Episodes

1d ago

Vikings have seen a resurgence recently thanks to shows like (ahem) Vikings, and games like Assassins Creed Valhalla and Valheim, but what if I told you the best piece of Viking fiction of the past 20 years was actually a manga? And more importantly, that it's story is based on real vikings! This week, Mat's not only joined by another passionate lover of comics, but a descendant of Thorfinn Karlsefni himself: author and translator, Árni Beck Gunnarsson! Join us as we really dive into Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura! We not only explore the book's story and themes, but actually talk at the length about viking history and the Icelandic sagas! It's an episode not to missed! --- Show Notes: ---- Podcasts: The excellent Mangasplaining episode on Vinland Saga Árni's podcast, Tegneseriesnak --- Manga: Planetes by Makoto Yukimura Dragon Ball by Akira Toriyama Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi Farewell My Odin by Chihiro Yoshioka --- Danish Viking Comics: Valhalla Tall Tales of Midgard by Bjørk Matias Friis --- TV Shows / Movies Vikings Norsemen Akira Kurosawa --- Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Dec 15

Takumi Fujiwara is a kid who doesn't really care about cars... Every morning he has to get up at the crack of dawn to make deliveries for his father's tofu shop. To him it's a hassle because of the strict requirements his father places on him... but those same requirements have also moulded him into the fastest racer on the Akina slope! This week, Mat is joined once again by Georgie (aka Mainly.Manga) to discuss Shuichi Shigeno's 1995 racing manga Initial D! With the volume being rolled out once more in sleek new omnibus editions (on which Mat and Georgie have wildly different opinions), is it time to take this classic out for a spin? Join as as we talk in length not only about it's presentation, including what's changed from the original English translations put out by Tokyo Pop, but it's contents! From art to story, we get behind the wheel and discuss what makes our motor's hum, as well as the potential potholes you might might experience in reading the book for the first time! Listeners, start your engines! Show Notes - --- Interview with Shuichi Shigeno --- Manga Mentioned MF Ghost MARS Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Dec 8

After starting High School, Ruri Aoki thought that she was ready to deal with changes in her life... That was until she woke one day with a pair of horns growing out of her head, and her Mum told her it's because her Dad's actually a dragon! But this isn't a fantasy shonen title! In fact, it's actually a slice of life! Rather than battling mythical creatures with her newfound powers, Ruri is just trying to navigate the usual challenges of high school like meeting new people and fitting it... which isn't the easiest thing when your dragon powers decide to manifest in the middle of class! This week, I'm joined by SonMangaKing to discuss RuriDragon by Masaoki Shindo , a shonen title with a history of hiatuses and a ton of heart. We get into the book's interesting journey from One Shot, to Shonen Jump, to Jump Plus, how the fantasy elements mesh with the otherwise grounded tone of the book, and more importantly: is there enough good stuff here to make us keep reading? --- Show Notes --- Manga Kingdom by Yasuhisa Hara MAD by Yusuke Otori CITY by Keiichi Arawi RuriDragon Vol 2. Cover --- Movies Weapons Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Dec 1

Hiroto Ikuta is a carefree, and optimistic guy who's totally fine taking each day as it comes. While those around him worry he's approaching 30 with no real ambitions or love life, he's not worried at all! However, after the older woman he befriended passes away and he inherits her house in Tokyo, his life begins to change in unexpected ways! The most notable of which is his cousin, Natsumi, moving in! She's struggling to figure out who she wants to be and trying to adapt to her newfound independence, but won't open up about it to Hiro! Can these two once close cousins reconnect now they share a roof? Will Hiro go back to acting? And just who is the mysterious girl he met at work? This week on Manga Tak, I sit down with Nick Westwood of RetroBreak to discuss Hirayasumi by Keigo Shinzō! We talk about it's unique approach to slice of life storytelling, gush a little about the book's art and scratch a little deeper into how the book generates stakes and drama with a content MC! --- Show Notes Mangaka: Taiyō Matsumoto Naoki Urasawa Iou Karuda Inio Asano Tatsuki Fujimoto --- Manga Go Go Monster by Taiyō Matsumoto Tokyo Alien Bros. by Keigo Shinzō Holiday Junction by Keigo Shinzō Solanin by Inio Asano Sketchy by Makihirochi --- Interviews Matsumoto x Asano x Keigō --- Other Illustrators SanLemo Lucie Byron Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Nov 24

All you need to do to hire the service of the City Hunter is to write XYZ on the bulletin board of Shinjuku station and they’ll do the rest.... These Sweepers are guns for hire, with no case to big or small: anything goes... This week I'm joined once again by Tom to discuss the '80s cult classic City Hunter by Tsukasa Hojo ! While the series debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1985, it's living proof that manga and the magazine have changed a lot in that time, and this one's definitely more of a seinen title! After really rolling up our sleeves and getting into the aspects that really haven't aged well with the book (see Ryo's pervy side), we get into discussing the nostalgic action movie feel the book offers and gush about how incredible Hojo's art is. --- Show Notes: Other Manga: Akira (and the podcast episode ) Trigun Maximum (and the podcast episode ) Fist of the North Star (and the podcast epiosde ) Gun Smith Cats Cat's Eye Movies / TV: City Hunter 1993 (with Jackie Chan) City Hunter 2024 (modern Nexflix Reboot) Lethal Weapon Dirty Harry Miami Vice Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Nov 17

Being an over 30's Toykoite is difficult: it's hard to find a man, you lose your passion for your work and your only way to let off steam is to goto the local Isakaya with your friends to let of some steam. But what if that's part of the problem? After being caught off guard by the announcement of the Tokyo Olympics, Rinko vows to get married before 2020! But being single is the least of her worries as things around her begin to fall apart thanks to a handsome but brash model named Key... Can Rinko get it together to thrive in her 30's? Or will she succumb to the temptation of spending the rest of her life as a 'what-if woman?' This week, Mat is joined once again by Tsutsudae from Undisputed Anime to talk about another Akiko Higashimura book: Tokyo Tarareba Girls . Join us as we unpack what we like and dislike about the book, figure out that it might well be the ' Peep Show ' of manga and as per usual, gush over Higashimura's excellent dialogue and expressive art style! --- Show Notes --- Previous Episodes we discuss: Honey Lemon Soda Blank Canvas You Can't Live All on Your Own --- Other Manga Princess Jellyfish by Akiko Higashimura Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Nov 10

Eita Ichiyoshi is a young man being driven slowly mad by the mundanity of his job at a confectionary factory. That is until while walking home alone on Christmas Eve, he catches a mysterious bouncy ball that he decides to take home. After throwing it to relieve his frustrations, he can’t believe his luck when it turns into a beautiful, naked woman with perfect lips! But all it took was a kiss for Ichi to regret his actions! The girl suddenly begins to shoot more balls into the room that transform into more women! These monstrously strong women initially scare Ichi, before he vows to try and look after them… But as this book clearly sets out to be as horrific as it is a harem, Will he live to tell the tale? This week, Mat is joined once again by Georgie (aka mainly.manga ) to talk Super Ball Girls by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Akira Hiramoto ! What will these two distinguished gentlemen think of this shrink wrapped, ecchi, harem horror manga? Did it leave them jumping for joy? Or trying to bounce their copies into the nearest recycling bin? Listen in to find out! --- Show Notes ---- Manga: Jagaaaaaan Blue Lock Prison School Raw Hero Great Teacher Onizuka --- Films: The Substance Jeepers Creepers Society Troma Entertainment Full Moon Features Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Nov 3

