What does it mean for anime to be labeled as trash? Ionatan and Ravi discuss the term before giving their personal recommendations for anime that they concede are lacking from a critical perspective but like anyways, from the magical girl Fate spinoff 'Prisma Illya' to isekai like 'No Game No Life' to various ecchi like 'Food Wars!' and 'Prison School.'
Music anime deliver emotional stories about human relationships and character development tied together by vivid and memorable sound. Ionatan and Ravi describe their personal connection to instruments and music before looking at what common themes underlie anime about music and make it resonate with people so deeply. Then, they dive into three series that highlight the diversity of the genre, from complicated relationships, post-war Japan, and jazz in 'Kids on the Slope' to young love, trauma, and classical music in 'Your Lie in April' to team dynamics, personal growth, and concert band in 'Hibike! Euphonium.'
MAPPA has become one of the biggest powerhouses in the modern anime landscape, growing rapidly from a studio founded for creative freedom to a corporate site for large franchises. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's varied productions as well as its reputation for tight schedules, egregiously low pay for animators, and a culture of overwork that is, unfortunately, representative of the state of the anime industry today. Then, they pick their top five MAPPA anime, from battle shounen like 'Chainsaw Man' and 'Jujutsu Kaisen' to shoujo and josei adaptations like 'Banana Fish' and 'Kids on the Slope.'
'Hunter x Hunter' is a standout battle shounen that blends unique worldbuilding, endearing characters, and one of the best power systems in all of anime. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, discussing each arc in the 2011 anime adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi's manga from the Hunter Exam to the 13th Hunter Chairman Election. Along the way, they give an explainer on the basic concepts in Nen and highlight the plot points and themes that drive each section of the narrative.
Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this winter! They discuss the return of 'Vinland Saga,' the production issues plaguing 'NieR:Automata,' and the revitalization of a classic in 'Trigun Stampede' before debating whether or not this is a slow start to the year for the anime industry.
Ionatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2022! They give their final thoughts on each season from the previous year, engage in their annual rant about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and pick their winners for each award category from best opening to anime of the year.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by CHEFPK to discuss the intersection of food and anime. They cover CHEFPK's journey from culinary school to cooking on YouTube as well as how traveling to and eating in Japan shaped his career. Then, they dive into CHEFPK's creative process, including the methodology for making recipes based on anime and other projects such as Food Fight Academy and the FoodTaku podcast.
Ionatan and Ravi round out 2022 by answering listener questions from the mailbag. They discuss animation industries outside of Japan, video game anime adaptations, their favorite characters in the medium, and much more! Finally, they take a look back at the second year of the podcast.
Ionatan and Ravi ring in the holiday season with a Christmas anime special! They begin by discussing their own Christmas memories and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite Christmas anime episodes and movies to watch this time of the year including Kyoto Animation's 'The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya' and Satoshi Kon's 'Tokyo Godfathers.'
Ionatan and Ravi share their convention stories from Anime NYC 2022! They discuss the exciting events they were able to attend this year, from Hajime Isayama's interview about 'Attack on Titan' to various Studio Trigger, Wit Studio, and Studio Orange panels to a special 'Kaguya-sama' preview screening. Then, they break down their first live podcast appearance including the application and preparation process, a recording of the panel itself, and interactions with fans and attendees.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Colleen's Manga Recs to discuss shoujo and josei anime and manga. They cover the rapid rise of Colleen's YouTube channel, lessons that audience members can learn from shoujo, and misogyny in the anime and manga community. Then, they dive into why 'Chihayafuru' is such a special series and what other shoujo and josei people should watch and read.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Daryl Harding, Senior Japan Correspondent at Crunchyroll News, to discuss covering the anime industry in Japan. They talk about Daryl's move from Australia to Japan, how running an anime news website called Fighting for Nippon as well as his YouTube channel influenced his career path, and how Daryl's reporting focuses on the intersection between anime, pop culture, and everyday life in Japan.
Ionatan and Ravi prepare for the 'Chainsaw Man' anime adaptation by discussing the mangaka behind the series: Tatsuki Fujimoto. They first recount their experiences reading manga and how it differs from watching anime before diving into Fujimoto's rise as one of the youngest stars in the manga industry. Then, they analyze how Fujimoto is able to craft complete narratives in 'Look Back' and 'Goodbye, Eri,' two brilliant one-shots that tackle themes such as the motivation for creating art, coping with trauma and loss, and the delineation between fantasy and reality.
