My Taste is Better Than Yours

Just like last time, we’re recommending each other our highest regarded ongoing series we think need more appreciated. This time Samu’s pick for Enzo is Fool Night by Kasumi Yasuda - a dystopian sci-fi story where clouds have prevented the sun from shining through and humans have adapted in horrifying ways to sustain life. Plenty of bleak, heavy themes ensue and we both get into what’s trying to be said in with this visually striking series is exploring. Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - Samu’s most underappreciated ongoing manga pick7:38 A mixture of multiple genres: dystopian, political drama, thriller, body horror, black comedy10:40 It presents truths of what’s happening and doesn’t push an agenda/message12:10 Early volumes focusing on more self-contained stories to establish this world14:58 Our differing journeys with the artwork and its presentation20:44 The upcoming anime and our hopes/expectations22:23 Spoiler discussion begins22:28 Akira’s gender revelation - becoming one of Enzo’s favourite characters26:45 Standouts to the various bleak and dark storylines throughout the series without easy answers35:20 Pro- and Anti-Transfloration argument and the politics around it40:54 Dr. Kudai, Antartica, Central - the scale of the story expanding44:54 Our disconnect with the latest long-running story arc in the second half of the series49:52 The series could have been a short think piece but is becoming something larger52:32 Samu’s Recommendation: Heavenly Delusion by Masakazu Ishiguro56:22 Enzo’s Recommendation: Chainsaw Man Tatsuki Fujimoto58:45 Final overview + ratings

It’s Enzo’s time to recommend a series, and it was his pick for the most underappreciated ongoing manga from earlier this year: Touge Oni - a historical fantasy series with big ideas, a strong trio at its core, and strong Mizukami comparisons. Will Samu love it near as much as Enzo does?Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - one of Enzo’s favourite ongoing titles1:35 Harta magazine: a wonderful source for great seinen manga3:17 How the sausage is made (behind the scenes snippet)4:57 Overview and first impressions of Touge Oni and its relationship with time15:05 Miyo and Zenki’s relationship and their mirroring journeys of their goals18:50 The challenge of following a slow-releasing series23:17 Mizukami’s recommendation - classic fantasy all-rounder24:49 Spoiler discussion begins24:55 Our feelings on Zenki - an Oni on the quest to get rid of his horns + 29:36 Miyo’s goal of finding the truth of the world34:57 Ozono’s goal and Miyo’s theory about his identity41:35 Early standouts moments of Miyo and Zenki’s relationship43:24 Our highlights from Trio being separated and predictions52:12 When the focus shifts to the gods and Izumo54:36 Susanoo no Mikoto - him joining the group, his video game duel59:17 The belief in the goodness and decency of human beings1:00:52 Azuma no Miya and the power of misinformation in politics1:02:50 Samu’s recommendation: The Elusive Samurai by Yusei Matsui1:04:39 Enzo’s recommendation: Sengoku Youko by Mizukami Satoshi1:06:15 Final overview + ratingsOther links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/45e4SKPssSbuRNZ8lVMACNApple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-taste-is-better-than-yours/id1746194902Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/a9ed3ea9-1728-40e3-949f-4cddfb13dde1/my-taste-is-better-than-yours Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1746194902Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/z70w36ls

We’ve talked about plenty of shonen manga throughout our episodes, so we felt it made sense to finally breakdown the many magazines in which they come from: their histories, identities, and our favourites from each publication.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - understanding the full picture of shonen manga1:59 Breaking down the magazine publication system6:26 Weekly Shonen Jump - the biggest name in the manga industry19:01 Weekly Shonen Magazine - the alpha male that used to be the top dog 27:06 Weekly Shonen Sunday - veterans, baseball, and fantasies39:06 Weekly Shonen Champion - the rising star/dark horse that doesn’t conform46:15 Jump SQ. and Saikyo Jump48:57 Bessatsu Shonen Magazine, Monthly Shonen Magazine, Monthly Shonen Sirius52:15 Gessan, Shonen Sunday S54:25 Square Enix: Monthly Shonen Gangan, GFantasy, Gangan Joker1:00:25 Web publication - print vs digital transparency

In this second part of the Arrancar arc discussion we get into the Turn Back the Pendulum and Fake Karakura Town sections of the story, filled with: more backstory and more fights than ever before. Find out where this stacks up compared to Soul Society in our estimations.Timecodes:0:00 Re-introduction - second half of the Arrancar arc0:32 Turn Back the Pendulum sub-arc - a flashback to break up the action5:05 Aizen vs Urahara as the central conflict of the Arrancar arc (and the series)8:02 The morality of Soul Society, The Maggot’s Nest, and Mayuri’s ‘crimes’11:83 Death as a core theme of the series and an unforgiving afterlife13:21 Kubo at his most details with backstories and character connections16:00 Turn Back the Pendulum ratings17:24 Fake Karakura Town arc - a Bleach fan’s dream, a Bleach hater’s nightmare23:03 The fights are conversations28:40 Standout fights worth shouting out39:00 Ichigo vs Ulquiorra - comparing Ichigo to Kenshin42:13 Gin and Rangiku’s history and Gin’s betrayal of Aizen46:35 Kubo doesn’t seem like a writer who regrets his choices48:58 Ichigo vs Aizen final fight, Urahara’s involvement, hint of the Soul King57:31 The resolution of Ichigo losing his powers - could the series have ended here?1:00:15 Explaining Toshiro Hitsugaya’s massive popularity1:03:56 Fake Karakura Town ratings1:05:18 Samu’s recommendation: Rurouni Kenshin (Kyoto arc) byNobuhiro Watsuki1:06:22 Enzo’s recommendation: Yu Yu Hakusho by Togashi Yoshihiro1:10:21 Final overview + rating

Enzo’s journey with Bleach continues, this time finally stepping into possibly the longest arc in shonen manga (or manga in general?). We’ve split this giant arc into two episodes, this first one covering everything including the Arrancar Invasion up to the end of Hueco Mundo.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - first of two episodes on the massive Arrancar arc1:25 Is this the longest arc in all of manga?2:57 Arrancar Invasion sub-arc - introducing the Arrancars and the Vizards6:44 An even-paced arc with intention - is Kubo still an architect?10:17 Early hints: Shinji in chapter 1, arrancars in the first arc11:23 Kubos’ use of other languages, other cultures, and stylistic aesthetic13:50 Grand Fisher and the reveal with Isshin Kurosaki16:48 The Vizards - an eclectic group, our favourites?23:03 Ichigo’s training, his hollow identity (White) - self-acceptance as a key theme in Bleach29:19 Orihime’s importance in this arc, another damsel in distress, her relationship and powers39:50 Arrancar Invasion ratings41:53 Hueco Mundo sub-arc begins - a featureless white desert!43:42 Bleach and Kubo’s minimalism, a series with no “fluff”49:43 Bleach’s lack of an omniscient narrator50:53 What popular kaijuu series is the most opposite of Bleach in style?52:48 Is Hueco Mundo a lazy copy of Soul Society or an intentional reimagining?56:15 The Espada - standout characters, the aspects of death1:05:05 Rukia vs Aaroniero as a standout fight in Hueco Mundo1:06:26 Mayuri vs Szayel - his speech on perfection, Kubo’s freedom with him1:10:30 Enzo’s highlights: Nel’s reveal, Cirucci’s poem1:13:10 Hueco Mundo ratings - end of Part 1 of this discussion

We come to the end of the main Rurouni Kenshin series, the yet-to-be-properly-animated: Jinchu. Is this a case of the best arc saved for last? Does it serve as a fitting conclusion for the series? Will Enzo throw in another Kaijuu wall? Stay tuned to find out.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - the final arc of the main series that never got its anime adaptation3:05 Jinchu being an opposite arc to Kyoto by comparison8:03 Watsuki’s self-depricating author comments11:49 Rurouni Kenshin as a archetypical battle shonen and the WSJ family tree22:02 The series feeling off the time it’s set25:29 Enishi as a villain and the remembrances flashback31:31 Historical context for the era of the end of the swordsman + Yahiko’s arc39:18 Characters returning and side stories - disappointment in Sannosuke’s42:47 Enishi as a villain and the reflection on Watsuki51:21 Kaoru’s “death” - does the fakeout ruin this emotional moment?57:30 Final battle with Kenshin vs Enishi - does this live up to the fight with Shishio?1:04:47 The epilogue - the true ending, is it satisfying?1:07:32 Enzo’s Recommendation: Peace Maker Kurogane by Nanae Chrono1:10:03 Samu’s Recommendation: Firefly Wedding by Oreco Tachibana1:11:29 Overview and final scores1:15:12 Bonus: The Kaijuu Wall

