Lyfeblerd

Welcome to yet another episode of Lyfeblerd, where we talk about manga, manhwa, light novels and other types of comic books. I'm your host, Cryptte, and today we're checking out one of my all-time favourites. I’m talking about Hiromu Arakawa’s steampunk, dark fantasy, adventure manga, Fullmetal Alchemist. So, grab a beverage, settle in, and let's get the show rolling!Equivalent ExchangeWe join the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse in a world in which alchemy is a practised science, influencing even their technology and governed by one rule — equivalent exchange. The tale begins with the siblings trying to bring their mother back to life using alchemy, but it goes wrong, leaving their bodies ravaged. The practice was forbidden for a reason, and the boys are considered lucky with Edward losing a few limbs while Alphonse’s body disappears. It sounds like a lot but this is just the beginning.The duo then go off on an epic quest to become State Alchemists and restore their bodies. The manga covers so many themes, like brotherhood and family, redemption, war, morality and more. Along their journey, they meet many fun characters and interesting villains across a backdrop of sinister plots and political intrigue that will have you binge-reading in no time.Reading ListIf you like what you heard and want to get your copies of FMA, here’s where you can find them; Fullmetal Alchemist Complete Box Set (manga), written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa - https://amzn.to/3YJ5fqH Fullmetal Alchemist: The Land of Sand (novel, Volume 1), written by Makoto Inoue and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa - https://amzn.to/3QO5HlSFor fans of Hiromu Arakawa looking for more manga, pick up her coming-of-age, slice-of-life manga titled “Silver Spoon” (Gin no Saji). Arakawa-san shifts gears by introducing us to Yuugo Hachiken, a young teenager that enrols at Ooezo Agricultural High School in Hokkaido. It’s a look at his daily life and the rigours of agriculture. Silver Spoon, Volume 1 (manga), written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa - https://amzn.to/45Btj1eIf FMA was a bit too dark and you prefer your shonen with no seinen in it at all, try Eiichiro Oda’s global hit, “One Piece." It’s the tale of a young boy called Luffy who dreams of becoming a pirate and goes off in search of infamy and adventure. One Piece, Volume 1: Romance Dawn (manga), written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda - https://amzn.to/3E5SFbyThe links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, so thank you for helping me keep the lights on.I hope you enjoyed the last episode of season 2. Lyfeblerd will be back soon though, with more things to geek out about. Please like, share and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast platform. Support your local comic book scene and keep reading the books you love. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde. See you around! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back, comic book fans to another episode of Lyfeblerd. Today, we plunge into the captivating world of Osamu Tezuka's masterpiece - Dororo. I'm your host Cryptte, and I can't wait to share my thoughts on this iconic manga. StorySet in a war-torn feudal Japan, Dororo tells the story of a warrior named Hyakkimaru. Born without several body parts due to a demonic pact made by his father, Daigo Kagemitsu, Hyakkimaru sets off on a journey to reclaim what he has lost. Early in his travels, he comes across the young orphan thief named Dororo and together they face a horde of terrifying demons and other challenges.The duo forge a deep bond that defines the heart of this manga, as we see Hyakkimaru attempt to regain his humanity while inadvertently becoming weaker. It is a dark tale that is warmed by Dororo's charm and unwavering loyalty, making this a truly gripping and emotionally charged narrative.Reading ListFor those who try and love Dororo, I recommend checking out other works by Osamu Tezuka, such as Astro Boy or Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto, which is based on Astro Boy’s "The Greatest Robot on Earth story arc. Dororo, written and illustrated by Osamu Tezuka - https://amzn.to/3YjBuww Astro Boy, Vol. 1, written and illustrated by Osamu Tezuka - https://amzn.to/3rMFSrF Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 1, written by Naoki Urasawa & Takashi Nagasaki and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa - https://amzn.to/3Qk5uGIFor those looking for something lighter or just different, pick up March Comes in Like a Lion by Chica Umino. It is a heartwarming and introspective look into the world of shogi.Fans of the superhero genre can also read My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi.  