Baka Banter Anime Podcast

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this spring! They discuss an incredibly diverse season of anime including highly anticipated series like 'Lazarus' and 'Witch Watch,' pleasant surprises like 'Wind Breaker' and 'Kowloon Generic Romance,' and outstanding productions like 'Yaiba' and 'Mono.'

Ionatan and Ravi discuss highlights from their recent trips to Japan! They break down the cultural experiences, food, and adventures from a total of six incredible weeks visiting various places throughout the country.

Ionatan and Ravi are joined by PaperDawN, a cartoonist and graphic designer, to discuss his career as an artist. They break down the creative process for a variety of illustration work, the experience of attending conventions as an artist, and his webcomic. Then, they talk about his YouTube channel and its focus on video essays.

Ionatan and Ravi prepare for the upcoming months with a spring anime special! They begin by discussing their feelings about spring and giving some background on the seasonal customs in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite springtime anime series and movies to watch this time of the year including 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' and 'I Want to Eat Your Pancreas.'

What anime is most deserving of a sequel that hasn't received one? Ionatan and Ravi discuss which aspects of a series dictate whether they'd like to see a continuation produced or not before giving their personal selections for highly desired sequels in the medium. They cover action-filled franchises like 'Jojo's Bizarre Adventure' and 'Magi' as well as other favorites like 'Chihayafuru' and 'Black Lagoon' among various other picks.

Science Saru are responsible for some of the most creative and visually appealing anime in the medium, often working with talented directors and a global staff to bring these works to life. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's founding by Masaaki Yuasa and Eunyoung Choi as well as the direction it has taken in the years since then. Then, they pick their top five Science Saru anime, from personally impactful works like 'The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl' and 'Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!' to more recent outings like 'Dandadan' and 'The Colors Within.'

'Death Parade' is an exploration of the moral ambiguity that comes with attempting to judge human life after death. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, discussing the short film that it's based on as well as how it attempts to balance an episodic format containing various independent narratives, lore and worldbuilding, and fulfilling character arcs for its protagonists.

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this winter! They discuss sequels for 'Solo Leveling' and 'The Apothecary Diaries,' underwhelming series like 'Sakamoto Days' and 'Zenshu', and a few hidden gems such as 'Flower and Asura.'

Ionatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2024! They give their final thoughts on each season from the previous year, compare between different annual anime awards, and pick their winners for each award category from best opening to anime of the year.

'One Piece' is one of the largest franchises in anime and manga, following the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they search for the world's greatest treasure. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, starting at the beginning with the East Blue saga. They outline their plans for covering Eiichiro Oda's story in its entirety, share their personal experiences with 'One Piece,' and break down every arc from Romance Dawn to Loguetown.

Ionatan and Ravi round out 2024 by answering listener questions from the mailbag. They discuss their least favorite anime, guests they would love to interview for an episode, their ideal anime productions, and much more! Then, they take a look back at the fourth year of the podcast.

Anime song is a genre of music originating from Japanese pop and released primarily for the anime market. Ionatan and Ravi break down the history of anime song, from early influences resulting in the theme for 'Astro Boy' to the massive global popularity of tracks such as 'Homura' and 'Idol' in recent years. Then, they discuss the production process for anime opening and ending sequences, including the logistics for music selection and the accompanying animation, and rank their top five openings and endings in the medium.

'Land of the Lustrous' is a masterpiece that tells a complex and multifaceted story about what it means to be human. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down Haruko Ichikawa's work by discussing both the anime adaptation by Orange and the entirety of the manga, themes of change and existentialism accompanied by Buddhist philosophy, and the journey of an incredibly compelling protagonist in Phos.

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this fall! They discuss the highs and lows of the season, from popular new series like 'Dandadan' and 'Blue Box' to the return of 'Re:Zero' and 'Ranma ½' to massive disappointments such as 'Uzumaki' and 'Blue Lock.'

A-1 Pictures has produced a wide variety of anime, from series designed for mass appeal to more experimental works where creators are allowed to push the boundaries of the stories they tell. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's connection to Aniplex as well as its reputation within the anime community. Then, they pick their top five A-1 Pictures anime, from personal favorites like 'Kaguya-sama' and 'Shinsekai Yori' to popular entries like 'Lycoris Recoil' and 'Your Lie in April.'

Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Andrew Liptak, a historian and member of the 501st Legion, to discuss the history of cosplay. They break down 'Cosplay: A History,' his book detailing how cosplay became a mainstream force and what it says about the relationships fans have with the stories they love. Then, they talk about the intersection of cosplay and anime as well as his other work as a journalist and writer.

Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the anime adaptations of two works by Taiyo Matsumoto: 'Tekkonkinkreet' and 'Ping Pong the Animation.' They discuss Matsumoto's career as a mangaka, including the broad range of topics he covers and how he crafts narratives that are simultaneously grounded in reality and remarkably imaginative. Then, they explore the themes and characters in two of his most well known stories through the lens of the movie directed by Michael Arias and the series directed by Masaaki Yuasa.

Ionatan and Ravi discuss Ionatan's weekend at Anime NYC 2024! They cover panels for 'Dandadan' with Kensuke Ushio and 'Haikyu!!' as well as a screening of 'Macross Plus' with Shoji Kawamori. Then, they have a broader conversation about what they look forward to most when attending anime conventions and plans for future live podcast appearances.

What makes an original work stand out as opposed to an adaptation? Ionatan and Ravi discuss their love of original projects where artists can creatively express themselves before giving their personal recommendations for the best original anime that the medium has to offer. They cover various original titles including popular entries such as 'Death Parade' and 'Lycoris Recoil' and idiosyncratic experiences from directors like Shingo Natsume and Kunihiko Ikuhara in 'Sonny Boy' and 'Mawaru Penguindrum.'

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this summer! They discuss a surprisingly deep season full of incredible productions, from the return of 'Oshi no Ko' and 'Monogatari' to romantic comedies like 'Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian' and 'Too Many Losing Heroines!' to adaptations that elevate their source material like 'Wistoria' and 'The Elusive Samurai.'

Science fiction makes use of futuristic concepts in order to deliver prescient stories about humanity and the trajectory of society. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the history and development of science fiction both globally and in Japan. Then, they dive into three series that highlight the diversity of the genre, including explorations of the intersection between personal identity and technology in 'Serial Experiments Lain,' memory alteration and inequality in 'Kaiba,' and the oppressive nature of capitalism in 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.'

Ionatan and Ravi are back for another tournament arc, this time filling out a couple ship bracket! They discuss what aspects of romantic relationships in anime resonate with them and why shipping can be a contentious topic among many fandoms before debating which of the top 32 couples deserves to come out on top.

Production I.G is a prolific studio known for its extensive catalog of works in the science fiction and sports genres. Ionatan and Ravi discuss how roots at Tatsunoko Production combined with the unprecedented success of 'Ghost in the Shell' enabled a unique company structure compared to the rest of the industry. Then, they pick their top five Production I.G anime, from movies like 'Patlabor' and 'The End of Evangelion' to series like 'Haikyu!!' and 'Psycho-Pass.'

'Vinland Saga' is a modern classic that uses the historical setting of the Viking Age to tell a thought-provoking epic. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season in the anime adaptation of Makoto Yukimura's manga by discussing the meticulous crafting of the world, the wide variety of compelling characters, and how the narrative supports its central themes of redemption and pacifism.

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this spring! They discuss how varied this anime season is, from studio changes for the 'KonoSuba' and 'Yuru Camp' sequels as well as the 'Spice and Wolf' remake to new series such as 'Kaiju No. 8' and 'Wind Breaker' to the return of Kyoto Animation's 'Hibike! Euphonium.'

Bones is synonymous with a high level of quality, whether that is showcased in action sequences in popular battle shounen or in bringing to life creative original works. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's founding by Sunrise staff members and how their early works like the 'Cowboy Bebop' movie and 'Fullmetal Alchemist' laid the foundation for future productions made with an international audience in mind. Then, they pick their top five Bones anime, from a modern classic in 'Mob Psycho 100' to the industry event that was 'Space Dandy' to the nostalgia of 'Soul Eater.'

Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Zach Logan, host and founder of The One Piece Podcast, to discuss anime podcasting. They cover the early days of the podcast and how it's grown over the past 15 years to now have a wide variety of guests, related podcasts, and even a documentary filmed in Japan. Then, they talk about what makes 'One Piece' such a beloved franchise, personal favorites from the series including characters and arcs, and experiences with different versions of the story such as the manga, anime, and live action.

Mari Okada is one of the most prolific writers in the anime industry, known not only for screenplay and series composition roles but also for her work as a mangaka and director. Ionatan and Ravi discuss Mari Okada's personal story as told in her autobiography before giving some overarching thoughts on her extensive writing credits. Then, they explore how her two directed films, 'Maquia' and 'Maboroshi,' tackle themes such as parenthood, isolation, and the passage of time.

Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Aurélie Petit, a doctoral candidate in film studies at Concordia University, to discuss the intersection between technology, gender, and sexuality as it relates to anime. They break down her research on the history of animated pornography, how online anime communities have developed exclusionary practices towards women, and the role that artificial intelligence plays in the anime industry. Then, they cover her catalog of animated films that portray sexuality and eroticism.

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this winter! They discuss the popularity of 'Solo Leveling,' the combination of classic fantasy and cooking in 'Dungeon Meshi,' the continuation of their shoujo adventures with 'A Sign of Affection,' and why 'Metallic Rouge' has been such a disappointment.

Ionatan and Ravi prepare for the season of love with a Valentine's Day anime special! They begin by discussing their dislike of the consumerism surrounding Valentine's Day and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite anime episodes to watch this time of the year from series such as 'Toradora!' and 'Hyouka.'

Ionatan and Ravi take a look back at anime in 2023! They give their final thoughts on each season from the previous year, engage in their annual rant about the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and pick their winners for each award category from best opening to anime of the year.

What makes for a particularly compelling anime movie? Ionatan and Ravi discuss how they approach critically watching films compared to television series before giving their personal recommendations for the best standalone movies that the medium has to offer. They cover a pair of Satoshi Kon works in 'Tokyo Godfathers' and 'Perfect Blue,' Mamoru Hosoda's heartfelt story of parenthood in 'Wolf Children,' and Masaaki Yuasa's take on a Tomihiko Morimi novel in 'The Night is Short, Walk on Girl' among various other picks.

Ionatan and Ravi round out 2023 by answering listener questions from the mailbag. They discuss the differences between original works and manga adaptations, the best and worst casts in anime, their favorite first episodes in the medium, and much more! Then, they take a look back at the third year of the podcast.

Ionatan and Ravi discuss highlights from Ionatan's recent trip to Japan! They first cover Ravi's weekend at Anime NYC 2023, including spending time with the podcast community and attending panels for series like 'Lycoris Recoil' and 'Great Pretender.' Then, they break down the cultural experiences, food, and encounters with anime content from three incredible weeks visiting various cities throughout Japan.

CloverWorks is a relatively new studio that has established itself quickly within the anime industry over the past few years. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's origins at A-1 Pictures and subsequent combination of co-productions, adaptations, and original works. Then, they pick their top five CloverWorks anime, from the massively successful 'Bocchi the Rock!' and 'Spy x Family' to high-quality productions like 'Horimiya' and 'My Dress-Up Darling' to ambitious disappointments like 'Wonder Egg Priority.'

'Attack on Titan' is one of the most important anime franchises of the modern age, telling a dark fantasy epic that is responsible for bringing anime into global mainstream culture. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season in the anime adaptation of Hajime Isayama's manga from the Fall of Shiganshina to the War for Paradis. They discuss the characters and lore of the world, numerous twists in the narrative, shift in production from Wit Studio to MAPPA, and recent conclusion that cemented the themes and legacy of the series.

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this fall! They discuss a pair of anime of the year contenders in 'Frieren' and 'The Apothecary Diaries,' whether 'Spy x Family' needs constant plot progression and character development, and the visually stunning but otherwise lackluster 'Undead Unluck.'

Ionatan and Ravi prepare for the spooky season with a Halloween anime special! They begin by discussing their own Halloween memories and giving some background on how the holiday is celebrated in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite anime to watch this time of the year, from 'Soul Eater' and 'Hellsing Ultimate' to 'Mononoke' and 'Devilman: Crybaby.'

Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Roland Kelts, a writer and professor at Waseda University, to discuss the global influence of Japanese pop culture. They break down 'Japanamerica,' his book detailing the American experience with anime and other Japanese cultural exports. Then, they talk about his recent book 'The Art of Blade Runner: Black Lotus' as well as academic life in Tokyo more broadly.

'Akira' is one of the most important science fiction films of all time, with an unmatched cultural impact that changed the anime industry and paved the way for the growth of Japanese culture in the west. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the movie, breaking down its animation and production as well as its themes such as the cyclical nature of destruction and the struggle of surviving in a dystopian society. Then, they cover the movie's plot and describe their hopes for the adaptation of the franchise as a series.

Ionatan and Ravi are back for another tournament arc, this time filling out a seiyu bracket! They discuss what stands out to them from their favorite voice acting performances and the history of the industry in Japan before debating which of the top 32 anime voice actors deserves to come out on top.

'Haikyu!!' uses volleyball to expertly showcase what draws people to participate in sports and how athletic competition can lead to personal growth via hard work, being part of a team, and overcoming adversity. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season of the anime adaptation by discussing the training arcs and matches that defined Karasuno's trajectory from the Interhigh to Nationals. Then, they select their best 'Haikyu!!' universe lineups and outline their expectations for the upcoming pair of movies.

White Fox is known for the quality of its visual and light novel adaptations, often demonstrating an understanding of the source material and its appeal to fans. Ionatan and Ravi discuss the studio's founding as well as its success with two massively popular franchises in 'Steins;Gate' and 'Re:Zero.' Then, they pick their top five White Fox anime, from existential science fiction like 'Girls' Last Tour' to underrated gems like 'Jormungand' and 'Katanagatari.'

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this summer! They discuss sequels for 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and 'Mushoku Tensei,' the return of 'Horimiya,' and pleasant surprises such as 'Zom 100' and 'Undead Girl Murder Farce.'

Soundtracks are one of the most important but often underappreciated parts of anime production, having the ability to underscore scenes and characters in an adaptation while evoking strong emotions in the audience. Ionatan and Ravi break down the technical process for score composition as well as the historical context for music in the anime industry. Then, they discuss the most prominent anime composers and what makes each of their musical styles unique, from industry legends like Joe Hisaishi and Yoko Kanno to relative newcomers like Hiroyuki Sawano and Kensuke Ushio.

Ionatan and Ravi are joined by Shawn Gann, a voice director and actor at Crunchyroll, to discuss anime dubbing. They talk about Shawn's advocacy for diversity in the industry, the process for voice directing from getting assigned a series to working with actors in the studio, and particularly memorable experiences directing titles such as 'Fruits Basket' and 'Horimiya.'

Ionatan and Ravi prepare for the upcoming months with a summer anime special! They begin by discussing their own summer memories growing up and giving some background on the seasonal customs in Japan. Then, they pick their favorite summer anime episodes and movies to watch this time of the year that make use of tropes like beach and fireworks scenes including 'Fruits Basket,' 'A Silent Voice,' and 'Kaguya-sama.'

Mamoru Oshii is one of the most influential anime directors of all time whose dense and layered works constantly pose thought-provoking questions and touch on philosophical concepts such as dreams and reality, the illusion of peace, and identity. Ionatan and Ravi dive into Mamoru Oshii's filmography, ranging from his early career working on 'Urusei Yatsura' to his surrealistic artwork 'Angel's Egg' to his musings on politics and technology in 'Patlabor' and 'Ghost in the Shell.'

'Spice and Wolf' is a unique fantasy that blends adventure and romance with a focus on historically accurate economics in the medieval period. Ionatan and Ravi dive deep into the series, breaking down each season of the anime adaptation in terms of Lawrence and Holo's relationship development and the trading concepts that drive the plot of each arc before discussing their hopes for the upcoming anime project.

Ionatan and Ravi give their thoughts on every show they're watching this spring! They discuss their opinions on Makoto Shinkai's 'Suzume' at the top of the episode before diving into a stacked season that includes new standouts like 'Oshi no Ko,' 'Heavenly Delusion,' and 'Skip to Loafer' as well as the return of series like 'Demon Slayer' and 'KonoSuba.'