More Than A Cartoon

What's Going On in Anime Right Now...? Netflix isn’t treating anime like a side project anymore. From exclusive releases and massive advertising pushes to changing how studios approach production, the anime industry is evolving fast. In this episode of More Than A Cartoon, we break down Netflix’s anime strategy, convention experiences, upcoming anime releases, voice acting discussions, storytelling trends, and the future of anime studios in 2026.We also talk about Level Up Expo, content creation behind the scenes, Chainsaw Man, My Hero Academia, Gurren Lagann, and why the anime industry feels completely different compared to a few years ago.If you love anime news, anime discussions, industry drama, and deep anime conversations, this episode is for you.

We went to Level Up Expo expecting a normal anime convention… but what we experienced says a lot about where anime is heading. The energy from fans was unreal, BUT the conversations kept circling back to the same thing—anime is changing fast. From the My Hero Academia finale sparking debates to the Avatar leaks shaking trust in studios, it feels like the industry is at a breaking point. Therefore the real question is: are leaks and piracy helping fans stay informed… or slowly damaging the anime we love? This isn’t just about news—it’s about what kind of anime future we’re walking into.

Season 2 of Attack on Titan looks simple at first… but it’s quietly setting up everything.The Titans weren’t just monsters—but something way worse. Every scene, every line, every background detail was building toward a truth most people didn’t even catch the first time.This is where the story stops being humans vs Titans…and becomes something much darker.If you’ve ever felt like you missed something while watching—you probably did.

Everyone watches the Crunchyroll Anime Awards… but not everyone agrees with them. Every year, fans expect their favorite anime to win… BUT somehow the results always spark debates, arguments, and straight-up chaos in the community. Therefore we’re calling it early. From Anime of the Year to Best Animation, we’re breaking down our predictions for who should win, who will win, and which picks might completely upset the fanbase. Because if you’ve been watching anime long enough… you already know this isn’t just about awards—it’s about what the industry chooses to value.

Everyone thought Spring 2026 anime would be mid… but this season might actually be one of the most slept-on lineups in years.From highly anticipated sequels to unexpected hidden gems, this season is packed with shows that could completely take over the anime community. BUT not everything is worth your time… and that’s where things get interesting.We’re breaking down the biggest upcoming anime releases, industry trends, and the sleeper hits that nobody is talking about yet—but will be soon.Therefore if you’ve ever felt like you’re missing out on the “next big anime”… this is where you get ahead of everyone else.

Anime fans are dealing with a lot right now. From Netflix’s controversial JoJo Steel Ball Run release strategy to Crunchyroll data security concerns, this episode breaks down the biggest anime streaming issues, creator struggles, and the changing future of content creation. We also get into convention tips, movie theater etiquette, and what it really feels like trying to keep up with anime in the digital age. If you care about anime news, streaming drama, and the reality of being a creator and fan, this one hits close to home.

This One Piece “Racism” Debate Is Wild...Everyone thinks the One Piece live-action series is “race swapping” characters…BUT what if it’s actually doing the opposite?This debate has been blowing up across the anime community — from Vivi’s casting to Broly… I mean Brooke… to fans losing their minds over Nami — and somehow everyone is arguing without actually understanding what Eiichiro Oda intended in the first place.And that’s where things get messy.Because if Oda already confirmed the nationalities of these characters…then this isn’t Hollywood changing the story.It’s correcting it.We break down:Why fans think the live action is “racist”The truth about Vivi and AlabastaWhy Brooke’s casting caused backlashThe Nami controversy (yeah… we went there)The difference between real race swapping vs accurate adaptationAnd why this might be the BEST thing to happen to anime fansBUT here’s the twist…The live action might be doing something even more important:Turning non-anime fans into actual anime watchers.And if that’s happening…then this isn’t a failure.It’s a massive success.