March Comes in Like a Lion, Vol. 1, written and illustrated by Chica Umino - https://amzn.to/458h2S9 My Hero Academia, Vol. 1, written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi - https://amzn.to/3KsiAOtIf you purchase a book or more via the affiliate links above, please note that Lyfeblerd will earn a small commission for doing so at no extra charge to you. Thanks in advance. That wraps up my review of Osamu Tezuka's Dororo. I hope you enjoyed this episode of Lyfeblerd. If you did, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Follow on social media @lyfeblerd and keep reading the books you love.The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde, provided by Argofox.See you in the next one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apocalyptic HijinksWelcome to yet another episode of Lyfeblerd. I'm your host Cryptte, and today, we're jumping headfirst into the zombie-filled world of "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead." Hold onto your brains because it's going to be a wild ride! But before we begin, let me tell you a bit more about the manga.Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata. Both of them have accolades to their names, and together their talents shine just as brightly. Haro-san is good at blending genres, and in Zom 100 he's managed to balance comedy with horror and action. There’s currently a lot of excitement surrounding the manga right now as an anime adaptation recently started airing less than two weeks ago. There’s also a live-action movie slated to appear on Netflix on August 3.StoryEver worked a soul-devouring 9-5 that stripped you of not just your social life but also your health and any meaningful relationships outside of the office? Then you and our protagonist, Akira Tendo, have a lot in common.Zom 100 begins with the 24-year-old office worker recounting how he wound up a modern-day zombie working for an exploitative corporation. He's three years into the job when a zombie apocalypse hits Japan and possibly the entire world. For Akira, this means no more work and he's suddenly transformed into a new man. In a bid to make the most of his newfound freedom, he creates a bucket list of things to do before he's turned into a zombie. Akira's depression is replaced with a curious adventurous spirit and a fearlessness that defies common sense. Volume one sees Akira create his bucket list and check off a few items, like confessing his feelings to the woman he loves, riding a motorcycle and drinking beer at home all day. It's a hilarious tale that gets more and more absurd, as we see our hero braving the undead for a series of beer runs. The collapse of society has always afforded the survivors of apocalypses the luxuries they were denied in the past. It's everywhere in pop culture and literature, but few have done it as Akira does. Akira is an ordinary guy that faces the undead armed with a sense of humour and a never-give-up attitude. Reading ListBrains! Brains!!Zom 100: Bucketlist of the Dead, written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata  - https://amzn.to/3Y02wsBI am a Hero, written and illustrated by Kengo Hanazawa - https://amzn.to/3Q5BFcJAlice in Borderland, written and illustrated by Haro Aso - https://amzn.to/3pV9O4jGenre-bending comedyOne Punch Man (Jump Remake), written by One and illustrated by Yusuke Murata - https://amzn.to/3Y0inreMob Psycho 100, written and illustrated by One - https://amzn.to/3pUPVdGPurchasing any of these books via the links provided will go a long way in keeping the lights on. Thanks in advance.I hope you enjoyed this episode of Lyfeblerd. If you did, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde.Don’t forget to support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one.  Hosted on

Welcome to Lyfeblerd, a podcast all about manga, manhwa, light novels and other types of comic books. I'm your host, Cryptte, and today we're diving into the intense and thought-provoking seinen manga series, Battle Royale.Originally written by Koushun Takami in 1996, it went unpublished until 1999 after being rejected in 1997 by the Japan Horror Fiction Awards. This was because it was too reminiscent of a recent murder in Kobe involving high school students. For the show, I’ll be covering the manga adaptation which was released from 2000 to 2005 and illustrated by Masayuki Taguchi. Tokyopop released the series in English in the following years and a special edition hit store shelves in late 2007.Now if I haven’t scared you away, strap in for a rollercoaster ride of survival, betrayal, and moral dilemmas.Reading ListFor fans of Battle Royale and those that want something similar once they’re done reading, pick up Gantz by Hiroya Oku. It’s a sci-fi story about a secret war that shares themes of survival and moral ambiguity, delving into the psychological effects of life-and-death situations. Another manga with similar dystopian themes is Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama. In a post-apocalyptic world filled with man-killing giants, we are treated to lots of action and politics.Gantz Omnibus Volume 1 by