Oldtaku no Radio: Recent Episodes
Ani-Gamers
In each episode of Oldtaku no Radio, Ink and Jared Nelson don a new lens to delve into a specific cartoon series, animated movie, or game that's affected one or both of them and pull it apart before your very ears to explain why. Ink's drunken-master style of theorizing and Jared's combination of foreign experience-based insight and raw smarts make a ton of information fun to swallow. Episodes run about an hour each (unless the hosts gets overexcited and get caught up in their own or each other's over-analysis) and come out every month.
Reuniting for the annual Anime Secret Santa project, Jared and Ink stuff your stocking with opinions about 2004’s Planetes via a special episode of Oldtaku no Radio. Thank you, Santa!!! The choices originally presented to Ink were Stars Align, Planetes, Godzilla Singular Point, and Project Blue Earth SOS. When Ink told Jared Planetes was gifted, the stars aligned, and both hosts, who previously only read the manga, decided they needed to watch and talk about the anime, which had been on their radar for years.
Since Planetes takes place in space, we’ve formatted our review in line with our other Oldtaku in Space episodes (available to $5/month Ani-Gamers Patreon subscribers here). See the show notes below if you don’t care to hear about the real world and just want to get to the anime hot takes.
Direct Download – RSS Feed – Spotify – Stitcher – Google Play: Music – iTunes – Send us Feedback! – More episodes
Runtime: 1 hours, 39 min
Show Notes Opening Song: “Jupiter Bringer of Jollity,” Bernard Haitink conducts the LPO – Philips LP 1970 recording * 00:01:27 – Space News! + 25-year olds are too mature for NASA employees (Goodbye, ISS.) + In space, no-one can hear you scream, but on Earth, we can hear space junk collide. + Tracking “unknown observables” in Earth’s orbit + Missing tomato … FOUND! * 00:13:14 – Planetes discussion * 01:18:30 – Questions * 01:30:00 – What the hell have Jared and Ink been doing besides not podcasting? * Ending Song:* “Jupiter Bringer of Jollity,” Bernard Haitink conducts the LPO – Philips LP 1970 recording
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OnR Sticker logo by AJ Martinson (@ajmartinsson) of Black Market Eagle
Twitter: Ani-Gamers, Oldtaku no Radio, Ink, Jared
Blue Sky: Ink, Jared Nelson
Ink has also written for Otaku USA Magazine and The Fandom Post as well as talked about bad (and good) sports anime over at the Taiiku Podcast.
Jared has a new website and previously written for The Electrum Edition and Wave Motion Cannon.
Jared, Ink, and Phillip continue their dive into Satoshi Kon's anime career with Millennium Actress. Joined by the movie's number one superfan, Evan "Vampt Vo" Minto, the hosts discuss this movie of movies about movies and memory: those who make them, those who love them, and how both nations and individuals are changed by them.
In Primal, a caveman and dinosaur travel alongside one another through the unrelenting nature of prehistory. Director Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack), in a true return to form, ups his minimal dialog ante by almost completely eliminating it and leverages his visual storytelling expertise to evolve the bonds between the travel companions as they face omnipresent threats both natural and supernatural. Along with Genndy Tartakovsky Correspondent Kate from the Reverse Thieves, Jared and Ink discuss the highs and lows of the series and speculate about where Season 2 might lead.
Oldtaku no Radio's celebrating Halloween a little early this year with Lily C.A.T. Gather around a campfire or point a lit flashlight up towards your chin as Jared and Ink pick apart this 1987 OVA from Hisayuki Toriumi and Studio Pierrot about impostors, aliens, and rot.
For this episode, Jared and Ink talk about Kaiji - the anime about a hapless loser with a heart of gold (and a gambling problem). This anime from 2007, which adapts part of Nobuyuki Fukumoto's original manga, is competitive gaming like you've never seen before and still stands out visually and thematically among its peers. So listen in and find out all that's to love about the first season of Kaiji!
The long-awaited premiere of ONR's limited series covering Avatar: The Last Airbender is finally available for all of our Content Respecter patrons. This episode covers the first ten episodes of Season 1. Enjoy!
Now available for all listeners! Subscribe on Patreon to listen to new episodes of this ongoing series as they come out.
Inspired and made possible by the magic of Pili's glove puppetry as well as the bloodthirsty mind of Gen Urobuchi, Thunderbolt Fantasy is a wuxia tale about sword keepers, wandering swordsmen, tricksters, assassins, demons, and just about everything else you could ever want as a fantasy fanatic. Listen in as Jared, Ink, and special guest Grant Jones (of Blade Licking Thieves infamy) discuss what may just be the bloodiest and most elegant puppet theater we have reviewed to date.