The bike's charged, the skies are blue and the open road is calling.... there's one issue: there's seemingly only two women left to burn rubber and explore it! After leaving their bunker, Youko and Airi set out to retrace Yuoko's sister's footsteps by following her old social media... Why were they in a bunker? What happened to everyone else? Why are penguins so adorable? These are questions we hope to answer as we read Touring After the Apocalypse by Sakae Saito ! This week, Mat is joined once again by Tom to cancel the apocalypse by reading a manga that's got enough going for it to make us gush over the art, but also enough uncertainty for us to dance around saying anything truly negative. With the release of the Manga's recent anime adaptation, we thought now was the right time for us to hit the open road and read the first volume! But the questions as always is, will we like what we see enough to carry on the journey? --- === Show Notes === Similar Manga: Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou by Hitoshi Ashinano Girl’s Last Tour by Tsukumizu Video Games: Nier Automata (I'm not linking The Sims...) Locations: Tokyo Big Sight's Big Escalators! Hakone's Pirate Ship Cruise over the lake! The Monorail the girl's use as a bridge! The Life-sized Gundam in Odaiba Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Oct 27

Jiro Azuma isn’t your run of the mill Ninja though, oh no - he also has the unique ability to talk to animals. It’s this special skill that leads him to nurse a dying cat back to health… but this isn’t just any cat: it’s Rago, the Black Star of Doom: a Mononoke of incredible power. Before he knows it, Jiro has fused with this vengeful spirit in the middle of a fight to the death and is immediately taken into custody by the Bureau of Espionage… But seemingly with the fate of the world at stake, can the Bureau afford to not use Jiro’s skills to save it? This week, Mat is joined by once again by one half of the Undisputed Anime podcast, Zane Taichou! Join us as we compare the book to it's clear inspirations, have differing opinions on the book's action and geek out about the cooler, capital S 'Shonen Moments' of the book! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Oct 20

Rintaro Tsumugi attends Chidori High. It's a boy’s school that only takes the dregs of society, which just happens to stand next door to the prestigious Kikyo Girls’ High! While the girls from this elite school never dream of socialising with anyone from Chidori, Kaoruko just happens to have a sweet tooth and when she notices Rintaro behind the counter of his family’s Cake Shop, suddenly pastries aren’t the only thing she’s got her eye on! Can these 'star crossed lovers' from two different schools make it work? On this week's episode of Manga Tak, I sat down with MargReadsManga to discuss the excellent The Fragrant Flower Blooms with Dignity by Saki Mikami! Join us as we discuss how Maki manages to successfully tell a Shonen romance with Shojo elements, compare the manga to the new anime from CloverWorks and give some manga recommendations on what to read next! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Oct 13

CONTENT WARNING: This episode deals with some pretty heavy themes including suicide and physical abuse, so skip this one if you're not comfortable with those topics! After a small, octopus looking alien from the Planet Happy arrives on Earth, determined to spread happiness to everyone he meets, he runs into a morose young girl called Shizuka who isn’t impressed with his happy gadgets... In fact, maybe it'd be better for everyone if he didn't get involved at all... This week, Mat is joined by RAMZEE for one of the most difficult books we've discussed so far on the podcast, Takopi's Original Sin by Taizan 5. Join us as we talk about how the book deals with difficult topics, the genius of it's open but hopeful ending and just how great the design of our foolish little octopus friend is! --- Show Notes - Manga - Good Night Punpun by Inio Asano RAMZZE past appearances - Orb - Asadora! - Hunter x Hunter Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Oct 6

Ten hopeful candidates embark on a test to survive for 53 days aboard an abandoned space shuttle to earn themselves a place at the prestigious Cosmo Academy. However, once inside the airlock they realise something is amiss: they are now eleven. Can they put their suspicions aside in order to pass? Or will the threats they face cause them to give into despair and abandon the test, and with it, their chances of getting into the academy? On this week's episode, Mat's joined not only by Georgie (aka Mainly.Manga) but also Pippa (aka StrawberryShojo) to talk about Moto Hagio's groundbreaking 1975 sci-fi shojo manga They Were 11! Join us as we discuss our feelings on sci-fi, the book's titular mystery, and, perhaps more importantly, it's core themes of gender and personhood! --- Show Notes: Rachel Thorn interview with Moto Hagio. Who is Björn Andrésen? Death In Venice Moto Hagio's other work in English: The Poe Clan - Otherworld Barbara - The Heart Of Thomas - A Drunken Dream - Lil' Leo Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 29

In a world populated by mechanical 'creatures' and humans, where the lines between man and man-made are blurred, a girl called Hyaku straddles the line between human and mechanical. Fuelled by rage, she is targeting the high profile krechs of the underworld to seek vengeance, and her stolen body parts! Will it ease her pain? And more importantly, in doing so, will she regain her humanity? On this week's episode, Mat's joined once again by Tom to discuss Search and Destroy by Atsushi Kaneko , published by Fantagraphics in partnership with MSX! We get into our knowledge of the source material, Osamu Tezuka's Dororo , reflect on the nature of 'covers' and 'homages' to pre-existing works, as well as gush about the themes and incredible art on display in the book! It's an episode not to be missed, and for the curious, the first chapter can be found online here for free ! --- Show Notes - --- Documentaries: The Atsushi Kaneko Documentary from Archipel . Podcasts: Mangasplaining! American Illustrators / Cartoonists: Daniel Clowes Charles Burns Frank Kozik Lowbrow Art Mangaka: Moto Hagio Inio Asano (and Goodnight Pun Pun ) Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 22

This is the story of Shuuko, Eika, Misaki and Shio: four best friends who share an apartment together in the heart of the city. While they might share a roof, they all face individual problems! For Shuuko, it's the societal pressure to get married, for Eika, it's how to climb the corporate ladder. Misaki's trying to figure out her situation-ship and Shio's in a panic about how to balance her work / life balance now she's become a freelancer. Is isn't easy being in your twenties, but at least they've got each other! On this week's episode, Mat's joined once again by Tsutsudae of Undisputed Anime to discuss You Can't Live All on Your Own by Mizoko Tsuno . We get into how we feel about this first volume of the three part series, which of the women's stories most resinated with us and our hopes for Mizoko Tsuno's future after reading her first work! Thanks to the folks at Tokyo Pop for providing a digital review copy of this book! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 15

After the failure of his last project, Mr. Shiozawa quits his job as a Manga editor after 30 years and ponders his next move. But try as he might, the medium he loved, the calling he devoted his professional life to, has a hold on him that he isn't quite ready let go. Suddenly he finds himself deciding to put together 'the perfect manga' and to do so, he's going to need a little help... This week on Manga Tak, Mat is joined by Dave 'Ziggy' Greene (of Jam ) to discuss Taiyō Matsumoto's Tokyo These Days . We scratch below the surface of the book to delve into it's metaphors, how we both found an unexpected connection to it's emotional core, and why it might just be the closest look you'll ever get at working in a creative field on a manga page. --- Show Note Links Taiyō Matsumoto Interview from No. 5's Digital Publication (Mangasplaining) Behind the scenes of Tokyo These Days (Mangasplaining) Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 11

On this Manga Tak-ked On (i.e. a Bonus Episode), Mat is joined one again by Georgie (aka Mainly.Manga ) to talk more on Yan by Chang Sheng now that Volume 2 has dropped! Join us as we discuss how our fears over volume 1's huge setups were mislead, the book's ability to ramp up an already action packed first volume, and honestly just how much enjoyed the middle instalment of this trilogy! Thanks once again to Titan Manga for sending us advanced copies of this book, available now wherever good comic books are sold! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 8