It’s the first series review of 2026 and it’s one Samu and Enzo had a similar introduction to with an excellent anime adaptation and decided to venture into the manga post-anime. A shoujo romance fantasy that takes unexpected turns the longer it goes on, but how much of it do we agree on?Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - our first experiences with Snow White with the Red Hair9:44 Shirayuki and Zen’s relationship13:31 Other significant side characters in the series: Obi, Ryu, Izana, Mitsuhide, Raji, Hisame, Garack22:32 Spoiler discussion begins22:38 Too many characters and too many side quests where the main cast is split up25:37 Did Akizuki Sorata learn to like Shirayuki/Obi more than Shirayuki/Zen?28:08 Is the anime the definitive version of the series?29:23 Comparison to Hunter x Hunter with splitting up the cast and pairing them up31:16 It’s actually a slice of life series33:58 Later side-quest arcs: Lilias arc, Bergatt arc, Shinsu arc37:45 Zen needing a narrative shift to allowed to be more proactive39:49 Kiki and Hisame43:43 Samu’s Recommendation: The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyuuga (manga by Erika Ikeda)47:11 Enzo’s Recommendation: The World is Still Beautiful by Dai Shina52:33 Overview and final scores

With the start of a new year we thought it best to highlight some of our favourite ongoing manga that deserve more love. We’ve put together a list of ten series we think are worth checking out in hopes that they can blow up, which perfectly summarise our tastes.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - shouting out manga we love that deserve more love2:04 Kemutai Hanashi by Fumiya Hanashi5:47 Starting Today We Are Childhood Friends by Midori Obiya10:19 My Oh My, Atami-kun by Asa Tanuma17:32 They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning by Eiji Masuda24:42 Here And There And Us (And Then And After) by Thanat29:32 Go With the Clouds North by Northwest by Aki Irie37:44 Dig It by Yoshidamaru44:01 The Great Villain Boy by Koume Fujichika52:36 Fool Night by Kasumi Yasuda1:01:05 Touge Oni: Primal Gods in Ancient Times by Kenji Tsurubuchi1:10:37 Extra mention: Double by Ayako Noda1:11:09 Overview of our picks

What better way to kick off the year than by revisiting our favourite topic: What’s the next big thing in anime/manga? In this episode we revisit our picks from 2024 and go through our new ones for 2026.Timecodes:0:00 Revisiting the topic: The Next Big Thing3:25 Enzo’s #2 pick: Phantom Busters by Neoshoco11:01 Samu’s #2 pick: Gokurakugai by Uto Sano19:07 Checking in our preview picks for The Next Big Thing 19:21 Sakamoto Days and Gachiakuta - both had anime, neither became mega hits24:45 Tokyo Aliens and Kindergarten Wars - neither have had anime yet29:16 Spy X Family vs Chainsaw Man - which won in the long run and which do we prefer?36:33 Apothecary Diaries vs Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End tight race as the current top hits38:46 Refresher on the Enzo’s “Kaijuu” term39:59 The Kaijuu Wall55:04 Samu’s #1 pick: Kagurabachi by Takeru Hokazono59:18 Enzo’s #1 pick: Ichi the Witch by Osamu Nishi, Shiro Usazaki1:09:20 The Next (Next) Big Thing predictions for further in the future

Just like last year, we’re ending 2025 with a ‘best of’ episode, going through various categories to shout-out as many titles that we think deserve recognition and added to your recommendations if you aren’t already familiar. Happy new year!Timecodes:0:00 - Introduction to rules, carrying on from last year1:14 Best new manga published in 20255:13 Best manga that finished in 202510:19 Best ongoing manga of 202513:53 Best manga we discovered in 202518:08 Best one-shots of the year20:04 Up-and-comer manga to keep and eye on23:10 Underappreciated gem of 202527:30 A newcomer mangaka to look out for30:42 Best character of 202537:27 Best artwork of 202542:07 Biggest trend for manga in 202547:53 Which manga got the best adaptation in 202550:15 Our most anticipated manga to anime adaptation for 202653:58 Predictions for likely anime adaptations announced in 202657:10 The manga we think our counterpart should read1:16:19 Wrap-up and reflecting on starting the podcast this year

We’re covering Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu this week - a series both of us have followed since the manga’s debut. Our opinions might go against the mass opinion right now, as the series has reached new audience with its impressive anime adaptation. Check it out to see what we really think of the series, its origins, and its many characters.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the kitchen sink action series we’ve read since the beginning4:04 Tatsuki Fujimoto and his many successful assistants11:19 Manga vs anime adaptation17:34 Momo’s character and her objectified depiction21:10 Golden Kamuy Effect - side characters that feel like main characters + our favourites31:35 Spoiler discussion begins31:44 Our problems with the manga’s repetitiveness and the current amnesia arc40:20 How long do we think the series will go on for?42:38 Enzo’s Recommendation: Bug Ego by ONE and Shitara Kiyoto45:24 Samu’s Recommendation: Fire Punch by Tatsuki Fujimoto49:48 Overview and final scores

We’re finally tackling a series close to Enzo’s own heart: The Dangers in My Heart by Norio Sakurai - a junior high rom-com and coming-of-age story of an introverted boy with sinister thoughts and the extraverted and most popular girl in the class; an unlikely but adorable pairing which has gotten even more popular thanks to well-received anime adaptation.. It’s finally time to get into it and see just how much we differ in our takes.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - finally covering one of Enzo’s favourite titles7:40 An unvarnished depiction of puberty10:00 Kyoutarou as a romcom protagonist: chuuni, twisted, introverted16:32 Anna and her role in the story: seemingly ditzy girl who is in on the joke, depictions of her sexuality21:20 Anime vs manga comparisons23:15 Supporting cast shout-outs: Moeko, Kana, Adachi, Kenta, Honoka, Hanzawa, Yukina30:00 Spoiler discussion begins30:32 Pre-relationship and post-relationship - comparing our feelings on both 34:25 Kyoutarou’s strong relationships with other girls in the series40:15 Moeko’s character, her relationship with Kyoutarou and getting her own boyfriend47:52 Our favourite moments of the series so far54:08 The absence of Kyoutarou’s parents in the narrative55:44 The sexualisation of Anna throughout the series and depiction of their physical relationship1:10:58 High school entrance exams - how long will the series last + the anime adaptation?1:17:28 Enzo’s Recommendation: Mysterious Girlfriend X by Ueshiba Riichi1:19:18 Samu’s Recommendation: My Perverted Youth by Hata Takashi1:21:03 Overview and final scores

It’s the final serialisation round of the year for Weekly Shonen Jump, with three new series joining the party - Gonron Egg, The Mage Next Door, and Hero Girl and Demon Lord Call it Quits. We think this batch has some potential for commercial success, and a couple of entries that seem to be trying to expand beyond the usual Jump formula. Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - our special guest this episode: Princess Usagi 2:25 Check-in on the previous serialisation round: Jujujutsu Kaisen Modulo 11:31 Series that ended: Kaedegami, Ekiden Bros, Ping-Pong Peril 15:48 Gonron Egg by Shuuhei Tanizaki26:44 The Mage Next Door by Hideyaki Nabe40:50 Hero Girl and Demon Lord Call it Quits by Hatsubina Matsuri49:04 Prediction future hits and what will leave the magazine next 50:51 Our top 5 currently running series in Weekly Shonen Jump this year

The Manga Taishō is one of the most prestigious awards a series can win, with plenty of future big-hitters gracing the shortlists every year. We decided to read all the winners of the decade so far (2020-2025) and give our takes on each and why we think they did win each year. Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - Discussion Manga Taishō in the context of other manga awards2:10 Rules of the Manga Taishō Awards5:00 Blue Period by Tsubasa Yamaguchi13:50 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe21:39 The Darwin Incident by Shun Umezawa30:38 Draw This, Then Die! (Kore Kaite Shine) by Minoru Toyoda38:48 Spacewalking With You by Inuhiko Doronoda47:47 Alice, All the Way to the Stars (Alice, Doko Made mo) by Kiko Urino59:55 Who do we think should have won each year?

