My Taste is Better Than Yours

It’s the first series review of 2026 and it’s one Samu and Enzo had a similar introduction to with an excellent anime adaptation and decided to venture into the manga post-anime. A shoujo romance fantasy that takes unexpected turns the longer it goes on, but how much of it do we agree on?Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - our first experiences with Snow White with the Red Hair9:44 Shirayuki and Zen’s relationship13:31 Other significant side characters in the series: Obi, Ryu, Izana, Mitsuhide, Raji, Hisame, Garack22:32 Spoiler discussion begins22:38 Too many characters and too many side quests where the main cast is split up25:37 Did Akizuki Sorata learn to like Shirayuki/Obi more than Shirayuki/Zen?28:08 Is the anime the definitive version of the series?29:23 Comparison to Hunter x Hunter with splitting up the cast and pairing them up31:16 It’s actually a slice of life series33:58 Later side-quest arcs: Lilias arc, Bergatt arc, Shinsu arc37:45 Zen needing a narrative shift to allowed to be more proactive39:49 Kiki and Hisame43:43 Samu’s Recommendation: The Apothecary Diaries by Natsu Hyuuga (manga by Erika Ikeda)47:11 Enzo’s Recommendation: The World is Still Beautiful by Dai Shina52:33 Overview and final scores

With the start of a new year we thought it best to highlight some of our favourite ongoing manga that deserve more love. We’ve put together a list of ten series we think are worth checking out in hopes that they can blow up, which perfectly summarise our tastes.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - shouting out manga we love that deserve more love2:04 Kemutai Hanashi by Fumiya Hanashi5:47 Starting Today We Are Childhood Friends by Midori Obiya10:19 My Oh My, Atami-kun by Asa Tanuma17:32 They Are Still Being Shaken This Morning by Eiji Masuda24:42 Here And There And Us (And Then And After) by Thanat29:32 Go With the Clouds North by Northwest by Aki Irie37:44 Dig It by Yoshidamaru44:01 The Great Villain Boy by Koume Fujichika52:36 Fool Night by Kasumi Yasuda1:01:05 Touge Oni: Primal Gods in Ancient Times by Kenji Tsurubuchi1:10:37 Extra mention: Double by Ayako Noda1:11:09 Overview of our picks

What better way to kick off the year than by revisiting our favourite topic: What’s the next big thing in anime/manga? In this episode we revisit our picks from 2024 and go through our new ones for 2026.Timecodes:0:00 Revisiting the topic: The Next Big Thing3:25 Enzo’s #2 pick: Phantom Busters by Neoshoco11:01 Samu’s #2 pick: Gokurakugai by Uto Sano19:07 Checking in our preview picks for The Next Big Thing 19:21 Sakamoto Days and Gachiakuta - both had anime, neither became mega hits24:45 Tokyo Aliens and Kindergarten Wars - neither have had anime yet29:16 Spy X Family vs Chainsaw Man - which won in the long run and which do we prefer?36:33 Apothecary Diaries vs Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End tight race as the current top hits38:46 Refresher on the Enzo’s “Kaijuu” term39:59 The Kaijuu Wall55:04 Samu’s #1 pick: Kagurabachi by Takeru Hokazono59:18 Enzo’s #1 pick: Ichi the Witch by Osamu Nishi, Shiro Usazaki1:09:20 The Next (Next) Big Thing predictions for further in the future

Just like last year, we’re ending 2025 with a ‘best of’ episode, going through various categories to shout-out as many titles that we think deserve recognition and added to your recommendations if you aren’t already familiar. Happy new year!Timecodes:0:00 - Introduction to rules, carrying on from last year1:14 Best new manga published in 20255:13 Best manga that finished in 202510:19 Best ongoing manga of 202513:53 Best manga we discovered in 202518:08 Best one-shots of the year20:04 Up-and-comer manga to keep and eye on23:10 Underappreciated gem of 202527:30 A newcomer mangaka to look out for30:42 Best character of 202537:27 Best artwork of 202542:07 Biggest trend for manga in 202547:53 Which manga got the best adaptation in 202550:15 Our most anticipated manga to anime adaptation for 202653:58 Predictions for likely anime adaptations announced in 202657:10 The manga we think our counterpart should read1:16:19 Wrap-up and reflecting on starting the podcast this year