In the year 2080, Christmas a thing of the past: declining birthrates have meant fewer children, changes in climate have distorted the seasons and the disappearance of Santa has relegated 'The Most Wonderful Time of the Year' to an ancient tradition. But on December 25th, the conditions have been met to break the curse robbing the world of old Saint Nick, with the death of Kazushige Sanda revives Santa for a new era! Can this descendant of Santa help Fuyumura find their missing classmate Ichie Ono? And more importantly, can he bring back Christmas to children the world over? On this week's Manga Tak, Mat's joined one again by Georgie (aka Mainly.Manga ) to talk about the latest work by Paru Itagaki , Sanda! We compare this latest madcap manga to Itagaki's other work, discuss why making Santa into a Shonen protagonist makes perfect sense and how it's tone strikes the perfect mix of Tim Burton and Roald Dahl! Thanks to Titan for providing advanced review copies ! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 1

In a world where everyone has a 'quirk' the gives them super human abilities, a young boy called Izuku Midoriya who is born without one may have to give up on his dreams of becoming a super hero. That is until one day after trying to rescue a classmate, he is given the opportunity of a lifetime by the world's Number 1 Hero, All Might: Will Midoriya accept his quirk, a mysterious ability called 'One for All' and with it, the mantle of hero? This week Mat's joined once again by Tom to discuss the Weekly Shonen Jump mega hit, My Hero Academia, as we gear up for the end of it's English print run and the final season of it's anime. We get into what works and doesn't, discussing it's obvious similarities to not only other Shonen Jump titles but also Western Super Heroes, as well as dissecting Horikoshi's cinematic eye and the series' on-target humour. Show Notes : A summary of the Horikoshi x Kishimoto interview mentioned on the pod . Tom's Website Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Aug 25

Sometimes all it takes is a kiss to send you spiralling. Years after putting an unrequited college love behind her, Sayuri Terazono is a working professional at a prestigious company. Her life is forever changed one day when that girl from college, Risa Nakayama, shows up at Sayuri's office as a new hire in her team! And all it takes is one bold move from Risa makes Sayuri question everything: becayse while a kiss can send you spiralling, it can also be the key to open your heart. This week, Mat is joined once again by Siddharth Gupta (aka LumRanmaYasha ) of Manga Mavericks to discuss not on Senpai no Kohai , the excellent Yuri Doujinshi by Hanakage Alt , published by Red String , but their new venture: the exciting Manga Mavericks Books ! Join us as we take a look at this beautiful book: discussing not only it's Kickstarter origins and reprint, but delving deeper into how in roughly 100 pages, the book tells a complex story of a blossoming romance and really drills down into Sayuri and Risa's feeling to great effect. --- Looking to read it ? Why not request a copy from your local comic shop? Or purchase one online from the following sites: Print - US - Manga Mavericks Books / Merry Manga Co EU - Sendai Books CAN - The Beguiling Digital - Manga Mavericks Books Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Aug 18

Worn down by the daily grind of being a 40 something salary-man, Sasaki has found a cure to his working blues: the warm smile of Ms. Yamada at the local S Mart. However after arriving late one day after a grueling shift, he misses his chance to see Ms. Yamada, but somehow ends up behind called behind the super market for a smoke instead by 'Tayama' an employee he's never met before... or at least, so he thinks! This week Mat is joined once again by Georgie (aka mainly.manga) to discuss Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You by Jinushi, published in English by Square Enix. We clear the air about smoking as a plot device, why this isn't quite an age-gap romance and how despite a seemingly gloomy cover, what awaits inside the book is a charming comedy with endearing characters! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Aug 11

At a loss after no longer being able to find delicious Guyabano juice in their local world food store, a plan is quickly hatched and travel booked. The location? The Philippines. The Goal? To hunt down, and devour, a Guyabano fruit. Guyabano Holiday, the titular story of Panpanya's story collection, is just one of the surreal and dreamlike short stories that await you, dear listener! This week, Mat is joined once again behind the brains behind Twistwood Tales , AC MacDonald , to discuss this wonderful collection of short stories! We try to define just what qualities make Panpanya's work so special, the grim prospects of eating Balut and how the childlike sense of whimsy is only intensified by their pencil, proxy character. Show Notes. Remember to listen to episode 24 for more Panpanya as I talk to Maria Salgado about Invitation From A Crab. The Danish NYE tradition that is ' Dinner For One '. The UK's ' Real Robot's Magazine .' Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Aug 4

They say that if you go to the third stall from the end of the girls' bathroom on the third floor of the old building... You'll find Hanako-kun! And after knocking three times on the door, maybe Nene wishes she hadn't! After finding herself bound to the spirit of one of the school's Seven Mysteries, Nene begins to assist Hanako-kun in his job as caretaker for the spirits of Kamome Academy! This week, Mat is joined by illustrator and designer Irene Chin to talk about Toilet Bound Hanako-Kun by artist/writer duo AidaIro. We discuss the book's mix of shoujo aesthetics into a shonen title, what it reminds us of, and how the book compares to the anime before getting to the important question: is it worth reading? Well, listen along and find out! Show Notes - Interview with AidaIro (translated by d629) A collection of Japanese Posters from the early 1900's A compilation of the Toilet Bound Hanako-kun Musical Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 28

After realising her dreams of art school aren't as close as she thought, a young Akiko Hayashi finds herself out in the sticks attending an unconventional art class, run by a bamboo sword wielding teacher who tells her she'll need to come to class everyday if she has any hope at succeeding. But Akiko realises that this seemingly brash teacher has a heart of gold, and just maybe, might be able to help her achieve her dream of becoming a Manga-ka! On this week's Manga Tak, Mat's joined once more by Tsutsudae to discuss Akiko Higashimura's autobiographical manga, Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist Journey. We discuss the book's autobiographical nature, get in-deep into our own artistic journeys and compare the work to other similar manga like Blue Period, hoping to answer if this book is worth tracking down despite being between print runs! Show note links - Find the incredible Mangasplaining episode mentioned in the intro here . Find the episode of Manben with Akiko Higashimura here . Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 21

All of humanity's waste finds its way into The Pit... even those society deems unworthy of living on The Sphere. After being convicted of a murder he didn't commit, Rudo finds himself in a place where trash monsters roam and the other humans he finds have become ruthless in order to survive. Fortunately for Rudo, he soon meets Enjin, who offers him a chance at salvation and the answers he seeks: he just needs to join The Cleaners first! On this week's episode, Mat sits down once again with 7 time guest (!) Zane Taichou from Undisputed Anime to discuss Gachiakuta by Kei Urana. We chat about what works and doesn't about the book, how the first chapter compares to the recent anime, as well as our hopes and fears for the series moving forward! Show Note Links Watch 'Behind Gachiakuta' with Kei Urana and Hideyoshi Andou here . See the Anime Expo trash sculpture here . And one of the many Bleach references here ! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 14

When high schooler Light Yagami discovers a mysterious “Death Note,” he dismisses it as a prank... That is until he writes a name inside and someone dies! With the death god Ryuk as his guide, Light embarks on a quest for global domination, earning the moniker “Kira” as bodies pile up. But with Interpol’s enigmatic detective “L” closing in, who will be the first to discover the other's true identity? On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat sit's down once again with Tom to discuss one of the biggest names in Weekly Shonen Jump's history: Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata. We discuss the book's tight concept, rollercoaster ride of a plot and talk a lot about the series' signature art style to determine if Death Note still holds up almost 20 years after it's initial conclusion! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 7