It’s the second LostinAnime Patron-pick this time: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You by Jinushi. With an anime upcoming and the buzz it’s had over the years, we’ve caught up and have plenty to talk about this little series of smoke breaks, misunderstandings, and slow-burn romance.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the second patron-picked manga for the podcast2:16 The subject of smoking and its depiction6:47 The misunderstanding trope with Sasaki and Yamada/Tayama10:41 It’s origin as a web manga, the switch in tone when it starting publishing12:51 Supporting characters: Goto and Kami-san16:40 Anime adaption incoming and our expectations20:09 Spoiler discussion begins20:15 Sasaki’s age, age-gap romance, the power dynamic, and Sasaki’s shift from Tayama to Yamada30:20 The timing of the realisations that have and will still come35:00 The other potential ships that could happen38:49 Sasaki’s unhealthy relationship work and his boss43:11 Samu’s Recommendation: Kowloon Generic Romance by Jun Mayuzuki + Cat’s Eye by Tsukasa Hojo45:45 Enzo’s Recommendation: After the Rain by Jun Mayuzuki48:52 Overview and final scores

We have two new serialisations in Weekly Shonen Jump we’re discussing this week - a distant sequel to one of its most popular titles of the past decade, and a little romcom by a newcomer - we’re charmed by one and left indifferent by another. Tune in to find which one’s which.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - check-in on the previous serialisation round6:13 Series that ended: Kill Blue and Nice Prison9:48 Check-in with current WSJ titles: Otr of the Flame, Hima-Ten!, Ichi the Witch, Shinobi Undercover19:50 Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo by Gege Akutami (Story), Yuji Iwasaki (Art)29:03 Someone Hertz by Ei Yamano38:55 First chapter ratings + predictions for its survivability39:31 Looking ahead, predicting the next series to leave the magazine?

This is the second part of our conversation on the Succession Contest arc, this time discussing everything to do with Kurapika, the Kakin Empire’s political machinations, and the mafia family conflicts. And after covering the entire series we rank all the arcs in the series by our preference as well as giving our final scores for Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter.Timestamps0:00 Introduction - part II of the discussion0:51 The ever-ambitious rules and layers of the Succession Contest6:14 Standout characters from the Kakin Empire - and which prince do we think will win?14:06 Kurapika vs Tserriednich - is Kurapika going to die in this arc?15:44 The various other storylines ongoing right now18:04 Which of the princes is Beyond Netero’s child?21:36 Melody being set up to have a pivotal part in the succession contest25:01 The mafia families - Heil-ly, Char, Xi Yu - and Morena as a standout29:03 Prediction of an anime adaptation and the length of the Succession Contest arc32:49 Samu’s Recommendation: Ooku: The Inner Chambers by Fumi Yoshinaga 34:19 Enzo’s Recommendation: Hyouge Mono by Yamada Yoshihiro 38:21 Overview and scores for the arc43:15 Our ranking of all Hunter x Hunter arcs46:36 Final scores for Hunter x Hunter

We’re catching up with Hunter x Hunter’s current arc, and despite it being unfinished there’s a plethora of storylines and characters involved that we’re splitting this discussion into the two parts it needs, like we did with Chimera Ant. This episode we talk about the Dark Continent Expedition, Hisoka vs Chrollo, and our feelings of the Phantom Troupe’s role in the current arc. Check it out and stay tuned for the rest of the discussion next week!Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - catching up to the series with the Succession Contest arc4:20 Does the Succession Contest arc feel like a Hunter x Hunter spin-off?14:29 A unique story arc with its sheer amount of every-expanding storylines18:11 The Zodiacs and the expedition, Ging and Pariston rivalry early in the arc22:48 Gon Freecss’s absence, will we cut back to him anytime soon?25:54 Hisoka vs Chrollo at Heaven’s Arena - the fanservable fight of the series31:52 Hisoka vs the Phantom Troupe on the boat - who is going to win?35:46 Fake!Hisoka theory coming to fruition37:46 Phantom Troupe backstory and parallel between Chrollo and Kurapika46:26 Tune in for Part II of the discussion!

We continue our Bleach/Rurouni Kenshin read-throughs with the famed Kyoto arc, one of Enzo’s all-time favourite of the medium which he has plenty to gush over. But will Samu feel the same way?Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the companion piece to the Soul Society episode5:04 Spoiler discussion warning5:22 Himura Kenshin as a main character, comparisons to Ichigo Kurosaki?9:48 Why is Kyoto arc considered one of the best of the series and battle shonen?14:54 Juppongatana - standouts and our favourites20:18 Honjo Kamatari depiction of the time, respectful or exploitative?22:57 Samu’s many problems with Cho “The Sword Hunter”26:22 Seijuro Hiko, Kenshin’s past, and their training36:02 Shishio success as a villain and the influence on Horikoshi’s Stain44:58 Our favourite fights52:51 Kenshin vs Shishio and the implications afterlife, and the epilogue58:51 Samu’s Recommendation: Gintama by Hideaki Sorachi1:02:28 Enzo’s Recommendation: Dororo by Osamu Tezuka1:06:09 Overview and final scores

Enzo continues his exploration into the Big 3, this time Bleach’s Soul Society arc, largely considered as one of the best of the series, and one of Samu’s defining experience as an animanga fan. We further discuss Kubo’s style as a writer, his influences, and the standout characters from the arc that properly put Bleach on the map.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - continuing our Bleach/Rurouni Kenshin read-throughs1:50 Spoiler discussion warning2:39 Soul Society arc as one of battle shonen’s best?4:04 Samu’s personal experience and fondness with the Soul Society arc5:18 The lack of backgrounds and concise writing style - is Kubo an architect or a gardener?12:50 Ichigo’s role in the Soul Society arc14:52 The interconnected thread between all the characters in Soul Society20:50 Renj’s character arc in Soul Society, guilt about Rukia and vendetta against Byakuya23:17 Byakuya’s focus and character shift near the end - setting up for the future26:15 Enzo’s standouts: Shunsui, Hanataro and Ganju31:40 Samu’s favourite character in anime and manga35:22 Rukia and the ‘damsel in distress’ trope, how it’s handled here39:19 Zanpakuto as a power system - a visual representation of character development43:24 Was Kubo influenced by Watsuki and the Kyoto arc?51:27 Villain reveal: Aizen, Gin, and Tosen’s betrayal58:05 Enzo’s Recommendation: One Punch Man by ONE and Yusuke Murata1:02:28 Samu’s Recommendation: Kekkaishi by Yellow Tanabe1:03:44 Overview and final scores

This time around we finally tackle the age old fandom question: is the anime or the manga better? This episode we go through series where we prefer the source material as well as the adaptation, including some controversial hot takes you’re not likely to hear anywhere else. As is often the case, not all of them do we agree on. Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - setting the scene with our experience and views on anime vs manga2:36 Manga > Anime - we preferred the source material3:07 Recent WSJ adaptations: Sakamoto Days and Chainsaw Man, The Promised Neverland7:36 Erased, Ooku: the Inner Chambers, Wandering Son14:52 Anime > Manga - the adaptation exceeding the source material15:12 WITCH WATCH, Dandadan, Heavenly Delusion, Chihayafuru, Mob Psycho 100, Blood Blockade Battlefront, Teasing Master Takagi-san19:44 The Elusive Samurai, Nichijou: My Ordinary Life, Attack on Titan24:48 A Silent Voice - our biggest disagreement32:14 Bleach - does Samu prefer the anime or manga?33:31 Our controversial takes33:50 Samu: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, The Flowers of Evil40:09 Enzo: Fruits Basket, Usagi Drop46:52 Conclusion - hot takes are the interesting ones!