We’re covering Dandadan by Yukinobu Tatsu this week - a series both of us have followed since the manga’s debut. Our opinions might go against the mass opinion right now, as the series has reached new audience with its impressive anime adaptation. Check it out to see what we really think of the series, its origins, and its many characters.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the kitchen sink action series we’ve read since the beginning4:04 Tatsuki Fujimoto and his many successful assistants11:19 Manga vs anime adaptation17:34 Momo’s character and her objectified depiction21:10 Golden Kamuy Effect - side characters that feel like main characters + our favourites31:35 Spoiler discussion begins31:44 Our problems with the manga’s repetitiveness and the current amnesia arc40:20 How long do we think the series will go on for?42:38 Enzo’s Recommendation: Bug Ego by ONE and Shitara Kiyoto45:24 Samu’s Recommendation: Fire Punch by Tatsuki Fujimoto49:48 Overview and final scores

We’re finally tackling a series close to Enzo’s own heart: The Dangers in My Heart by Norio Sakurai - a junior high rom-com and coming-of-age story of an introverted boy with sinister thoughts and the extraverted and most popular girl in the class; an unlikely but adorable pairing which has gotten even more popular thanks to well-received anime adaptation.. It’s finally time to get into it and see just how much we differ in our takes.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - finally covering one of Enzo’s favourite titles7:40 An unvarnished depiction of puberty10:00 Kyoutarou as a romcom protagonist: chuuni, twisted, introverted16:32 Anna and her role in the story: seemingly ditzy girl who is in on the joke, depictions of her sexuality21:20 Anime vs manga comparisons23:15 Supporting cast shout-outs: Moeko, Kana, Adachi, Kenta, Honoka, Hanzawa, Yukina30:00 Spoiler discussion begins30:32 Pre-relationship and post-relationship - comparing our feelings on both 34:25 Kyoutarou’s strong relationships with other girls in the series40:15 Moeko’s character, her relationship with Kyoutarou and getting her own boyfriend47:52 Our favourite moments of the series so far54:08 The absence of Kyoutarou’s parents in the narrative55:44 The sexualisation of Anna throughout the series and depiction of their physical relationship1:10:58 High school entrance exams - how long will the series last + the anime adaptation?1:17:28 Enzo’s Recommendation: Mysterious Girlfriend X by Ueshiba Riichi1:19:18 Samu’s Recommendation: My Perverted Youth by Hata Takashi1:21:03 Overview and final scores

It’s the final serialisation round of the year for Weekly Shonen Jump, with three new series joining the party - Gonron Egg, The Mage Next Door, and Hero Girl and Demon Lord Call it Quits. We think this batch has some potential for commercial success, and a couple of entries that seem to be trying to expand beyond the usual Jump formula. Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - our special guest this episode: Princess Usagi 2:25 Check-in on the previous serialisation round: Jujujutsu Kaisen Modulo 11:31 Series that ended: Kaedegami, Ekiden Bros, Ping-Pong Peril 15:48 Gonron Egg by Shuuhei Tanizaki26:44 The Mage Next Door by Hideyaki Nabe40:50 Hero Girl and Demon Lord Call it Quits by Hatsubina Matsuri49:04 Prediction future hits and what will leave the magazine next 50:51 Our top 5 currently running series in Weekly Shonen Jump this year

The Manga Taishō is one of the most prestigious awards a series can win, with plenty of future big-hitters gracing the shortlists every year. We decided to read all the winners of the decade so far (2020-2025) and give our takes on each and why we think they did win each year. Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - Discussion Manga Taishō in the context of other manga awards2:10 Rules of the Manga Taishō Awards5:00 Blue Period by Tsubasa Yamaguchi13:50 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe21:39 The Darwin Incident by Shun Umezawa30:38 Draw This, Then Die! (Kore Kaite Shine) by Minoru Toyoda38:48 Spacewalking With You by Inuhiko Doronoda47:47 Alice, All the Way to the Stars (Alice, Doko Made mo) by Kiko Urino59:55 Who do we think should have won each year?