In a world where magic is everything, being born without it means death. Raised in secret by his father Regro, Mash Burnedead has trained his body to impossible limits to survive. After being discovered by the Bureau of Magic, Mash is given a deadly ultimatum: enrol in Easton Magical Academy and earn the title of ‘Divine Visionary’, the school’s highest honour, or he and his Father will be killed! How does a magic less boy complete in a world of wizards? Simple: BRUTE FORCE. On this week's episode, Mat is joined once again by Bar to chat about Mashle: Muscle and Magic by Hajime Kōmoto. With the gags coming thick and fast, we take some time to pick apart the humour a little, talking about what we love about Kōmoto's storytelling and why it's Season 2 Theme Song became part of the cultural zeitgeist but left it's source material behind! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 30

In the picturesque resort town of Atami, a young woman named Wakana Kinme spends her days running Kinme Cleaning: a laundry service that prides itself on quality and caring for people's clothing. While Wakana clearly enjoys her work, the reason she views it so fondly is that it’s the only thing she can remember from her past. As she builds new memories with the residents of Atami, Wakana can't help wonder about the life she's forgotten. Is it a life worth remembering? Or are some mysteries left better off unanswered? On this week's episode, Mat is joined by Tsutsudae from Undisputed Anime to discuss Wash It All Away by Mitsuru Hattori. The book promised to be 'something to sooth the chaos of the modern world' , so we get ready to soak in some Slice-of-Life goodness! We talk plot, art and tone, as well as where we'd like the book to go in it's next volume! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 23

30 years after the massacre of the Yan Opera troupe, a young woman, dressed in the stage clothes of a Peking opera performer, executes an man on a live stream and claims to be the ghost of Yan Tieh-hua: the only the survivor of the murders who died in an unknown research facility 10 years ago after being framed for her family’s killing. What follows is a tale of action and suspense, as Yan tries to find the reason for her family’s murder. She’s aided by Detective Lei, the cop who failed to prove her innocence, and Miku Higa, a Japanese Go prodigy who can see 5 minutes into the future... And that's only the beginning! This week, Mat is joined once again by Georgie (aka Mainly.Manga ) to talk about the new Manhua Yan by Chang Sheng (review copies provided by Titan). We dive headfirst into discussing the work's tantalising plot that keeps upping the stakes, reflecting on the clear cinematic and comic book influences we see in the work, before gushing about it's incredible artwork! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 16

38 years after World War 3 on the streets of Neo Tokyo, a biker gang led by the charismatic Shotaro Kaneda finds itself embroiled in the fate of the world after one of it’s members, Tetsuo Shima has his psychic powers awakened in an accident caused by a chance encounter with a physic child. To save his childhood friend, Kaneda must become more than a simple street punk and enters a world filled with revolutionaries, government cover-ups and the same psychic beings that started this chain of events. All the while, the city seems to hum with the whisper of one, mysterious name: Akira. This week, Mat and comic creator Ian Sta. Maria dive into Katsuhiro Otomo's legendary manga. Often called one of the greatest comics ever made, we explore what makes Akira so compelling—its art, pacing, and storytelling—while asking whether new readers can enjoy it on its own merits, separate from its massive cultural impact. Show Notes : ' The Abridged Akira ' Naoki Urasawa and Hisashi Eguchi talk Otomo (Manga Brog) Otomo interview on Akira Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 9

When Dr. Slump burst onto the scene in February 1980, nobody expected that a tale about a mischievous robot girl named Arale and her hapless inventor 'father' would conquer Japan. Fewer still would have guessed that it's young creator, Akira Toriyama, would go on to conquer the world! On this special anniversary episode of Manga Tak, Mat and Tom dive into Toriyama's debut work, exploring his signature humor, the loveable collection of weirdos who inhabit Penguin Village, and why this manga still feels fresh decades later! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 2

Living with the constant threat of werewolves, the villagers of Kasoka's only hope for survival is to send for a member of The Hunter's Guild... Only the one they got wasn't what they were expecting! When Grimm, a little girl in a red hood appears, Velou, the hamlet's young huntsman is assigned to help her track the wolf and save the town... But as they soon discover, the real threat isn't the wolves outside the gates, it's the one walking amongst them, wearing a human face! With the release of Yuki Kawaguchi's new work, Otr of the Flame , we decided to dust of Kawaguchi's short lived fan favourite, The Hunter's Guild: Red Hood, to see if we could uncover why the work got the axe and more importantly, does it give us hope his next work could be in for a happy ending? Mat is joined once again by Undisputed Anime 's Zane Taichou to discuss the book's artistic triumphs but also it's storytelling shortcomings. They dive into all that works and doesn't with the book, before reflecting on the merits of reading "failed" manga as a way to level up your abilities as a reader! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

May 26

When a grotesquely disfigured man emerges from the depths of a city manhole only to collapse and die on the crowded streets of Sasahara, veteran detective Ken Mizoguchi discovers that some nightmares are all too real. What begins as a bizarre crime scene transforms into a race against a biological apocalypse when the autopsy reveals a horrifying truth: the victim harboured a contagious parasite that robs humans of their desires. On this week's episode, Mat's joined once again by Tom Parry to deep dive into Tetsuya Tsutsui's Manhole , now available in English from Kana. Join them as they explore the book's cinematic style, it's unique portrayal of a pandemic, and how Tsutsui uses police procedural tropes to craft a unique and unsettling story! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

May 19

Save the child or save the mayor? A split-second decision in an operating room forever alters Dr. Kenzo Tenma's life, sending him spiralling into a nightmare beyond imagination. When the doctor chooses to follow his conscience rather than hospital politics, he unwittingly unleashes a chain of events that will haunt him for years to come. In this week's episode, Mat is joined by illustrator and comic book artist Zen K to go into the operating room to dissect Naoki Urasawa's Monster . Together they probe the moral complexities, breathtaking suspense, and haunting characters that have earned this manga its reputation as one of the greatest psychological thrillers ever created. Discover why this 30-year-old manga by "Japan's Master of Suspense" is still worth reading and why it remains as relevant as ever. Find the Naoki Urasawa interview mentioned in the podcast here . Buy Zen's comics digitally here and physically here ! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

May 12

When an unassuming high schooler solves the mysterious Millennium Puzzle, he unleashes more than just ancient Egyptian magic—he becomes the vessel for a vengeful spirit with a fondness for deadly shadow games! Yet beneath the dark exterior, Yugi Mutou seeks not vengeance but connection, transforming his supernatural curse into a force for friendship. Step into the forgotten realm of Yu-Gi-Oh's origins with Mat and Marvin as they excavate the first volume of Kazuki Takahashi's groundbreaking manga. Long before card battles dominated the franchise, death games ruled supreme—where losers didn't just forfeit life points, they forfeited their lives! Discover the manga's surprising roots as we dissect its quintessentially Shonen theme of friendship. We'll unravel the series' unique premise and debate the burning question: Would this shadow game saga have ever reached Western shores if not for its strategic pivot to trading card combat? Join us for a nostalgic journey back to where it all began—when "It's time to duel" meant something far more sinister than a card game!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

