reputation. Originally released Mar 21, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell answer listener feedback, address recent anime and site news and give their impressions on both Hyakko and Toriko. Originally released Mar 29, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell answer voicemails and talk about Flowers of Evil, Kino’s Journey, Spec Ops: The Line, Senyu, Aoi Sekai no Chushin de, and the Toriko. Originally released April 5, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell discuss My Little Pony in Japan, Oreimo 2, Devil is a Part Timer, Gargantia, Heart of Thomas, and Iron Man: Rise of the Technovore on the latest episode of the A3K Podcast. Originally released April 12, 2013.

Fightbait and Sean cover Shigurui, Flowers of Evil, Newtype USA, Anime Detour, Valvrave the Liberator, My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU and more on the A3K Podcast. Originally released April 19, 2013.

Attack on Titan, Link to the Past, Anime Detour, Neon Alley, Yasuhiro Yoshiura, Blood C and Little Witch Academia, A Link to the Past 2 on the A3K Podcast with Fightbait and Mr. Russell. Originally released April 26, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell finally find their groove as they answer listener comments and discuss: Space Brothers, Oriemo 2, Little Witch Academia, Cowboy Bebop and much more. Originally released May 03, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell discuss more topics than this description will allow. Blood-C, Subs and Dubs, Gdgd Fairies and more on the A3K Podcast. Originally released May 10, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell talk about AKB0048, Majestic Prince, Hellsing Ultimate, Attack on Titan, Devil is a Part Timer, Oreimo, and tons of industry junk. Originally released May 17, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell discuss Anime Sols, Daisuki, Oreimo, Yatterman and a look into the definition of anime. Originally released May 24, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell talk about Rin: Daughters of Mnemosyne, Attack on Titan, Xbox One, anime that makes us feel feelings, and much more! Originally released June 01, 2013.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell review listener submitted topics led to conversations about Final Fantasy IX, CGI animation in Japan, Akira and more.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell return to cover gaming consoles, reviewing bad anime, Hunter x Hunter and the Anime Boom of 2014.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell discuss the ever encroaching shift from anime cons to geek culture cons, Paranoia Agent, Redline, and our thoughts about anime on television.

Fightbait and Sean answer viewer questions, voicemails and suggestions and end up talking about Misty Cosplayers, Anime side characters, Game of Thrones and more.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell talk about our favorite cancelled anime, voting with your dollars, Little Witch Academia, CONvergence 2013, Newtype USA (December 2003), and the new season of anime. Fightbait ranted a bunch about the negative response to Free near the end, too. The Summer Anime Preview starts around the one hour mark.

Fightbait and Mr. Russell cover new batch of shows from the new season, listener questions and address an elephant in the room.

A3K’s flagship podcast returns with new hosts, Mr. Russell, Cody Baier and Jd Banks. They answer listener questions, look at some hot news items and take a peek at the Spring 2014 season.

Mr. Russell, Cody Baier and Jd Banks answer listener questions, recommend some new anime and manga and uncover the secret of the letter R in the latest episode of the A3K Podcast.

Jd debates the merits of romance in popular action series, Cody gets a monster sized boner over One Punch Man and Mr. Russell actually reads more manga than Jd, all this and more on the A3K Podcast.

Cody Baier explodes with excitement over JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure on Crunchyroll, Jd Banks talks about hookers, mercenaries, and manly tears, and Mr. Russell geeks out over Toonami and the Inuyasha? All this and more on the A3K Podcast.

Jd Banks places a gypsy curse on two all but forgotten anime series. Cody Baier nearly coughs up a lung as he discusses Tenchi Muyo, Inuyasha, and other series, and Mr. Russell feels icky after watching Black Bullet.

Colton Solem from Life Lesson’s: The Gintama Mangacast and the Manga Corner joins Mr. Russell, Cody Baier and Jd Banks to discuss anime and manga on this week’s A3K Podcast.