Otaku Host Club

How many of us dream of creating our own anime? With enough passion, resources, and dedication, Garnt Maneetapho turned that dream into reality with the 2025 announcement of Baan at Anime Expo. So, just when we thought we were done talking about anime shorts, we decided to discuss Gigguk’s magnum opus, Baan.

From knights to goblins, today we explore what propelled the fantasy genre from its late-80s boom into modern anime like Frieren. We dive into how fantasy anime has evolved — from epic quests and high fantasy worlds to more mature, reflective storytelling. With so many high-quality fantasy series arriving in recent years, we ask the big question: are we living through a second renaissance of fantasy anime?

We conclude our STUDIO4℃ spotlight with a deep dive into Tekkonkinkreet. Even though Geoff and Amelia are both sick, nothing was stopping us from finishing this series strong. Join us as we celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary and explore why this bold, emotional classic still hits just as hard today.

Six years of watching anime, arguing about rankings, and building our taste — now it’s time to put it all on the board. We celebrate our anniversary with our 6x6 anime list, using only shows that aired since 2020!

Figure skating anime is having a moment. With the Winter Olympics and stars like Alysa Liu back in the spotlight, shows like Medalist and Yuri!!! on Ice prove that skating stories are more popular than ever. Join us as we talk about the sport’s peak popularity, the rise of skating anime, and whether Yuri!!! on Ice is still the GOAT. ⛸️

In this episode, we break down the explosive first season of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion — from Lelouch’s rise as Zero to the moral chaos his rebellion unleashes. We explore the politics, the betrayals, and the characters who make it unforgettable.And we stand in solidarity with Minneapolis — condemning state violence and affirming that real-world justice matters just as much as the ethics we debate in fiction. Fuck ICE, and fuck state violence. ✊🏽 

Cue the music. Dim the lights. It’s time for our Top 5 Anime of 2025 Awards.We’re counting down our Top 5 Anime of 2025, revealing our anime stats from last year, and updating the official podcast rankings straight from our website. And for the first time ever, we’ve added a Best Anime Movie category—because theatrical anime deserves its own spotlight.Which anime will rise to the top and define our year? Takopi’s Original Sin. Gachiakuta. Orb. Kowloon Generic Romance. Gundam GQuuuuuuX. The Apothecary Diaries. The list goes on—but it stops when we find out if any 2025 anime earns a full 15 points in our podcast rankings, potentially knocking out Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!.Check us out on our website:https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us between episodes on our Discord server:https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRAnd follow us on Instagram @otakuhostclub

Continuing the thread from our previous episodes, we dive into All You Need Is Kill, another Studio 4°C project that leans hard into experimentation and genre chaos. We break down its time-loop sci-fi brutality, visual ambition, and how it fits into our ongoing obsession with cult creators, bold animation choices, and anime that actually takes risks. And if you like your anime starring Tom Cruise—and not actually being anime at all—this episode is for you.Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR, and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

*Audio updated 01/16/26Gather around, folks — we’re ringing in the New Year by diving headfirst into Gachiakuta, one of the freshest and filthiest takes on the battle shōnen formula in years. From trash-fueled powers to raw, angry energy, this series turns society’s throwaways into weapons. We break down what works, what surprises us, and whether Gachiakuta has what it takes to stand out in an already crowded shōnen landscape.

Continuing the conversation from our previous episodes, we’re discussing a little-known experimental short film by Koji Morimoto and Studio 4°C called Noiseman Sound Insect. It’s a dystopian, futuristic story about oppression and the power of the individual, packed into a 15-minute chaotic hovercraft ride. We’ve been exploring cult creators and directors, anthologies, and niche genre exercises, and this anime weaves a tight web right into our discussion.Check us out on our website: https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRAnd follow us on Instagram @otakuhostclub#otakuhostclub #otakuhostclubpodcast #animepodcast #animereview #animediscussion #animememe

This week, we crack open Katsuhiro Otomo’s 1995 anthology masterpiece Memories as our exploration of anime’s most fascinating cult directors rolls on.