May 5

The last day of summer vacation is one you never want to end... that is until you find yourself stuck in a time loop repeating it over and over again! This is the fate that Takaya and Kana find themselves faced with, and when the only reason Takaya can come up with for the loop is his regret of not finding a girlfriend over the holidays, the two teens find themselves in an awkward situation! What begins as a seemingly shallow conceit quickly blooms into a heartfelt journey. " The Long Summer of August 31st " by Ikkado Ito delivers a coming-of-age story that has more to say about human connection and growth than it does about the space-time continuum. Join Mat and Behind The Manga's WinterVenom91 as they delve into Takaya and Kana's evolving relationship, explore the manga's poignant themes of youth and regret, and discuss how they were pleasantly surprised to find genuine emotional depth beneath the sci-fi premise. Discover why this time loop tale stands out in a crowded genre!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Find the DDNavi Interview with Ikkado Ito referenced in the episode (warning: minor spoilers for the series!) here . Find Venom's review of the book that inspired Mat to pick up the book here . Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Apr 28

In a boarding house full of eccentric tenants, is there room for love between a bumbling student and his grief stricken landlady? Well, if Yusaku Godai can't get out of his own way long enough to get into University, what chance does he have of ever winning the heart of the beautiful Kyoko Otonashi!? Often celebrated as Rumiko Takahashi's masterpiece, Maison Ikkoku trades the alien antics of Urusei Yatsura and martial arts mayhem of Ranma 1/2 for something more grounded—a slice-of-life romance that showcases her storytelling maturity. Join Mat and returning guest AC (our resident Takahashi Correspondent) as they discuss how this seinen story maintains Takahashi's signature style while breaking new ground. They'll unpack the series' incredible cast of characters, impeccable pacing, and how, despite having the least likeable main character of all Takahashi's works, they still find themselves rooting for romance between the frustratingly indecisive Godai and the emotionally guarded Kyoko! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Apr 21

"Strange beasts and monsters, secret treasure hoards, undiscovered wealth... mystical places, unexplored frontiers... 'the mysterious unknown'... there's magic in such words... for those captivated by its spell... They are called 'Hunters'." Beginning with those captivating yet foreboding words, Yoshihiro Togashi's Hunter x Hunter has gone on to delight generations of Shonen readers over the course of its 27-year run. Renowned for its deconstruction of shonen tropes and infamous for its lengthy hiatuses, Hunter x Hunter has undoubtedly earned itself a place in the Weekly Shonen Jump Hall of Fame. With the release of the new 3-in-1 omnibus from Viz Media , Mat sits down with Ramzee to discuss the first volume to see if it still holds up. Along the way, they fight the urge to divert the podcast into one about Yu Yu Hakusho , get into detail about their thoughts on Togashi as a creator, and more importantly warn those about to start the series about its varying quality. Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Apr 14

In the nostalgic labyrinth of Kowloon Walled City, realtor Reiko Kujirai stands out as a woman hungry for change in a place clinging to the past. Her colleague Hajime Kudou—stubborn, traditional, and oddly charming—represents everything she's trying to leave behind. As these opposites find themselves increasingly drawn together, something mysterious lurks beneath their budding connection, a secret that could make their romance impossible. Join Mat and special guest Georgie (aka Mainly.Manga ) as they get into the first volume of Jun Mayuzuki's masterpiece— which may very well be the most captivating Vol.1 featured on the show so far! In this spoiler-filled deep dive of the first volume, they uncover: • The breathtaking cinematic techniques that transform Kowloon from setting to character • How subtle sci-fi elements create layers of intrigue beneath the romance • The provocative content that earned this manga its shrink-wrapping. • How it stacks up against Mayuzuki's other work: After The Rain. Whether you're already enchanted by Mayuzuki's world thanks to the new Anime or just curious about this critically-acclaimed series, this episode promises to enhance your appreciation of this uniquely atmospheric love story set in a reimagined piece of history.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Apr 7

The Trouble Shooter agency doesn't just solve problems—they OBLITERATE them! Join us as we dive into Yuto Sano's adrenaline-pumping world of "Gokurakugai," where monster hunting isn't just a job, it's an art form. This week, Mat is joined once again by Lea to dissect what some consider to be the next big Shonen series! We'll be unpacking: the jaw-dropping artwork that leaps off every page, it's excellent characters and how in almost every frame, we see a flicker of classic shonen woven into Sano's vision (for better and worse...) We ask ourselves is "Gokurakugai" destined for shonen superstardom? Or will its familiar elements prevent it from claiming the title of 'the next big thing'? **CONTENT WARNING:** Though not explicit, this episode touches on trafficking, exploitation, and sexual themes. Listener discretion advised.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Mar 31

When a tyrant god's reign is prophesied to fall, does it herald salvation—or apocalypse? Three centuries ago, the God of Thunder committed the ultimate betrayal: murdering the Heavenly Emperor and seizing the throne of Tenkai for himself. His reign has brought nothing but darkness and cruelty to the celestial realm. Now, a lone stargazer's prophecy speaks of a being with the power to split the heavens asunder. Is this mysterious figure the long-awaited saviour who will free Tenkai from oppression? Or does their arrival mark the first step toward universal annihilation? On this week's episode, Mat welcomes Lucy and Robin from the excellent ' CLAMPcast in Wonderland ' to delve into RG Veda—the stunning professional debut of the legendary manga collective CLAMP, published in English by Dark Horse . Together, we unravel the book's mythological trappings, incredible artwork and overall immaculate vibes. The conversation extends beyond RG Veda itself, examining how its main themes of fate and destiny became foundational elements throughout CLAMP's illustrious body of work, as well as suggesting other entry points into their huge back catalog of works based on taste and genre preference! Join us for this divine journey into the dawn of one of manga's most influential creative forces! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Mar 24

The cops claim it. The Yakuza fight for it. Gangs and hoodlums bleed for it. But everyone in Treasure Town knows the truth: these streets belong to two orphaned kids named Black and White. Their legendary story, still hailed as manga royalty three decades later, isn't just about survival—it's about the soul of a city itself. This week, Mat welcomes acclaimed comic artist CROM ( Raiders , Bird King ) for a deep dive into Taiyō Matsumoto's urban masterpiece, Tekkonkinkreet. They'll unpack how this classic story stacks up against Matsumoto's celebrated catalog and discuss its profound influence on CROM's own artistic evolution. From its raw, kinetic visuals to its haunting meditation on innocence and violence, discover why Tekkonkinkreet continues to captivate readers and why you need more Taiyō Matsumoto in your life! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Mar 17

Is Negi Haruba's dark take on sentai heroes a revolutionary deconstruction like 'The Boys,' or just another forgettable genre flip? This week, Mat welcomes back Zane Taichou from Undisputed Anime to dive deep into Kodansha's provocative manga sensation ' Go! Go! Loser Ranger! ' Together, they unpack the series' subversive themes, examine whether those Garth Ennis comparisons hold water, analyze what makes the storytelling so captivating, and deliver their verdict on whether the anime's first season successfully captures the manga's edge. For fans of Power Rangers, superhero deconstructions, or anyone curious about the manga ahead of the anime's second season - this is one episode you won't want to miss! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Mar 10

What happens when you take a tale written by 'The God of Manga' and let the 'Master of Suspense' retell it? Well, you only get one of the greatest works of Manga ever written! On this week's episode, Mat is joined once again by his podcasting partner in. crime Tom , to talk about an undisputed masterpiece: PLUTO: Urasawa x Tezuka by Naoki Urasawa, published in English by Viz Media. This week there's no doubt in our minds: we want you to read this book if you haven't and we're going to tell you why! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Mar 3

On this week's episode, Mat's joined by Pippa (aka StrawberryShojo ), to talk about a Classic work of Historical Fiction / Shojo Manga, The Rose of Versailles by Riyoko Ikeda, published in English by Udon Entertainment . Join us as we talk about the book's place in history, scratch the surface of it's themes, and get sucked in by all of the drama! Suffice to say, it's a premium release of a classic work that's worth picking up! Join us to find out why! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Feb 28

