Anime Ichiban

Anime Ichiban Final: A Buncha Weebs Signing Off

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 17:56:25 -0500

At last, it's time to bring the chapter of Anime Ichiban to a close. We've laughed, we've never cried, and we've had good times. We take a moment to reminisce about the journey this podcast has been and what it's brought into our lives. please enjoy our final episode.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and favorite podcast moments
11:32 - Most memorable anime of 2020
1:08:55 - What has anime brought into our lives?
1:22:41 - Closing and farewells

TRACKS

Intro - "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Yoko Takahasi (NEon Genesis Evangelion opening theme)
Outro - "Dango Daikazoku" by Chata (CLANNAD ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 51: Punching Lights Out

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 16:52:55 -0500

The anime industry is trying to be more inclusive of female talents and the Cowboy Bebop Netflix live-action series is trying to not be terrible. The crew tackle this and more in this penultimate episode of the podcast.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
5:54 - Minako Fujiyoshi speaks to the difficulties of being a female anime producer
31:13 - Current YouTube population of VTubers
34:50 - Cowboy Bebop live-action trailer discussion
48:30 - SHITUSMON! What were the most impactful anime of 2019?
1:28:21 - Closings remarks & shoutouts

TACKS

Intro - "Theme of the NOMAD" by mabanua (Megalobox 2: NOMAD opening theme)
Outro - "from the edge" by LiSA (Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 50: And Then There Was Space

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 16:53:43 -0500

A recent interview with the writer of Zombieland Saga reveals just how much effort went into writing a trans character and companies continue to try, and fail, to copyright silly things.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
10:53 - Zombieland Saga's writer and producer talk about writing Lily's character
28:05 - Shueisha fails in copyrighting Demon Slayer patterns
35:53 - SHITSUMON! Looking back at the most impactful anime of 2018
1:13:23 - Closing remarks and shoutouts

TRACKS

Intro - "KISS OF DEATH" by Hyde (Darling in the FRANXX opening theme)
Outro - "From Here From Now On" by Inori Minase, Kana Hanazawa, Yuka Iguchi, and Saori Hayami (A Place Further Than the Universe ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 49: A Sea of Stars and Water

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 16:29:12 -0500

The gang is back after a short break! We have a rare instance of a Western franchise getting the anime treatment with Star Wars Visions but don't get comfortable yet, because to balance it out One Piece is now getting a Netflix live-action adaptation and the gang isn't sure if that's a net positive or net negative.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Opening segment and introductions
16:06 - Star Wars Visions PV Impressions
31:44 - One Piece Netflix live-action series announcement
56:03 - In other news!
1:04:00 - SHITSUMON! The most influential anime of 2017
1:29:03 - Closing remarks and shoutouts

TRACKS

Intro - "We Are!" by Hiroshi Kitadani (One Piece opening theme)
Outro - "Hoshi wo Tadoreba" by Ohara Yuiki (Little Witch Academia ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 48: Pokémon Living it Up!

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 17:06:27 -0500

After far, far too long the whole crew is finally reunited in the same episode! It looks like Pokémon is going to be getting a full, live-action TV series and for once that doesn't seem like a bad thing. Meanwhile, 2016 had some pretty important shows.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
6:12 - Netflix live-action Pokémon TV series reportedly in early production
28:11 - In other news: Mamoru Hosoda's Belle box office performance, Higurashi spoiler legal ninja squad, and Ghibli Museum fundraiser
50:09 - SHITSUMON! Discussing the most impactful shows of 2016
1:32:06 - Closing remarks and shoutouts

TRACKS

Intro - "Pokémon Theme" by Jason Paige (Pokémon season 1 opening theme)
Outro - "Update" by miwa (My Hero Academia Season 3 ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 47: May the Weebs Be With You

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 14:45:40 -0500

Star Wars is getting a pretty sick looking anime project and weebs who have little idea how the industry actually works pretend they know it all in this Anime Ichiban episode.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introductions and video game chatter
14:20 - Star Wars Visions
38:22 - Anime Tube
54:02 - Vtubers
1:10:44 - Closing remarks and shoutouts

TRACKS
Intro - “Caesura of Despair” by IRyS
Outro - “Black Out” by OBSYDIA

Anime Ichiban 46: Vtubers at The Speed of Sound

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 19:11:05 -0500

One of the most prominent Vtubers, Kiyru Coco, is graduating from hololive at the same time we get a... Sonic Vtuber? Harry and Matt sit down to go over these developments as well as the recent news of a live-action Made in Abyss production.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
12:38 - Sonic's Vtuber Debut
22:16 - Kiryuu Coco to graduate from hololive
39:29 - Made in Abyss live-action script ordered
54:56 - Closing remarks and shoutouts

TRACKS

Intro - "Reach For the Stars" by Cash Cash (Sonic Colors opening theme)
Outro - "Asacoco outro" by Kiryuu Coco

Anime Ichiban 45: Sayonara Miura-sensei

Sun, 30 May 2021 10:20:43 -0500

The crew is down one man but that won't stop the remaining members from gushing about the generation-defining legacy that is Kentaro Miura.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introductions
15:00 - Illegal motorbike riding depicted in Super Cub
20:50 - Skydiving for research in Neon Genesis Evangelion
23:30 - Attack on Titan sees the LARGEST comic book ever published
27:10 - Lifesaving “breathing through your anus” technique is named after Neon Genesis Evangelion
30:00 - Kyle talking about something VTuber related that I don’t quite understand
35:55 - SHITSUMON! The passing of Kentaro Miura
58:20 - Outro