If you weren’t paying close attention, you might have completely missed the new adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s 17–21 / 22–26, recently published by VIZ. In this episode, we dive into Fujimoto’s early, chaotic, and wildly imaginative storytelling—the raw creative groundwork laid long before Chainsaw Man made him a global sensation. Join us as we explore the adolescent mind of a creator on the cusp of redefining modern manga.

In this episode of The Otaku Hostclub Podcast, we dive into the world of cult anime directors—the rule-breakers, the visionaries, and the creators whose bold ideas earned them fiercely loyal followings. From surreal experiments to underappreciated gems, we explore what makes a director “cult” and why their work still shapes anime today.

There was a time when hyper-violent, sexually charged OVAs ruled the Japanese home-video market—and few creators embodied that era more than Yasuomi Umetsu, the director behind Kite and Mezzo Forte. Kite even spawned an American live-action remake starring Samuel L. Jackson (which… let’s be honest, barely anyone saw).Now, Umetsu is back. His latest work just hit U.S. theaters last week, and we’re breaking down exactly what we thought of it.

We’re reWe’re rewriting anime endings that didn’t do these shows justice. From Darling in the Franxx’s galaxy-brain nonsense to Naruto’s out-of-this-world alien takeover and Lazurus leaving us with nothing, we’re giving these series the glow-up they deserve. Unfiltered takes, petty rewrites, and emotional damage included. Check us out on our website: https://www.otakuhostclub.com. Chat with us between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR, and follow us on Instagram @otakuhostclub.

Dan is back (for now) and we’re talking Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc!!!  Amelia starts us off with all the tea of the Pochita popcorn buckets, theater turn out and how it’s stacking up against Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, and obviously our thoughts on Reze, the Bomb Devil, and Denji being down bad (again). It’s messy, explosive, and we loved every second. BOOM!Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR Check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

Dan is away from the pod again in some faraway land that sounds made up but actually isn’t! And since it’s right in the middle of the seasonal anime changeover Amelia and Geoff are chatting about our favorite summer anime and some of our anticipated fall anime. Obviously, we’re all excited for the Chainsaw Man movie hitting theaters next week, so join us for this chill episode before we can’t stop talking about Chainsaw Man! Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

In today’s episode, we’re diving into realism in anime — from speculative realism in the sci-fi classic Legend of the Galactic Heroes to the grounded historical storytelling of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth. We’ll explore how anime captures the human condition, whether through the lens of history or the far reaches of the future.

We’re opening the curtain to take a look at the most disturbing banned anime, Midori: Shōjo Tsubaki, aka Girl in the Freak Show. We unpack the infamous cruelty it portrays, from the shocking puppy scene that IS worse than JoJo’s, to the unsettling relationship between Midori and the magician dwarf who manipulates her. More than just shock value, we explore how these grotesque depictions reflect exploitation, trauma, and the limits of storytelling in extreme art. Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

This week on The Otaku Host Club, we’re talking Texas Senate Bill 20 — the kind of law that would probably land us in jail just for watching half the stuff we’ve covered on the pod. From classics to the weird deep cuts, we run down 12 shows from past episodes and imagine how guilty we’d be if anime crimes were real. Lock us up, we’ll take our Blu-rays with us.

Dan is back from tour, and it's perfect timing for the new Demon Slayer movie that is breaking box office records!

It’s the final flight of Otaku Host Air, and the cabin crew is running out of patience (and Pocky). The Otaku Host Club is joined once again by our copilots Som and Dannie from the @animesummitpodcast—and together we brave a cabin full of anime passengers who should never have made it past security. This time, Mari Makinami is fiddling with the cockpit controls, Tohru is spilling dragon magic into the beverage cart, Fuuko is turning turbulence into an Olympic sport, Jiji is convincing the entire back row aliens are real, Gyro Zeppeli is rolling steel balls down the aisle like it’s a bowling alley, and Qifrey is quietly hexing the “fasten seatbelt” sign. Who makes the perfect rowmate? Who’s getting tossed into the cargo hold? Will this flight ever land safely, or are we trapped in a never-ending filler arc at 30,000 feet? Buckle up, stash your cursed objects in the overhead bin, and prepare yourselves— the final boarding call for Otaku Host Air is now departing. Check us out on our Website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Please chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram@otakuhostclub #otakuhostclub #otakuhostclubpodcast #animepodcast #animereview #animediscussion #animememe #stuckinanairplane #animesummit