Think you're a real anime fan? Let’s test it. From Naruto’s ANBU to Goku’s Kamehameha, these are the anime facts every fan should know. Some are easy, some will humble you fast. Whether you love One Piece, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Bleach, or Jujutsu Kaisen, this quiz separates casual watchers from certified otaku.So the real question is… how many did you actually get right?

At first glance, Attack on Titan looks like a brutal action anime about giant monsters. But the deeper you go, the more you realize it was never just about Titans.It’s about trauma. It’s about sacrifice. It’s about cycles of hatred and the cost of freedom.From subtle foreshadowing in season one to the psychological weight every character carries, the storytelling hits harder the second time around. The studio changes, the animation shifts, the time-loop implications—every detail adds another layer to a series that refuses to be simple.Whether you loved the ending or questioned it, one thing is undeniable: Attack on Titan changed anime forever.And maybe… it changed us too.

Anime fans thought the rankings would change… but some legends refuse to fall.From Attack on Titan still dominating conversations to the rise of slice-of-life comfort shows, this episode breaks down what’s really happening in the anime community. We talk character development that actually hits, voice acting that carries entire scenes, and why art style can make or break an adaptation.But here’s the real question: are our expectations ruining anime?We dive into fan service debates, cultural differences in anime made for kids, and why upcoming releases might shift the entire landscape again. If you care about where anime is heading — and whether it’s evolving or repeating itself — this one’s for you.Because anime isn’t just something we watch.It’s something we grow up with.

Nobody expected this… but here we are.The recent Crunchyroll price increase has the anime community questioning everything. Is this just normal streaming inflation, or is something bigger happening behind the scenes with Sony?In this episode, we break down the history of streaming price hikes, what this means for anime fans, and whether Crunchyroll is still worth the subscription. But it doesn’t stop there. We dive into the chaos of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, the survival instincts of modern anime characters, the growth journey in Mushoku Tensei, and why sports anime still hits harder than most self-help books.Anime used to feel like an escape. Now it feels like a business decision.If you’ve ever felt frustrated, nostalgic, or conflicted about where anime is heading… this one’s for you.

From the return of Jujutsu Kaisen and Hell’s Paradise, to darker surprises like Sentenced to Be a Hero, this season quietly delivered more than most fans were ready for.What really caught us off guard, though, was how many yuri and yaoi anime showed up—and how confidently they owned their space instead of feeling like side content.On top of that, low-key standouts like Wash It All Away, You and I Are Polar Opposites, and In the Clear Moonlit Dusk ended up being some of the most surprising watches of the season.This isn’t a hype piece—it’s a reality check.Winter 2026 anime wasn’t supposed to hit… but it did.

MAPPA Sold out to Netflix (and You're Paying for it?)Anime fans didn’t ask for this—but it’s happening anyway.**MAPPA and **Netflix are officially partnering, and the implications are bigger than most people realize.Box and Dr. Applesauce break down what this deal actually means, why fans are divided, and whether this is the future of anime—or the beginning of a bigger problem. From creative control to production pressure, this isn’t just industry news… it’s a shift that could affect every anime fan.Watch before this becomes the new normal.

My Hero Academia isn’t just another Shonen—it’s the anime that defined a generation. From Deku’s rise, All Might’s legacy, and Todoroki’s inner war, to the controversial ending that split the fandom, this series sparked debates about sacrifice, plot armor, hero society, and what it truly means to be a hero.Some fans call it peak shonen. Others say it fumbled the landing. But love it or hate it, My Hero Academia changed anime culture forever—and that legacy isn’t going away.

Winter 2026 anime is coming in hot—but not everyone’s convinced it’ll deliver.This season is packed with bold animation styles, risky adaptations, cult-classic energy, and a few wildcards that could either flop or completely overshadow fan favorites. We’re breaking down what actually matters this winter: animation quality, originality, and whether these new releases deserve the hype—or the side-eye.If last year burned you, this one might redeem anime… or repeat history.