We have a sports-heavy four serialisation round for Weekly Shonen Jump that’s just happened so take a listen to hear our takes on what gives us most optimism between baseball, long distance running, ping pong, and… demon hunting? A unique batch in many ways, with some potential chances of success among them.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - a four serialisation round, with three sports titles1:59 Check-in on the previous serialisation round: Nice Prison + Otr of the Flame13:19 Series that ended: Super Psychic Policeman Chojo, Syd Craft: Love is a Mystery, Embers, Star of Beethoven19:13 Harukaze Mound by Togo Goto and Kento Matsuura35:57 Kaedegami by Jun Harukawa52:25 Ekiden Bros by Daisuke Nono1:04:46 Ping-Pong Peril by Yoshiharu Kataoka1:12:35 First chapter ratings + predictions for its survivability

With the anime coming next week, we decided to discuss the manga of Gachiakuta by Kei Urana - one that we’ve both been reading since it was first released. In this episode we get into inspirations for its cool factor, our highlights so far, predictions for the series’ future, and whether we think the anime will manage to reach the wider audience we expected it to by this point already.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - Gachiakuta, a manga we’ve both followed since the first chapter released5:40 The shonen “cool factor” and Bleach’s influence11:30 Would Gachiakuta work as a Weekly Shonen Jump title?15:04 Falling manga volume sales - will the anime give it a boost?24:36 Rudo - a fitting main character with strong contrasts29:54 Standouts from the supporting characters: Information Broker, Follo, Gris32:13 Spoiler discussion begins32:22 Follo - the late blooming supporting character who wants to be a main character40:18 The power system: Vital Instruments + Thoughts - similarities to Zanpakuto in Bleach43:21 What’s the deal with Tamsy - is he the final antagonist?46:36 Do we think the series will explore Rudo’s love life?50:31 The Watchman, The Watchman Series, are we in the future?53:46 How long do we think the series will last?55:11 Enzo’s Recommendation: Bleach by Tite Kubo56:25 Samu’s Recommendation: Soul Eater by Atsushi Ookubo57:56 Overview and final scores1:01:10 Is Gachiakuta among our currently-running battle shonen manga?

We’ve reached the last complete arc of Hunter x Hunter: the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc - a political thriller that picks up directly in the aftermath of the chimera ant threat. Gon is out of commission and this time Leorio and Killua get the focus split between the political and the thriller. We managed to talk the longest about one of the shortest arcs in the series, so check out to see if we think this would have been a satisfying conclusion to the series as a whole.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the final ‘complete’ arc in Hunter x Hunter4:44 Togashi’s most concise arc - a focused political thriller10:14 Let’s talk about Ging - a really bad dad or the worst dad in history?11:46 Leorio’s arc and his best moment in the series14:20 Would we have voted for Leorio in the election after the punch?15:33 Our favourite Zodiacs?20:10 Pariston Hill, the intelligent troll in it for the game, his similarities with Netero - is he evil?29:30 The B-Plot: Killua’s task to save Gon - what’s Togashi’s intent with the Alluka’s gender?35:42 Nanika and potential Dark Continent origin, one of the Five Threats36:38 Killua’s mindset with rescuing Gon vs the relationship with his family41:14 Hisoka’s role in this arc as a chaos element, him “killing’ Killua45:00 The anticlimaxes: Cheadle winning the election + Killua countering Nanika’s repercussions49:35 Gon and Ging’s reuniting, completing Gon’s goal - is it satisfying?56:39 Gon and Killua’s ‘Departure’- an inconclusive resolution to a broken relationship?1:03:20 Chapter 339 - the best chapter in the entire series1:07:40 Enzo’s Recommendation: Kingdom by Hara Yasuhisa1:11:40 Samu’s Recommendation: ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Department by Natsume Ono1:13:40 Overview and final scores

It’s a double bill this time as we delve into the two pillars of Mitsuru Adachi’s iconic career: Touch and Cross Game (with a bit of Mix in the mix). These two series represent a bookend (more on less) on Adachi's catalog, and are the product of a writer at two very different stages of his life and career. Do you prefer a young and vibrant wine that practically jumps out of the glass, or a mature and subtle one full of bittersweetness that demands contemplation?Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - Mitsuru Adachi, a giant in the industry, our feelings on him in general7:56 Touch vs Cross Game12:50 Do people expect a big twist in an Adachi series?14:02 Touch - Why did it become a cultural phenomenon?19:38 Touch spoiler discussion begins20:10 The big ‘moment’ - its impact and effect on the series’ popularity25:19 Cross Game - modern take on familiar tropes28:00 Cross Game spoiler discussion begins28:18 How do the twists in both series compare to one another?32:04 Adachi’s minimalist artwork and smart way of panelling in those dramatic moments34:34 Mix, Touch’s sequel - its own late moment and his restraint with returning characters38:22 Which series is most focused on baseball? Comparing the Touch vs Cross Game41:50 Aoba’s character - annoying or understandable?49:19 Enzo’s love for Kou Kitamura as a protagonist50:45 Supporting cast, Adachi’s fanservice critique, breaking the fourth wall54:00 Comparing the endings55:36 Samu’s Recommendation: Straighten Up! Welcome to Shika High's Competitive Dance Club by Takuma Yokota59:15 Enzo’s Recommendation: Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day by Chou Heiwa Busters and Izumi Mitsu1:02:58 Touch - overview and final score1:04:39 Cross Game - overview and final score1:07:00 Mix - overview and final score

We’re bringing back the JUMPing to Conclusions format, where we check-in on the new Weekly Shonen Jump serialisations (Nice Prison and Otr of the Flame) to give our initial impressions and give our predictions on their chances of survival in the roster, while also doing a check-in on what else has left us (Astro Royale) and how we’re feeling of the magazine as of late. If you’re curious for a new potential breakout then perhaps you’ll fine one here after listening to our thoughts!Timestamps:0:00 Returning feature: JUMPing to Conclusions8:11 Check-in from previous serialisation round: Embers + Star of Beethoven12:26 Saying goodbye to the series that left - Astro Royale16:40 Jump Future Project 2025 one-shots17:27 Nice Prison by Tatsuya Suganuma29:59 Otr of the Flame by Yuki Kawaguchi51:49 First impressions ratings + predictions for its survivability

Continuing on our arc-by-arc breakdowns of our personal favourite battle shonen, we’re onto Samu’s all-timer: Bleach by Tite Kubo. Much like with Rurouni Kenshin we’re focusing on the first arc (Agent of the Shinigami) for this episode. Check it out to get a glimpse into Enzo’s first proper experience with any of the Big 3!Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - Samu’s journey with his favourite manga6:27 Enzo’s experience with the Big 3 and expectations for Bleach specifically8:32 Comparing the first arcs of the Big 39:05 Ichigo as a main character - not having an obvious goal, a more human motivation14:35 Bleach’s ‘cool factor’15:17 Tite Kubo’s efficient artwork, critiques of the lack of backgrounds, prioritising panel flow20:49 Bleach has the best chapter title pages in manga, period21:34 A series that feels like it’s made to be in black and white - it’s meant to be a manga?23:51 The volume poem’s - Orihime’s being the highlight of this arc24:46 Spoiler discussion begins24:58 Orihime’s character - Samu’s love for her, her mistreatment by fans, her tragic backstory29:21 June 17th, Grand Fisher/Masaki Storyline and Ichigo’s guilt and white knight complex33:30 Rukia’s character, her dynamic with Ichigo + a fight to protect life or to preserve honour36:49 Isshin Kurosaki - Enzo’s least favourite character so far39:52 The hit-or-miss humour (Kon and Don Kanoji), exceptions that are actually funny41:10 Chad - Enzo’s favourite character so far45:56 Uryu Ishida, the Quinces - the rival to Ichigo and the Shinigami48:09 Byakuya and Renji’s arrival - when Bleach truly ‘begins’; set-up for Soul Society arc52:36 Kisuke Urahara as a mentor/training figure55:48 What currently running Jump series is the most direct descendent of Bleach?1:01:02 Samu’s Recommendation: Yu Yu Hakusho (Spirit Detective arc) by Yoshihiro Togashi1:02:26 Enzo’s Recommendation: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba by Kyoharu Gotougehi1:05:18 Overview and final scores