🗑️✈️Welcome back aboard Otaku Host Air for the second leg of our anime-fueled journey!  This time, the Otaku Host Club crew is joined by our special passengers King and Snowman from the Anime Plummet Podcast, who’ve brought along their favorite trashy travel companions. As our chaotic cabin fills up, we dive into the mile-high drama: Kintaro trying to “study” the in-flight safety manual a little too closely, Diane accidentally crushing the snack cart, and Issei’s harem causing turbulence levels the FAA has never prepared for. Who makes the perfect seatmate? Who’s getting banished to the cargo hold? And who’s plotting an in-flight anime arc that will never make it past the censors? Buckle up, stash your body pillows in the overhead bin, and grab your in-flight ramen—Otaku Host Air Flight W338 is cleared for takeoff, and this ride is about to get spicier than a hot springs OVA. Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

We’re diving into Mononoke: Phantom in the Rain — the long-awaited return of the Medicine Seller! From creepy dolls and cursed combs to the dark secrets of the Ōoku, we’re unpacking all the haunting vibes and heavy themes. Plus, a quick look at where Ashes of Rage might be heading next. Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.comChatt with us in between episode on our Discord server:https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRand check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

✈️ Welcome aboard Otaku Host Air, your premium flight into anime absurdity! In this special in-flight episode, your Otaku Host Club crew is joined by our Discord passengers as we soar through the skies with a cabin full of anime characters handpicked by our community. With seats assigned at random, we navigate a plane ride full of chaotic seatmates, unexpected row neighbors, and more than a few in-flight disasters. Which anime character are you stuck next to for 12 hours? Who's hogging the window seat, who forgot their headphones, and who’s causing a scene in the aisle? Fasten your seatbelts and stow your baggage—it's going to be one interesting ride with Otaku Host Air! Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

In this episode, we dive into two bold anime reimaginings of literary classics—Gankutsuou, a visually stunning sci-fi take on The Count of Monte Cristo, and Hakugei: Legend of the Moby Dick, a space western inspired by Melville’s iconic novel. We explore how these timeless stories were transformed through anime’s unique lens.

Thick summer air and nostalgia float through the Host club this week. Even if you’ve never experienced anime in the 90s firsthand, you’ll feel some nostalgia for this anime and the vibes it’s giving off. We’re talking about one of the more interesting anime from the Spring Season, Generic Romance Kowloon, and about the real Kowloon Walled City that this anime is based on.

This week on The Otaku Host Club Podcast, we look back at 2024’s standout anime Look Back and explore what makes one-shot manga so powerful — and why some are just too good to stay on the page.

Angel Beats! is one of those anime that feels just SO ANIME… Continuing the conversation from our Original Anime to Manga episode, this week we’re talking about Angel Beats! and yes, that was just an excuse to get Dan and Geoff to watch one of Amelia’s favorite anime of all time. Tune in to find out our favorite characters and scenes, and what RIDICULOUS score Dan gave this iconic anime from 2010.Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

We’re back this week with our instant reactions to the new Dan Da Dan movie, which kicks off Season 2 with the explosive Evil Eye arc. The spotlight is on Jiji as the story takes a darker turn, and we’re breaking down the intense action, slick animation, and what it all means for the future of the series.Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chatt with us in between episode on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram@otakuhostclub

Step into the Anime Time Machine and rewind to 2005—when mechas surfed the skies, tsunderes ruled the scene, and fansub culture was alive and well. We’re diving into the standout series of the year like Eureka Seven, Honey and Clover, Hell Girl, and Shakugan no Shana, plus underrated gems and the trends that shaped a generation of anime fans. Grab your iPod Mini and let’s go back!!Check us out on our website: https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRAnd follow us on Instagram: @otakuhostclub

Anime first, manga later? Yep—it happens. In this episode, we dive into Evangelion, FLCL, and Angel Beats to explore how these iconic series made the rare leap from screen to page. Do the manga versions expand the lore or take things in a whole new direction? Let’s find out.