We’re going way, way, way back to live in the present by talking about something set in the future: Space Battleship Yamato 2199. Leading us on this journey of appreciation and learning regarding all things Star Blazers are experts Tim Eldred and Dave Merrill. Strap in for a ton of knowledge and quite possibly the fastest “Actually...” ever recorded on this episode about a reboot of a classic show, where it came from, how it’s changed, and why it’s worth watching. And when you’re done listening to all of us gab, take a gander over at CosmoDNA (ourstarblazers.com) for an endless and constantly updated gravity well of Yamato articles, interviews, and more.
What better to follow our episode about a formative sitcom than a genre satire? This month, Jared and Ink focus on Monthly Girls' Nozaki-kun, which adapts some of the 4-koma by Izumi Tsubaki. Comedy runs high, and romance can't seem to find a foothold in these tales about a high school mangaka, the girl who adores him, and the loons that surround them.
Oldtaku's digging into an '80s classic with the Kimagure Orange Road TV series, which stars an incredible array of talent across the board. Jared and Ink are pleased as punch to welcome back Dawn of the Anime Nostalgia Podcast for some class, in-depth insight, and a whole lot of giggles. Listen in and hear for yourself why this anime, based off of the original manga by Izumi Matsumoto, has been so influential. We mainly talk about the TV series, but there is some discussion of the OVAs and movie as well.
Eight years and a ton of effort went into this re-telling of an ancient tale about a bamboo cutter who finds a thumb-sized princess inside a bamboo stalk one day. Join Jared and Ink as they discuss The Tale of Princess Kaguya, the final movie directed by the late Isao Takahata of Studio Ghibli, and why this monogatari is still so powerful.
After an economic bubble burst in Japan, the Tennouzu Group buys a city and a nation by catering to its leaders’ perversions. The underground (literally) club that serves the basest desires of the rich and powerful is only open to those willing and able to pay lifelong yearly dues to the tune of ¥24,000,000 … ¥120,000,000 if they want to see others of the same tier face death or monstrous transformation by kissing a mesmerized “goddess.” But everything starts to crumble when a celebrated war photographer with a heart of gold disrupts the ritual and runs off with its centerpiece. Listen in on a vaguely spoiler-ish discussion hashing out the road buddy monster movie that is Speed Grapher.
Three bums talk about three homeless people who find a baby. For our second installment of our Satoshi Kon episodes, Phillip rejoins us to talk about the Christmas (should-be) classic: Tokyo Godfathers. We were a little giddy with holiday spirit, so please forgive us our mania.
For Oldtaku no Radio's very first golden ticket request, we're reviewing Q Hayashida's Dorohedoro manga (Volumes 1 & 2) as well as MAPPA's adaptation of the same as directed by Yuichiro Hayashi. Dive deep into za hole with us as we talk lizard men, buff babes, masked sorcerers, and the insanely engaging world that is Dorohedoro.
As if 2020 wasn’t scary enough, we’re checking out a vintage 2004, 3-part OAV from Director Akiyuki Simbo and Studio Daume. Le Portrait de Petite Cossette is a gothic romance about a blood pact between a stemware-bound ghost and an aspiring artist who works in his uncle's antique store. As always, the devil’s in the details, which are what we dive into with this Halloween-themed episode.
Six years after the end of its second season, the Chihayafuru anime that adapts Yuki Suetsugu’s josei manga returned for its third season. After what seemed like a lifetime, Jared and Ink discuss this anime, at length, on their own show for the very first time (believe it or not). There is a general section up front, to cover what Chihayafuru’s all about, and some impassioned discussions regarding the characters, themes, and art of the third season.
Space Brothers #0 tells the tale of two aspiring astronauts who just happen to be siblings. Mutta, the older brother, has fallen behind his younger brother, Hibito, in working towards their childhood dream of going to the moon. Meanwhile, Hibito is experiencing doubt about his own direction while training as a mission substitute. An anime prequel movie unlike most other anime movies, SB0 actually adds content that bolsters the original anime series which is based off of the manga of the same name by Chuya Koyama. There are spoilers ahead, but only in the spoilers section. So listen in and see if this is a movie worth watching and one that might ultimately launch you into the Space Brothers anime.
Memories is a 1995 anthology movie (one feature comprised of multiple vignettes) that showcases directorial efforts of Koji Morimoto (Magnetic Rose), Tensai Okamura (Stink Bomb), and Katsuhiro Otomo (Cannon Fodder). Despite short run times, each of the three stories provides plenty to talk about. Join Jared and Ink and special guest Kory as they discuss the power of deception, art, and farts.