TRACKS
Intro - “Tell Me Why” by PENPALS (Berserk 1997 opening theme)
Outro - “Inferno” by 9mm Parabellum Bullet (Berserk 2016 opening theme)

Anime Ichiban 44: Abyssal Magic

Sun, 09 May 2021 14:46:47 -0500

There's both a huge anime movie announcement and anime video game announcement to cover on this week's episode along with reports that the industry may be getting even more saturated than it already is in the coming years.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and "Magnum Opus or Neverland" opening segment
14:08 - Madoka Magica 4th Movie Continuation Announced
34:09 - Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness Game Announced
47:01 - Kadokawa's future increase in anime production and the state of the industry
1:03:00 - SHITSUMON! Taking a look back at the most impactful shows of 2015
1:36:57 - Closing remarks and shoutouts

TRACKS

Intro - "Colorful" by ClariS (Madoka Magica: Rebellion opening theme)
Outro - "Tabi no Hidarite, Saihate no Migite" by Miyu Tomita and Mariya Ise (Made in Abyss Ending Theme)

Anime Ichiban 43: Androids Riding Cubs to The Arctic Frontier

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 13:26:31 -0500

The new anime season is upon us and the crew takes a moment to discuss some standouts such as Super Cub, To Your Eternity, Vivy -Flourite Eye's Song-. Afterward, they continue their trip down memory lane with the most prominent shows of 2014.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and "Kill Your Babies" opening segment
14:15 - Spring season early impressions discussion
1:04:06 - SHITSUMON! Talking about the most impactful shows of 2014
1:32:47 - Closing and shout outs

TRACKS

Intro - "Sing My Pleasure" by Kairi Yagi (Vivi -Flourite Eye's Song- opening theme)
Outro - "Nai Nai" by ReoNa (Shadows House ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 42: Kill la Devils

Sun, 28 Mar 2021 13:14:02 -0500

This episode the full crew is back and dives into some heavy subject matter concerning the most recent Wonder Egg Priority episodes and continues the trip though the 2010's by looking at the most impactful shows of 2013.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and "Kill Your Babies" opening segment
12:56 - Wonder Egg Priority Discussion (Episodes 9-11)
56:13 - SHITUMON! Examing the most impactful anime of 2013
1:26:08 - Closing remarks and shoutouts

TRACKS

Intro - "Sirius" by Eir Aoi (Kill la Kill opening theme)
Outro - "Star Chart" by nano.RIPE (Devil is a Part-Timer ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 41: Bad Crunchyroll Award Predictions

Sun, 07 Mar 2021 14:27:01 -0500

It's just Matt and Harry on for this episode as they have their horribly wrong Crunchyroll Anime Award predictions shoved in their face. Wonder Egg Priority continues to be thought-provoking and just for kicks the duo craft the isekai series they'd like to see.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Intro and "Kill Your Babies"
17:34 - Wonder Egg Priority Check-in
37:33 - Crunchyroll Anime Award Results
1:03:03 - In other news...
1:10:20 - SHITSUMON! Design an isekai series
1:22:07 - Shout-outs and closing

TRACKS

Intro - "Seize the Day" by Asaka (Yuru Camp Season 2 opening theme)
Outro - "Lost in Paradise" feat. AKLO by ALI (JUJUTSU KAISEN ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 40: Eggs Full of Wonder

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:42:28 -0500

This episode experiments with a new format with a large chunk of the show focused on discussing this season's mesmerizing new series, Wonder Egg Priority. Later on, the crew talks about the year that changed modern anime as we know it.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and "Kill Your Babies"
7:38 - Wonder Egg Priority Discussion
32:21 - Japanese government considering imposing copyright laws on cosplayers
42:06 - In other news...
43:51 - SHITSUMON! The biggest anime of 2012
1:20:57 - Shout-outs and closing

TRACKS

Intro - "Sudachi no Uta" by Anemoneria (Wonder Egg Priority opening theme)
Outro - "Sakamichi no Melody" by YUKI (Kids on the Slope opening theme)

Anime Ichiban 39: Crunchyroll Anime Awards Turn Up the Heat

Sun, 24 Jan 2021 16:16:47 -0500

The Crunchyroll Anime Awards are right around the corner which means it's time for predictions! The crew also give their impressions of a bombastic new anime season as well as delve into some interesting regional streaming statistics.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and talking about the current anime season
32:22 - Most watched Crunchyroll shows by region
40:17 - In other news...
43:31 - SHITUSMON! Thought and predictions on the 2021 Crunchyroll anime Awards
1:35:50 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Kaikai Kitan" by Eve (JUJUTSU KAISEN opening theme)
Outro - "Life is Cider" by Anemoneria (Wonder Egg Priority ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 38: New Year's Brings New Types of Moons

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 17:27:46 -0500

A remake of a visual novel over a decade in the making finally makes its reappearance and the panel decides to reminisce about their favorite shows of the year.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and what have we been watching
23:27 - Tsukihime Remake resurfaced and dated
33:45 - Mamoru Hosoda's new movie announcement
43:10 - Comiket related blood donation shortages
46:31 - SHITSUMON! What are our favorite shows of 2020?
1:20:04 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "G.P." by Yutaka Yamada (Great Pretender opening theme)
Outro - "Seimeisen" by ReoNa (Tsukihime - A piece of blue glass moon opening theme)