It’s the second LostinAnime Patron-pick this time: Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You by Jinushi. With an anime upcoming and the buzz it’s had over the years, we’ve caught up and have plenty to talk about this little series of smoke breaks, misunderstandings, and slow-burn romance.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the second patron-picked manga for the podcast2:16 The subject of smoking and its depiction6:47 The misunderstanding trope with Sasaki and Yamada/Tayama10:41 It’s origin as a web manga, the switch in tone when it starting publishing12:51 Supporting characters: Goto and Kami-san16:40 Anime adaption incoming and our expectations20:09 Spoiler discussion begins20:15 Sasaki’s age, age-gap romance, the power dynamic, and Sasaki’s shift from Tayama to Yamada30:20 The timing of the realisations that have and will still come35:00 The other potential ships that could happen38:49 Sasaki’s unhealthy relationship work and his boss43:11 Samu’s Recommendation: Kowloon Generic Romance by Jun Mayuzuki + Cat’s Eye by Tsukasa Hojo45:45 Enzo’s Recommendation: After the Rain by Jun Mayuzuki48:52 Overview and final scores

We have two new serialisations in Weekly Shonen Jump we’re discussing this week - a distant sequel to one of its most popular titles of the past decade, and a little romcom by a newcomer - we’re charmed by one and left indifferent by another. Tune in to find which one’s which.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - check-in on the previous serialisation round6:13 Series that ended: Kill Blue and Nice Prison9:48 Check-in with current WSJ titles: Otr of the Flame, Hima-Ten!, Ichi the Witch, Shinobi Undercover19:50 Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo by Gege Akutami (Story), Yuji Iwasaki (Art)29:03 Someone Hertz by Ei Yamano38:55 First chapter ratings + predictions for its survivability39:31 Looking ahead, predicting the next series to leave the magazine?

This is the second part of our conversation on the Succession Contest arc, this time discussing everything to do with Kurapika, the Kakin Empire’s political machinations, and the mafia family conflicts. And after covering the entire series we rank all the arcs in the series by our preference as well as giving our final scores for Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter.Timestamps0:00 Introduction - part II of the discussion0:51 The ever-ambitious rules and layers of the Succession Contest6:14 Standout characters from the Kakin Empire - and which prince do we think will win?14:06 Kurapika vs Tserriednich - is Kurapika going to die in this arc?15:44 The various other storylines ongoing right now18:04 Which of the princes is Beyond Netero’s child?21:36 Melody being set up to have a pivotal part in the succession contest25:01 The mafia families - Heil-ly, Char, Xi Yu - and Morena as a standout29:03 Prediction of an anime adaptation and the length of the Succession Contest arc32:49 Samu’s Recommendation: Ooku: The Inner Chambers by Fumi Yoshinaga 34:19 Enzo’s Recommendation: Hyouge Mono by Yamada Yoshihiro 38:21 Overview and scores for the arc43:15 Our ranking of all Hunter x Hunter arcs46:36 Final scores for Hunter x Hunter

We’re catching up with Hunter x Hunter’s current arc, and despite it being unfinished there’s a plethora of storylines and characters involved that we’re splitting this discussion into the two parts it needs, like we did with Chimera Ant. This episode we talk about the Dark Continent Expedition, Hisoka vs Chrollo, and our feelings of the Phantom Troupe’s role in the current arc. Check it out and stay tuned for the rest of the discussion next week!Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - catching up to the series with the Succession Contest arc4:20 Does the Succession Contest arc feel like a Hunter x Hunter spin-off?14:29 A unique story arc with its sheer amount of every-expanding storylines18:11 The Zodiacs and the expedition, Ging and Pariston rivalry early in the arc22:48 Gon Freecss’s absence, will we cut back to him anytime soon?25:54 Hisoka vs Chrollo at Heaven’s Arena - the fanservable fight of the series31:52 Hisoka vs the Phantom Troupe on the boat - who is going to win?35:46 Fake!Hisoka theory coming to fruition37:46 Phantom Troupe backstory and parallel between Chrollo and Kurapika46:26 Tune in for Part II of the discussion!

We continue our Bleach/Rurouni Kenshin read-throughs with the famed Kyoto arc, one of Enzo’s all-time favourite of the medium which he has plenty to gush over. But will Samu feel the same way?Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the companion piece to the Soul Society episode5:04 Spoiler discussion warning5:22 Himura Kenshin as a main character, comparisons to Ichigo Kurosaki?9:48 Why is Kyoto arc considered one of the best of the series and battle shonen?14:54 Juppongatana - standouts and our favourites20:18 Honjo Kamatari depiction of the time, respectful or exploitative?22:57 Samu’s many problems with Cho “The Sword Hunter”26:22 Seijuro Hiko, Kenshin’s past, and their training36:02 Shishio success as a villain and the influence on Horikoshi’s Stain44:58 Our favourite fights52:51 Kenshin vs Shishio and the implications afterlife, and the epilogue58:51 Samu’s Recommendation: Gintama by Hideaki Sorachi1:02:28 Enzo’s Recommendation: Dororo by Osamu Tezuka1:06:09 Overview and final scores