Some anime Some anime are still worth watching, even if they are considered "dead in the water." This means that while the manga may be completed, there is no sign of the rest of the series being adapted into anime. However, that doesn’t mean you should leave them sitting in the back of the fridge to rot. In this episode, we’ll talk about all those anime that may not have a solid ending but are still worth checking out! Let us know your favorite dead anime franchise, or if there’s one we forgot, by reaching out to us on our Discord!Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR And follow us on Instagram: @otakuhostclub#otakuhostclub #otakuhostclubpodcast #animereview #animediscussion #deadanime #animewatchlist #watchlist #noragami #deadmanwonderland #berserk #nanaanime #patlabor #evangelion

After much anticipation, Shinichirō Watanabe’s Lazarus is finally here! In this episode, we react to episodes 1–3 of the long-awaited sci-fi anime from the visionary director behind Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. We break down the animation, story beats, and early impressions—does it live up to the hype? Tune in to find out!Check us out on our website: https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRAnd follow us on Instagram: @otakuhostclub

They say boredom breeds creativity—and let’s be real, without lockdown, this podcast probably wouldn’t exist. In this episode, we’re throwing it back to where it all started and getting a little sentimental (but just a little). Oh, and of course, we’ve got thoughts on the Crunchyroll Anime Awards—so buckle up!

At The Otaku Host Club Podcast, we love spreading the good gospel of Kuzu no Honkai (Scum’s Wish). So, we invited our good friends over at The Strictly Series to experience the beautiful trainwreck of high school angst that is Scum’s Wish.This show doesn’t hold back—forget hand-holding and innocent kisses. We’re diving straight into student-teacher relationships and tangled yuri love affairs. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride.Huge thanks to The Strictly Series for letting us spice up their anime library!Check them out here:Website: www.thestrictlyseries.comInstagram: @thestrictlyseriesSpotify: Strictly Anime Podcast

We’re taking the same energy meme and applying it to the old vs. new anime discussion. We’re always talking about older anime that you have to watch, but with so much anime being produced, it’s hard to figure out which series are worth your time. Not to mention, with how far animation has come, older anime can sometimes be a visual deterrent.So, we’re giving you a modern-day counterpart to an older anime—one that shares the same vibe, the same energy. Same same, but different.Check us out on our website: https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRAnd follow us on Instagram: @otakuhostclub

In this episode of The Otaku Host Club Podcast, we dive into the controversy surrounding the recently announced Sakamoto Days anime adaptation. While fans have been eagerly awaiting the series to hit the screen, the reaction in Japan has been surprisingly mixed. From concerns over animation quality to debates about whether the series even needed an adaptation, we break down the discourse and explore what this could mean for the future of Sakamoto Days. Is the skepticism justified, or is this just pre-release jitters? Tune in as we unpack the drama and share our thoughts!

It’s hard to ignore the significant changes happening at the White House, and as some of you might already know, Dan is a federal employee. His unique perspective has certainly influenced both his opinions and his personal life. To help break everything down, we’ve brought in Matt and Earthworm from the Anime Brothers Podcast. This is Dan’s chance to really speak his truth.In addition, we’ve put together a list of governments depicted in anime (01:07:55). With the times as they are, it feels like the perfect opportunity to dive into some thought-provoking topics!

In this episode of The Otaku Host Club Podcast, we’re diving into the very best anime 2024 had to offer! From jaw-dropping action to heart-wrenching drama, this year brought us some unforgettable series that deserve all the hype. We break down our top picks, discuss what made them stand out, and debate which ones truly deserve the title of Anime of the Year. Did your favorites make the cut? Tune in and find out!Let us know your top anime of 2024 by joining the conversation on our socials!Check us out on our website: https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRAnd check us out on Instagram: @otakuhostclub