Anime Ichiban 37: The New(er) Age of Streaming and CG

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 17:23:17 -0500

Now that the acquisition of Crunchyroll by Sony is now official, the crew gives their thoughts on what this potentially means for the anime streaming sphere; Studio Ghibli has released the first trailer for their first CGI film and it is... a trailer; and 2011 had some pretty dang good shows.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
14:19 - Crunchyroll to be purchased by Sony, owners of Funimation
26:26 - Studio Ghibli releases first trailer for its CGI film Earwig and the Witch
40:40 - Hololive ID Generation 2 debuts
43:33 - Mini-SHITSUMON: Can anime announcements and award shows ever reach the fervor that the video game industry does?
53:56 - SHITSUMON! What are the most impactful shows of 2011?
1:28:41 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "My Dearest" by Supercell (Guilty Crown opening theme)
Outro - "Magia" by Kalafina (Puella Magi MAdoka Magica ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 36: The Irony of Trash Tastes

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 17:43:34 -0500

The crew takes a trip back to 2010 when life was simpler and anime tastes were worse to take a moment and reflect on what shows have remain stuck in the fandom's mind all these years later.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and what have we been watching lately
24:52 - Kyoto Animation given Women in Animation Diversity Award
31:00 - Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex, Eden of the East) announces next project in the works
36:07 - First-ever anime and manga university department established
46:33 - SHITSUMON! A trip through the decade. What are the most impactful shows of 2010?
1:37:22 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Irony" by ClariS (OreImo opening theme)
Outro - "Brave Song" by Aoi Tada (Angel Beats ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 35: Spooky Scary Anime Send Shivers Down Our Spine

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 14:36:29 -0500

Happy Halloween! On this episode, Anime Ichiban delves into some spooky news, like monopolies and yaoi paddles. For the main topic, the gang discusses how horror can be used to elevate storytelling.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and what we've been watching
29:39 - NEWS: Sony posed to purchase Crunchyroll
40:44 - NEWS: Demon Slayer movie smashes records
48:05 - NEWS: Hetalia getting revived with a new series
51:51 - LIGHTNING NEWS: Netflix expanding anime coverage, LiSA topping the charts, ClariS reveals their faces, Steins franchise to get new VN, Mamoru Hosoda's new movie storyboarded, Girl gets her dream date with Godzilla
SHITSUMON! What anime have settings that are a character in and of themselves?
1:03:23 - SHITSUMON! How is horror used to elevate storytelling?
1:33:16 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" by Eiko Shimamiya (Higurashi When They Cry opening theme)
Outro - "Kyoumu Densen", by Ali Project (Another opening theme)

Anime Ichiban 34: The Setting Is a Stage, And Hololive Stands On It

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:26:13 -0500

Matt and Kyle have fallen deep down the proverbial hololive rabbit hole. They talk about their latest obsession along with the recent news of two of their top talents' suspension then top off with a discussion of living settings in anime.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
23:42 - Akai Haato and Kiryu Coco's hololive suspensions
45:12 - In other news...
56:57 - SHITSUMON! What anime have settings that are a character in and of themselves?
1:22:30 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Deep in Abyss" by Miyu Tomita and Mariya Ise (Made in Abyss opening theme)
Outro - Unnamed; Amelia Watson background track

Anime Ichiban 33: Coming into Maturity

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 16:38:50 -0500

Welcome to our anime waifu overlords, old and new. Join Matt and Kyle this episode as they discuss the return of the Goddess of Anime, Haruhi Suzumiya herself, then hop on over to the new virutal sensation that's finally sweeping English-speaking nations: Hololive Vtubers!

For this episode's SHITSUMON! topic, the two dive into recently released Aggretsuko Season 3 and The Great Pretender and explore how the two shows work with mature themes.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and what we've been up to
23:33 - The Return of Haruhi Suzumiya('s light novels)
37:23 - The Debut of Generation 1 of Hololive English Vtubers
53:07 - Minor news roundup: (Shenmue anime announced; Fate/Stay Night Heaven's Feel Part 3 movie debuts to huge success; KyoAni fire updates)
58:35 - SHITSUMON! How does anime portray mature themes in its storytelling?

Anime Ichiban 32: The Art of Following a Formula

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 18:45:38 -0500

Corporate shakeups and Charles Darwin spell omens of a changing global landscape for the anime industry and that the crew digs into along with how a series can effectively perform within its genre conventions.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
12:28 - Legacy piracy site KissAnime shuts down
28:45 - AT&T reportedly looking to sell Crunchyroll
43:27 - Galapagos Syndrome: Is anime in danger of losing its global identity?
58:41 - News Reel
1:02:20 - SHITSUMON! How do shows perform effectively and still entertain in genres whose formulae are already well known and expected?

TRACKS

Intro - "Cagayake! GIRLS" by Houkago Tea Time (K-ON! opening theme)
Outro - "Tsuri no sekai e" by Umino High School Breakwater Club (Our Diary at the Breakwater ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 31: The Episode Where We Get Political

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 17:37:36 -0500

Disclaimer: This episode of Anime Ichiban dives into issues covering veganism and the discourse surrounding it. We have done our best to present our ideas in an approachable and understanding fashion, but understand that these views may not be shared with our audience. We welcome any and all discussion but simply ask that you respect opposing viewpoints.

In this (spicy) episode, Matt is away, leaving Harry and Kyle to dig into the politics surrounding The Promised Neverland. Wait, politics? In my anime?! It’s more likely than you think.