Hiroya OkuAttack on Titan Volume 1 by Hajime IsayamaIf you’re looking for something lighter in the survival game space, then try BTOOOM! by Junya Inoue. It plays things simple and safe, with no psychoanalysing, moral dilemmas or complex characters. Aoharu X Machinegun by Naoe is another one but this time lives and sanity aren’t at stake. The story takes us into the world of competitive airsoft.BTOOOM! Volume One by Junya InoueAoharu X Machinegun Volume One by NaoeSo LongThat brings us to the end of another episode. I hope I've been able to get a new book or two onto your reading list. If I have, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Join me next time on Lyfeblerd for more manga, manhua, light novels and other types of comic books. Until then, keep reading the books you love and support your local comic book scene. See you in the next act. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde, provided by Argofox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode Cryptte covers the Japanese light novel "Kizumonogatari," written by Nisio Isin (NisiOisiN) and illustrated by VOFAN. It is part of the "Monogatari Series" and serves as a prequel to the first novel, "Bakemonogatari." Kizumonogatari follows the story of Koyomi Araragi, a teenage boy that is suddenly thrust into the dark and mysterious world of aberrations and various supernatural beings. Set in a contemporary Japanese town, the main protagonist of the Monogatari Series stumbles upon the vampire Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade, which shatters his perception of reality and turns his life upside down.Nisio Isin is known for his unique storytelling style and wild narratives, which have made him a bit of a celebrity in Japan and the rest of the world. His themes usually revolve around some of my favourites, like the supernatural, mystery, and psychological horror. He's even got romance up in there. Reading ListFor fans of Kizumonogatari, I highly recommend the entire Monogatari Series if you haven't read it already. Expect more of the same while digging deeper into the lives of NISIOISIN compelling characters. Bakemonogatari: Monster Tale - part one (light novel), written by NISIOISIN and illustrated by VOFANIf Kizumonogatari didn't catch your fancy, but you enjoy the psychological aspects and intricate story, then try out The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. It’s the tale of a man that gets caught up in a mystery while searching for his wife’s missing cat. Another good one is the light novel Spice and Wolf, written by Isuna Hasekura that takes us on an adventure with a travelling merchant and an ancient wolf deity. It’s got a nice mix of fantasy, politics and trading.The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle (novel), written by Haruki MurakamiSpice and Wolf (light novel), written by Isuna HasekuraFare Thee WellWe come to the end of yet another episode. I really enjoyed talking about Araragi and company and whether this is your first time coming across the Bakemonogatari Series or not, I do hope I’ve convinced you to give Kizumongatari a try. I also hope you enjoy my recommendations and share your opinions with me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @lyfeblerd. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde. Do like, share and subscribe to the podcast and keep supporting your local comic book scene. Join me next time on another awesome adventure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This time I dive into the three volumes of Yoshiki Tanaka's Legend of the Galactic Heroes (Ginga Eiyū Densetsu) . I'm stretching the rules a bit with this one though as it's technically a novel and not a light novel. But since it's spawned multiple anime and manga adaptations, I think we can make an exception. A Cosmic AdventureLegend of the Galactic Heroes takes us to a world in which humanity has expanded far across space. We're introduced to two sovereign nations, the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. The Galactic Empire is a Monarchy that recently experienced a Civil War that left its Emperor nothing more than a figurehead. Now ruled by the brilliant and ruthless Reinhardt Von Lohengramm, the usurper begins to introduce a series of reforms designed to strip the elitist nobles of most of their power and influence. On the other side of the galactic pond we have the Free Planets Alliance which advocates democracy but is actually riddled with corruption. The contradiction isn't lost on Yang Wen-Li, Commodore of the Second Fleet and bane of the Galactic Empire, but for him all he seeks is a quiet peaceful life. Unfortunately though, both the ruling powers of the Alliance and his enemies in the Empire won't let him be. In Volume 1, Dawn, we are introduced to these warring factions and a third player, the Phezzan Dominion. Filled with political intrigue, espionage and space warfare, we meet a huge cast of characters as they try to survive and protect their nation's way of life. The Alliance and Empire are unaware of the forces that pit them against one another as a growing conspiracy takes root in the first book and spreads its tendrils into the remaining volumes. Reading ListIf you like Legend of the Galactic Heroes, then try out this manga. Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, Vol. 1- Activation by Yoshikazu YasuhikoNot a fan? Then give this light novel a try instead.Yukikaze by Chōhei KambayashiThe theme song is Dreams by Rewayde, provided by Argofox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cryptte and Rado return in the second half of "The Mysterious Man Behind Handrava," ranting, raving and geeking out like all good fans should. They discuss the importance of acknowledging others on the path to success and stress the need for a support system, even if it only serves to provide one with encouragement. Rado gives credit to his fans and Cryptte bulldozes his way through Wakanda to prove a point. Ultimately, they cover self-worth and the need to find or create a community in which one can feel comfortable in, free to be themselves. Reading List Check out these books recommended by Rado for anyone interested in authentic African comic books. He even included the podcast’s first animated show on the list.; Akissi: Tales of Mischief, by Marguerite Abouet Aya of Yop City, by Marguerite Abouet  The Mighty Grand Piton, directed by Wesley LouisContactWhether it's to beg for more Handrava, ask for his account details or check out his latest works, you can reach out to Rado at;@radokely on InstagramHandrava WebcomicHandrava FacebookI hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we did. Let's celebrate our differences, give credit where it's due, and work together to achieve our goals. Thank you for listening!Don't forget to subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde, support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Lyfeblerd, Cryptte interviews Rado of Tana, the creator of the webcomic Handrava. They discuss Rado's background and what led him to create webcomics. The Madagascan native shares the titles that influenced him growing up and how difficult it was to acquire them. Despite these obstacles, he was adequately inspired to create his own webcomics, from Handrava to Cisticola and more to come. Despite all the laughter, the duo still manage to cover some of their favourite anime and manga. During a slight detour to Wakanda, they also address the issue of truly authentic African stories. Even jollof rice is not spared in this episode. Together they take a moment to reflect on gratitude, giving credit where it's due, and embracing our differences. They explore how redefining slurs and insults can help build a stronger, more inclusive community of creators and fans alike. So tune in for an episode filled with thought-provoking discussions, a healthy dose of nostalgia, and a celebration of the incredible world of comics, manga, and anime.Don’t forget to support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New Season, New Rules Hi, I'm Cryptte and you're listening to Lyfeblerd, a podcast all about manga, manhwa, light novels, and other types of comic books. I know, it's been a while but I'm back for the second season and I hope you're as pumped as I am. Even if you don't admit it, I have to say I missed you guys. Previously on Lyfeblerd… Last season I covered a mix of manga, manhwa, webcomics, and light novels. Nine to be exact and I had fun talking about them.While precariously navigating around spoilers, I tried to give you all a feel for the entire series, but there was one or two that I just had to stick to the first volume for. This was due to time constraints. Lyfeblerd runs on a biweekly schedule, which means having to put down each series after recording for a new one. Most of the titles I covered were things I'd read before, but I was always left with the urge to continue reading till the end. Then I had my reading lists which included lots of series I wanted to cover on the show but couldn't because I had already recommended them to you to read privately. The previous format left a bittersweet taste in my mouth and prompted me to make a few big changes to the show. Listen to the episode to find out what these changes are.Support The ShowDon't forget to follow, like, and subscribe on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love.The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde. Thank you for listening and see you in the next warp.