2026 Anime News Reactions & The New Year’s Resolution Reckoning | AniPro 212

2025 has come and gone, and AniPro is ringing in the new year with the last of their year-end traditions: it's their new year's resolutions! Tune in to find out what the boys resolve to do in the new year, and whether or not they succeeded in their previous pledges!

Also, Mike's getting spanked, Cole's cold, Jay's finding weird manga (what else is new), and more!

Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Introduction & The Great Berry Heist
• 07:53 - Power Fantasies & Jay’s Weird Manga Discovery
• 11:32 - "Built Different" & The Winnipeg Snow Crisis
• 17:33 - Jump Festa News: Chainsaw Man & One Piece Elbaf
• 26:36 - JoJo’s Steel Ball Run, Madoka Magica, & Dorohedoro S2
• 36:31 - Ghost in the Shell Reboot & Witch Hat Atelier
• 49:28 - KyoAni’s Sparks of Tomorrow & Goku Voice Actor Trivia
• 1:00:16 - The Resolution Reckoning: Reviewing 2025’s Pledges
• 1:18:43 - Setting 2026 Goals: Detective Conan & Pokémon Quest
• 1:48:59 - Listener’s Choice Winner: Neon Genesis Evangelion

Support AniPro:

• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod
• Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag
• TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniPro

Follow & Subscribe:

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod
• Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7

Next Reviews:

• Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There
• Manga – Black Torch

Music & Credits:

• Opening Theme – “Shibuya”
• Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro"
• Music licensed via – slip.stream

Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

Game Awards 2025 Reactions & Our 4th Annual Airing of Grievances

The suite of holiday traditions continue as, this week, AniPro airs their grievances for the holiday of Festivus!

Also, Cole's turning into a kid on Christmas, Mike's going to the source of Howl's Moving Castle, Jay's metamorphosis has reached its final form, and more!

Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00 - AniProPod 211 Intro
• 02:10 - Howl’s Moving Castle: The Isekai Reveal & Book vs. Movie
• 13:10 - Jay’s New Gear: The Shure SM7B & The "Industry Standard"
• 20:39 - Retro Gaming: Perfect Dark, Emulation & PS2 Gems
• 25:40 - The 2025 Game Awards: Ace Combat 8 & Star Wars Announcements
• 35:10 - Expedition 33 Sweeps & The State of Indie vs. Triple-A
• 54:20 - Retail Grievances: The Jinx of "Slow Days" & Superstitions
• 59:05 - The State of Movies: Budgets, Safe Sequels & Spite
• 01:05:00 - The "Early Announcement" Problem & Vaporware (Elder Scrolls VI)
• 01:13:45 - Cole’s Hot Take: Retiring Retired People on Weekends
• 01:20:10 - Raging Against the Machine: Buttons vs. Touchscreens
• 01:28:45 - The Death of the PS4 & Why the PS6 is Too Soon
• 01:40:20 - Anime Pacing Issues & The Ticketmaster Struggle

Support AniPro:

• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod
• Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag
• TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniPro

Follow & Subscribe:

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod
• Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7

Next Reviews:

• Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There
• Manga – Black Torch

Music & Credits:

• Opening Theme – “Shibuya”
• Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro"
• Music licensed via – slip.stream

Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

Unhinged Weeb Letters to Santa | Ace Combat, Sonic & The Perfect Pizza Slice | AniPro Podcast 210

The holiday season is upon us, and AniPro is prepared as, this week, hosts Cole, Mike, and Jay read out their Santa letters! Tune in to hear this holiday tradition of deep desires, and Christmas cheer!

Also, Mike's getting pied, Cole's in the danger zone, Jay's going through metamorphosis, and more!

Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00 Intro: Christmas Letters & The "Six-Seven" Slang
• 07:40 The Perfect Pizza Slice Debate (Domino's vs. Santa Lucia)
• 13:35 Cole’s Gaming Log: Is Ace Combat a JRPG?
• 21:50 Portable Gaming: Minish Cap & Metal Gear
• 23:25 The Sonic Franchise Rant: 06, Adventure 2, & The Movies
• 27:30 Mailbag: The One Punch Man Season 3 Animation Controversy
• 35:30 Trivia: The Secret Behind the PS2 Startup Screen Towers
• 44:27 Did Coca-Cola Invent Santa Claus?
• 50:50 Jay’s Letter: A Christmas Miracle Studio Upgrade
• 57:40 Mike’s Letter: Parenting, RPGs, & Seeking a JoJo Stand
• 1:05:00 Cole’s Letter: GTA VI & March Comes in Like a Lion S3
• 1:11:33 Jay’s Rant: Where is the Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Anime?
• 1:16:20 Mike’s Conspiracy Letter: Santa the Data Broker & Selling Out
• 1:24:35 Cole’s $1 Million Wish: The Claas Xerion 12 Tractor
• 1:30:40 Outro: Upcoming Reviews (Elfen Lied) & Listener Polls

Vote for Our Listeners' Choice Review (Mecha Edition)!

https://forms.gle/nsq3Qh4Nd3r9cfA67

Poll closes December 20th

Support AniPro:

• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod
• Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag
• TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniPro

Follow & Subscribe:

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod
• Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7

Next Reviews:

• Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There
• Manga – Ichi the Witch → Black Torch

Music & Credits:

• Opening Theme – “Shibuya”
• Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro"
• Music licensed via – slip.stream

Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

Ichi the Witch Review + Amazon AI Dub Scandal, Kagurabachi & Kingdom Hearts

Jump into another magical review as the boys examine Shonen Jump's newest hit: Ichi the Witch!

Also: Amazon's AI Dub is taking over (and it's bad), Cole plays Kingdom Hearts for the first time, Jay finally understands the hype behind Kagurabachi, and more!

Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro & Welcome
• 03:01 - The Great Kagurabachi Debate
• 10:45 - Cole Plays Kingdom Hearts for the First Time
• 20:45 - Kingdom Hearts 4 & The Future of the Series
• 24:56 - Anime News: Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2
• 31:53 - The AI Dubbing Controversy (Amazon/Banana Fish)
• 46:35 - Review: Ichi the Witch (Manga)
• 47:10 - The Creators: Act-Age Artist & Iruma-kun Writer
• 49:32 - Plot Summary: Hunting the "Majiks"
• 57:01 - Character Analysis: Ichi & Descaras
• 01:06:23 - Subverting Shonen Tropes
• 01:17:03 - World Building: The Magic System
• 01:26:17 - Art Style & Visual Direction
• 01:31:16 - Anime Adaptation Predictions (KyoAni vs CloverWorks)
• 01:35:23 - Final Verdict: Is it a Certified Banger?
• 01:43:53 - Outro & Next Week: Elfen Lied

Vote for Our Listeners' Choice Review (Mecha Edition)!

https://forms.gle/nsq3Qh4Nd3r9cfA67

Support AniPro:

• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod
• Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag
• TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniPro

Follow & Subscribe:

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod
• Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7

Next Reviews:

• Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There
• Manga – Ichi the Witch → Black Torch

Music & Credits:

• Opening Theme – “Shibuya”
• Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro"
• Music licensed via – slip.stream

Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

Masterpiece or Just Weird? Golden Kamuy Season 1 Anime Review

The hunt is on as, this week, AniPro reviews the treasure hunting historical fiction anime: Golden Kamuy! Tune in to find out if the show truly is as golden as people say, or if it's just a lump of miso.

Also, Cole's splitting peas, Mike's catching a flight, Jay's VERY tired, and more!

Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00 - Intro: Episode Preview & Banter
• 04:42 - Airport Etiquette: How Early Should You Arrive?
• 14:27 - Sleep Cycles, Naps, and Waking Up Naturally
• 21:52 - The Great Split Pea Soup Debate
• 26:39 - Listener’s Choice Reveal: The Mecha Genre Nominees
• 36:50 - Mailbag: Celebrating American Thanksgiving in Canada
• 40:12 - Sponsor: TokyoTreat & Sakuraco
• 43:17 - Golden Kamuy Season 1 Review: Plot Summary & Premise
• 52:06 - Initial Comparisons: A Mature One Piece or Avatar?
• 56:29 - Character Dynamics: Sugimoto and Asirpa
• 1:01:38 - The Unhinged Villains of the 7th Division
• 1:06:10 - Production Quality & The Infamous CGI Bears
• 1:10:11 - Balancing Tones: Graphic Violence vs. Comedy
• 1:22:11 - Pacing: The Interweaving Factions & Episodic Storytelling
• 1:35:08 - Final Verdicts & Ratings
• 1:41:43 - Outro: Upcoming Reviews & Credits

Support AniPro:

• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod
• Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag
• TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniPro

Follow & Subscribe:

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod
• Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7

Next Reviews:

• Anime – Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There
• Manga – Ichi the Witch → Black Torch

Music & Credits:

• Opening Theme – “Shibuya”
• Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro"
• Music licensed via – slip.stream

Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

Valve’s Steam Machine, GTA VI Delay, Halo on PS5 + Anime Character Pokémon Teams

Have you ever looked at an anime character and wondered to yourself, "What would their Pokemon team be?" Well, you're in luck! Tune in this week to see as Cole, Mike, and Jay give Pokemon teams to anime characters assigned to them by the other guys!

Also, the GameCube makes a shocking return, the console wars may be over, GTA 6 is getting delayed, and more!

Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00 – AniProPod 207 Intro & Episode Overview
• 08:33 – Valve’s Steam Machine Revealed (GabeCube)
• 17:48 – Console Talk: Xbox vs Sega & Future of Gaming
• 24:15 – Halo Coming to PS5: What This Means
• 29:49 – GTA VI Delayed: New Release Info
• 37:15 – Mailbag: Fall Footwear Debate – Boots or Shoes?
• 43:13 – Second Half Teaser: Pokémon Teams for Anime Characters
• 48:30 – Mob’s Pokémon Team & Strategy Analysis
• 53:31 – Levi Ackerman’s Pokémon Team Breakdown
• 59:09 – Kirito’s Pokémon Team: Picks & Battle Style
• 01:08:00 – Holo the Wise Wolf’s Pokémon Team & Tactics
• 01:13:55 – Senku Ishigami’s Pokémon Team & Science Strategy
• 01:21:31 – Yuu Ishigami’s Pokémon Team Explained
• 01:29:00 – Episode Wrap-Up & Next Time on AniProPod

Support AniPro:

• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod
• Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag
• TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniPro

Follow & Subscribe:

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod
• Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7

Next Reviews:

• Anime – Golden Kamuy → Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There
• Manga – Ichi the Witch → Black Torch

Music & Credits:

• Opening Theme – “Shibuya”
• Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro"
• Music licensed via – slip.stream

Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

Fall 2025 Anime Mid-Season Rankings – Top 15 Shows to Watch | AniPro Podcast 206

Fall 2025 is here with many... shows to offer, so AniPro took it upon them to rank the 15 BEST anime you can watch!

Also, Mike's got plans, Cole got creative, Jay broke out the ol' ink and quill, and more!

Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – AniProPod 206 Intro
• 00:07:47 – Jay & Cole’s Writing and Music Projects
• 00:15:43 – Pre-Trip Rituals and Packing Strategy
• 00:21:04 – Fall 2025 Overview, Burnout, and Wandance Discussion
• 00:28:16 – One Punch Man Season 3, Digimon Beatbreak, and Alma-chan
• 00:33:39 – Mailbag: One Piece Going Seasonal in 2026
• 00:38:49 – #15 Campfire Cooking in Another World S2 – Cozy Isekai Returns
• 00:42:33 – #14 Gintama: Mr. Ginpachi – Classroom Comedy Chaos
• 00:47:53 – #13 Mechanical Marie & Break – Retro-Tech Mystery Series
• 00:54:09 – #12 Touring After the Apocalypse – Post-Apocalyptic Slice of Life
• 00:57:23 – #11 My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Hero’s – Power-Fantasy Isekai
• 01:02:59 – #10 This Monster Wants to Eat Me – Surreal Horror-Comedy
• 01:07:57 – #9 Dusk Beyond the End of the World – Cosmic Dark Fantasy Drama
• 01:14:22 – #8 A Wild Last Boss Appeared! – Classic Overpowered Adventure
• 01:20:17 – #7 May I Ask for One Final Thing? – Elegant Revenge Action Series
• 01:26:02 – #6 GNOSIA – Social Deduction Sci-Fi Thriller
• 01:30:55 – #5 Tatsuki Fujimoto Short Works 17–26 – Anthology Chaos
• 01:35:50 – #4 Umamusume: Cinderella Gray – High-Intensity Racing Drama
• 01:38:57 – #3 Chitose Is in the Ramune Bottle – High-School Character Drama
• 01:44:48 – #2 Sanda – Holiday Monster Mayhem
• 01:49:53 – #1 Tojima Wants to Be a Kamen Rider – Tokusatsu Coming-of-Age Story
• 01:54:22 – Recap and What’s Next on AniPro

Support AniPro:

• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod
• Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag
• TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniPro

Follow & Subscribe:

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod
• Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7

Next Reviews:

• Anime – Golden Kamuy → Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There
• Manga – Ichi the Witch → Black Torch

Music & Credits:

• Opening Theme – “Shibuya”
• Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Pandicio Del Toro"
• Music licensed via – slip.stream

Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!

Our Favorite Anime Studios & What They Should Adapt Next

Per popular demand, AniPro explores their favorite studios' catalogues, and determine what they should adapt next!

Also, Mike's crunching numbers, Booktok found One Piece, Cole's mourning a loss, and more!

Topics & Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Welcome to AniProPod 205!
• 00:05:45 – BookTok Discovers One Piece
• 00:13:57 – Anime Scores, Bias, and Bobby Monsoon
• 00:21:32 – Cole’s Baseball Blues: Mourning the Blue Jays
• 00:27:17 – Mailbag: Apple Pie vs. Pumpkin Pie Showdown
• 00:38:55 – Kitchen Mishaps & Chicken Soup for the Sole
• 00:43:01 – Studio Shaft: The Art of Abstraction
• 00:50:27 – Studio Trigger: Flash, Fury, and Firepower
• 00:59:56 – Kyoto Animation: Emotion in Every Frame
• 01:10:28 – Studio Orange: CG Innovation Done Right
• 01:21:46 – Studio Ghibli: Whimsy and the Human Spirit
• 01:33:13 – Science SARU: The New Wave of Style
• 01:42:38 – Wrap-Up: Dream Adaptations & Fan Picks

Support AniPro:

• Patreon – https://www.patreon.com/AniProPod
• Mailbag – https://anipropod.com/mailbag
• TokyoTreat ($5 off) – Use code "ANIPRO" for $5 off your first #TokyoTreat box: https://team.tokyotreat.com/AniPro

Follow & Subscribe:

• X (Twitter) – https://twitter.com/AniProPod
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anipropod
• Discord – https://discord.gg/dV5tMCWvM7

Next Reviews:

• Anime – Golden Kamuy → Elfen Lied → Now and Then, Here and There
• Manga – Ichi the Witch → Black Torch

Music & Credits:

• Opening Theme – “Shibuya”
• Bumper Track – "Retired Betamax" by "Jingle Punks Music"
• Music licensed via – slip.stream

Enjoying the show? If so, please rate & review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it only takes a moment and helps new listeners find us!