We’ve decided to take on two more of our personal favourite Weekly Shonen Jump series through arc-by-arc breakdowns, similar to what we’ve done with Hunter x Hunter. First up, one of Enzo’s favourite: Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki - a series absent from Samu’s WSJ resume which is partly complete now with this discussion of the initial Tokyo arc. Tune in next episode when it’s Samu’s turn to introduce his favourite to Enzo!Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - A new arc-by-arc coverage of our favourite Weekly Shonen Jump hits5:31 What is it about Rurouni Kenshin that made it popular?11:20 Nobuhiro Watsuki - the difficulty of separating the art and the artist14:52 Is Rurouni Kenshin a traditional battle shonen?16:28 The impact page approach to action - the depiction of Kenshin’s speed19:34 Main cast; Yahiko in particular, our feelings on him as a self-insert character25:14 Do Weekly Shonen Jump mangaka struggle with future series after a monster hit?31:41 Spoiler discussion begins31:47 Sanosuke/Captain Sozo backstory being the lowest popularity in the series - why is that?35:41 Oniwabanshu/Megumi storyline - Samu’s disappointment vs general consensus with fans37:44 Yutaro’s character as a mirror to Yahiko + Nishiki Painting sub-arc as a good end to the arc40:12 Kaoru’s character depiction compared to the rest of the cast42:38 Kenshin’s character, his influence on other characters, his guilt over his past49:00 What currently running Jump series is the most direct descendent of Rurouni Kenshin?51:18 Samu’s Recommendation: The Elusive Samurai by Yuusei Matsui54:47 Enzo’s Recommendation: Vagabond by Inoue Takehiko56:54 Overview and final scores

As promised, here’s the second part of our Hunter x Hunter Chimera Ant arc discussion, where we finally go into the depths of Netero and Meruem, highlights from the palace invasion, and decide if this really is the best shonen arc of all time?Timestamps:0:00 Re-introduction - second part of the Chimera Ant arc discussion0:39 Netero vs Meruem (Humanity vs Chimera Ants) - one of the best shonen fights of all time12:06 The anti-climax quota: the lack of Gon’s inclusion in the final fight, how Meruem lost15:32 Meruem, the royal guards, the journey of the chimera ants21:25 Komugi - her relationship with Meruem, her part in saving humanity, and her resolution26:44 Gon and Killua’s relationship across this arc; Killua’s liberation and Gon’s revenge35:16 Other favourite scenes: Gon’s dark expression, Colt and Reina’s reunion with their mother36:54 The intention of the two corrupt leaders who survived their corrupt countries38:49 Kite is reborn as a little girl after the birth of the Meruem - what’s that about?40:29 Is Chimera Ant arc the best shonen arc of all time?44:03 Samu’s Recommendation: Bleach (Thousand Year Blood War arc) by Tite Kubo45:30 Enzo’s Recommendation: Rurouni Kenshin (Kyoto Arc) by Watsuki Nobuhiro 47:48 Overview and final scores

We’ve finally got to the arc we’ve been building up to in Hunter x Hunter: Chimera Ant arc! And because we have so much to discuss, we’re splitting this up into two episodes. This first half covers everything up until the palace invasion - Kite, NGL, Gyro, Knuckle, the Phantom Troupe, and more - so check it out and stay tuned next week for the remaining part of the discussion and our final thoughts.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - our most anticipated conversation so far for Hunter x Hunter2:12 Why we both love the Chimera Ant arc so much4:15 The reception of the arc, comparing then vs now?10:34 Kite - did him not being introduced in the 2011 anime affect our feelings on his character?14:35 NGL section - the beginning section of the arc, a new (even) darker tone19:27 Gyro - his role in Chimera Ant arc and his potential for the future with Gon25:22 The Phantom Troupe vs the Chimera Ants - Hunter x Hunter at its most conventional fanservice?29:24 The excellent cast of side characters - Knuckle, Shoot, and the chimera ants39:32 Critiques with Palm, her ‘relationship’ with Gon, and her presentation43:40 Do we agree with any critiques of the Chimera Ant arc? 49:24 End of first half of the discussion - tune in next week!

This episode we’re going full shonen mode and trying to figure out what makes a massive kaijuu hit, going over some of our favourite titles that qualify for that title, and forecasting some potential big hitters on the horizon.0:00 Introduction - trying to understand what makes a kaijuu shonen hit?4:11 Series we’d consider big hits that others might not7:11 One Piece vs Demon Slayer - which is the bigger hit?12:38 How big of a factor is a publisher/magazine for a series to become a hit?15:56 What did we think would be a massive hit that didn’t become that?22:44 Anime Blu-ray and DVD sales and the power of the otaku fanbase26:03 Comparing the generation of the Big Three to recent successes30:16 Are there traits in writing or art that indicate something will be a mega hit?43:27 Do our top 3 battle shonen qualify as ‘big hits’ and why do we love them?48:31 What current shonen title do we think will become the next big hit?54:32 Hollywood cinema’s influence on successful mangaka56:18 Outro - final thoughts on Gachiakuta’s potential

We’re covering a series we both love and have a similar history with: Wandering Son by Takako Shimura, a touching coming of age story about transgender children navigating their way through the early years of their life. We both love the anime and both love the manga, so we had a lot to say about the series reception and critics.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - our similar experience in discovering the series5:33 The slice of life approach to serious topics, Takako Shimura’s artwork, and the anime adaptation9:30 The anime’s decisions to only adapt the middle (Junior High) section17:21 An important series on being transgender - how would it be viewed if it was published today?23:31 Takako Shimura - her focus on queer stories and her fetishes/favourite tropes26:51 The elementary school, initial ideas of gender dysphoria, and the low point of the series28:56 Yuki’s role in the series, could her intentions with Shuu be misconstrued?30:54 Spoiler discussion begins30:58 Our shared unlikely favourite character: Shinpei Doi37:50 An all-boys high school, what statement was Shimura making in that decision?41:45 Our thoughts on readers disappointed on the depiction of being transgender in Wandering Son53:08 Is Yoshino’s decision to not continue living as a trans boy a betrayal to the reader?56:05 Does the ending wrap everything up in a satisfying way?59:16 Enzo’s (Anime) Recommendation: Tsuki ga Kirei by Yuuko Kakihara1:00:10 Enzo’s (Manga) Recommendation: Usagi Drop by Yumi Unita1:01:28 Samu’s Recommendation: Our Dreams at Dusk: Shimanami Tasogare by Yuuki Kamatani1:02:34 Overview and final scores

We’re beginning a new segment this time: JUMPing to Conclusions, where we take a look at the new serialisations of Weekly Shonen Jump, break down our first impression, and predict whether we think it’ll survive in the cutthroat magazine. This episode covers Embers and Star of Beethoven which have both released their first chapter as of posting. Do we think football (soccer) and piano prodigies have a place in Jump in 2025? Listen to find out!Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - a new Jump-centric segment0:57 Saying goodbye to the series that left - Mission: Yozakura Family, Undead Unluck, Hakutaku6:14 Hunter x Hunter going on hiatus, prospects for returning later in 20259:38 Embers by Kei Kurumazaki (Story) + Soutarou Nishii (Art)20:19 Star of Beethoven by Morihiro Hayashi33:05 Jump Future Project 2025 - nine weeks of one-shots34:19 Outro - hopefully the next serialisation round makes a better impression on us

Back to Hunter x Hunter we go, jumping over now to Greed Island along with Gon and Killua. In a shake-up from the usual HxH arc reviews, this might be the first where we have disagreements about how much we enjoy this one on the whole.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the third island: Greed Island4:26 Our experiences of Greed Island and favourite iteration of the arc?8:34 Is it an Isekai?10:08 Hisoka’s role this arc - enemy turned ally with all his “quirks”19:28 Biscuit - Gon and Killua’s new mentor + their relationship24:02 Comparing Greed Island vs Heavens Arena26:33 The anticlimaxes of the arcs: The Bomber + not meeting Ging33:37 Our takes on the Dodgeball match35:34 Is Greed Island too self-indulgent on Togashi’s part? Comparisons to Succession Contest39:33 Which card would you take with you if you had the choice?44:18 Samu’s Recommendation: World Trigger by Daisuke Ashihara47:10 Enzo’s Recommendation: Brave Story by Yoichiro Ono and Miyabe Miyuki49:16 Overview and final scores