On this Manga Tak-ked On (i.e. a Bonus Episode), Mat is joined one again by Undisputed Anime 's TsuTsuDae , to talk about his complete 180 on modern High School Shōjo Manga, Honey Lemon Soda by Mayu Murata, published in English by Yen Press . Join us as we get into a spoiler-tastic (upto Vol 6. from 00:04:00 on) episode where Tsu tells us where Honey Lemon Soda really put Shōjo sparkles in his eyes, and why Mat is now regretting talking to him, as it's been added back onto the 'to read' list as result! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Feb 24

On this week's episode, Mat's bacon is saved emergency guest TsuTsuDae of the Undisputed Anime Podcast, to talk about the long running Shonen classic, D.Gray-Man by Katsura Hoshino. Join us as we talk about the book's long history, how it balances mature themes with lighthearted moments, and get nostalgic for the bygone era where the local comic book shop dictated what you read... Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Feb 17

On this week's episode, Mat is joined by Fred Tornager to discuss a comic book about comedy: and the excellent Show-Ha Shoten! by Akinari Asakura & Takeshi Obata, published in English by Viz Media. Join us as we 'dissect the frog' of comedy, gush about Obata's artwork, then talk about what works and doesn't in the first volume of the 'Bakuman of Manzai Comedy'. Find the 'Unpacking Japan' episode Mat discusses in the intro with professional Manzai comedian, Nick-niisan, here . Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Feb 10

On this week's episode, Mat is joined once again by Georgie to discuss the lastest work from two legendary Mangaka: Trillion Game by Riichiro Inagaki and Ryoichi Ikegami, published in English by Viz Media. Join us as we discuss the Mangaka's careers, how this series fumbles a little while finding it's feet, but how despite some of those early missteps ends up winning us over! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Feb 3

On this week's episode, Mat is joined once again by one half of the Undisputed Anime Podcast, TsuTsuDae , to talk about some modern High School Shōjo: Honey Lemon Soda by Mayu Murata! Join us as we talk about why the book didn't quite hit for us but how we see glimmers of hope in it's bubbly surface, how it measures up to similar books like Kimi Ni Todoke, and discuss the leading man's many, many hats... Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jan 27

On this week's episode, Mat is joined once again joined by Ramzee to discuss Asadora! the latests book from 'The Master of Suspense' Naoki Urasawa. Join us as we talk about the book's themes of what it means to live, how a plucky young girl can embody the spirit of Japan, and how Urasawa's cartooning blends humour and tragedy to great effect! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jan 20

On this week's episode, Mat is joined once again by his podcasting partner in. crime Tom , to talk about one of our favourite manga, Trigun by Yasuhiro Nightow, recently re-published in english by Dark Horse Comics and getting the deluxe treatment it deserves! Join us as we discuss the various forms Trigun has taken over the years since it's debut in Monthly Shonen Captain almost 30 years ago, what makes a great Manga MC and how even if you're new to the world of Vash the Stampede, there's something in the pages of this manga for everyone! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jan 13

On this week's episode, Mat is joined one again by Zane Taichou from Undisputed Anime , to talk about the latest title from Weekly Shonen Jump to receive an anime: Sakamoto Days by Yuto Suzuki Join us as we discuss how Hitmen never really get to retire, if we think the mash-up of Gag Manga and Action really work for us, and how sometimes the best works need to grow into their potential! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jan 6

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined once again by LumRanmaYasha to discuss THE GREEN YURI aka The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't A Guy At All by Sumiko Arai Join us as we discuss the how the book blends together romance and music, how it's signature neon green is used for more than just branding, and find out exactly what it feels like to see yourself as 'the old man' character in a book about young love! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Dec 30, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined once again by AC MacDonald , creator of Twistwood Tales , to discuss the wonderful, comedy manga CITY by Keiichi Arawi of Nichijou fame. Join us as we figure out our plans to relocate to a CITY where comedic characters live increasingly funny lives, dine at it's finest restaurants on a diet of tapas-like gags, before getting our serious faces on to discuss duck-lips and world building! A link for those curious to the Python Sheep Sketch discussed, and a much more eloquent explanation of ' The Stan Lee Principle '. Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Dec 23, 2024

This week, Mat is joined by comic book creator and publisher Mitch Proctor (aka Bon Idle ) to talk about the second of 'The Big Three' to grace the podcast: Bleach by Tite Kubo ! Join us as we get into why we love the book, and the series, in general! We even get slightly off topic once or twice to discuss some other Shonen titles, demographics in general and even discover a perfectly British metaphor for anthology manga offerings! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Dec 16, 2024

This week, Mat is joined by Ida from Denmark's biggest Anime, Manga and Cosplaying convention, J-Popcon to talk about Adachitoka's Shonen smash hit Noragami: Stray God. Join us as we delve into a world of lost souls, Gods for hire and the things living in the spaces in-between! We also talk through our slightly conflicted feelings on the manga: how it managed to hook us without using conventional methods, it's interesting world building and the things that we think would make us stick around for the full 27 volumes despite it's slow start... Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Dec 9, 2024

Mat is joined once again by AC (aka @ProdTally ) to talk about another great work from Rumiko Takahashi: this time it's her short horror series, Mermaid Saga! Join us as we talk through the what makes a great 'immortal' story, how the book fairs compared to other classics of the genre in other mediums and why we won't be sharing any of the colour spreads on Instagram... Find the interview translated by Rumic World mentioned in the podcast here for further reading! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Dec 2, 2024

On this week's episode, Mat is joined once again by 'The Lord of Shojo' Georgie , to discuss the excellent Josei (?) skateboarding manga ' Sketchy ' by Makihirochi , published in English by Kodansha . Join us as we discuss the best Melancholy Moments, how this book proves we need more MCs in their 30's, and why it's a book you can absolutely judge by it's cover, in an episode full of big cat energy. Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Nov 25, 2024

On this week's episode, Mat is joined by Budjette Tan , writer of horror/crime komik Trese , to talk about 'The Summer Hikaru Died' by Mokumokuren. Join us as we discuss why we're both suckers for an intriguing book title, the wonders of being surprised by the unexpected and why we love a good use of sound effects to build tension! Find Budjette on BlueSky and Instagram here! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Nov 18, 2024

On this week's episode, Mat is joined one again by the one and only Zane Taichou from Undisputed Anime , to talk about the next big thing in Weekly Shonen Jump: Kagurabachi by Takeru Hokazono, published in English by Viz Media! Join us as we discuss how Hokazono blends his love of Western Cinema and modern manga together, the buzz around this book from day 0, and whether or not the hype of it being 'one of the next tentpoles of Weekly Shonen Jump' was on the money or not! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Nov 11, 2024

On this week's episode, Mat is joined by Maria Salgado to talk about the closest thing we'll likely ever get to an 'indie manga' in English: An Invitation From a Crab by Panpanya, published by Denpa ! Join us as we talk about Panpanya's focus on vibes over story, how they create breath taking comics with mixed medium, and more importantly, how they create comics that are full of whimsey, nostalgia and maybe even a little loneliness! Find the Mangasplaining episode on the same book (including an interview with the book's English Translator, Ko Ransom) here ! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Nov 4, 2024