Anime fans didn’t ask for monopolies, AI voices, or censorship—but here we are.This episode dives into Crunchyroll’s growing dominance, the rise of AI voice acting, and why many fans feel their choices are slowly disappearing.We break down what this means for dubbed and subbed viewers, creators, and the future of anime itself—but more importantly, we ask whether convenience is costing fans control. With prices rising and technology advancing faster than the industry can ethically respond, anime is at a crossroads.This conversation isn’t about fear—it’s about consumer choice, transparency, and whether the anime community still has a say in where the medium goes next.

Anime streaming was supposed to make life easier—but instead, it feels more restrictive than ever.Crunchyroll’s monopoly, the disappearance of Funimation’s identity, and the rise of AI dubbing are changing how anime is made, watched, and valued. Voice actors are caught in the middle, creators struggle to get paid, and fans are left with fewer real choices.This conversation isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about whether anime streaming is actually improving, or quietly breaking what made anime special in the first place.

Anime fans deserve better than this. In today’s episode, we dive into the chaos surrounding Amazon’s AI-dub controversy, the community frustration with One Punch Man Season 3, and why streaming platforms feel more lost than ever. We also talk about Tatsuki Fujimoto’s real inspirations, the challenges voice actors are facing right now, and the surprising upcoming anime Does It Count If You Lose Your Virginity to an Android?If you’ve ever loved anime for the passion behind every frame, this conversation hits hard. The industry is changing fast… and not always in the ways fans hoped.

Anime has always been animation first, story second—but somewhere along the way, the community forgot that. In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce dive into the downfall of One Punch Man and the animator backlash that followed. They unpack why visuals matter, why fans are frustrated, and why creators are reaching their breaking point. They also explore the state of romance anime—like With You, Our Love Will Make It Through—and how even heartfelt shows get dragged into the animation vs. storytelling debate. If you’ve ever loved anime for the way it looks as much as the way it feels, this one hits home.

This episode gets real. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce open up about the chaos behind podcasting—technical issues, missed episodes, and the growing pains that every creator faces. From breaking down their current anime watchlist to reacting to the massive shutdown of pirate sites, the conversation gets deeper as they unpack Cloudflare’s legal trouble and how it reshaped the entire anime streaming landscape.As Crunchyroll’s numbers skyrocket, the guys question what this means for the future of accessibility, fan culture, and how anime is shared today. They close things out with a fun, heartfelt review of Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider, celebrating its humor, charm, and the way it hits every nostalgic nerve.They also dive into their favorite recent episodes, power systems that actually make sense, predictable tropes we all secretly love, and what might take home trophies at the upcoming anime awards. With tattoo stories, One Punch Man concerns, and honest thoughts about the state of modern anime, this episode feels like sitting down with friends who get it.

In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce dive into the chaos behind the scenes of podcasting—tech meltdowns, missed uploads from getting sick, and everything creators never talk about. But that’s just the warm-up.The real discussion starts when they shift to the anime industry’s breaking point, unpacking the struggles inside studios like One Punch Man, the rise of “hope-bait vs rage-bait” content, and how parent companies quietly decide which anime thrive or die. They explore why live-action adaptations keep failing, how fan service shapes reception, and why originality matters now more than ever.The conversation then zooms in on My Hero Academia’s final season—how the animation quality affects emotional payoff, the evolution of viewer habits, and what MHA’s legacy might look like in a world begging for accurate live-action adaptations. It’s a raw, honest breakdown of where anime stands today… and where it’s heading next.

This episode breaks down major shifts in the anime industry, from One Piece moving to a seasonal format to Black Clover’s surprising return. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce analyze how production schedules impact animation quality, storytelling, and voice acting across iconic franchises like Naruto and Boruto. They examine the pressure creators face to maintain success, the relevance of physical media, and how community support can revive canceled series. The hosts highlight the cultural impact of anime, the importance of character growth, and the realities of voice actor transitions—spotlighting Miley Flanagan’s journey voicing Naruto through multiple eras. From the unique premise of Zom100 to the streaming wars and filler episode debates, this discussion explores what the future of anime looks like for both studios and fans.