Talk about a deep dive! This episode, Jared and Ink talk about Science Saru's original animated movie, Masaaki Yuasa's Lu Over the Wall. This movie centers around a withdrawn Tokyo transfer student who accidentally draws out like-minded, music-making friends as well as a music-seeking mermaid – the local legends about which both scare his fellow port town residents and benefit the town's tourist trade. The animation draws on a surprising range of old-school sources while flashing the Yuaasa style so familiar to Science Saru fans. There's a lot to explore, so jump in; the water's juuuust fine.
Take to the animated skies (and bars and secret beach hideouts and so much more) with Jared and Ink as they talk about Ghibli's 1992 feature, Porco Rosso. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this movie depicts a post-WWI man turned anthropomorphic pig – a war pilot turned deserter/bounty hunter. The movie, while warmly humorous throughout, tackles such issues as identity, war, and fascism. Listen in to find out how!
We’re unlocking some of our old Patreon content to give everybody more stuff to listen to during the COVID-19 crisis, including the first episode of Oldtaku no Radio’s bonus series, Oldtaku in Space! Subscribe at https://patreon.com/anigamers to listen to every episode in the series.
Welcome to the space show! Oldtaku no Radio's doin' a little something special for Ani-Gamers Content Respecters: a brand new miniseries focused on Ayumu Watanabe's anime adaptation of Chuya Koyama's seinen Sci-Fi manga Space Brothers. Each installment will look at a set of episodes per each of the DVD/BD releases from Sentai Filmworks.
Our first episode, named for the song in the first OP, covers Episodes 1-13, which establishes who these siblings are, sets the themes and tone for the launch of this series, and introduces the first set of many characters to come. Spoilers are woven into the discussion, so go ahead and stream the show (links below) or don't say we didn't warn ya. Enjoy!
Feel free to leave questions and comments here or in the episode question threads.
Opening/Ending music: "Jupiter" by Gustav Holst
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a gelling of past and present; an awakening; a transition (multiple transitions, really); and a handoff. But this movie, as an experience, is ultimately a visually enthralling, action- and emotionally packed exploration of what being a hero means to self and community and the means by which it takes for that to manifest. Join Jared and Ink as they babble on about the 2018 movie: all it accomplished, all it drew from, and, hopefully, all it will lead to.
Anime World Order's Daryl Surat joins Evan and Ink for a discussion of Anime Lockdown, the virtual anime convention held via Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and Discord the weekend of May 1–3, 2020. We talk about the panels presented on the stream, the technical details of how to present a panel at one of these events, the community in the con's Discord, and where we see virtual cons going in the future as the COVID-19 pandemic wears on.
Thank you to Patrick Sutton from The Cockpit Podcast for editing this episode!
As the song goes, "You always hurt the one you love," and our takes on Dennou Coil are definitely not sparing. Scott Spaziani rejoins our humble 'cast as we break down what endears this much-overlooked darling of a Sci-Fi series to us and explore some of its weaker points. This original series began production in 1997 and features tech that wouldn't be made publicly available until nearly 20 years later! There are no spoilers discussed in the first half, so feel free to dive in to get a feel for whether this is something you'd like to watch. But after you've watched, continue on to our spoilerific section!
Finally, a Shinkai film that makes Children Who Chase Lost Voices from Below look good!
How does Makoto Shinkai twist “boy meets girl” this time? How do Jared and Ink tweak their takes on the auteur's output this time? The answers are as predictable as weathermen are accurate in our most recent episode, and you have a front row seat to Gallagher-style hot takes. (Pro-tip: bring an umbrella for saline showers and vitriol-whipped saliva.)
Warning: this episode is pretty much a spoiler-cast from the get-go (for Weathering With You AND your name.), so don’t press play until you’re ready.
Ready? Go ahead and press play!
This episode of Oldtaku no Radio welcomes Erica Friedman for a review of "a story of survival," Kase-san and Morning Glories – both the anime adaptation and the manga! The anime's a short affair about a developing relationship, but there's a lot to learn from and love about choices made in its adaptation as well as its source material's publication. Lend us your ears for an hour, we'll sell you a love story.
It's time again for Anime Secret Santa, and a certain special someone left us one heck of a present to unpack: Patlabor! While we were given the OVAs and movies to review, we had more than enough to talk about with just the OVAs, so we'll get around to the movies on a bonus episode or three. We talk about the OVAs as a collection in general and then get into specifics about each of the six OVAs (counting the two-parter as a single OVA), and the results, knowing the inclinations of the two hosts, may surprise you! Happy holidays to all, and a special thanks to our secret Santa.