Wit Studio's rise over the past decade has been meteoric, driven by large-scale adaptations like 'Attack on Titan' and 'Vinland Saga.' Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's consistently excellent productions on a technical level and how it has transitioned to choosing smart, often anime original, projects in recent years. Then, they pick their top five Wit Studio anime including 'Spy x Family' and 'Ousama Ranking.'
'Shinsekai Yori' tells a complex coming of age story set in a dystopian society with unique fantasy elements. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down how mystery, time skips, and unreliable narration are utilized in its worldbuilding and analyzing its core themes of systemic oppression and control. They discuss the entirety of the plot as well as the cast of morally gray characters and interpret the warnings of the show's conclusion.
Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this summer! They discuss a variety of sequels including 'Made in Abyss,' 'Overlord,' and 'The Devil Is a Part-Timer!' before covering this season's standout original 'Lycoris Recoil.'
Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into two influential works by ONE: 'One Punch Man' and 'Mob Psycho 100.' They break down ONE's career arc including the way he self-published his webcomics, discuss how both of his most widely known series tackle themes such as what it means to be a hero embedded in a social hierarchy, and explore the standout moments from each anime adaptation.
What does it mean for an anime to be underrated? Ionatan and Ravi discuss the term before giving their personal recommendations for shows that have not been featured much on the podcast but they hope more people give a chance to, from older classics like 'Serial Experiments Lain' to newer masterpieces like 'Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu.'
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by the co-founder of Azuki Evan Minto to discuss what it's like to build a digital manga service. They cover Evan's introduction to anime, how his degree in computer science led to a job at Crunchyroll, and the multitude of roles that Evan has worked in throughout his career including his podcast Ani-Gamers and writing for sites like Anime News Network.
The use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in anime is often controversial due to the way it can be perceived to clash with traditional hand-drawn animation, but it can simultaneously aid animators in their work and open up new stylistic choices for creators. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the history of CGI in anime, from its introduction to the industry in 'Golgo 13' to its revolutionary usage in Mamoru Oshii's 'Ghost in the Shell.' Then, they break down the way in which CGI is being used in the modern era, including Ufotable's near perfect blending of 2D and 3D animation and Studio Orange's fully 3D series like 'Land of the Lustrous' and 'Beastars.'
Studio Trigger has made a name for itself with a distinct, over the top style that employs both action as well as comedy and often escalates plot to absurd scales. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's roots at Gainax making 'Gurren Lagann' and how Studio Trigger is unique in both the anime it produces and its interaction with fans. Then, they pick their top five Studio Trigger anime including 'Kill la Kill' and 'Little Witch Academia.'
'March Comes in Like a Lion' is a masterpiece that beautifully delivers on character-driven stories via internal monologues, nuanced dialogue, and effective imagery centered around the world of shogi. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, discussing the strengths of Chica Umino's writing and Akiyuki Shinbo's adaptation, the realistic depictions of depression and bullying, and how the message of the series is ultimately optimistic in terms of personal growth and relationships.
Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this spring! They discuss the continued high quality adaptation of 'Kaguya-sama,' the blend of wholesome family moments and comedy in 'Spy x Family,' and the sleeper hit of the season 'Ya Boy Kongming!'
Romantic comedies have broad appeal, often mirroring emotions and circumstances that are present in our own relationships. Ionatan and Ravi take a look at what tropes and themes make a good rom-com as well as the history of the genre. Then, they dive into three of the modern iterations that showcase distinct aspects of romantic comedies in anime, from best friends falling in love in 'Toradora!' to the subtext within a love triangle in 'Oregairu' to the hilarious mind games and gags in 'Kaguya-sama.'
Ionatan and Ravi are back for another tournament arc, this time filling out a husbando bracket! They discuss the meaning of the word and what traits they look for in an ideal husbando before debating which of the top 32 male characters deserves to come out on top.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by anime YouTuber Tristan Gallant to discuss his channel Glass Reflection. They cover Tristan's early days making anime content, the components that make up a good review, and the landscape of anime YouTube more broadly before diving into his personal taste in anime.