Timestamps

0:00 - Introductions and what we've been up to
11:05 - (NEWS) The effects of COVID-19 bringing light to problems in the anime industry
23:47 - (NEWS) The Weekend collaborates with D'Art Shtajio to create an anime music video
28:48 - (NEWS) Viz to publish "Ask Iwata: Words of Wisdom From Nintendo's Legendary CEO"
40:02 - SHITSUMON! The Promised Neverland as an allegory for veganism and the (murky) discourse surrounding it

Tracks

Intro - "Sora Ni Utaeba" by amazarashi (My Hero Academia OP3)
Outro - "Sanbika" by Eir Aoi (Kill La Kill OST)

Anime Ichiban 30: Brand New Shows and Brand New Animals

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 18:12:09 -0500

There's been a couple of big-name anime announcements in the past few weeks with the likes a The World Ends With You and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners both stepping into the fray. What do these mean for the anime scene and what do our hosts think of Trigger's Brand New Animal?

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
11:32 - Anime Expo Lite happened
18:43 - The World Ends With You Anime Revealed
28:22 - Cyberpunk: Edgerunners announced
40:00 - Can there be too long a time in-between anime seasons?
55:22 - Brand New Animal In-Depth Discussion and Impressions
1:24:32 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Ready to" by Sumire Morohoshi (Brand New Animal opening theme)
Outro - "NIGHT RUNNING" by AAAMYYY (Brand New Animal ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 29: Showing Tropes the Ropes

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 17:02:37 -0500

The crew is back to discuss the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement in the context of the anime industry as well as ponder why we watch so many tropey anime.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and what have we been watching
13:41 - The anime industry and Black Lives Matter
32:08 - Anime studios' opinions on partnering with Netflix
42:49 - Covid-19's impact on anime production and how studios are working around it
49:37 - Lightning news roundup
1:05:12 - SHITSUMON! What are some of the worst anime tropes and what are some examples of them used in a meaningful way?

TRACKS

Intro - "ebb and flow" by Ray (Nagi no Asukura opening theme)
Outro - "Kimi wa Tenneniro" by Eiichi Ohtaki (Kakushigoto ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 28: The Key to a Dog's Heart

Sun, 24 May 2020 15:57:18 -0500

The original crew is finally back together to talk about some exciting new anime announcements, the state of the industry, and what games could be translated to the 2D medium!

TIMESTAMPS

15:59 - New Inuyasha sequel series announcement
24:44 - Air Comiket Performance
31:34 - New Key, Aniplex, and P.A. Works collaboration announcement
37:49 - A special Pokemon ranking
44:13 - 2018 Domestic Anime Industry Report
55:53 - Quick Headlines
58:04 - Game: Which number is larger?
1:10:17 - MAIN TOPIC! Which video game would we want to see be made into an anime?
1:37:37 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

"Change the World" by V6 (Inuyasha opening theme)
"Brave Song" by Aoi Tada (Angel Beats ending theme)

Anime Ichiban EX: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Spoiler-Cast

Sun, 03 May 2020 11:29:41 -0500

This is a special episode that goes off-road a little bit to talk about something not entirely anime-related. Final Fantasy 7 Remake has been out for about a month now and fellow GoombaStompers have a lot to say about it!

TIMESTAMPS (these are very loose in this episode)

0:00 - Renan's introduction and familiarity with FF7
8:58 - Combat discussion
32:44 - Characters and world
53:44 - Story, ending, and future prospects

TRACKS

Intro - "The Prelude" by Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy 7 Remake OST)
Outro - "Final Fantasy 7 Remake Main Theme" by Nobuo Uematsu

Anime Ichiban 27: Antagonizing Cicadas

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 15:14:35 -0500

There's been quite a few announcements in the anime sphere with unlikely reboots of beloved series as well as the departure of a beloved director. The crew also touches on what goes into a good baddie.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introductions and "Pitch it to me!"
16:48 - Masaaki Yuasa steps down as Science SARU's president
26:47- New Higurashi: When They Cry anime project
36:11 - Tokyo Mew Mew remake
38:55 - Bleach anime continuation and Burn The Witch movie announcements
45:15 - Manga Productions's new anime series
49:40 - Sonic Zones: Real of Fake?
57:21 - SHITSUMON! What goes into making a compelling anime antagonist?

TRACKS

Intro - "Tadahitori" by Bakudan Johnny (Opening theme for Ping Pong the Animation)
Outro - "Taishou a" by anNina (Ending theme for Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai)

Anime Ichiban 26: Isekai From the Comfort of Your Home

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 14:05:56 -0500

As the crew settles in for a long period of social distancing they discuss what kind of show they'd wanna be stuck with for all eternity if given the choice. The sheer absurdity of the isekai genre is also put on full display as Kyle and Harry fumble through one of Matt's schemes.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Intros and "Pitch it to me!"
15:24 - Bleach 20th Anniversary Project
25:15 - Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hinokami Chifuutan game announcement
30:48 - My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising overseas performance and impressions
40:43 - Toei Animation and Saudi Arabian collaboration film The Journey
46:52 - Weathering With You awards and Shinkai's next project
51:17 - Isekai Names: Real or Fake?!
1:06:19 - SHITSUMON! What show would we watch over and over again if stuck with. What makes a show rewatchable?

TRACKS

Intro - "Shiny Ray" by YURiKA (Little Witch Academia opening theme)
Outro - "Dango Daikazoku" by Chata (CLANNAD ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 25: A Recipe for Romance

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 20:28:07 -0500

The Anime Ichiban crew is in a Valentine's mood and discuss what makes for a memorable romance and couple in anime. Oh, and some pseudo-hentai got yanked from streaming and broadcast services.