Crunchyroll deletes anime without telling people and One Punch Man Director deletes X account after season 3 backlash. Chainsaw Man’s movie might’ve reignited anime hype — but One Punch Man’s comeback is already dividing fans. In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce break down what’s really happening behind the scenes: from Chainsaw Man’s new adaptation and One Punch Man’s animation controversy to MoistCr1TiKaL’s influence on anime discussions and Twitch’s growing impact on creator culture.They dive into the harsh truth of online harassment, the burnout creators face, and how big corporations like Crunchyroll keep losing fan trust. The hosts also spotlight the overlooked power of female anime creators, the balance between fan service and storytelling, and why separating art from the artist is becoming the biggest debate in anime today.

In this episode, Kyle and Will dive deep into the anime world — from Demon Slayer Infinity Castle breaking records to Chainsaw Man’s growing anticipation. They unpack Crunchyroll’s subtitle controversies, debate One Punch Man Season 3’s animation concerns, and even discuss a study linking dark humor in anime to higher intelligence and emotional stability. The duo explores the heavy themes of Goblin Slayer and Gachiakuta, celebrates female mangaka shaping the industry, and breaks down My Hero Academia’s character rankings — especially Bakugo’s fan-favorite moments. As the fall anime season unfolds, they reflect on community growth, creativity, and why anime storytelling hits deeper than ever.

In this episode, Kyle and Will dive deep into the impact of fan service in anime, focusing on Tougen Anki and its bold approach to character representation. They discuss what makes fan service effective—or distracting—and how it shapes audience perception. The duo explores the importance of building a creative legacy, maintaining animation quality, and ensuring narrative consistency within Tougen Anki’s story. They also draw fascinating parallels between Tougen Anki and Naruto, while unpacking the ongoing debate around the portrayal of female characters in modern anime.Later, Kyle and Will shift to a broader discussion on the future of anime storytelling, the rise of AI in content creation, and the standout titles of the fall anime season. They highlight how powerful backstories give characters emotional weight, the risks of relying too much on AI, and why the human touch in creativity still matters more than ever. The conversation wraps with their top picks for this season and a reminder that authenticity—not algorithms—is what makes art timeless.

In this episode, Kyle and Will discuss their disappointment in the current state of anime, particularly focusing on the popular series Gachakuda. They explore its themes, character dynamics, and representation, while also delving into the implications of live-action adaptations and the impact of streaming services like Crunchyroll on anime availability. The conversation highlights the importance of physical media and the potential risks of losing access to beloved shows as the streaming landscape evolves.Kyle and Will also discuss the current state of anime streaming, the implications of exclusivity on platforms, and the mainstream success of anime—particularly focusing on the impact of the Demon Slayer movie. They dive into the cultural sensitivity surrounding anime content and the ethics of content creation, especially in light of the Joey Bizinger controversy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of listening, open-mindedness, and respectful dialogue within the anime community.

Fall Anime 2025 is stacked with big returns and fresh surprises. From the long-awaited comeback of One Punch Man and My Hero Academia to the rise of romance-driven series with unique premises, this season has something for everyone. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce break down what’s worth watching, what feels generic, and which shows might end up being the hidden gems of the season. Whether you’re here for character growth, top-tier animation, or just curious about the hype, this episode has your Fall 2025 anime guide covered.

Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is breaking records worldwide, but is it really worth the hype? In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce dive into the film’s breathtaking animation, pacing, and storytelling choices. From Akaza’s emotional backstory to the controversial voice acting performances, they explore how Demon Slayer continues to impact anime culture. Whether you loved the film or found flaws in its execution, this deep dive into Infinity Castle’s art, characters, and cinematic triumphs has something for every anime fan

Live action anime keeps splitting the fandom—My Hero Academia and One Piece prove how fragile character integrity and creator input really are. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce break down the wins and failures of adaptations, the backlash against The Anime Men, and why censorship is reshaping anime culture. They also get real about parenting in the digital age, share personal convention stories, and make bold predictions about the future of anime. For fans who care about more than surface hype, this conversation hits home.

Anime fans are feeling the highs and lows right now. Kyle and Will dive into the latest Jujutsu Kaisen trends, the endless frustration of Rent-a-Girlfriend, and the growing struggles anime creators face in 2025. From censorship concerns in My Dress-Up Darling to TikTok’s obsession with trends over quality, the conversation explores what it really means to create and enjoy anime content today. With hype building for One Punch Man and To Be Hero X, we ask: are creators losing passion chasing clicks—or is this just the new normal for anime culture?

Kyle and Dr. Applesauce unpack the latest anime headlines, from the arrest at the Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle premiere to K-Pop Demon Hunters smashing Netflix records. They tackle rumors of MrBeast stepping into anime, why fans need better theater etiquette, and the realistic timeline for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. Along the way, they explore how new series like Gachiyakura and Togen Anki highlight evolving representation in anime—and why character backstories matter more than ever.

Anime is shifting fast—Hunter x Hunter teases life signs again, but fans wonder if it’ll ever truly return. Dandadan’s “Hunting Soul” insert song gets taken down for sounding too much like X JAPAN, sparking debate over homage vs copyright. FromSoftware announces a Sekiro anime at Gamescom, raising hype (and anxiety) about weekly pain in animated form. Toei veterans throw shade at Disney’s formula, claiming anime’s chaos is what global fans really want. And Kadokawa says it’s time for fewer cheap shows, bigger budgets, and real animator pay. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce break it all down—with hot takes, laughs, and the kind of anime debates only fans can truly understand.

Anime just hit 35,000 feet. In this episode of More Than A Cartoon, we dive into Crunchyroll’s new partnership with Delta Air Lines and ask: will anime finally become mainstream on flights—or get censored into oblivion?Next, we unpack the controversy around Netflix’s One Piece live action. With Season 2 confirmed and Season 3 locked, fans are questioning how the adaptation will handle Oda’s comedy, Bon Clay’s representation, and the infamous Nami scene.Finally, the hosts discuss alarming allegations that Demon Slayer VA Zach Aguilar is being stalked at conventions, raising tough questions about safety policies and the risks of parasocial fandom.Casual, raw, and unfiltered—this is anime talk that actually feels like hanging out with friends.

In this episode, Dr. Applesauce and Kyle tackle anime’s latest controversies—from Petals of Reincarnation using real historical figures like Hitler, to the ethical debates surrounding Nezuko’s transformation in Demon Slayer. Plus, they dive into the viral “waifu call” app trend and what it means for virtual relationships. With a mix of sharp analysis, relatable fan moments, and lighthearted anime games, this is anime talk you can’t miss.

What is happening to anime culture?! Netflix wants to turn K-Pop Demon Hunters into a full-on franchise, Spotify and YouTube want your face to verify your age, and now watching anime apparently makes you less dateable than crypto bros. As lifelong fans, are we finally mainstream—or being pushed out of our own space?This episode unpacks the hype, the fear, and the straight-up disrespect anime fans are facing in 2025.

Anime isn’t just entertainment—it’s culture, it’s comfort, it’s chaos. In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce dive into the evolution of anime fandom, from the rise of Demon Slayer to the emotional weight of Arcane. They get real about the pressure to keep up, the responsibility of creators, and the kind of storytelling that sticks with you. Whether you’re new or a lifelong fan, this convo will feel like home.

