Animezing Podcast

In this episode of Animezing Podcast, Kellen and James begin a new arc, with a new villain that shares some qualities with a very popular Simpsons character. They also take some time to discuss a few recent Winnipeg anime functions, and the phenomenon that is Twitch Plays Pokemon. Of course, we can't forget todays episodes of Gundam SEED: "Burning Sandstorm," "Cagalli Returns," "Payback," "Fangs of the Enemy," and "On a Calm Day."

In this episode of Animezing Podcast, Kellen and James gush about Tabitha St. Germain's performance as Flay Allster, and discuss the proper ways to recap the previous events of the series as they review the next five episodes of Gundam SEED: "The Awakening Sword," "Flay's Decision," "Stars Falling in Space," "Within Endless Time," and "The Respective Solitudes."

As stated before, the social commentary presented in Gundam SEED was one of the things that drew a young Kellen and James to the program. In today's five episodes ("The Vanishing Gundam," "The Scar of Space," "Songstress of the Enemy Forces," "The Fading Light," and "Crossroads") we see this in the cohabitation of Lacus Clyne (a Coordinator) and Flay Allster (who is bigoted towards Coordinators). Listen on to see if this dynamic rings as loud for the duo now as it did in 2005.

After a nearly three-month hiatus, Animezing Podcast is back! Kellen is joined by James to watch one of the duo's most long-cherished anime series: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. While they were enamored at the age of 17 with the flying mechs, political intrigue, social commentary, and teenage angst, how will it fair now that both are in their mid-20s? See how the retrospective goes as they cover "False Peace," "Its Name: Gundam," "Collapsing Land," "Silent Run," and "Phase Shift Down."

As we come to yet another Halloween, it's time for another commentary from Kellen Scrivens and James Trenchard. This year sees the duo cover Hellsing Ultimate OVA volume five.

Animezing Podcast finishes up its review of Nerima Daikon Brothers with Kellen and Will reviewing the surprisingly serialized final four episodes. "Cook Up an Erection in Mine!," which the duo think deserved more care with its baseball puns. "Give My 'Bad' a Thrilla-Thriller!," which contains a simultaneously loving and scathing tribute to the King of Pop. "A Threesome in My Dome?!," which sees the culimation of many of the shows recurring gags. And "My Finish! Take a Look at This!," which contains ridiculousness that cannot be contained in this intro. In addition to that, Kellen discusses the show with the English voice of Ichiro: Christopher Patton.

In this episode of Animezing Podcast, things get even weirder on Nerima Daikon Brothers. "Roll Mine, No. 1" features the most ridiculously domineering wife in all of media (as well as what may be a direct Simpsons homage). "My Backroom Fortune-Telling" involves hilarious duck puns. "Play with Mine! Sue Me!" sees the show take a very meta-humorous turn. And "My Dirt-Cheap Rocket is About to Launch!" involves a pink Darth Vader costume. Join Kellen and Will as they hack their way through this brier patch of absurdity.

Kellen Scrivens and Will Ackerman begin their look at Shinichi "Nabeshin" Watanabe's wacky musical comedy, Nerima Daikon Brothers, by diving into the first four episodes: "Please Touch My Nerima Daikon," "Sa Rang Hey Yo with My Balls," "My Shot Will Crash into Your Backside," and "My Gadget (Detective) is Huge, Huh?" It must be stated that these are episode titles, and not suggestive or rhetorical questions on the part of the hosts.

After nearly two months, Kellen finally had a chance to sit down and discuss 2013's edition of Ai-Kon. While this will not be an unbiased review (Kellen and Jon have been members of the Planning Committee and Volunteer Corps, respectively, for some time now), it is the most detailed and all-access look you will get at Manitoba's largest anime convention.

In 2004, 4Kids Entertainment licensed One Piece for English adaptation. This adaptation has the reputation of being one of the worst adaptations ever produced. In 2007, after the license was dropped by 4Kids, Funimation Entertainment acquired the license and produced their own version. Kellen has watched through a significant amount of both of these versions of the show and asks the question: While the Funimation dub is better, was what 4Kids did really as bad as most make it out to be?

Funimation: Inside the Industry with Sarah Sullivan, an Ai-Kon 2013 panel.

Happy Hour with J. Michael Tatum, an Ai-Kon 2013 panel.

Full Metal Patton with Chris Patton, an Ai-Kon 2013 panel.

So You Want to Be a Voice Actor with Greg Ayres, Chris Patton, and J. Michael Tatum, an Ai-Kon 2013 panel.

Kellen and James reach the end of Kaleido Star season one with a blast as they review the final six episodes: "The Amazing Mystery Star," "The Amazing Resolve Beneath the Mask," "The Legendary Amazing Maneuver," "The Amazing Intensive Training Continues," "An Amazing Bond," and "An Amazing Comeback." In lieu of actually doing a full review of the show's second season, New Wings, Kellen and James provide a quick rundown of why it's not being reviewed and some of the issues facing it.

Sora's friends and family make the trek across the pond and the endgame of the first season of Kaleido Star begins to take shape as Kellen and James review "An Amazing Sinister Rumor," "Fire It Up! Amazing Mia," "Yuri's Amazing Trap," "Amazing Family Ties," and "An Amazing Change From Zero to Hero."

The set of Kaleido Star episodes reviewed by Kellen and James today show some of the best and some of the worst that the series has to offer. "Anna's Not So Amazing Father" gives us comedy that is in no way funny. "An Amazing Hot New Production" and "The Amazing Competition Calls Up a Storm" provide some of the most awesomely ridiculous action sequences in any anime. "Mysterious Amazing Circus" has some of the worst repeating animation this side of the 1960s. And "The Diva's Amazing Love" breaks every concept of time imaginable. Join us for the soaring highs, the crushing lows, and the awkward middle ground as we hit the halfway point of Kaleido Star.

In "The Amazing Seal," Sora takes a new pet home with her, hijinks naturally ensue. "The Amazing Girl Who Doesn't Smile" introduces us to diabolo world champion Rosetta. "An Amazing Star Even in Tough Times" introduces us to Layla's emotionally distant father (shockingly, a major character with living parents in this anime). Finally, as Kellen and James continue their review through Kaleido Star, "My Amazing Challenge for the Lead Role" and "Facing an Amazing Wall" sees the beginning of Kaleido Stage's production of The Little Mermaid. As an added bonus, friend of the show Eric Vale teaches you (yes, you) how to become an anime voice actor.

After going through a four-month downer with Nana, Kellen decides to get happy again by teaming up with James Trenchard to begin covering the amazing first season of Kaleido Star! In "My Amazing Stage Debut!" we discover the effect of jet lag in the anime universe (none, for the record). In "My Amazing & Lonely Challenge!" we discover the power of the montage. In "The Amazing Distant Stage" we begin to discover that some cliches are abounding. In "Try Hard & You'll Get an Amazing Chance" we see how the death of a loved one can be used for character motivation. Send in "My Amazing Distant Family" we see the trope beaten to death.

In this episode of Animezing Podcast, Kellen and Lisa review the final five episodes of Nana, and spoil most of the franchise beyond the anime. (You have been warned.) Terrible depression, the need for closure, and the announcement of the next series are all contained within. Music by Olivia Lufkin.