The works of Satoshi Kon are few but powerful, and his directorial debut, Perfect Blue, is no exception. This adaptation of Yoshikazu Takeuchi’s novel, Perfect Blue: Complete Metamorphosis, is a psychological thriller that follows the career of pop star and aspiring actress Kirigoe Mima. It’s biting commentary on idol culture and the ugly dangers therein. Join Jared and Ink and special guest Phillip as they dance around spoilers to bring you a deep dive into a deep film.
There are several reasons why Higurashi When They Cry consistently finds itself on so many must-watch series when October rolls around, but that doesn't mean that it's a show for everyone. Listen in as Jared and Ink are joined by AGP's @QX20XX and Reverse Thieves' Alain Mendez to dig into the origin and makeup of this iconic series about a series of gruesome murders and mysterious disappearances in the small village of Hinamizawa. If you've yet to see the series, there's a spoiler-free section, and if you have seen the series, there's an indulgent, spoilerific section that follows. Enjoy!
If you don't remember MTV back in the '90s, when it was 98% music and 1% Kurt Loder, then you definitely don't remember the other 1% – the ballsy, experimental animated shorts of Liquid Television and the longer, more serial (but not any less weird) shorts of the Oddities animation programming block. Join Jared and Ink as they reflect upon their teenage cartoon obsessions by talking about Liquid Television's Aeon Flux as well as The Head and The Maxx from MTV's Oddities after a fresh rewatch of all three! And to mark our three-year anniversary as a podcasting duo, Jared and Ink reminisce about the past year as well as the two before that. So grateful to have you(r ears). Now press play already!
Looking for one of the cutest stories about a tortured artist? Look no further than Barakamon, which focuses on a professional calligrapher (who knew?) who butts heads with the Tokyo art crowd and is sent to live on a remote island to cool his head and refine his art. Doesn’t sound cute? Just wait until you meet the village brat Naru … not to mention an entire cast of characters so charming of course you’ll only find them in fiction. Jared and Ink discus the values of fluff, how they relate to some of the story lines, and more! Barakamon is currently streaming on FUNimation.com.
In the aftermath of the tragic arson attack on Kyoto Animation that left 35 people dead, the Ani-Gamers staff — Jared, Ink, Evan, and David — get together for a discussion of the studio’s work. We also read and respond to comments from our Discord group about the KyoAni shows that had a big impact on our listeners. After we recorded this episode, KyoAni released official donation information here: http://www.kyotoanimation.co.jp/information/?id=3075 . We highly recommend you give some money if you can afford it (Evan donated via TransferWise).
The Transformers toy line is legendary, and the car-toon it inspired was hugely popular with many of the kids growing up in the '80s. But when one set of toys outwears its welcome in the marketplace and a new set of toys is ready to be sold, there remains a question of transition. The answer is a HUGE animated movie showcase that surprised just about everyone who saw (and heard) it. Bringing together familiar TV voices and some serious star power (Orson Welles, Leonard Nimoy, and Eric Idle to name a few), 1986's The Transformers: The Movie brought The Transformers to a new plane with more intense visuals, more mature subject matter, and a linear story unlike anything seen so far in the TV series. Join Jared and Ink as they talk giant (transforming) robots as well as the movie's inspirations and influences with none other than Patrick from The Cockpit.
Get ready for Jojo’s Bustzarre Assventures as Jared and Ink talk about the 2016 sports parody Keijo!!!!!!!! by Xebec with special guest Basil from OSMcast. This shonen parody, which adapts a portion of Daichi Sorayomi’s manga (alt title: Hip Whip Girl), centers around a fictional sport wherein girls in bathing suits do battle atop different floating stages in a pool using nothing except for their butts and boobs. Don’t worry; we haven’t dove off the deep end – there’s quite a bit to muse on and laugh about regarding this amusing series. Listen and find out!
Originally meant to accompany our PEZ episode for a grand, post-apocalyptically themed episode, we're talking about the whimsical despair that is Girls' Next Tour! This anime features Takaharu Ozaki adapting Tsukumizu's manga (which we also discuss! ...briefly) about two friends, Chito and Yuri, exploring the world into which they've been thrust by war and trying their best to survive its fallout. This show is slice-of-moé solemnity at its best ... or worst. You decide. (We just talk.) Spoilers are woven throughout our commentary, so we advise you to check out Girls' Last Tour, currently streaming on HIDIVE, before listening. Although like all good road trip movies, the value of experience lies in the journey and not the destination.
We're talking this episode about Hiroyuki Asada's PEZ – a small, full-color manga with big heart, impact, and presentation – published and distributed in the USA by Denpa LLC. For something a little different, we are also excited to be able to talk with the Denpa's Ed Chavez! The interview is a lot longer than the review, but it does also touch on PEZ as well as the stateside manga publishing biz and other fun bits. Make to to lend your ears to all of it!