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last episode of season one, Cryptte flies solo again as he jumps into the popular Korean web novel, light novel and manga, Solo Leveling. It’s an action fantasy title written by Chugong, with the manga illustrated by the late Jang Sung-Rak (aka Dubu) of Redice Studio. Also known as Only I Level Up, the story tells the tale of Sung Jinwoo, an E-rank Hunter in a world plagued by mysterious Gates that lead into otherworldly dungeons full of monsters. After a devastating dungeon run, Sung begins his rise from the weakest Hunter into a force to be reckoned with. Find out what Cryptte thinks of the story, which adaptation is his favourite and where the series’ creator plans to take the franchise in the near future. Maybe Reading List If you like Solo Leveling, then also try one of these books; Solo Leveling written by Chugong and illustrated by Jang Sung-Rak (aka Dubu) - https://amzn.to/3HINykGThat Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime written by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah -  https://amzn.to/3VZzFmpDungeon Busters written by Toma Shinozaki and illustrated by SenriGAN - https://j-novel.club/series/dungeon-bustersIf you aren’t a fan, try this shoujo manga instead, an isekai classic full of fantasy, magic and romance;Fushigi Yuugi written and illustrated by Yuu Watase - https://amzn.to/3WkdOpBPurchasing any of these books via the links provided will go a long way in keeping the lights on. Thanks in advance.I hope you enjoyed this episode of Lyfeblerd. If you did, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde.Don’t forget to support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is the Blue lock Manga?Unless you've been living under a rock, you probably know that FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is well underway. With football fever in the air, I decided to try the Blue Lock manga and it was awesome. Blue Lock is a sports manga written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura.In 2018 after failing to win the FIFA World Cup yet again, the Japanese Football Union sought the aid of eccentric coach and enigma, Ego Jinpachi to ensure their success. He is charged with scouting high school players that will ensure Japan wins the next world cup.This is where things get battle Royale survival crazy as his plan is to lock hundreds of Japan's finest players up in a prison-like institution called Blue Lock with intense training aimed at creating the world's most fantastic striker. Unlike any ordinary programme, Blue Lock sees Jinpachi introducing a radical new training regimen to produce one super forward. Of the 300 young players, only one of them will succeed, while the losers will have their football careers terminated.Enter our protagonist, Yoichi Isagi, a young high schooler who recently failed to make it into the Nationals and is now determined to work his way through Blue Lock to the top of Japanese football and a World Cup victory. Like many shonen manga, Isagi is joined by numerous other characters, players like him, with their own reasons for participating in the radical new programme.Reading ListAo Aashi by Yūgo KobayashiBlue Lock 1 - https://amzn.to/3Y0FPEuKuroko's Basketball - https://amzn.to/3XNMu4HSlam Dunk No 1 - https://amzn.to/3UqqFFwConclusionSo Blue Lock is like a death game story filled with bizarre challenges, putting football careers at risk instead of lives. It's a World Cup manga that takes us on a wild adventure filled with adversity, betrayal, friendship and striving to be the best. What's not to love? It's also great how it ties into real world football.I love how team Japan's performance during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 has been compared to Team Z by football fans around the world. Using the power of anime and mangaka fanart, the national team has a boosted morale that has allowed them top Group E for now. Talk about a successful promotional campaign.The 2022 Cup will run until December 18, so there's still some time to see if team Japan can make it to the top.Thanks for joining me on another episode of Lyfeblerd. I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to the next episode. Don't forget to rate and review on iTunes, Podchaser and anywhere else you get your podcasts.Music provided by Argofox:Rewayde - Dreamsyoutu.be/0JtZOZroRCw Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Familiar Fantasy WorldIn this episode of Lyfeblerd we raise a party, go questing and navigate the new reality that is Elder Tales. That’s right, I’m talking about Log Horizon, light novel series written by Mamare Toumo and illustrated by Hara Kazuhiro. It’s an isekai science fiction fantasy about gamers that get stuck in a virtual world.Sword Art Online may come to mind for those that are familiar with the fantasy subgenre, while long-time fans will be thinking .hack instead. However, Log Horizon manages to stand on its own two feet in a space that’s very predictable. Where SAO is mostly about action and romance, Log Horizon remains focused on survival in a strange world and the political intrigues that arise, giving it a unique take.SAO also involves survival, especially the first arc and season of the anime, but in the case of Log Horizon the characters continue to learn about their new existence. It also delves into deeper