Stop us if you've heard this one before, but this week Mat is joined once again Tom to talk about another classic manga: The Birth of Kitaro by Shigeru Mizuki, published in english by Drawn and Quarterly. Join us as we talk about the Mizuki's incredible art style, his unique way of assembling a story and how in a book all about Kitaro, it's actually a rat-man who managed to steal our hearts! Find the NHK documentary talked about several times over the course of the pod here , and for non-British listeners, an intro to 'The Beano' here . Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Oct 28, 2024

A historical manga on Heliocentrism? Really? Well don't be alarmed dear listener, because there's more to this manga than meets the eye! This week, Mat is joined by storyteller / cartoonist Ramzee , to talk about the manga by Uoto that is the basis for the NHK/Netflix anime of the same name. Join us as we discuss this manga's seemingly unusual theme, how it uses science both as the story's engine and it's protagonist, and perhaps most shockingly of all, how you don't even need to like astronomy to get the most out of the book! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Oct 21, 2024

A manga about intelligent machines replacing humans in the work force sounds like something brand new to reflect today's headlines: but what if I told you that My Name is Shingo was originally published in 1982? This week, Mat is joined by the Lord of Shojo, Georgie (aka @Mainly.Manga ) to talk about a classic manga from Kazuo Umezu. Join us as we discuss how this book played with our expectations at every turn, how young love makes you walk into walls and why you should never let two graphic designers anywhere near a book cover this beautiful For those interested, find the interviews with Kazuo Umezu mentioned in the podcast here and here . Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Oct 14, 2024

On this week's episode, we're dusting off another classic! Mat is joined by one again by Tom to talk about a seminal text of action / battle genre, Fist of the North Star. Written by Buronson and illustrated by Tetsuo Hara. Join us as we talk about the book's impact on Manga as a whole, including it's influence on works like Jojo's Bizarre Adventure and Berserk!, how hyper is the 'hyper violence' in the book, as well as discussing great eyebrows and many manly tears... Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Oct 7, 2024

On this week's episode, Mat is joined by LumRanmaYasha to talk about a triple header of firsts for the podcast: Yuri, Food and Josei, with She Loves to Cook, and She Loves to Eat by Sakaomi Yuzaki. Join us as we talk through the books representation of identity, how food is the perfect engine for emotional storytelling, not to mention how joyful it can be to see two people just chow down! (Sorry again about the audio hick-ups folks - it won't happen again!) Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 30, 2024

Want to hear all about the Manga behind the hottest new Anime of the Fall 2024 line up? Well, look no further! Mat is joined by the hosts of The Undisputed Anime Podcast , ZaneTaichou AND TsuTsuDae to talk about one of our favourite current Manga titles, Dan Da Dan! Join us as we talk about the book's impact, how it blends incredible art and humour to tackle difficult subjects, not to mention getting into the weeds on how we view different creators and their creations... Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 23, 2024

Just in time for the launch of the new anime reboot from Mappa, Mat is joined once again by AC (aka @ProdTally ) to talk about another of Rumiko Takahashi's works: this time it's the undisputed classic, Ranma 1/2! Join us as we talk through Ranma's cultural context and history, both in Japan and as one the trail blazing first manga to crack the Western market, how it differs from Urusei Yatsura, and more importantly, why it's such a beloved work the world over! Warning: Light Spoilers on the Manga's end from 37:24 - 38:60 Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 16, 2024

On this week's episode, Mat is joined by Christophe Galati to discuss Hayao Miyazaki's epic Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Originally published in the pages of Japan’s premier otaku magazine, Animage, Nausicaa is Miyazaki’s Manga Magnum opus. Like his movie of the same name, Nausicaa is the story of the titular princess from a small kingdom, who finds herself thrown into a war fought between rival nations over an ancient weapon. Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic earth, Nausicaa is a tale that touches upon man's relationship with nature, the ecological impact of industry and the horrors of war. Join us as we discuss it's huge impact on Japanese pop culture, how the work ripples through all of Miyazaki's work and why it's always good to support local manga stores! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 8, 2024

On this week's episode, Mat is joined by Bar (aka InkByBar ) to discuss Kodansha's epic football / soccer manga, Blue Lock. First published in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine back in 2018, Blue Lock, written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and drawn by Yusuke Nomura, is a Football Battle Royale mange in which to craft the world’s best striker, 300 Japanese high schoolers are asked to join the Blue Lock program in the hopes of producing the next top striker to help Japan win the World Cup. It’s an insane premise, but one Yoichi Isagi gladly signs up for. However, he quickly learns that life in Blue Lock isn’t at all like the football he’s been playing all his life, and that to live up to the expectations of the new Japanese coach, Jinpachi Ego, he will have to relearn the game and what it means to be a striker. Join us as we discuss sports manga in general, the amazing character design and above all else, if we think this book is worth picking up! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Sep 2, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined by Nick (aka RetroBreak ) to discuss Insomniacs After School by Makoto Ojiro. First published by Shogakukan's Weekly Big Comic Spirit, Insomniacs After School is a seinen manga by Makoto Ojiro. It's the story of Ganta Makami, an insomniac high school student who struggles socially thanks to his constant state of tiredness. His life changes one day when he stumbles across Isaki Magari, a fellow student and insomniac, napping in the school's abandoned (and supposedly haunted) observatory, and the two form an unlikely friendship because of their affliction. It all goes smoothly until one day a teacher discovers they're using the observatory without permission, forcing Ganta and Isaki to restart the school's astronomy club to stay in their sleepy sanctuary. Join us as discuss how Nick found out about this book, how we feel about it and more importantly, would we recommend you to pick it up for yourself! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Aug 26, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined once again by Tom to discuss the classic Go Nagai horror manga, Devilman! After Toei Animation requested a lighter version of his manga, Demon Lord Dante, that could be turned into an anime, Go Nagai created Devilman. Given specific direction to make the manga darker, Nagai launched a more adult work in Kodansha’ Weekly Shōnen Magazine in 1972, just a month before the anime was due to air. Devilman is the story of Akira Fudo, a high school student who absorbs the power of a demon called Amon in order to battle the demons hidden in human society. Only a human with a pure heart can wield such a power without fear of corruption. Once little more than a crybaby, Akira now weilds the terrible power of a devil, yet holds the innocent soul of a man… Thus Devilman! Join us to hear why Mat finally isn't loving a book covered on the podcast, the influence of Go Nagai on the world of manga and how even in a bleak story, a little bit of hope goes a long way! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Aug 19, 2024

On this week's episode, I'm joined by my good friend, illustrator and graphic designer, Crystal to discuss Kaiju No. 8 by Naoya Matsumoto. First published digitally on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app, Kaiju No. 8 is a series written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto. It’s the story of Kafka Hibino, a kaiju-corpse cleanup guy who still dreams about making it into the Japan Defence Force, an elite military unit who eliminate the Kaiju that terrorise the country, to fulfil a childhood promise to his friend Mina. But when Kafka gets a second chance to try out for the defence force, he undergoes an unexpected transformation! How can he fight Kaiju now that he’s become one himself? Join us as we get into the weeds on what it means to be 'kaiju', the fine line between quality and originality, and dropping many, many hot takes... Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Aug 12, 2024

On this week's episode, I'm joined by Graphic Designer / Comic artist Jibé to discuss the classic manga The Ghost in The Shell by Masamune Shirow. Originally published from April 1989 to November 1990 in Kodansha’s Young Magazine, The Ghost in the Shell is considered a seminal work not only in the manga sphere, but as a foundational piece of the cyber punk genre. It is the tale of cyborg super agent Major Motoko Kusanagi and the Public Security Section 9 counter-cyberterrorist organisation. When Major Kusanagi tracks the master hacker, the Puppet Master, her quest leads her into a world beyond information and technology where the very nature of consciousness and the human soul are turned upside down. It’s a tale of politics, technology and metaphysics that poses the question: what does it truly mean to be human? Join us as we role up our philosophical (not to mention metaphorical) sleeves to discuss the themes of the book, compare what's on the page to the anime OVA and somehow end up drawing comparisons between it and classical literature... Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Aug 5, 2024