We're d-elvin' deep into some serious fantasy nerding with The Record of Lodoss War OVAs, which are base on a novel series based on a D&D campaign published in a magazine back in 1986! Joining the party on this, our epic quest, are the goodly gentlemen from All Geeks Considered: Vinnie and Diego! (Ink is definitely the acrobat in this episode.) The Record of Lodoss War OVAS are available via RightStuf and Amazon.
With this witch-driven fantasy feature, does Studio Gah-jibly offshoot Studio Ponoc merely ape its mentor's style? Is there more? Does it matter? Join Jared and Ink as they wring the berry essence of this studio's debut from their combined viewing experiences. Mary and the Witch's Flower is currently streaming on Netflix.
We're doing a Type Moon thing! And who better to help us on our exploration of this very memorable eight-plus-part OVA series about a paranormal investigation agency than Alain/Hisui of Reverse Thieves infamy. After exploring a bit about how this property came to be via the general leanings of its creators, we dive into each of the OVAs as they are presented (non-linearly). Garden of Sinners is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
Adapting the original manga by Fumiyo Kouno, MAPPA's In This Corner of the World depicts the life and times of people in Kure and Hiroshima during World War II. The show's protagonist – an easily-distracted, artistically-inclined, young woman – marries into a family in a nearby city. The audience watches her grow from child to young woman to wife – all behind a transparent theater of war that doesn't so much raise or lower but focuses perspective on a humanity often overlooked. Don't blink; every detail of this animated adaptation is the direct result of the director's absolutely immersive (one might argue obsessive) research into this historical fiction's places and people. In This Corner of the World is currently streaming on Netflix.
Hiroshi Nagahama's anime adaptation of Shuzo Oshimi's Flowers of Evil manga is infamous among anime fans for its art and pacing choices, but does it deserve the vitriol? Join Ink, Jared, and special guest (and horror movie expert) Chris from Taiiku Podcast as they examine the similarities and differences between the manga and anime as well as the portion of the manga that didn't get adapted. This episode's a true Oldtaku dive; lengthy takes on scene composition, art style, atmosphere, character development, and concepts abound! If you've yet to see the series and want to check it out prior to out spoiler-heavy discussion, or have already listened to us and are drooling to get started, go check the 13-episode series out on Crunchyroll.
There are some pretty high expectations for The Dragon Prince given that it is the brain-child of Aaron Ehasz (head writer for Avatar the Last Airbender) and Justin Richmond. Thankfully, this fantasy-set tale of unlikely allies from different halves of a war manages to capture the charm of ATLA while forging a mostly different world populated with very round and refreshingly diverse characters. Join Jared and Ink as they chime in on the storytelling, the art, and the magic of first season of The Dragon Prince – currently streaming on Netflix.
Imaishi Gone Wild! After all the mentions on previously published podcasts, we're finally, on this first day of Autumn 2018, releasing our Dead Leaves podcast. Get it? (We knew you would.) This proto-TRIGGER production is a visual smorgasbord of sex and violence with a fairy tale structure and American comic book stylings. This divisive title, one of the first upon which Ink and Jared disagreed, has a lot to appreciate and, depending upon your predispositions, a lot to bemoan or celebrate. Give a listen and maybe consider giving this OVA a chance!
There's no denying Rumiko Takahashi's Urusei Yatsura — a school-set, shounen rom-com that leverages a love for mythology and puns — is a staple of manga and anime history. Beautiful Dreamer, the second Urusei Yatsura movie, proves that a tiger indeed can change its stripes. But is it for better or worse? Oldtaku no Radio proudly welcomes Anime Nostalgia's Dawn to help us flesh out all there is to enjoy about this second movie and discuss what works and what doesn't for long-time fans as well as newcomers to the property.
You don't have to be a furry to get a warm fuzzy or burst into tears from Mamoru Hosoda's Wolf Children. This two-hour movie follows the life of a young woman named Hana as she moves from adolescent to mother to working widow. As emotional as Jared and Ink were while watching, both sit down to pick apart just how the movie accomplished its emotional manipulation as well as discuss some of the more outstanding strengths and weaknesses of plot, characters, and art.
Anthology films — feature-length presentations comprised of multiple, stand-alone stories — afford their contributors great artistic freedom and, quite often, crucial visibility. Robot Carnival, which was initially released mid-1987, gathers some names you have probably heard of before, but for many, this was their debut. Including the bookend animation (a worthwhile story/anecdote in its right), there are eight installments centered around the loose theme of "robots," and Jared and Ink dig into each of them. (Spoilers via plot point run rampant, but enjoying these stories does not hinge on plot.) Join us as we talk for nearly the length of the anthology about the components thereof: their themes, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they complement each other and contribute to the overarching theme as it builds piece by piece.