In this heartfelt episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce answer your burning anime questions—diving into nostalgia, new releases, and everything in between. From the magic of 90s anime to the emotional storytelling of Horimiya and The Summer Hikaru Died, this is a raw, relatable convo about how anime has shaped us. Whether you're a long-time fan or just getting started, there's something here that’ll hit home.

In this episode, we dive into the anime-meets-K-pop sensation K-Pop Demon Hunters, breaking down its powerful themes, emotional storytelling, and standout character dynamics. We explore how the anime’s music, action, and aesthetic blend to create a truly unique experience. Along the way, we reflect on anime culture, energy drink obsession, and how this film comments on mental health, societal pressure, and fan identity. From hidden symbolism to emotional acceptance, this is more than just an anime review—it’s a deep dive into what K-Pop Demon Hunters truly meant.

In this episode of More Than A Cartoon, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce dive headfirst into the growing anxiety around AI’s role in anime—and why it might be the beginning of the end for the artform we love. From Crunchyroll’s controversial AI voice experiments to the threat of soulless scripts and rushed productions, they break down how automation could strip anime of its emotional core.But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s laughter, nostalgia, and deep dives into what still makes anime special. The duo shares how anime recommendations have shaped friendships, why romance anime hits different when characters feel real, and how shows like My Dress-Up Darling balance fan service with sincerity. They also discuss the rise of cosplay culture, the haunting beauty of Tokopi's Original Sin, and how isekai storytelling keeps evolving.Whether you're worried about AI, love debating subs vs dubs, or just want to hear two anime fans get way too emotional over fictional characters—this episode is for you.

This summer’s anime lineup is STACKED… or is it?In this episode of More Than A Cartoon, we break down new and returning anime releasing Summer 2025—from sequels fans have been begging for, to completely unhinged romcoms, Isekai madness, and hidden gems that could be this season’s dark horses.We’re talking early hype, red flags, sleeper hits, and which studios might be biting off more than they can chew (again 👀). Whether you’re a casual fan or peak fiction purist, this is your complete summer guide.Welcome to More Than A Cartoon — the anime podcast where we go beyond surface-level fandom and deep dive into anime news, hot takes, and hilarious debates. Every week we talk anime culture, trends, and the stuff no one else dares to say out loud.

This week’s episode is a wild ride through anime highs and lows!We’re talking Solo Leveling officially becoming the most-watched anime on Crunchyroll — but what does that mean for the future of the series? Then we dive into the Rent-a-Girlfriend Chapter 380 disaster, where years of romantic build-up ended in heartbreak… and the fandom is not okay.Also — The Beginning After the End Season 2 just got announced, but instead of hype, it brought drama. We break down why fans are so split and what they really want from this adaptation. And finally, we recap Collect-A-Con Dallas, including the anime community highlights and some unexpected moments.🔥 Expect unfiltered takes, spicy debates, and brutal honesty — all in one episode.

In this episode, we break down everything that’s wrong with the anime world right now—from the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2025 controversy to the growing toxicity in the anime fandom, and the heated backlash against Solo Leveling's English voice actor Alex Le.🔥 Topics Covered:• Are the Crunchyroll Awards rigged or just built for marketing?• Why anime fans say the community has gone from a safe haven to a toxic battleground.• The real reason people are turning on Alex Le — and what it says about dub hate in 2025.Whether you’re into anime news, fandom culture, or just want the truth behind the drama, this episode covers it all with brutal honesty and zero filters.👉 Follow for more anime takes, community debates, and industry deep-dives.

🎙️ Episode 1: Is the Big 3 Over?Welcome to the first episode of More Than A Cartoon—your new favorite anime podcast where anime meets pop culture! We kick things off with introductions, talk about Megan Thee Stallion’s surprising leap into anime, and wrap it all up with a heated debate: Is the era of the Big 3 officially over? Whether you're Team Naruto, Bleach, or One Piece—or ready to crown a new Big 3—you don’t want to miss this one.🎧 Anime. Culture. Chaos. Let’s get into it.