TIMESTAMPS

16:08 - Carole & Tuesday Director, Shinichiro Watanabe, Interview Tidbits
22:12 - Interspecies Reviewers's Removal from Streaming and Broadcasting Platforms
30:15 - Paranoia Agent Streaming for First Time Ever
33:49 - Japanese Publishing Industry Statistics
38:13 - Fate/Grand Order Global Revenue
41:50 - Main Event: What makes for a compelling romance in anime? What are some of our favorites? What can the anime medium accomplish with romance that others can't?

TRACKS

Intro - "Uso no Hibana" by 96neko (Scum's Wish opening theme)
Outro - "Hold Me Now" by Vo.Nai BrXX & Celeina (Carole & Tuesday ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 24: Forecasting the Anime Awards

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 19:13:32 -0500

Matt and Kyle have some fresh hottakes on Makoto Shinkai's newest film, Weathering With You. The Crunchyroll Anime Awards are also a thing happening which means it's time for the crew to demonstrate once again how off their tastes are.

TIMESTAMPS

13:41 - Satoshi Konposthumously honored
18:14 - TRIGGER's "Brand New Animal" project
28:20 - Netflix adds the entire Ghibli library to their catalog!... in some places
31-37 - "Weathering With You" Impressions and Thoughts
1:02:33 - Crunchyroll Anime Award Predictions
1:38:36 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Kiss Me" by Vo.Nai BrXX＆Celeina Ann ("Carole & Tuesday" opening theme)
Outro - "Drown" by milet ("Vinland Saga" ending theme 2)

Anime Ichiban 23: New Decade, Same Questionable Tastes

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 17:48:46 -0500

Welcome to 2020! Lots of things have happened in the past few weeks, not the last of which is Hatsune Miku making her Coachella debut. Later, we take a look back at some of our more questionable choices in anime and how on earth we manage to defend them.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introduction and What We've Been Playing
17:46 - Hatsune Miku to Perform at Coachella
25:29 - Crunchyroll's "Most Watched Shows of the Decade"
30:03 - Funimation's Popularity Awards
38:13 - Wages in the Japanese Animation Industry
45:38 - Miki Yoshikawa's New, Fan-Picked Serialization
47:08 - Legal Trouble Brewing for Mangadex
57:02 - Highest Grossing Domestic Anime Films for Japan in 2019
59:33 - What Shows Surprised Us and/or What Shows Do We Enjoy But Have a Hard Time Defending?

TRACKS

Intro - "Dream X Scramble!" by Airi (Keijo!!!!!!!! OP)
Outro - "Lucky☆Orb feat. Hatsune Miku" by emon(Tes.)

Anime Ichiban 22: Those That Make History

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 21:38:53 -0500

It's the last Anime Ichiban episode of the decade which means it's time for a little something special! Join the crew as they take a trip down anime lane and pick apart what made some of the most influential shows of the decade so impactful.

TIMESTAMPS

17:21 - Update on 2020 Olympic Gundam space launch
22:44 - Yoshiyuki Tomimo and Rumiko Takahashi recognized with government Cultural Honor award
25:48 - Global anime market growth
32:08 - New Retro Crush streaming service
36:26 - SHITSUMON! What are some of the most influential shows of the decade and why were they so?

TACKS

Intro - "crossing field" by LiSA (Sword Art Online opening theme)
Outro - "Holy night's Dong" by Tai no Kobone

Anime Ichiban 21: Explosions are so Kakkoii!

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 20:57:13 -0500

The Konosuba movie delivers on almost all fronts while this anime season delivers more shows of varying quality.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
10:03 - Konosuba movie impressions and revenue news
22:23 - DEEMO movie announcement
26:29 - A cruise for anime fans
30:22 - Clip Paint Sudio manga software donated to Texan schools
34:05 - The decline of Japanese arcades
38:53 - Yuki Kaji monetizes his voice even more
42:17 - This week in stage play adaptations
49:47 - Tokyo anime studio exhibition
51:08 - SHITSUMON! The yabai, the ma ma, and the kakkoii of this season
1:20:38 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Papapa" by Shuka Saito (ORESUKI opening theme)
Outro - "Chisana Boukensha" by Sora Amamiya, Rie Takahashi, and Ai Kayano (Konosuba first season ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 20: See You Space Shounen

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 19:08:40 -0500

Harry makes his return to the Anime Ichiban crew after a short absence to talk about the thing he knows best: passionate young men overcoming obstacles with their fists/swords/forehead.

Note: Apologies for the strange audio overlap for the last minute of the episode. There were some strange syncing issues.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introductions
11:05 - Cowboy Bebop live-action actor injured on set
20:04 - Yu-Gi-Oh card game milestone
26:04 - What anime character Japan wants as their boss
32:47 - The newest stage play adaptation
37-38 - Make some pizza with the Promare team
41:58 - Weathering With You finally falls out of the Top 10 at the box office
50:41 - Shitsumon! What makes a good shounen protagonist?
1:21:31 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Tank!" by Seatbelts (Cowboy Bebop opening theme)
Outro - "Koukai no Uta" by Sayuri (My Hero Academia Season 4 ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 19: Food for Thought

Mon, 07 Oct 2019 19:08:28 -0500

It's the start of the Fall season and Matt and Kyle settle in for a cozy episode full of social media snafu's, glimpses into our future ruled by robot overlords, and salivating culinary feats!