Airing wayyyyyyyyy back in 2006, Ergo Proxy is the story of a bored, privileged emo girl (Re-l) and her flamboyant autoreiv companion, Iggy, in an oasis cursed to be both cradle and catacomb. Romdo is a domed city and, to its inhabitants, the last viable living space on an otherwise toxic planet. But there’s an influx of immigrants from the outside world seeking refuge, a disease sweeping the robotic residents (autoreivs) that’s making them gain consciousness, and an unknown monster threatening the daily comfort of the bourgeoisie.
Join Jared and Ink as they look at all this dystopian future sci-fi series as we look at the themes it touches upon; if it conforms to, bends, or breaks certain genre touchpoints; and just how gosh-darned pretty it still is. (Seriously, folks, if you love a moody-as-f*ck anime written by a wordy philosophy/theology major, this is your jam.)
Kids on the Slope sees Cowboy Bebop's Shinichiro Watanabe (director) and Yoko Kanno (music) adapt Yuki Kodama's manga about youths in 1960s Japan (Kyushu) who find each other and themselves through jazz. As MAPPA's first production, KoTS needed to make a splash. Its musical performances, VA work, art, storyboarding, choreography, characterization, and soundtrack make it an anime of legend. Find out what went into making this insanely enjoyable anime and what hosts Jared and Ink as well as guest Alex Osborn got out of it. (We do run long on this one, but there is a lot to unpack here.)
Not a lot is known about O-ei, Katsushika Hokusai's third daughter, and that's what makes Miss Hokusai less an interesting biopic than dramatic historical fiction. This movie, which adapts Hinako Sugiura's original manga, paints a portrait of an artist in vignettes and brings to light a historical figure who lived in the shadows for a good deal of her life. Daughter, sister, artist, woman – Miss Hokusai crafts how O-ei is defined and grows by integrating nods to her work and her father's with intimate moments that made her who the mangaka wanted her to be today. We've included some links to easily Google-able reference materials in the show notes, and we strongly urge you to check those out if you dig the character and historical figure as we now do.
The Eccentric Family, which adapts the novels of Tomohiko Morimi, is directed by Masayuki Yoshihara and features animation production via P. A. Works. The story focuses on the Shimogamo family, which is comprised of shape-shifting tanukis, in a fictionalized but superbly rendered Kyoto which is also inhabited by tengus and humans. The Eccentric Family is, above all things, about familial relationships - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the really really strange. Listen to Jared and Ink and special guest Helen as we talk about what it means to own your idiot blood.
Adapting the novel by Shion Miura, The Great Passage tells the story of an editorial crew assembling a dictionary. Exciting stuff, right? Well, actually this simple tale of ordinary people who love words and all they can do is as gripping and dramatic as it can be visually beautiful. Sadly, not too many people have experienced this imagery-heavy anime.
Time for a deep cut to some awesome mecha designs and '80s rock music! Jared finally gets robot-anime h8ter Ink to sit down and watch all eight Bubblegum Crisis OAVs. Come for Jared's idol debut and stay for some great discussion with special guest Doug Weinman about this late-'80s, early-'90s cyberpunk series.
For their first Reverse Thieves Secret Santa entry, Jared and Ink stare into the bleak and violent landscape of Casshern Sins. This reboot of the 1973 anime Casshan follows an immortal, amnesiac robot named Casshern, whose initial act of violence brought death to the doorsteps of humans and robots alike. As Casshern interacts with the dwindling population, he learns more about what it is to live and what it means to be truly alive. Be warned: we do not hold back on spoilers in this episode. Thanks to the Reverse Thieves for organizing this wonderful project, and thanks to George (The Land of Obscusion) for the recommendation!
Released in 2003, the first Kino’s Journey anime is an episodic affair that centers around an AI-imbued motorad named Hermes and its rider, a traveler named Kino. They visit country (town) after country and stay no more than three days at a time to observe the inhabitants and their customs. The series, based on a series of light novels (…no wait, keep reading!), offers settings not bound by any solid sense of chronology; countries can combine such disparate genre elements as sci-fi and Western, and the differences between countries can also make them seem centuries apart. Kino’s Journey is one of Ink’s favorite anime, and Jared just watched it for the first time. Find out what we have to say and then maybe go grab yourself a copy. (The sale Jared and Ink refer to during the episode is over, but the show is still a steal at $20.)