Enzo continues his exploration into the Big 3, this time Bleach’s Soul Society arc, largely considered as one of the best of the series, and one of Samu’s defining experience as an animanga fan. We further discuss Kubo’s style as a writer, his influences, and the standout characters from the arc that properly put Bleach on the map.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - continuing our Bleach/Rurouni Kenshin read-throughs1:50 Spoiler discussion warning2:39 Soul Society arc as one of battle shonen’s best?4:04 Samu’s personal experience and fondness with the Soul Society arc5:18 The lack of backgrounds and concise writing style - is Kubo an architect or a gardener?12:50 Ichigo’s role in the Soul Society arc14:52 The interconnected thread between all the characters in Soul Society20:50 Renj’s character arc in Soul Society, guilt about Rukia and vendetta against Byakuya23:17 Byakuya’s focus and character shift near the end - setting up for the future26:15 Enzo’s standouts: Shunsui, Hanataro and Ganju31:40 Samu’s favourite character in anime and manga35:22 Rukia and the ‘damsel in distress’ trope, how it’s handled here39:19 Zanpakuto as a power system - a visual representation of character development43:24 Was Kubo influenced by Watsuki and the Kyoto arc?51:27 Villain reveal: Aizen, Gin, and Tosen’s betrayal58:05 Enzo’s Recommendation: One Punch Man by ONE and Yusuke Murata1:02:28 Samu’s Recommendation: Kekkaishi by Yellow Tanabe1:03:44 Overview and final scores

This time around we finally tackle the age old fandom question: is the anime or the manga better? This episode we go through series where we prefer the source material as well as the adaptation, including some controversial hot takes you’re not likely to hear anywhere else. As is often the case, not all of them do we agree on. Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - setting the scene with our experience and views on anime vs manga2:36 Manga > Anime - we preferred the source material3:07 Recent WSJ adaptations: Sakamoto Days and Chainsaw Man, The Promised Neverland7:36 Erased, Ooku: the Inner Chambers, Wandering Son14:52 Anime > Manga - the adaptation exceeding the source material15:12 WITCH WATCH, Dandadan, Heavenly Delusion, Chihayafuru, Mob Psycho 100, Blood Blockade Battlefront, Teasing Master Takagi-san19:44 The Elusive Samurai, Nichijou: My Ordinary Life, Attack on Titan24:48 A Silent Voice - our biggest disagreement32:14 Bleach - does Samu prefer the anime or manga?33:31 Our controversial takes33:50 Samu: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, The Flowers of Evil40:09 Enzo: Fruits Basket, Usagi Drop46:52 Conclusion - hot takes are the interesting ones!

We have a sports-heavy four serialisation round for Weekly Shonen Jump that’s just happened so take a listen to hear our takes on what gives us most optimism between baseball, long distance running, ping pong, and… demon hunting? A unique batch in many ways, with some potential chances of success among them.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - a four serialisation round, with three sports titles1:59 Check-in on the previous serialisation round: Nice Prison + Otr of the Flame13:19 Series that ended: Super Psychic Policeman Chojo, Syd Craft: Love is a Mystery, Embers, Star of Beethoven19:13 Harukaze Mound by Togo Goto and Kento Matsuura35:57 Kaedegami by Jun Harukawa52:25 Ekiden Bros by Daisuke Nono1:04:46 Ping-Pong Peril by Yoshiharu Kataoka1:12:35 First chapter ratings + predictions for its survivability

With the anime coming next week, we decided to discuss the manga of Gachiakuta by Kei Urana - one that we’ve both been reading since it was first released. In this episode we get into inspirations for its cool factor, our highlights so far, predictions for the series’ future, and whether we think the anime will manage to reach the wider audience we expected it to by this point already.Timecodes:0:00 Introduction - Gachiakuta, a manga we’ve both followed since the first chapter released5:40 The shonen “cool factor” and Bleach’s influence11:30 Would Gachiakuta work as a Weekly Shonen Jump title?15:04 Falling manga volume sales - will the anime give it a boost?24:36 Rudo - a fitting main character with strong contrasts29:54 Standouts from the supporting characters: Information Broker, Follo, Gris32:13 Spoiler discussion begins32:22 Follo - the late blooming supporting character who wants to be a main character40:18 The power system: Vital Instruments + Thoughts - similarities to Zanpakuto in Bleach43:21 What’s the deal with Tamsy - is he the final antagonist?46:36 Do we think the series will explore Rudo’s love life?50:31 The Watchman, The Watchman Series, are we in the future?53:46 How long do we think the series will last?55:11 Enzo’s Recommendation: Bleach by Tite Kubo56:25 Samu’s Recommendation: Soul Eater by Atsushi Ookubo57:56 Overview and final scores1:01:10 Is Gachiakuta among our currently-running battle shonen manga?