TIMESTAMPS

1:38 - General thoughts on the Bunny Girl-senpai movie
10:03 - Ash Ketchum finally becomes the very best!
13:29 - Tanjiro voice actor blocked from Kimetsu no Yaiba Twitter account?
17:29 - Fate/Stay the Night in Illya's castle
21:59 - Sony Pictures, Funimation, and Aniplex division consolidations
25:02 - This week in anime stage plays
27:31 - Weathering With You continues to be insanely successful
32:53 - Growing yearly anime concert revenue (plus Love Live tangents)
40:43 - AI to draw a "new" Osamu Tezuka manga
49:25 - My Hero One's Justice 2 announced... yay?
58:14 - SHITSUOMON! What are our favorite instances and uses of food in anime?
1:25:49 - Closing Remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Gotta Catch 'Em All!" by John Siegler, John Loeffler, and Jason Paige (Pokemon Season 1 opening theme)

Outro - "Fukashige no Carte" by Various [Asami Seto this instance] (Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl-senpai ending theme 1)

Anime Ichiban 18: Wanna Be KFC's #1 Fan

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 19:56:20 -0500

A lot has happened in the anime sphere in the past few weeks with fried chicken attempting to become mainstream and voice actors making dubious sounds. The Anime Ichiban combs over it all while also offering their thoughts on possibilities for disjointed storytelling that Haruhi kicked off thirteen long years ago.

TIMESTAMPS

10:24 - The search for Evangelion's #1 fan
15:04 - MangaRock going official and rebranding as MR Comics
23:25 - Grabbing drinks with popular Virtual YouTubers
27:43 - Weathering With You continues to be successful and the sky is still blue
31:29 - This week in theater play adaptations
36:13 - KFC's official dating sim visual novel
52:29 - The Funimation Dragon Ball Z leaks
1:03:01 - The bizarre case of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya's broadcast and the possibilities of something similar in the future

TRACKS

Intro - "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" by Yoko Takahashi (Neon Genesis Evangelion opening theme)
Outro - "Hare Hare Yukai" by Aya Hirano, Minori Chihara and Yūko Gotō (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 17: Be Happy, Watch Anime

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 15:19:40 -0500

みんなさんおはよう！ In our meaty 17th episode, the gang catches up on a lot of different topics. From Three Houses to Kyle's vacation in Japan to our mutual love of Kimetsu no Yaiba, we had more than plenty to talk about. Hear what life is like on the other side of the world in this installment of Anime Ichiban!

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and Three Houses
15:56 - News: Redline streaming for free on YouTube
18:33 - News: Psycho-Pass stage play
21:54 - News: Dragon Quest V movie and fan backlash
27:18 - News: Weathering With You's first month in the box office
30:48 - News: Summer Comiket 96
37:19 - News: The author of Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches and fan input for her next series
39:57 - News: Author of Higurashi collaborating with artist of Clannad for new visual novel
43:30 - Kyle's trip to Japan
1:10:11 - Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba impressions thus far
1:35:05 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Good Morning World" by BURNOUT SYNDROMES (Dr. Stone opening theme)
Outro - "veil" by Keina Suda (Fire Force ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 16: Detonation!

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 18:42:14 -0500

After a rather lengthy break, the crew returns with another round of spicy discussions. Join them as they delve into Venice tours and what's hot this new anime season.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions
14:32 - Honoring Kyoto Animation
20:37 - Venice, Italy ARIA the Animation Tour
27:20 - Crunchyroll service coming to HBO Max
34:25 - Premium Manga Framing
38:59 - Japanese government program for spreading anime
43:28 - Japanese Blu-Ray Rankings
48:55 - MAIN TOPIC: What have we been watching this season?
1:19:00 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Gurenge" by LiSA (Opening theme for Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer)
Outro - "Macho a Name" by Kaito Ishikawa (Ending theme for How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?)

Kyoto Animation relief GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kyoani-heal

Anime Ichiban 15: Location, Location, Localization

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 19:29:13 -0500

E3 just wrapped up and the crew can't contain their excitement about it. We incorporate a bit of our passion for games into a discussion on localization and the challenges thereof.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Introductions and E3 Hype
15:00 - News: Your Lie in April in a classical music festival
25:23 - News: Code Geass director on the current anime environment
32:37 - News: NRA Japan anime PR ambassadors
36:10 - News: Crunchyroll viewership statistics
44:30 - Main Topic: What makes up a good game or anime localization?
1:02:25 - Main Topic: Anime adaptations that exceed and failed to meet expectations
1:17:31 - Closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro - "Kaze no Uta" by FLOW (Tales of Zestiria the X opening theme)
Outro - "Lucky Ending" by Vickeblanka (Fruits Basket 2019 ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 14: The Old is New and The New is Old

Thu, 30 May 2019 18:23:29 -0500

There’s a lot happening over in The Land of the Rising Sun as the Anime Ichiban Crew discusses a variety of news topics such as launching Gundam plamo’s into space. Along the way the important topic of waifu’s comes up along with what older anime deserve to be remastered a la Fruits Basket.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Introductions and what have we been playing
14:00 – Lightning News Round-up (Tokyo Olympics, manga ink, and more)
39:48 – The concept of “waifus” in respect to Japanese and Western culture
1:00:48 – What older anime series would we like to be seen given the remake treatment?
1:21:40 – Closing remarks

TRACKS
Intro – “Naraku no Hana” by Yumiko (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni Kai opening theme)
Outro – “Magia” by Kalafina (Puella Magi Madoka Magica ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 13: How to Make a Masterpiece

Thu, 30 May 2019 18:18:11 -0500

Spring has sprung and so has a whole new season! Join us as we dig into what’s new and upcoming into the world of anime. Afterward, the Anime Ichiban gang takes a look at production problems faced by studios and what exactly makes a masterpiece.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions and What We’ve Been Playing
13:05 – Spring News Round-Up
37:28 – Rate the Blu-Rays!
45:36 – The Problems and Pitfalls With Anime Production
1:11:13 – What Makes a Masterpiece?