Happy (month of) Halloween! To celebrate, we at Oldtaku no Radio bring you the true horror that is Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack – the 2012 OVA which adapts Junji Ito's Gyo manga. Because we were too scared to tackle this title alone, we decided to re-traumatize All Geeks Considered co-host Vinnie via an invite. After having read the original manga and watched the movie, we spoke to both: differences, what worked, what didn't, and why.
In our final episode of our first season of Oldtaku no Radio, we return to a show about which we could not stop praising in our first episode. We find the sequel/second season a little more divisive, which means there's even more to talk about. But don't worry, we keep things concise and focus on analysis instead of plot this time around. We look into the imagery, characters, plot devices, storytelling implementation, chronology, and more to hammer out why this anime is so effective. Listen, enjoy, and let us know what you think!
Released in 1991 as a pair of OVAs, Otaku no Video is more than this podcast’s namesake. Otaku no Video, produced by animation studio Gainax, is a time capsule, commentary on the otaku way of life, and an enshrined symbol of counter culture. (And on the surface, the OVAs are also a pair of pretty poorly written slice-of-life anime.) Want to find out how one title can be so many things? Just click play or download at will to hear hosts Jared and Ink dig into the various aspects of Otaku no Video alongside special guest, Ani-Gamers own, Evan “VamptVo” Minto.
It's time for Old Spice & Taiikuwolves! For episode ten of Oldtaku no Radio, Jared and Ink are joined by Kory and Chris of the Taiiku podcast to talk about the mostly beloved anime Spice & Wolf. And don't you worry, this ain't just a Holo fancast; some surprising revelations come up in the discussion that will really make you rethink the series and BEG another watch. We were a bit crunched for time, so my usual nitpicky audio editing was not fully employed, but I think we still sound easy enough to fall asleep to. But just in case a serious discussion about an anime mainly driven by dialog and that revolves around mercantile economics isn't wiley enough for ya, we have some group howls too. Listen in and sing along. (We kept the episode fairly spoiler free, but be warned we did not have any specific spoiler section this time around.) And just in case you need a cheat sheet, here's a list of coins from the series and their exchange rates (where applicable).
Produced waaaaaaay back in 2001, R.O.D. (Read or Die), directed by Koji Masunari, revolves around special agent Yomiko Readman (a.k.a. "The Paper") and her allies at the British Library as they try to obtain and protect a book that, in the wrong hands, could lead to the end of all human life on Earth. This OVA is, despite only being sixteen years old, a classic among classics...but why? Is it the pulpy superpower of the protagonist? the magical realism of daring-do? the dreaded pirate moé? Listen to Jared and Ink as they banter about and stumble upon what makes this bookworm's tale-turned-spy thriller so impactful.
Because we were not invited to the cool podcast (actually, we recorded this before the AGP), the Oldtaku crew and special guest Scott Spaziani recorded our own your name. podcast. Scott and Ink are seasoned Shinkai viewers (both have panels on the director that they present at cons), and this is Jared's first exposure to the cloud/foot/loneliness director extraordinaire. We kept the first half free of spoilers by discussing themes and technique, but the second half contains spoilers galore to dig into the meat of the movie. So continue on while keeping in mind that watching a Shinkai movie is more about experiencing the journey than knowing plot, but your name. does employ elements that are better experienced unadulterated the first time around.
For episode double-o-seven, Jared and Ink train their sights on the 2008 anime adaptation of a seinen classic: Golgo 13. This super-expressionless super assassin has become legend, but why? What is the secret behind Duke Togo's staying power? Is it the length of his barrel, the cock of his rifle, his prowess in hitting the G-spot, or the uber-ridiculousness of the whole gun fantasy/power trip? Listen and find out!
Welcome to Oldtaku no Radio’s first official B-side. In the anime season lulls that happen between regular OnR episodes, we lightly blather about what shows we stuck with – what worked and what didn’t and why – from the past season and try to make predictions as to what might hold our interest or earn our ire in the upcoming season. We have a decisive (if only a smidge divisive) winner for our Winter 2017 affections, but there are also other mentionables as well as detestables. Looking forward, we have a bit of fun with the Spring 2017 ani-charts in a segment we’re calling “No Theater.”
In 2001, Genndy Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack stunned audiences with ambitious and beautiful visual storytelling, a mostly stoic hero, and perhaps the world's best (if not most lovable) villain. Samurai Jack ran for four seasons (52 episodes) but was cut down in its prime. This Emmy-winning cartoon, which had a largely episodic structure (save Jack's building frustration), sadly never got to finish the tale of the samurai. Films were teased and planned, but sadly nothing panned out … until recently. Samurai Jack returns as of March 11, 2017, and we at Oldtaku no Radio cannot be more ecstatic. In celebration, we're taking a break from analyzing Japanese cartoons to analyze an American one … that just so happens to draw inspiration from/references, among other things, Japanese film directors, animation, and culture.