Mamoru Hosoda is a director best known for his exploration of familial relationships embedded in large-scale narratives where disparate worlds collide. Ionatan and Ravi discuss his career by picking their top five Hosoda movies, praising the writing and character development in 'Wolf Children' and ranting about the shortcomings of his latest film 'Belle.'
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by animator Vann Oba to discuss the animation process. They cover Vann's own journey to working on anime from overseas, what it's like to draw for popular titles such as 'Attack on Titan' and 'One Piece,' and the current state of the industry.
Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this winter! They discuss the newest seasons of 'Attack on Titan' and 'Demon Slayer' as well as the community's latest best girl Marin from 'My Dress-Up Darling.'
Ionatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2021! They give their final thoughts on each season from the previous year, engage in their annual rant about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and pick their winners in each award category from best opening to anime of the year.
Ionatan and Ravi round out 2021 by answering listener questions from the mailbag. They discuss live action anime adaptations, their favorite and least favorite anime tropes, who the best dad in anime is, and much more! Finally, they take a look back at the first year of the podcast.
Studio Ghibli has long been an integral part of so many people's childhoods while simultaneously tackling complex themes such as environmentalism and pacifism. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the history of Studio Ghibli, the influential creators like Hayao Miyazaki associated with the studio, and what their works mean to each of them. Then, they pick their top five Studio Ghibli movies including classics like 'Princess Mononoke' and 'Spirited Away.'
Ionatan and Ravi share their convention stories from Anime NYC 2021! They discuss their favorite moments from the weekend, such as engaging with the anime community and supporting incredibly talented artists. Then, they detail the events they attended, including 'Attack on Titan' and 'Demon Slayer' panels, and give their spoiler free thoughts on movie screenings for 'Pompo: The Cinéphile' and 'Belle.'
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Lauren Orsini, a web developer and anime blogger, to discuss her career in journalism and coverage of otaku culture. They talk about Lauren's own interest in anime and 'Gundam' models before diving into what it takes to be an anime journalist writing for broad and niche audiences and how fan culture has changed over the years as anime has become more mainstream.
Ionatan and Ravi kick off the podcast's first tournament arc by filling out a waifu bracket! They discuss the meaning and history of the word waifu before debating which of the top 32 female characters deserves the ultimate best girl crown.
Masaaki Yuasa is a director best known for his idiosyncratic art style and mind-bending anime. Ionatan and Ravi discuss his career by picking their top fives, including works like 'The Tatami Galaxy,' 'Ping Pong the Animation,' and 'Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!' and breaking down why he has developed such a cult following.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Mercedez Clewis, a contributing writer and journalist for sites like Anime News Network, Japanese to English translation and localization editor, and staff editor at Anime Feminist, to discuss feminism and diversity in anime. They talk about Mercedez's time living in Fukushima and transition into anime journalism, and then break down how to think about anime through a feminist lens.
'Evangelion' redefined the mecha genre by focusing on the psychological state of its characters and creating a lore that has inspired decades of discussion and debate. Ionatan and Ravi get in the robot to discuss how the franchise is a deeply personal reflection of its creator, Hideaki Anno, and how it shaped the anime industry in the years after its initial release. They break down the original television series, 'The End of Evangelion' movie, and the Rebuild films now that they're complete with a worldwide release.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Peter Tatara, Founder and Event Director of Anime NYC, to discuss New York City's largest anime convention! They dive into how Peter's anime origin story led to a career in organizing conventions before previewing this year's event and getting an inside look at the work that it takes to organize a convention on the scale of Anime NYC.
Satoshi Kon was one of the great visionaries of animation whose works constantly investigated the delineation between fantasy and reality and how perceptions are shaped by social stigmas. His immersive, surrealist stylization was captured by his mastery of editing space and time. Ionatan and Ravi take a look at Satoshi Kon's life and his films, ranging from the psychological horror of 'Perfect Blue' to the mind-bending exploration of the human psyche in 'Paprika.'
Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this summer! They kick things off with an 'Odd Taxi' apology session, discuss KyoAni's return to seasonal anime with 'Dragon Maid,' rant about 'Girlfriend, Girlfriend,' and break down the early promise of shows like 'Sonny Boy' and 'The Aquatope on White Sand.'
Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into their trash taste in anime by reviewing and roasting each other's MyAnimeList accounts! They debate how deep 'Kill la Kill' is, argue about whether 'Howl's Moving Castle' is a good movie or not, and uncover some...interesting things about Ravi's anime preferences.
Kyoto Animation is one of the most beloved anime studios of all time, producing consistently emotional and touching stories. Ionatan and Ravi discuss KyoAni's positive work environment and how their shows and movies have impacted them personally. Then, they pick their top five anime from the studio.
'Madoka Magica' subverted audience expectations by introducing darker elements and a complex narrative to the magical girl genre. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the 2011 classic, breaking down each episode of the series and its compelling twists. They discuss the show's production, characters, and themes, and spend time making sense of the 'Rebellion' sequel movie.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Katrina Leonoudakis, a Japanese to English localization specialist working for SEGA, Sentai Filmworks, and Funimation, to discuss translation theory and its application to anime and manga. They also cover Katrina's experience living in the Japanese countryside and her personal taste in anime with shows like 'Interspecies Reviewers.'
The isekai genre currently dominates the anime community, with multiple shows coming out every season that include the motif of a character being transported to another world. In this episode, Ionatan and Ravi take a look at how this came to be, pinning down isekai's roots in 90s fantasy anime. They discuss the appeal of the genre, what tropes comprise modern isekai, and how pivotal shows like 'Sword Art Online,' 'Re:Zero,' and 'KonoSuba' implement the isekai formula.
In today's episode, Ionatan and Ravi are breaking down the 2017 standout 'Made in Abyss.' They discuss how dark themes underlie the show's moe facade and how breathtaking the fantasy world inside of the abyss is. Then, they weigh in on the 'Dawn of the Deep Soul' sequel movie and discuss what they're looking forward to in the upcoming second season.
How does the spring season follow up one of the most hyped anime seasons in recent memory? Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching in a surprisingly exciting season of anime.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Marisa Duran, the voice of Hori in 'Horimiya,' to discuss the show and voice acting in the anime industry. They also cover Marisa's career, including her other work in theater and film, as well as her personal connection to anime with shows like 'Fruits Basket' and 'Nichijou.'
Makoto Shinkai has been dubbed 'the new Miyazaki' due to his talent as a director as well as his visually stunning films. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the filmmaker's career by picking their top fives and breaking down how the combination of interpersonal relationships and supernatural elements makes his work resonate with such a broad audience.
In today's episode, Ionatan and Ravi are breaking down Kyoto Animation's 'Violet Evergarden.' They discuss the beauty of the show's character writing, its stellar animation, and their personal connections to the series. Then, they weigh in on the 'Eternity and the Auto Memory Doll' side film as well as the sequel movie.
Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Billy Tringali, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Anime and Manga Studies (JAMS), to discuss the intersection between anime, manga, and academia. They also cover Billy's personal connection to and taste in anime, anime convention culture and cosplaying, and LGBTQ+ representation in the medium.
In today's episode, Ionatan and Ravi are diving deep into two classic Shinichiro Watanabe works: 1998's 'Cowboy Bebop' and 2004's 'Samurai Champloo.' They break down how both shows blend multiple genres and discuss the sound design, story structure, plot, and legacy of the western space opera and the Edo-era samurai epic.
How does one start watching anime themselves or convince others to give it a shot as an established fan? In this episode, Ionatan and Ravi discuss what makes for a compelling gateway anime and give their personal recommendations for getting into the medium.
Ionatan and Ravi tackle their first seasonal anime preview by giving their initial impressions for every show they’re watching in one of the most stacked anime seasons ever.
The 'Big Three' set the standard for shounen anime as early as the mid 2000s, particularly for a western audience. In this episode, Ionatan and Ravi explore how the battle shounen genre has evolved into the modern era with current standouts like 'My Hero Academia,' 'Demon Slayer,' and 'Jujutsu Kaisen.'
Ionatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2020, breaking down the shows they watched each season. Plus, they rant about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards and hand out some awards of their own.
In the inaugural episode, Ionatan and Ravi talk about why they started an anime podcast, plans for the podcast going forward, and their anime origin stories. They wrap up the show by giving some initial reactions to what they're currently watching.