We’ve reached the last complete arc of Hunter x Hunter: the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc - a political thriller that picks up directly in the aftermath of the chimera ant threat. Gon is out of commission and this time Leorio and Killua get the focus split between the political and the thriller. We managed to talk the longest about one of the shortest arcs in the series, so check out to see if we think this would have been a satisfying conclusion to the series as a whole.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - the final ‘complete’ arc in Hunter x Hunter4:44 Togashi’s most concise arc - a focused political thriller10:14 Let’s talk about Ging - a really bad dad or the worst dad in history?11:46 Leorio’s arc and his best moment in the series14:20 Would we have voted for Leorio in the election after the punch?15:33 Our favourite Zodiacs?20:10 Pariston Hill, the intelligent troll in it for the game, his similarities with Netero - is he evil?29:30 The B-Plot: Killua’s task to save Gon - what’s Togashi’s intent with the Alluka’s gender?35:42 Nanika and potential Dark Continent origin, one of the Five Threats36:38 Killua’s mindset with rescuing Gon vs the relationship with his family41:14 Hisoka’s role in this arc as a chaos element, him “killing’ Killua45:00 The anticlimaxes: Cheadle winning the election + Killua countering Nanika’s repercussions49:35 Gon and Ging’s reuniting, completing Gon’s goal - is it satisfying?56:39 Gon and Killua’s ‘Departure’- an inconclusive resolution to a broken relationship?1:03:20 Chapter 339 - the best chapter in the entire series1:07:40 Enzo’s Recommendation: Kingdom by Hara Yasuhisa1:11:40 Samu’s Recommendation: ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Department by Natsume Ono1:13:40 Overview and final scores

It’s a double bill this time as we delve into the two pillars of Mitsuru Adachi’s iconic career: Touch and Cross Game (with a bit of Mix in the mix). These two series represent a bookend (more on less) on Adachi's catalog, and are the product of a writer at two very different stages of his life and career. Do you prefer a young and vibrant wine that practically jumps out of the glass, or a mature and subtle one full of bittersweetness that demands contemplation?Timestamps:0:00 Introduction - Mitsuru Adachi, a giant in the industry, our feelings on him in general7:56 Touch vs Cross Game12:50 Do people expect a big twist in an Adachi series?14:02 Touch - Why did it become a cultural phenomenon?19:38 Touch spoiler discussion begins20:10 The big ‘moment’ - its impact and effect on the series’ popularity25:19 Cross Game - modern take on familiar tropes28:00 Cross Game spoiler discussion begins28:18 How do the twists in both series compare to one another?32:04 Adachi’s minimalist artwork and smart way of panelling in those dramatic moments34:34 Mix, Touch’s sequel - its own late moment and his restraint with returning characters38:22 Which series is most focused on baseball? Comparing the Touch vs Cross Game41:50 Aoba’s character - annoying or understandable?49:19 Enzo’s love for Kou Kitamura as a protagonist50:45 Supporting cast, Adachi’s fanservice critique, breaking the fourth wall54:00 Comparing the endings55:36 Samu’s Recommendation: Straighten Up! Welcome to Shika High's Competitive Dance Club by Takuma Yokota59:15 Enzo’s Recommendation: Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day by Chou Heiwa Busters and Izumi Mitsu1:02:58 Touch - overview and final score1:04:39 Cross Game - overview and final score1:07:00 Mix - overview and final score

We’re bringing back the JUMPing to Conclusions format, where we check-in on the new Weekly Shonen Jump serialisations (Nice Prison and Otr of the Flame) to give our initial impressions and give our predictions on their chances of survival in the roster, while also doing a check-in on what else has left us (Astro Royale) and how we’re feeling of the magazine as of late. If you’re curious for a new potential breakout then perhaps you’ll fine one here after listening to our thoughts!Timestamps:0:00 Returning feature: JUMPing to Conclusions8:11 Check-in from previous serialisation round: Embers + Star of Beethoven12:26 Saying goodbye to the series that left - Astro Royale16:40 Jump Future Project 2025 one-shots17:27 Nice Prison by Tatsuya Suganuma29:59 Otr of the Flame by Yuki Kawaguchi51:49 First impressions ratings + predictions for its survivability