TRACKS

Intro – “Kimama na Tenshi-tachi” by WataTen5 (WATATEN!: an Angel Flew Down on Me OP)
Outro – “Kimi no Namae” by Chiai Fujikawa (The Rising of the Shield Hero ED 1)

Anime Ichiban 12: One Moe Punch to End Them All

Thu, 30 May 2019 18:08:02 -0500

After almost three whole months the whole crew is finally back together! Attack on Titanis supporting the fashion industry, One Punch Man Season 2 is showing some moderate signs for concern, and Japan continues to prove that they are the world-renowned leader in cute psychology. All of these topics and more on this episode of the Anime Ichiban Podcast!

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Introductions
4:49 – Lightning Anime News Round-up
35:11 – One Punch Man Season 2 hopes and concerns
48:57 – “Cuteness” in the context of Japan and the rest of the world (and a dab of the Olympics)
1:07:12 – Closing Remarks

TRACKS
Intro – “The Hero!! Set Fire to the Furious Fist!” by JAM Project (One Punch Man opening)
Outro – “Happy Happy Friends” by WataTen5 (WATATEN! ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 11: Take the Good, Take the Bad

Thu, 30 May 2019 18:00:01 -0500

With Matt away for this episode, Harry and Kyle dig in and brace against the harsh winter weather with anime and games that cheer us up. On the flipside, we also dig into shows and other things that make us feel absolutely miserable! Fun times ahead!

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions and What We’ve Been Playing
13:26 – How Anime, Manga, and Games Get Us Out of Funks
42:09 – The Good (and Bad) of Social Media
50:04 – Lessons On How Not to be a Jerk

TRACKS

Intro – Miku by Anamanaguchi (feat. Hatsune Miku) [Japanese Version]

Outro – Shiny Ray by YURiKA (Little Witch Academia OP 1)

Anime Ichiban 10: And The Winner Is...!

Thu, 30 May 2019 17:52:07 -0500

We’re back with the first episode of the New Year to talk about a hodge-podge of news topics that have occurred in the crew’s absence. On top of that all we have the Crunchyroll Awards on the horizon as well as a brand new season of anime to dissect!

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions and New Years Resolutions
7:50 – New Years News Round-up
30:15 – Rank The Season Blu-Ray Releases
36:25 – Crunchyroll Anime Awards Hopes and Predictions
1:02:12 – Winter Anime Season Shout-outs

TRACKS

Intro – “Kimi no Sei” by the peggies (Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl-senpai opening theme)
Outro – “shadowgraph” by MYTH & ROID (Boogiepop and Others opening theme)

Anime Ichiban 8: And Now the Weather, With Makoto Shinkai

Thu, 30 May 2019 17:46:32 -0500

How did our intrepid hosts and guest star Noah get into anime? Is Makoto Shinkai considering becoming a weatherman with his newest announced film? Does the Santa of anime exist? Join the Anime Ichiban crew for a jolly end-of-year episode and find out.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Introducing Noah
10:00 – How did we get into anime?
25:52 – Discussing the Weather With You Announcement, Makoto Shinkai’s Next Film
39:09 – Studio Ghibli Side-Topic
45:41 – What anime series would we want Anime Santa to make for us?
1:08:26 – Closing Remarks

TRACKS
Intro – “Zen Zen Zense” by Radwimps (Your Name Insert Song)
Outro – “Holy Night” performed by Rie Kugimiya and Eri Kitamura (Toradora! Insert Song)

Anime Ichiban 8: Fall Into Anime

Thu, 30 May 2019 16:58:06 -0500

As the leaves fall and a chill sweeps through the air, Matt, Harry, and Kyle talk about the best comfy shows to cozy up with. The gang then revisits an old topic with a twist! How do you bring a live-action show to animation? Which Western series could work as an anime?

All of this and more on this episode of Anime Ichiban!

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions and what we’ve been up to / watching
12:16 – SSSS.Gridman and the merits of live action
19:58 – Comfy, cozy shows to watch in the Fall/Winter
34:09 – How animation and live action offer different viewing experiences
46:49 – Which live action series could work as an anime?

TRACKS

Intro – “SHINY DAYS” by Asaka (Yuru Camp opening theme)
Outro – “Solo Camp no Susume” by Akiyuki Tateyama (Yuru Camp OST track)

Anime Ichiban 7: Attack on Dracula

Thu, 30 May 2019 16:39:10 -0500

We have fellow GoombaStomp editor, Mike Worby, on as a guest host this episode to help the crew dive into the wild ride that is Attack On Titan. Some members also have choice words about Netflix’s new season of Castlevania, as well as some rapid-fire discussion on the ending of the union between Crunchyroll and Funimation.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Introductions
8:13 – Attack on Titan Season 3 Discussion
31:27 – Castlevania Season 2 Discussion
55:24 – Shows this season to be on the lookout for.
1:04:44 – What does the ending of the Crunchyroll and Funimation partnership mean?
1:12:08 – Closing Remarks

TRACKS
Intro – “Requiem Of The Dawn” by Linked Horizon (Attack On Titan Season 3 ending theme)
Outro – “Hikari e” by Kaede Hondo, Asami Tano, Risa Taneda, Maki Kawase, Rika Kunigawa, and Minami Tanaka (Zombieland Saga ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 6: Why Haven't We Been Summoned to Another World Yet?