On this week's episode, I'm joined by Lea from Faraos Cigarer in Copenhagen to discuss the excellent God Bless the Mistaken by Nakatani Nio ! Originally published in ASCII Mediawork’s Dengeki Daioh magazine in Japan, God Bless the Mistaken is the 2021 follow up to Nakatani Nio’s incredibly popular Bloom Into You . Rather than Yuri romance though, God Bless the Mistaken is a sci-fi slice of life story in which Kon Wataya becomes a research assistant of his landlord, Kasane Himesaki, the world’s leading expert on Exceptional Phenomena. What are Exceptional Phenomena, while simply put, they’re bugs in reality that cause the world to alter in interesting and often inconvenient ways. In their ever changing world, there’s only one thing that’s certain, and that’s the most ordinary moments can sometimes be the most extraordinary of all! Join us to hear our theories on the title, the dangers of working construction in a bug filled world and Lea's top 3 one shot recommendations! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 29, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined (for real this time!) by Zane of the Undisputed Anime Podcast to chew the fat about Delicious in Dungeon by Ryōko Kui! Originally published in Enterbrain’s Harta magazine from 2014 to 2023, Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui is a manga that undoubtedly became the smash hit of the Spring 2024 anime season. The story follows a party of young adventurers determined to fight their way back through a dungeon to save a fallen comrade. There’s just one problem: after their latest escape, they’ve lost all of their money and provisions! How can they survive in a dungeon without food? But Laios, one of the young adventurers has a brilliant idea: ‘what if instead of buying food, we ate monsters in the dungeon instead?’ Picky eaters beware, because as the party soon learn: everything is Delicious in Dungeon. Join us to hear how we both bought this book at the same time, how Ryōko Kui reinvented some classic monsters and why this book deserves a place on your shelf! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 22, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined once again by Tom to discuss the under rated single volume story by Akira Toriyama, Sand Land! Originally serialised in Shonen Jump between May and August of the year 2000, Akira Toriyama’s Sandland is a 14 chapter, single volume work set on a barren Earth where Demons and Humans co-exist. In this world, the only known water supply is controlled by a greedy king, so a sheriff called Rao enlists the help of Beelzebub and Thief to look for a long lost lake to challenge the status quo. Along the way, they get into tank battles, fight bandits and even face off against a dragon. It’s a very Akira Toriyama tail for sure! Join us to hear why we both love this book, how we'd have loved more 'mature' works like this from Akira Toriyama and how one man's pain of drawing tanks can lead to such a great story! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 15, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined by the Tsu Tsu Dae , co-host of the Undisputed Anime Podcast to discuss our first Shōjo title, Orange! Launched in Shueshia’s Bessatsu Margaret magazine in March 2012, Orange is a manga by writer / artist Ichigo Takano. It's a story of teen angst, time travel and a the challenges of mental health. While the latter aren't your typical Shōjo plot points, Orange is considered to be a modern classic of the genre. Join us to hear why we both love this book, how it manages to delicately handle sensitive topics and why we need more Shōjo in the English language! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 8, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined by the AC MacDonald , creator of Twistwood Tales , to discuss the excellent Akane Banashi! Started in Shonen Jump back in February 2022, it's the story of a teenager who wants to become a Rakugo performer (aka a Rukugo-Ka) to prove the worth of her father's art after his explosion from the Arakawa school. Join us as we discuss why we both adore this manga, the joys of stories about stories and how the manga inspired Mat to seek out a real Rakugo performance while on his last Tokyo trip! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jul 1, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined once again by Tom to talk about one of our favourites: Fullmetal Alchemist. Launched in 2001 in Square Enix’s Monthly Shonen Gangan, Fullmetal Alchemist is a corner stone of early 2000’s shonen manga. It’s the story of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers with a gift for alchemy, on a quest to find the philosophers stone to right the wrongs of their youth and restore their bodies after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life using their gift. Join us as we about why this manga is still remembered so fondly almost 20 years after release, why it was big in the UK and how it balances humour and tragedy like nothing else on the shelves of your local comic book store! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 23, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined by Alex (aka snesdrunk ) to talk about the wonderful Frieren: Beyond Journey's End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe As the title suggest, the manga is the story of Frieren, the titular Elven mage, who at the beginning of the story has defeated the Demon King with her fellow adventures and brought peace to the land. But Frieren, being an elf, will long outlive the rest of her former party. Decades after their victory, at the funeral of one of her party members, Frieren is forced to confront her near immortality and sets off to fulfil the last wishes of her old comrades and start a new adventure. Join us as we chat about why it's the best 16-bit RPG never made, the wonders of stories like this and how it's a warm cup of tea in manga form! For the avid newsletter readers amongst you, find and support Alex's substack here ! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 16, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined by Ian Sta. Maria ( takbotikbalang ) to talk about the excellent Battle Angel Alita by Yukito Kishiro! Originally published in Shueisha’s Business Jump from 1990 to 1995, Gunmu, or Battle Angel Alita as we know it in the West, is a Cyber Punk epic about an amnesiac female cyborg called Alita. Who after being revived by cyber doctor Daisuke Ido, sets off on a quest to uncover her forgotten past on the streets of Iron City. Join us as we chat about what makes the book so strong, the challenges of localisation and why you should never take the word of a teenage tastemaker at your local comic book store! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 9, 2024

On this episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined by AC ( aka ProdTally ) to talk in depth about Rumiko Takahashi's Urusei Yatsura. It’s the story of Ataru Moroboshi, an extremely unlucky and lecherous guy who is randomly selected by a computer to face off against an alien race, known as the Oni, in a game of tag to prevent them taking over the world. His opponent? The daughter of their leader, the vivacious Lum. And that’s only the start of it! Join us as we chat about what we love about Lum and Takahashi's work in general, what made AC start #DailyLum and much more besides! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 9, 2024

Join us we set sail on a new podcasting adventure called Manga Tak! On this first episode, Mat talks with his long time podcasting partner Tom to discuss Eiichiro Oda's classic: One Piece! One Piece is the story of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who embarks on a quest to seek out Gold Roger's ultimate treasure, the One Piece, and fulfil his dream to become the King of Pirates! Join us as we talk about one of our favourite Manga series' of all time and why we think that even if you're intimidated by it's 100+ volumes, One Piece is something that should be on your manga reading list! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod

Jun 9, 2024

On this pilot episode of Manga Tak, Mat is joined by Zane from Undisputed Anime to talk in depth about Gege Akutami's Jujutsu Kaisen Zero. The story follows Yuta, who is a high school student haunted by his childhood sweetheart, Rika. After a tragic accident, Rika is turned into special grade, vengeful curse that forces Yuta to keep his distance from everyone for fear of what she’ll do to them. After an incident at his old school, Yuta is taken in by Satoru Gojo and enrolled in Tokyo Jujutsu Technical High: a training school for Jujutsu sorcerers, in order for him to learn to use his powers. Join us for a very in-depth chat that ended up informing the format of the show going forward, but be warned: there will be spoilers! Thanks to Juliano Zucareli for our theme music! Find us on: X: Manga Tak Pod Bluesky: Manga Tak Pod Instagram: Manga Tak Pod