themes like cultural appropriation, free will and alienation.It was first published as a web novel in 2010 but became a light novel in 2011 after Enterbrain acquired the platform it was on. Since then the series has sold 11 volumes with four manga spinoffs and an anime adaptation with three seasons.Reading ListFor fans of Log Horizon, new and old, I suggest you pick up the spinoff manga. They're all written by Mamare Toumo.Log Horizon, Illustrated by Hara Kazuhiro - https://amzn.to/3URJAduLog Horizon: West Wind Brigade, illustrated by Koyuki (about West Wind Brigade) - https://amzn.to/3tDLkuMLog Horizon: Nyanta's Fortune Recipes, illustrated by Souchuu (slice-of-life) -Honey Moon Logs, illustrated by Motoya Matsu (about Crescent Moon Alliance)Non-fans interested in a darker maturer isekai with an MMORPG theme can try this one instead.Overlord, written by Kugane Maruyama and illustrated by so-bin - https://amzn.to/3EaElOKDisclaimer: Some of the links provided above are affiliate links, meaning I will earn a small commission when you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.Logged OutThanks for joining me on yet another adventure into my favourite light novels. It's always a blast and I hope you look forward to the next episode. Don't forget to leave a review on iTunes or Podchaser. See you in the next one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Lyfeblerd, Cryptte brings you a book that could be summarised as hide and seek: monster edition. We're talking about The Promised Neverland, the shonen manga written by Kaiu Shirai and illustrated by Posuka Demizu. Yes, that’s right. We said shonen, but remember that Cryptte has never publicly sworn off of them. He just loves to complain about the ones he isn't into, which are most of them. In a genre filled with battle manga, special powers, training and growing power levels, The Promised Neverland is a dark and beautiful exception that stands proudly on its own.Reading ListReadThe Promised Neverland if you haven’t already and if you have, why not read another manga set in the same world, featuring short stories;The Promised Neverland (volume 1 - 10)Kaiu Shirai x Posuka Demizu: Beyond The Promised Neverland (November 8, 2022)If you want something brighter then pick up another shonen that doesn’t follow all the rules. It’s a comedic slice-of-life manga series called;Nichijou, written and illustrated by Keiichi Arawi (2006 - on going)*Purchasing from any of the links provided will earn the podcast a bit of money that will go a long way in keeping the lights on, so thank you in advance.*Thanks for joining me on another episode of Lyfeblerd. If you liked what you heard, please leave a review on iTunes and Podchaser. Let me know on social media what books you would like me to cover in the future and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Lyfeblerd brings us back to the motherland Africa, to the island city of Antananarivo, Madagascar. Handrava is a slice-of-life Tapas webcomic created by Rado R.It is the story about a young woman named Voanio, her friends and their every day life. She works during the day in the market and at night pulling a cart, whether as a mode of transportation for her friends or for hauling her client's goods. A hard worker, she's often accompanied by her cousin and probably best friend, Papango. The two are virtually inseparable but very different people. Voanio is a bit naive; big and strong with a soft heart. Papango is charismatic, street smart, a pop culture fan and tomboy. Together they have adventures that become increasingly wilder and dangerous, spreading across multiple genres. The Webtoon began its publishing run in 2017 and is still ongoing, but Rado has a bit of an erratic schedule. Handrava went on hiatus after the close of chapter 2, and returned in 2022 for the third but to my knowledge, there has been no new update since June. One can only assume that Rado will be back with new issues at some point in the future, but the story leading up to chapter three was great and didn't end on a cliffhanger. Reading List If you like Handrava, then try one of these books; Solanin - https://amzn.to/3F2Jsm6Wolf Children: Ame & Yuki (Hardcover) - https://amzn.to/3eInytTIf you aren’t a fan of slice-of-life but looking for some other African comic books, try these;Avonome - http://thecomicrepublic.com/2020/Avonome.htmlE.X.O. – The Legend of Wale Williams - https://amzn.to/3SkGvAuPurchasing any of these books via the links provided will go a long way in keeping the lights on. Thanks in advance.I hope you enjoyed this episode of Lyfeblerd. If you did, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde.Don’t forget to support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we enter the long, dark, desolate corridors of BLAME! It’s a manga written by Tsutomu Nihei and for this review I read the Master Edition. However, I haven’t been able to finish the series yet, so this episode only covers the