It's our first episode of 2025 and we're discussing a series that is due to get an anime adaptation later this year: The Summer Hikaru Died by Mokmok Len. This is the first series picked by the LostinAnime patrons, and it’s one we both mostly agree is pretty damn good.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - Our first series voted by the LostinAnime patrons, an early sensation in Japan8:04 Comparing our experiences of binging vs followed it as it’s published11:04 Momok Len’s ‘slice of life’ approach to drama16:35 Is Hikaru still Hikaru? Exploring the theme of performance between Hikaru and Yoshiki20:53 What do we think of the relationship between Yoshiki and Hikaru before he died?25:36 Momok Len’s favourite manga: Tokyo Ghoul26:44 The anime adaptation and confirmation of the series being 10 volumes total29:15 Spoiler discussion begins29:57 How do we expect the series is going to play out in the second half?35:04 The population decline of rural Japan and how it lends to this type of horror35:53 Was Hikaru familiar with his family’s history before he died?38:54 Could we get a flashback of the original Hikaru?39:44 Was Kurabayashi wrong not to take out Hikaru when she had the chance?42:27 Is this series science-fiction or fantasy? Aliens???45:35 Where do we see the anime adapting up until?49:21 Enzo’s Recommendation: Shiki by Fuyumi Ono and Ryu Fujisaki52:11 Samu’s Recommendation: Stigmata + Stigmata -Love Bites- by Hidebu Takahashi54:22 Overview and final scores

It’s our second end of year special episode, this time we’re doing a Year in Review for the manga we read in 2024 - we hope you enjoy and can take some recommendations from our choices of across 18 categories that covers the full scope of both our tastes.. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - another special end of year episode 1:43 Best new manga published in 2024 4:51 Best manga that finished in 2024 7:41 Best ongoing manga of 2024 11:04 Best manga we discovered in 2024 15:38 Newcomer mangaka to look out for 18:00 Up-and-comer manga to keep and eye on 23:18 Best one-shots of the year 24:39 Underappreciated gem of 2024 28:40 Best character of 2024 33:53 Best artwork of 2024 37:38 Biggest trend for manga in 2024 43:24 Which manga got the best adaptation in 2024? 48:10 Our most anticipated manga to anime adaptation for 2025? 53:46 Best manga we’ve read from the podcast 55:55 Unlikely anime adaptation that could make for potential Anime of the Year 1:01:08 Predictions for likely anime adaptations announced in 2025 1:04:16 Old school manga we want to see illogically rebooted in 2025 1:08:36 The manga we think our counterpart should read 1:16:19 Wrap-up and reflecting on starting the podcast this year

It’s the end of the year and we’ve got the first of two special episodes for you. This time we’re getting into Samu’s favourite subject: Weekly Shonen Jump. We’re taking a look over every series that ran in 2024 - concluded and still ongoing - to discuss our takes and how well they’re doing. Hopefully this helps provide some insight into the ever-competitive nature of manga’s most popular magazine as well as some series worth checking out. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - our relationship with the magazine 2:36 Table of content explanation 5:18 Completed series 5:24 My Hero Academia - the epilogue chapter and Horikoshi’s return? 10:47 Jujutsu Kaisen - a disappointing final arc and ending, Gege’s attempt at Togashi-isms 14:09 Dr. Stone: 4D Science - the mini-series sequel 15:32 Cancelled series 15:42 Cipher Academy - NISIOISIN, and Enzo’s dislike for his writing 17:22 Martial Master Asumi - Kawada’s failed return after Hinomaru Sumo 17:59 Mamayuyu - the battle shonen that didn’t take off, but that we really liked 21:25 Two on Ice - the ice skating drama that didn’t stand out 22:17 Green Green Greens - a fantastic golf character drama, why didn’t it click? 29:27 Shadow Eliminators - a generic exorcist series with pretty boys and hot girls 30:14 Dear Anemone - MHA assistant with detailed art that got a very early cut 30:53 Kyokuto Necromance - Fusai Naba repeats the same mistakes with ALIENS AREA 31:40 Psych House - A sweet, low-key slice of life that Enzo loved 35:47 Yokai Buster Murakami - a perma-flop perma-gag series 36:45 Ongoing series 36:51 One Piece - still #1, still going, probably throughout this decade? 39:03 Hunter x Hunter - another 10 great chapters of Succession Content 42:28 Mission: Yozakura Family + Undead Unluck - mid-ranking battle manga about to end 43:32 Me & Roboco - the established gag title of the magazine 46:03 Sakamoto Days - will the 2025 adaptation make it as big as it could be? Why did it take so long? 51:20 The Elusive Samurai - aided by a very 2024 anime adaptation; could it wrap up in 2025? 55:01 WITCH WATCH - it’s weakest year to date, with a Spring 2025 anime upcoming 57:50 Blue Box - an ongoing anime, a success in the magazine, and an uncertain future? 1:00:21 Akane-banashi - had its best year for the manga in 2024 but where is the anime? 1:04:45 RuriDragon - returned from hiatus, now digital-only, still a big success 1:06:45 Kill Blue - a truly generalist all-genre title that doesn’t succeed in any lane 1:08:19 Nue’s Exorcist - WSJ’s very own light novel action title 1:09:32 Kagurabachi - The Next Big Thing of the magazine despite its initial poor TOC rankings 1:10:35 Super Psychic Policeman Chojo - the other gag title in the magazine 1:11:11 Astro Royale - Ken Wakui’s shocking shift to WSJ, will it backfire? 1:15:36 Ultimate Exorcist Kyoshi - A new Mashle-like gag-battle title with an adorable lead 1:16:31 HimaTen! - a charming, low-key harem rom-com that both of us enjoy 1:19:22 Ichi the Witch - another potential big hit by two acclaimed women coming together 1:23:33 Shinobi Undercover - Candy Flurry’s duo returns for a Sakamoto-esque ninja action series 1:24:30 Hakutaku - the gaming manga about to be cancelled 1:25:22 Syd Craft: Love is a Mystery - the creator of We Never Learn returns for a detective romcom 1:26:20 Samu and Enzo’s yearly WSJ postcard votes 1:29:05 Wrapping up Weekly Shonen Jump in 2024 + outro

We’re back to Hunter x Hunter again, and this time we’re diving into Yorknew City, where things start getting serious, Kurapika steps into the main character spot as we follow his quest for revenge, and we both disagree on whether this feels like a shonen or a seinen arc. Check it out! Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - New York City and how that relates to Yorknew 4:51 Why is Yorknew City arc beloved by fans, particularly pre-2011 anime? 9:22 Shonen vs Seinen debate 19:88 Enzo’s love for the Whale Island section - Gon and Killua pre-Yorknew 23:50 The Phantom Troupe and our feelings with what we learn in the Succession Contest arc 29:30 Togashi’s use of absence of information between character for dramatic tension 31:07 Gon and Killua’s effect on Kurapika’s morality 33:04 The anticlimax quota: no epic showdown between Kurapika and the Spiders 35:20 The other anticlimax: the Hisoka vs Chrollo showdown that never happened 36:36 Pakunoda and Nobunaga’s place in the Phantom Troupe 38:19 Was Hisoka protecting Gon as a long-term investment in his potential? 41:20 Other newly introduced characters we love: Melody and Zepile 45:38 Samu’s Recommendation: Kagurabachi (Rakuzaichi arc) by Takeru Hokozono 47:32 Enzo’s Recommendation: Jormungand by Takahashi Keitarou 50:47 Overview and final scores

This time it’s Enzo’s recommending a series for Samu - and it’s another seinen manga! Habits seem to be forming. A Distant Neighborhood by the iconic Jiro Taniguchi is a 2-volume series about a father in his forties who is transported back to his teenage years leading up to the event that still lingers within him: the night his father disappeared and left his family behind. Could this be his chance to uncover the truth of the incident or perhaps even change the future by preventing it? Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - continuing our conversation on trends in our differing tastes 5:43 Establishing ‘A Distant Neighborhood’ and our initial impressions 10:14 The premise: time travel, the human condition, a reflection of youth 12:36 Exploring the concept of reliving our teenage lives if put into this situation 17:01 The internal age-gap romance with Tomoko - is it icky or successfully explored? 21:06 Jiro Taniguchi is one of the most influential manga of all time, his realism 23:23 Why is he particularly popular in Europe? 27:07 Spoiler discussion begins 27:39 The countdown to understanding his father’s actions and their relationship 30:26 “No one ever truly becomes an adult” and “What is happiness?” 32:26 What would we do if we were in Hiroshi’s situation?? 34:07 Understanding his father and what lead to his decision and the morality behind it 43:48 Predicting our envision endings as reader to compare with the author’s vision 47:35 The ending - Samu’s theory on how he thought it was conclude 49:50 Enzo’s preference for stripped back stories, comparisons to Spirit Circle 51:25 Was it a happy ending? Stories that appeal to the head or the heart 52:41 Enzo’s Recommendation: ERASED by Kei Sanbe 56:18 Samu’s Film Recommendation: Only Yesterday (film by Isao Takahata) 57:38 Samu’s Recommendation: Barefoot Gen by Keiji Nakazawa 1:00:46 Overview and final scores