Thu, 30 May 2019 16:33:34 -0500

One anime season ends and another begins. The crew takes one final look at My Hero Academia before turning their attention to the world of alternate worlds. Where has the isekai genre been? Where is it going? How can it innovate and excite again? Can Kirito graduate from being a cardboard protagonist?

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions and what have we been playing
9:13 – My Hero Academia Season Review
21:32 – My Hero Academia: Two Heroes Movie Spoiler-Free Impressions
31:35 – Main Topic: The market oversaturation of isekai series and what it means.
1:00:09 – What are we excited about in the new anime season and closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro – “ADAMAS” by LiSA (Sword Art Online: Alicization opening theme)
Outro – “Another colony” by TRUE (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ending theme)

Anime Ichiban 5: The Fate of Magical Girls

Tue, 28 May 2019 17:50:16 -0500

Why are there so many anime arena fighters and why are they still not so good? Why are we getting a new Madoka Magica TV series? Why is the Fate franchise such a mess now? The Anime Ichiban crew attempts to answer these dire questions in this week’s heated discussions.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions and what have we been playing?
14:50 – My Hero Academia: One’s Justice and the resurgence of anime arena fighters
33:18 – What the announcement of the new Madoka Magica anime means for the series.
46:10 – The fate of the Fate franchise
1:03:03 – What series writers do we admire and closing remarks

TRACKS

Intro – “Colorful” by ClariS (Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Rebellion opening theme)
Outro – “Sis puella magica” composed by Yuki Kajiura (Puella Magi Madoka Magicaoriginal soundtrack)

Anime Ichiban 4: All Killer, No Filler

Tue, 28 May 2019 17:47:13 -0500

How do you create a story that remains entertaining for hundreds of hours, thousands of pages later? The Anime Ichiban team tackles this question when debating what goes into a successful long-running anime series. They also dive into the unique nature of Octopath Traveler’s divisive story-telling as well as Cells at Work!‘s ability to portray niche topics in fun, yet accurate, ways.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions
2:51 – Topic: Making long-running series work and the tricky art of filler material
13:00 – Octopath Traveler and the nature of long JRPG’s
38:20 – Cells at Work! and Anime’s Portrayal of Niche Topics
55:43 – Closing Remarks

TRACKS

Intro – “Make my story” by Lenny code fiction ( My Hero Academia Season 3 second opening theme)
Intermission – “Fish” by Kaleidoscope
Outro -“CheerS” by ClariS (Cells at Work! opening theme)

Anime Ichiban 3: Too Sexy For My Sexy Robot

Tue, 28 May 2019 17:44:39 -0500

This week’s episode has fellow GoombaStomper, Ed Moreno, on the show to talk about the ups and downs of attending the largest anime convention in the US, Anime Expo. The group also shares their thoughts on sexual content growing more prominent outside of the primary medium with the recent addition of an 18+ section at AX, as well as taking the opportunity to fully tear into DARLING in the FRANXX now that the dust has settled. It’s a meaty episode, so buckle up!

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions (Welcoming Ed)
7:26 – Ed’s Journey to AX
36:55 – Main Topic: The growing exposure of sexual content in anime and what it means for the medium in the future.
1:09:44 – DARLING in the FRANXX Final Thoughts
1:35:34 – Closing

TRACKS

Intro – “KISS OF DEATH” by Mika Nakashima x Hyde (DARLING in the FRANXX Opening Theme)
Outro – “Darling” by XX:me (DARLING in the FRANXX Ending Theme)

Anime Ichiban 2: Killing Some Live-Actions

Tue, 28 May 2019 17:30:07 -0500

The crew is back with episode two of the Anime Ichiban Podcast, which means a single episode wasn’t enough to get them to hate each other yet. Join Harry, Matt, and Kyle as they speculate what the new Kill la Kill game recently announced will be like, as well as fumble through their thoughts on why Western live-action adaptations of anime series almost always, without fail, fall flat on their face.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 – Introductions and “What Have We Been Playing?”
8:36 – Arc Systems Work’s Kill la Kill Game Thoughts and Speculation
20:23 – What anime would we like to see turned into a video game?
25:11 – Why are Western live-action adaptations so bad?
56:11 – Closing Remarks

TRACKS
Intro: Eir Aoi – Sirius

Outro: GARNiDELiA – Ambiguous

Anime Ichiban 1: Pilot and Shenanigans

Tue, 28 May 2019 17:25:04 -0500

In association with GoombaStomp.com, Harry, Kyle and Matt chit-chat about anime for your listening (dis)pleasure.

Introducing the rough ‘n’ dirty pilot episode, complete with a bundle of mistakes ranging from misjudged humor to signal drop-outs. We aim to improve the quality of our future episodes significantly, but we hope that you enjoy our ramblings regardless.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Introductions and “What Have We Been Playing”
15:13 – My Hero Academia Discussion
32:57 – Darling in the FRANXX Discussion
48:52 – Main Topic: What shows do we not like that most other people do?
01:13:12 – Lucky Star Bonus Discussion and Closing

TRACKS

Intro – “ODD FUTURE” by UVERworld (My Hero Academia Season 3 Opening Theme)
Outro – “Update” by miwa (My Hero Academia Season 3 Ending Theme)