first three volumes out of six. (tankobon release is 10 volumes).It’s a manga that combines two of my favourite things — science fiction and seinen. There’s even a whole lot of psychological horror and I can’t wait to get into it with you.StoryBLAME! is a cyberpunk story set in a post-apocalyptic world that has gone mad with disease. Humanity is seemingly on the brink of extinction, with many genetically altered. Our hero Kyrii is a loner and silent protagonist with a voice that he prefers not to use much.He travels The City, a cyber megalopolis that has outgrown our world and spans an extremely vast distance beyond. It is ever expanding thanks to mindless machines called Builders, whose sole purpose is to keep building. These automatons share the world with humans, cybernetic Silicon Life and the enigmatic Safeguards.Facing peril after peril, Kyrii rises up The City's innumerable layers to find humans with a thing called the Net Terminal Gene. It is some sort of genetic marker from the world’s past that served as a man-machine interface which allowed humanity to access a super internet called the Netsphere.This is another story about the perils of AI and technology but from a relatively different perspective. Imagine if you invest in the best security for your home and then one day lock yourself out. That’s more or less what has happened here. Only this time, the Netsphere is connected to The City, its systems and even the Builders. This means The City will continue to expand forever, man becomes an endangered animal and no more internet.Now normally, I wouldn’t give you guys this much information upfront, but the thing about BLAME! Volume one is that it willingly provides very little information. You learn what’s going on mostly from the deep and complex panels of art that chronicle Kyrii’s journey. The dialogue in that first 400-page book is less than any first issue of any comic book I’ve ever read. But rest assured, there is a story here and it’s a deep one if you give it a chance.Along the way, Kyrii meets a host of characters, like CIBO the scientist, Sute the Electro-Fisher and Sanakan the meek. Some of them join him on his quest while the majority die quick and miserable deaths. Reading ListIf you're a fan of BLAME! then you should check out other works by Nihei-san. BLAME! - https://amzn.to/3ygEhdZNOiSE - https://amzn.to/3CgxWAyIf you've heard me gush and still don't think BLAME! is for you, then give another one of its spinoffs a chance, or Appleseed by Masamune Shirow.BLAME! Academy and So On Vol. 1 - https://amzn.to/3T2tFr8Appleseed Vol. 1 - https://amzn.to/3rADNfdCreditsI hope you enjoyed this episode of Lyfeblerd. If you did, please review and rate on iTunes and anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Using the links provided to purchase any of the books mentioned during the show will greatly help us keep the lights on, so thanks in advance. The theme song is called Dreams, provided by Argofox and created by Rewayde.  See you on the next layer.  Hosted on Acast. See

Wild, adrenaline fueled action, mechanical suits of armour, weird creatures, time loops and even more science fiction. All You Need Is Kill has it all. Join Cryptte on the latest episode of Lyfeblerd as he leaps headfirst into this seinen tale. Will it make it into your reading list or drag you into another loop? Only time will tell. #allyouneediskill #hiroshisakurazaka #lightnovel #sci-fi #seinen #mech #timeloopStoryThe world is under invasion from creatures humanity has named Mimics. Impervious to conventional weapons, the United Defense Force (UDF) has developed manned mechs called Jackets to help in the war effort. They're less robots and more technological suits of Armour. Our hero, Keiji Kiriya is a new recruit, fresh out of training when he is killed in his very first deployment. Only, he doesn't stay dead. In the vein of movies like Groundhog Day, Keiji awakens roughly 30 hours before the mission and his death. Naturally, he tries to find a logical reason but Keiji eventually comes to terms with his new reality and must figure out how to escape the loop. The original light novel was published in Super Dash Bunko, an imprint of Shueisha, in 2004. Besides the movie, a manga was also released in 2014 and compiled into two tankobons (volumes). The English language translation of the novel was published in 2009 by Viz Media's imprint, Haikasoru. Reading ListWhether you love All You Need Is Kill or not, here are a few recommendations for your reading pleasure.YayGenocidal Organ by Project Itoh (light novel).Gantz by Hiroya Oku (manga).  NayFull Metal Panic! written by Shoji Gatoh (light novel).Erased written and illustrated by Kei Sanbe (manga).  See you in the next loop.