For the second half of our Samurai Jack episode, special guest Kate (Narutaki) of the Reverse Thieves blog/podcast joins us in squeeing over and wringing the most we possibly can out of a fantastic cartoon from the early aughts. This installment covers our favorites and flubs for Seasons 3 & 4 as well as what we're hoping for in Season 5. As the creators grew in competence throughout the series, so our analysis grew not only in insight but silliness. (Hey, this was a 3+ hour podcast.) Listen and comment. But most importantly, watch Samurai Jack!
In 2001, Genndy Tartakovsky's Samurai Jack stunned audiences with ambitious and beautiful visual storytelling, a mostly stoic hero, and perhaps the world's best (if not most lovable) villain. Samurai Jack ran for four seasons (52 episodes) but was cut down in its prime. This Emmy-winning cartoon, which had a largely episodic structure (save Jack's building frustration), sadly never got to finish the tale of the samurai. Films were teased and planned, but sadly nothing panned out … until recently. Samurai Jack returns today (March 11, 2017), and we at Oldtaku no Radio could not be more ecstatic. In celebration, we're taking a break from analyzing Japanese cartoons to analyze an American one … that just so happens to draw inspiration from, among other things, Japanese film directors, anime, and culture. For this episode, which will be published in two parts, special guest Kate (Narutaki) of the Reverse Thieves blog/podcast joins us in squeeing over and wringing the most we possibly can out of a fantastic cartoon from the early aughts.
Not only is OnR Episode #005 the first time we focus on a movie, namely Mamoru Hosoda's The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, but this is also the first episode in which we host a most honoured guest: (exiled) Ani-Gamer turned UK Anime Network podcasting star, Elliot Page! Hosoda's directing was the lure for Jared, who'd previously not seen this particular title, while Ink and Elliot reveled in an emotional re-watch. And, of course, reflective analysis on the philosphical, emotional, and artistic elements abounds from all. Give us your ear for a little over an hour, and we'll give you much to chew on.
We've passed the three-episode mark! (Has Oldtaku no Radio passed your test?) In Episode #004, we talk about the 2007 anime series Moribito Guardian of the Spirit (Seirei no Moribito), which is based on a young adult novel by Nahoko Uehashi and combines animation production via Production I.G. with the directorial hand of Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell SAC & 2nd Gig, Eden of the East). This is a re-watch for both hosts, and the p(l)ayback shows in both our enthusiasm for all the things we talk about as well as everything we forget to expound upon. While this may not qualify as a classic at 10 years of age, Moribito is definitely an epic (in all meanings of the word) – one you should watch if you find any of our excited babble the least bit intriguing.
We were planning on lightly touching on the saving graces and disappointments of the Fall 2017 anime season before talking about Moribito for our official fourth episode, but with so many titles to comment on, we ran a little long. After noticing the clock, we decided tack on our thoughts on which Winter 2017 anime we are looking forward to and record the whole things as a separate podcast. Much silliness, including some dramatic readings of plot synopses, ensued, and much fun was had. Hope you enjoy this Oldtaku no Radio b-side.
Third time's the charm(er)! Episode No. 003: Ink and Jared assemble to form … their opinions on 2016's Voltron: Legendary Defender. Both hosts watched Voltron: Defender of the Universe on TV while growing up, so this episode looks at the property's most recent reboot through the rose-colored glasses of nostalgia as tempered by a recent twelve-episode rewatch of the original Beast King Golion.
For their second official "Oldtaku no Radio" podcast, Ink and Jared focus on the influences, execution, and effects of the short form horror anime Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories. It was Jared's first time watching and Ink's second visitation. After discussing Yamishibai in general, they dissect, with spoilers, their favorite episodes as well as the bombs of each season.
Welcome to a brand new monthly podcast, Oldtaku no Radio, hosted by Ink and Jared here at Ani-Gamers. This new cast spun off an impomptu recording by the aforementioned hosts after they hijacked the Ani-Gamers Podcast proper to review ReLife, but now it's its own monster.
For their first official episode, Ink and Jared talk at length about the Winter 2016 anime Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju. Adapted from Haruko Kumota's josei manga, this show largely follows the turbulent friendship of two sibling-like orators as they train through times of hardship, prosperity, war, and love. The anime is discussed in great detail, so there are plot spoilers. Rest assured, however, that there is no spoiling THIS anime; it's even better the second time around! If you have anything to add to the discussion, we welcome your comments.
Send us an email at oldtakunoradio@anigamers.com or visit us at http://anigamers.com/podcast/oldtaku-no-radio/.