!! LISTENER REQUEST EPISODE !!Big thanks to Knucklehead in our Discord for suggesting this episode format! In this new type of episode, we’re going to watch two episodes of a random anime neither of us has seen—without subtitles—and give our predictions about what the series is about. Then, we’ll watch the same two episodes again with subtitles and see how far off our predictions were! This was a really cool exercise in using context clues and paying attention to what’s being portrayed on screen, rather than relying on the subtitles to tell us what’s going on. We really enjoyed recording this type of episode, so we asked if you’d like us to do more episodes like this. But to be honest, we loved it so much that we’re doing it again anyway, haha. We hope you enjoy!! Check us out on our website: https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmRAnd check us out on Instagram: @otakuhostclub

It’s the first episode of the year! And we’re talking about the most hyped show of last season and continuing our review of DANDADAN!!! If you want to check out our First Encounter Episode where we discussed theatrical release of the first three episode of the season. Then circle back with us while we talk about everything we loved, hated, and found out about this potential new Big Three energy show. Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com Chatt with us in between episode on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

In this episode of The Otaku Hostclub Podcast, we compare two unique anime that explore the unseen worlds of science and biology: Moyashimon and Cells at Work. Join us as we dive into their quirky takes on life at the microscopic level and discuss what makes each show stand out. Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

DISCLAIMER Our in-person audio was super wonky this time around despite our thorough checks, we tried to clean it up but ultimately decided it would be better to release the episode as is. Thanks for listening if you can bear it. We've been waiting a very long time to watch and review this anime. Junji Ito is a frequent episode topic on OHC, and when a new iteration of Uzumaki was announced, you know we were stoked to see how they would interpret probably the most well-loved JI work. Unfortunately for us, we were super excited to see what they could do, but they really should have kept this one locked up tight in the vault. Join us this week as we review probably the worst retelling of this iconic work. Honestly, the 2001 live-action movie, in all of its campy early CGI glory, is better than this garbage. Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

It’s the review you’ve all been waiting for!!!! So many people reached out and wondered when our Otaku Elf episode was coming out because they were so excited to hear our thoughts!!! Strap in everyone, it’s going to be a wild ride!! Review Starts at 1 hour and 32 minutes.SIKE! We’re back from break, and we’re well rested and getting back into the swing of things so enjoy this chill episode about all the stuff that we did on break and lots of current events and current anime chat! Thanks for sticking with us through our very last-minute, much longer-than-intended break!Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.comChat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

**Podcast Summary: Otaku Host Club October Hiatus Announcement** Hey, Otaku Host Club fam! 🍂 As October sweeps in with its cozy vibes and colorful leaves, we’re taking a little break to soak it all in. We’re using this time to recharge, sip on some pumpkin spice, and gather fresh ideas for the exciting episodes we can’t wait to share with you. We’ll be back in November, ready to dive into more anime goodness and all the cozy discussions you love. Thanks for being part of our community! In the meantime, grab your favorite blanket, binge some shows, and enjoy the fall magic. We’ll see you soon! 🎃✨

Happy fall, y'all! With the new season comes an exciting lineup of anime, and we have the inside scoop on the next big horror-shonen series: **Dan Da Dan**! We caught a sneak preview in theaters before its October release on Netflix. Here’s what we thought!

Is this the grand finale or just the opening act of the slam dunk extravaganza? Are we diving into the world of Sakuragi’s wild antics or Ryota’s childhood trama? Buckle up as we dive into these slam-dunking mysteries and more in our review of *The First Slam Dunk*!! Review starts at (43:00) Check us out on our website: (Https://www.otakuhostclub.com) Chat with us in between episodes on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub

CLAMP is a renowned manga creator that has influenced an entire generation of fans and artists alike. One of their standout works is *Rayearth*, which is set to be rebooted next year. Does it still hold up after 30 years? Listen to find out!

This week, we’re diving into the live-action film Anime Supremacy, based on the novel illustrated by CLAMP. We’ll explore how the movie unveils the inner workings of the anime industry and the production process. Join us as we discuss the film’s portrayal of anime creation, its adaptation from the novel, and what makes it a must-watch. Check us out on our website: Https://www.otakuhostclub.com (Https://www.otakuhostclub.com) Chat with us in between episode on our Discord server: https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR (https://discord.gg/VZWCpsMvmR) and check us out on our Instagram @otakuhostclub