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the ancient blerd Cryptte discusses the webtoon, Ordeal by Brent Bristol. Set in a world similar to ours with an alternate history, Ordeal is a story of super-powered beings called kimyo and their impact on the world. Set on the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad & Tobago, this webcomic has a hard-hitting story that combines aspects of western art with Japanese story-telling. It’s clearly inspired by shonen manga like Naruto and Dragon Ball Z, but its use of people of colour in a country that is rarely visited in the genre, sets Ordeal apart. Listen to the episode to discover what Cryptte thinks of the webtoon and how it made it’s way to his reading list. If you’re itching to read Ordeal, follow the link below.Ordeal Speaking of reading lists, here are a couple of the books mentioned in the episode for your perusal. Some of them are affiliate links, meaning we get a cut of any purchases you make. Doing so is at no extra cost to you and will greatly help out the show, so thanks in advance.Graphic NovelsBatman: Hush (new edition)  Spider-Man: Miles Morales Vol. 1  Saga, Vol. 1  MangaThunderbolt Fantasy Omnibus I (Vol. 1-2) Bleach, Vol. 1 Tenjo Tenge, Vol. 1 - Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 1Here’s also a link to TheOtakuFix’s awesome interview with Brent Bristol InterviewIf you’d prefer to take a break from reading, you can watch the animated versions of Bataman: Hush, Bleach, Tenjo Tenge, and Into The Spiderverse on Amazon Prime Video. Follow the link below to get a 30-day trial to binge all of them before the next episode of Lyfeblerd comes out.Amazon PrimeSee you in the next one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 1, Cryptte delves into the manga, Solanin by Inio Asano. He discusses the plot, art style and everything in between, not forgetting the book recommendations. So do make sure to follow the link in our bio to listen to this new podcast.Story Solanin is a story about Inoe Meiko, and her boyfriend Naruo Taneda, as they try to figure out how to find happiness, what happiness. It also covers the lives of their friends, who I shall not name, but their dynamic is particularly nice.If you've ever been to university or secondary school, any kind of environment where you're away from home, living among friends and strangers, that's the kind of setting you'd see here. And I think a lot of us can relate. Because a lot of us have been in those types of environments before. Naruo and his friends are in a band called Rotti and Inoe is probably their biggest fan.The story revolves around how, like I said, they're trying to figure out what to do with their lives, what direction to head in. Same questions every young person asks themselves after they finish school, once they enter the job market, just stumbling through life, trying to make things, make sense, and figure out where to head to, how to achieve their dreams. Figure out what their dreams are. I can relate. I think everyone can relate, but then there are other themes too, besides the pursuit of happiness. Like a coming of age story about the mundane. Asano-san is known for character driven, realist stories, and that's exactly what Solanin is. Now to write something like that, your characters need to live and breathe, and that's exactly how they are in Solanin. Inoe is like your scatter brained best friend or something. Taneda is the guy that had big dreams and everybody thought was cocky and probably is. Then he has his silly friends that are always fighting and always making noise and always cracking jokes. Characterization is good. Like you fall in love with the characters. They'll become your friends. They'll become your family, but then it's not just the characters. It's also the situations they find themselves in. They don't feel fake or forced. They're situations that any one of us could have found ourselves in, or might have found ourselves in at one point in time of our lives.If you'd like to grab your own copy of Solanin, follow our affiliate link below. Doing so would greatly help show. Solanin - https://amzn.to/3QT7VxsSolanin: An Epilogue - https://amzn.to/3dLNUKmOther manga to look out for by Inio Asano;Goodnight Pun Pun (volume one) - https://amzn.to/3KpHfC6A Girl on the Shore - https://amzn.to/3RfNnPzDead Dead Demon's De De De De Destruction (volume one) - https://amzn.to/3CtQZcjNijigahara Holograph - https://amzn.to/3pJPbEqIf you enjoyed the podcast, please subscribe and review the show. You can also follow @Lyfeblerd and @Ayamba LitCast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Or send an email to the show at [email protected]. Thanks for listening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geeks are the lifeblood of comic book culture and this black nerd is here to share his love of the medium with you. My name is Cryptte and I’ll be geeking out on light novels, manga, manhwa, and other types of comic books. If you’re as excited as I am, join me on August 25th to listen to my new podcast, Lyfeblerd. It’s a bi-weekly show from Ayamba LitCast.See you soon!RKMxqE4BhW9DvFUmN86Z Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.