This time it’s Samu’s recommendation for Enzo - and it’s another josei manga! Double by Ayako Noda is a psychologically twisted acting series about the complicated relationship of two men in the industry, one a natural talent and the other a hard worker, with differing levels of success and the drama that unfolds from the power each has over the other. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - a josei acting manga with a complicated relationship at the core 3:52 Is Takara and Yuujin’s relationship toxic? 5:00 Another Big Bang Theory comparison 6:47 The talented natural vs the hardworking grinder 7:41 The evidence/implications of Takara potentially being autistic 12:40 Comparisons to Spacewalking With You - the 2024 Manga Taisho winner 13:58 Examining the ‘toxic’ elements of their relationship, how professionals in the industry view it 20:57 Highlighting the other side characters in the series 21:53 Touching on Enzo’s acting experience - how authentically is it depicted in Double? 26:27 Comparing the intents of Double vs Oshi no Ko 28:42 The unlikely chance of an anime adaptation 29:48 Spoiler discussion begins 30:15 The big revelation in Takara and Yuujin’s relationship - did we think it would become a plot point? 35:31 Can their relationship work going forward for them? 37:26 Hiryuuden play - behind the scenes drama of the double play 41:53 Ayako Noda’s other works under her Arai Niboshiko penname 42:47 Samu’s Recommendation: Yakuza Fiancé: Raise wa Tanin ga Ii by Asuka Konichi 45:14 Enzo’s Recommendation: Sakamichi no Apollon by Yuki Kodamai 48:40 Overview and final scores 51:30 Finding patterns in our taste 19 episodes in… discussion to be continued

We’re discussing a series we both read over a decade ago and have revisited for this discussion: Goodnight Punpun by Inio Asano - a manga we both love, but have our feelings on this ultra-depressing tale changed or waned years later? Listen to find out. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - getting ready for depression 3:59 Our general feelings about Goodnight Punpun, apprehensive to re-experiencing the series 10:09 Does Punpun’s story resonate with men in particular? 14:05 Does it ever it ever go into torture porn territory? 17:08 Some of our other favourite characters: Shimizu, Seki, Sachi, Harumi 21:42 Why did Asano depict Punpun as a non-human and does it work? 24:19 The complications with a possible anime adaptation 27:32 Inio Asano’s shift in tone and content in his recent series since Goodnight Punpun 30:26 Spoiler discussion begins 30:38 Yuuichi’s storyline - mirroring Punpun’s journey, continuing their tragic cycle 33:49 Sachi and Aiko - did either/both of them Punpun and did he love either of them? 37:43 “Love itself is unhealthy” as the series message? 39:41 The dramatic third act and final message - was it good or bad for Punpun’s character? 46:16 Did we want to see Punpun’s face in the end? 47:52 Was “Goodnight Punpun” Sachi’s manga - was she exploiting him? 49:34 The ending mirroring the beginning - the cycle of life goes on 50:19 Samu’s Recommendation: The Flowers of Evil by Shuuzou Oshimi 54:27 Enzo’s Recommendation: The Climber by Shin-ichi Sakamoto and Yoshiro Nabeda 56:22 Overview and final scores

Hunter x Hunter is back! Let’s talk Hunter x Hunter! We kicked off with the Hunter Exam arc when we began this podcast and there’s no better time than to ride the wave than continue our task of covering the series arc-by-arc, this time continuing with the Zoldyck Family mini-arc as well as what Enzo describes as the most “shonen” arc of the entire series: Heavens Arena. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - breaking our coverage by arc 1:24 Zoldyck Family arc - our thoughts on the short anti-rescue arc 7:58 Heavens arena arc - “the ultimate training arc, the ultimate tournament arc” 9:22 Is Heavens Arena the most “shonen” arc in Hunter x Hunter? 11:29 The most fun portion of the series considering what’s to come 13:03 Dark Tournament vs Heavens Arena - which is better? 14:30 Let’s talk about nen, baby - the best power system in manga 18:18 Which nen type would we have? 21:38 Is this arc underrated by fans? 23:22 The focal characters of each arc reflects the personality of that arc 25:58 The shonen/seinen demographic balance for Hunter x Hunter’s tone 28:13 Gon and Killua’s unique role and relationship with Zushi 29:42 Gon vs Hisoka arena battle, the anime adaptation, how it stacks compared to other battle shonen 33:15 If Hisoka hadn’t been at Heavens Arena, would Gon and Killua have survived? 36:21 The anticlimax quota: the abrupt end to the traditional tournament arc 38:28 Why understanding the anticlimaxes are important 40:05 Enzo’s Recommendation: My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi 42:15 Samu’s Recommendation: My Hero Academia (U.A. Sports Festival arc) by Kohei Horikoshi 45:37 Overview and final scores

We’re continuing with recommendation mode, this time with Samu’s pick of an all-time favorite: Ooku: The Inner Chambers by Fumi Yoshinaga. This is tale as epic an detailed as they come, spanning over 200 years of the gender-flipped Tokugawa Shogunate as we follow the lives and trials of various rulers in an alternate-history Japan where a pandemic has wiped out majority of the male population, thrusting these women into the unlikely position of power with all the drama and court politicking that comes with it. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - 19 volumes as dense as 19 novels 1:27 Fumi Yoshinaga’s other well-regarded works: What Did You Eat Yesterday and Antique Bakery 2:47 Ooku - an epic, award-winning retelling of the Tokugawa Shogunate with a gender-flipped twist 7:04 Enzo’s first impressions after years of Samu talking about and the anime adaptation 10:15 Anime vs the manga 10:54 A feminist story unafraid to show morally grey women in position of power 12:12 A rare approach of being a story-driven chronicle of history rather than character-driven narrative 17:40 Ooku: The Inner Chambers breaks ‘The Chrysanthemum Taboo’ 20:47 Spoiler discussion begins 21:04 Did fiction and real history ever blur together at some point? 25:06 Eighth Shogun: Yoshimune - the most important ruler in the series, her daughters, and Hisamichi 30:06 Third Shogun: Iemitsu - a tragic story with Arikoto, and Lady Kasuga as the True Conservative 33:06 Fifth Shogun: Tsunayoshi - the unpopular, extravagant child of Gyokuei 35:58 Harusada, ASOIAF comparisons, other standout morally good characters 40:00 The Fourteenth Shogun: Iemochi - the kind inheritor of a failing dynasty, her relationship with Kazu 42:37 General overview of the course of the series; starting and ending with its best material 44:58 The series’ clever conceit is there to make observations about Japanese character and history 47:00 The ending - the ‘reveal’ that this could have been how history played out all along 50:47 What meaning are we supposed to take from men returning to power over women? 54:20 Samu’s Recommendation: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki 55:42 Enzo’s Recommendation: Hyouge Mono by Yamada Yoshihiro 59:00 Overview and final scores

We’re back into recommendation mode, this time with Enzo’s pick: Yugami Doesn’t Have Any Friends by Jun Sakura. It’s a series that balances a lot of things: comedy, sports, romance, coming of age, rakugo, and more - but do we agree on how well it succeeds? Listen and find out. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 4:32 Samu’s first impressions and expecting it to be set in college 6:50 Chihiro being a representative of a Japanese ideal vs Yugami standing out for the wrong reasons 10:53 Is Yugami coded as autistic or just meant to be the “nail that sticks out”? 16:16 Why did it never receive an anime - will it ever? 18:02 The balance of genres and topics: romance, baseball, rakugo 22:42 Spoiler discussion begins 22:59 A ‘romcom’ without a lot of romance - should there have been? 25:20 A series that speaks to introverts 28:44 Are we supposed to agree with Yugami’s perspective on life 30:33 Did Yugami soften as a character over time or did we just get used to him? 33:32 Yugami’s speech at the end - why it did/didn’t work for us 37:08 The epilogue scene with rakugo and how it ties to Yugami/Chihiro’s relationship 40:11 Speculating the reason why Sakura Jun never created another manga after this 44:07 Samu’s Recommendation: Sket Dance by Kenta Shinohara 46:29 Enzo’s Recommendation: My Little Monster by Robico 49:29 Overview and final scores

We’re once again sticking with the Weekly Shonen Jump, jumping to our favourite (and only) sports-drama-romcom title of the magazine, with Blue Box by Kouji Miura. An instant hit we’ve been following since the beginning and have plenty to discuss ahead of the upcoming anime adaptation. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - continuing with Weekly Shonen Jump with Samu’s favourite 4:52 Kouji Miura’s previous works and how different they are to Blue Box 7:52 Does Blue Box feel like a Weekly Shonen Jump manga? 9:09 Comparisons with Mitsuru Adashi and the 50/50 sports/romance balance 12:56 Differences between the Blue Box one shot with the serialisation 14:44 Relationship dynamics in the series 17:38 Being a sports manga fan yet not loving sports 18:47 Anticipating the anime adaptation and the possible sales boost 23:21 Blue Box's contrast from Nisekoi and We Never Learn 24:12 Spoiler discussion begins 24:20 How the love triangle turned out - Samu’s optimism and Enzo’s pessimism 25:52 Will Enzo’s experience be different re-experiencing the story knowing how it plays out? 29:03 Do we care about ‘new’ love triangle that’s developing + our predictions 31:18 Taiki and Chinatsu’s relationship and the time it took 36:41 Predictions on how long the series will go on for 38:25 Enzo’s Recommendation: Baby Steps by Hikaru Katsuki 41:34 Samu’s Recommendation: 18.44- by Suika Momoko 43:00 Overview and final scores

We’re continuing with the Weekly Shonen Jump series, this time to Samu’s favourite currently running in the magazine: Akane-banashi, the rakugo drama that’s been an unexpected hit since it’s debut. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - continuing with Weekly Shonen Jump with Samu’s favourite 2:42 A success story during an era of performing arts series in Weekly Shonen Jump 5:29 Enzo’s impression: more like a sports series, rakugo, comparison to PPPPPP 9:50 Neither sport or battle series but embraces elements of both, similar to Food Wars! 10:44 The prologue first chapter and Shinta’s character 13:58 The Great Akane debate - an insert Mary Sue or a compelling main character? 22:50 The significance of a female main character for this story 27:19 Comparisons to Chihaya in Chihayafuru 30:00 The transportive rakugo world, battle shonen tropes and ‘nin’ battle system 32:33 Issho Arakawa - demystifying the villain as we understand him more 33:43 Could an anime adaptation surpass the manga? 38:33 Spoiler discussion begins 38:48 Akane and her father’s development so far 43:38 Anticipating the anime adaptation of Akane and Issho’s confrontation 44:58 Samu’s Recommendation: Act Age by Tatsuya Matsuki, Shiro Usazaki 49:04 Enzo’s Recommendation: Kabukibu by Eda Yuuri 51:18 Overview and final scores

We’ve recorded this episode in record time in order to release alongside the end of My Hero Academia’s manga, by Kohei Horikoshi. With the end of one of the giants of Weekly Shonen Jump and anime/manga in general for the past decade we’ve got a giant-sized episode discussing everything we wanted to cover about the series: its legacy, its fanbase, and our feelings on the ending while they’re still fresh. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - a series we’ve both been following for 10 years 4:34 How many words has Enzo put into covering My Hero Academia over the years? 6:28 Kohei Horikoshi’s journey in Weekly Shonen Jump towards finding success 8:52 Horikoshi’s big influence from American superhero comics and The Big 3 11:46 My Hero Academia’s infamously negative fanbase 20:12 What makes My Hero Academia stand out compared to other WSJ battle manga? 26:42 Our favourites arcs of the series 32:22 Our critiques: final saga, messy artwork, trying to resolve too much, the ending 37:21 Why we love Deku and he’s a great main character 41:00 Bakugo, Endevour, and Twice’s character arcs and their degrees of successes 47:27 Spoiler discussion begins 47:39 Deku’s father, the war arc wrapping up, the epilogue 54:41 Shipping resolution (or lack thereof) 56:02 A sequel manga - does the series need it? Do we want it? 1:01:13 Samu’s Recommendation: Kagurabachi by Takeru Hokazono 1:04:16 Enzo’s Recommendation: One Punch Man by ONE and Murata Yusuke 1:06:51 Overview and final scores

For the next several episodes we’re focusing on Weekly Shonen Jump, this time beginning with The Elusive Samurai by Yuusei Matsui, which is currently receiving a stellar anime adaptation - although it’s worth noting we recorded this some weeks before its release. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction and the popularity of Assasination Classroom 5:16 Yuusei Matsui at his most unrestricted after two previous WSJ hits 7:52 The artwork, panelling, meta comedy and how it fits with the time period 14:07 More style than substance 16:56 Is it spoilers to discuss the fates of historical characters + did we know the history? 20:07 Should Matsui be concerned about the sales trending downwards? 23:50 Predictions for the anime in terms of boosting its popularity 27:03 Spoiler discussion begins 27:17 Yorishige Suwa’s character - his importance in the story as the father figure + Hisoka comparisons 31:17 Akiie’s introduction to the story, taking on the similar role as Suwa 33:22 How long do we think the series has left to go? 35:19 Enzo’s Recommendation: Altair: A Record of Battles by Kotono Kato 38:44 Samu’s Recommendation: Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic by Shinobu Ohtaka 40:11 Overview and final scores

This time we’re discussing a new hit in Japan, The Days of Diamond by Ohashi Hirai, a seinen baseball manga that started in 2023 and already proved to be an early success from the beginning. Now that MangaPlus are doing simultaneous translations we’re up to date and want to get as many people on board for this mature take on childrens’ baseball. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction - Enzo anticipating the series before Mangaplus translated it 6:34 The ‘suffering from success” storyline and the young age of the characters 8:09 An authentic presentation of Japanese children of this age 9:36 Why has The Days of Diamond become a breakout hit in Japan? 11:55 Why is it harder for sports series to become breakout hits with English audiences? 16:33 Major theme of the series: “If we can be great at something do we have an obligation to utilise it?” 20:03 Spoiler discussion begins 20:10 Jiro Ayasegawa upbringing around women as part of his character 21:35 Taiwan U12 World Championships: Ayasegawa’s projected feelings and conflict with teammates 28:40 Our feelings on Coach Namiki’s decision not to take Ayasegawa to his academy 33:39 How long do we think the series will cover in Ayasegawa’s journey? 36:05 If Ayasegawa does embrace his gift will that be something readers should celebrate? 37:14 What do we want to see from the series and the directions the series could go? 41:19 Mixed feelings on the current story arc 43:49 Enzo’s (Book) Recommendation: Searching For Bobby Fischer by Fred Waitzkin 46:08 Enzo’s (Manga) Recommendation: Blue Period by Tsubasa Yamaguchi 47:15 Samu’s Recommendation: Big Windup (Ookiku Furikabutte) by Asa Higuchi 50:14 Overview and final scores

We’re back to recommending our favourites to one another - this time we’re discussing one of Enzo’s all-timers: Spirit Circle by Satoshi Mizukami, the story of a middle school boy (Fuuta) whose ordinary life is disrupted when a transfer student (Kouko) reveals that their fates are in fact tied between in the past, present, and future in ways that changes everything between them and the life Fuuta thought he lived up until now. Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 6:34 Samu’s general impressions 7:47 Enzo’s feelings on Mizukami Satoshi and his history as a mangaka 12:56 Spirit Circle is the matured distillation of Mizukami’s previous ideas 14:45 Why did it take so long for a Mizukami manga to get an anime adaptation? 16:41 Samu’s differing opinion on Mizukami and Spirit Circle 18:53 Spoiler discussion begins 18:59 Spirit Circle main theme of reincarnation and how it’s handled 23:56 The historical settings vs the futuristic/sci-fi ideas 27:20 Other themes: Fate vs free will, burdens on young people 30:39 Our disagreement on the ideas being juvenile vs irreverent 34:41 Samu’s general dislike for end of the world scenarios 29:56 Touma’s coming out moment and the aftermath 31:33 The bedroom conversation scene - effective or overly theatrical? 34:25 The ending - the love triangle, the timeskip epilogue, divisive opinions on the resolution 37:31 Enzo’s Recommendation: Lonely Alien by Maiko Ogawa 39:41 Samu’s Recommendation: Shaman King by Hiroyuki Takei 41:51 Overview and final scores