Treehouse Anime Club

This is my Wrap-up for 2024 and the formal conclusion to the Treehouse Anime Club podcast, plus what is next for my creative journey. Thank you for listening to me this past year and I hope you stick around for my next journey, the Anime Field Guide podcast! Instagram | Threads @anifieldguide

Thank you.

(Re-uploaded on June 30, 2024 to match my two-part format) From the classic catalog of manga powerhouse CLAMP and the dynamite animation staff of Studio Madhouse, comes a classic love story with a twist! Chobits is a series very much set in the early 2000s yet imagines a not-so-distant future of artificial intelligence and computers becoming fully integrated into modern society as sexy robot ladies. I've had a lot of time to think about and examine this show from multiple angles, and my conclusion is... Listen and find out! FEATURING!!! Special Guest: Anime Sekai Podcast Check them out on Instagram and give them a Follow! Anime Sekai Podcast (@animesekaipodcast) • Instagram photos and videos

Follow AniMel on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@itsanimel https://linktr.ee/itsanimel I am happy to host Mel from ItsAnimel on YouTube to talk about our favorite female protagonists in anime and how we are possibly experiencing a new golden age of female characters leading some of the most critically acclaimed anime and manga in recent years! Become part of my show on Instagram & Threads! @treehouseanimepod Join our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB

Special Guest: Anime Sekai Podcast Check them out on Instagram and give them a Follow! @animesekaipodcast I am happy to feature some good friends and returning guests, Ichigo and Mikan, to talk about one of their favorite films: Howl's Moving Castle. Does the movie still have its magic after 20 years? Listen and find out!

Become part of the show on Instagram & Threads! @treehouseanimepod Join our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Turning 20 years old this year, it's time to look back on the production story of Howl's Moving Castle, one of Hayao Miyazaki's favorite films to produce. Musical tracks in this episode: "The Merry-go-round of Life" - Joe Hisaishi directing the London Philharmonic Orchestra

Become part of the show on Instagram & Threads! @treehouseanimepod Join our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Check out Unbuckled Comics Podcast! https://linktr.ee/unbuckledcomics The show goes on, and I am pleased to finally bring on a good friend of mine, Unbuckled Cape, to talk about the ins and outs and inside outs of THE BIG O! Our Negotiations went smoothly, and I hope y'all enjoy how Unbuckled and I came to terms on this cult classic anime series!

Become part of the show on Instagram & Threads! @treehouseanimepod Join our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB The Big O represents the kind of cult classic anime series that has aged like fine wine and still sparks fond memories in its fanbase 25 years later. The tried-and-true pitch of "Bruce Wayne pilots a giant punching robot" is still as effective as ever. And you really can't talk The Big O without mentioning Batman: The Animated Series in the same breath. While not the global sensation its creators hoped the series would be, The Big O nonetheless remains a showcase in what make animation such a creative and compelling medium. Musical tracks in this episode: “Big O!” - Rui Nagai “Giant Robo” - Masamichi Amano “Tetsujin 28-Gou” - Akira Senju “Red Baron Opening Theme” - Bob Sakuma “Batman The Animated Series - Main Title” - Danny Elfman “Respect” - Toshihiko Sahashi “UFO Main Theme” - Barry Gray

Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB One Year ago, I launched the Treehouse Anime Club. I never would have guessed the journey that was waiting for me. So today I want to take a brief moment and look back and celebrate a full year of creative expression. Thank you for listening to my little podcast about Japanese cartoons! Here's to another successful year!

Check out the Retrotopia Podcast! https://linktr.ee/retrotopia It's time to go once more into the Mushroom Kingdom! I am joined by my good friends from the Retrotopia Podcast as we discuss and laugh over the rare and rather bizarre early animated ventures of the Super Mario Brothers! Become part of the show on Instagram & Threads @treehouseanimepod Join our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Nintendo Life Article for "Super Mario Traffic Safety" https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/05/a_lost_super_mario_anime_has_been_found_and_shown_off_in_japan

Become part of the show on Instagram & Threads @treehouseanimepod Join our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Wahoo! It's time to discuss the production story of a previously considered lost piece of Mario, anime, and cinema history! "The Great Mission to Rescue Princess Peach" marks the first time Mario and pals made their appearance on the big screen and marked the first-ever video game adaptation to film! Directed by the legendary Masami Hata with Art Direction by the equally legendary Yukio Abe, this Mario movie is the definition of a Hidden Gem. Musical tracks in this episode: "Dokidoki Do It! Bishi to Bashi to Rock`n Roll Gakkou Hen" - Mirai Doji "Mario the Great" - Toshiyuki Kimori "Mario Walk" - Toshiyuki Kimori "Dance With Mario" - Toshiyuki Kimori "Dream Dream Dream" - Toshiyuki Kimori *Based on original music by Koji Kondo, Nintendo. Link to Kineko Video's restoration: https://youtu.be/vzlZy9zpw0Q?si=zEf7eH76UERnr7rv

Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB It's time to Spring Forward and list off a bunch of anime series I am excited to check out! Anime mentioned in this episode: Delicious in Dungeon Sand Land: The Series Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose its Master Bartender: Glass of God Astro Note Train to the End of the World Jellyfish Can't Swim in the Night Go! Go! Loser Ranger The Fable Wind Breaker Kaiju No. 8 Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf The Grimm Variations

Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB That's a Wrap, folks! I look back my favorites and not-so favorites from the Winter 2024 Anime Season ahead of the Spring line-up! Anime mentioned in this episode: Meiji Gekken 1874 Metallic Rouge Shangri-La Frontier Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Apothecary Diaries Chained Soldier Bang Brave Bang Bravern! Firefighter Daigo: Rescuer in Orange A Sign of Affection Delicious in Dungeon Sengoku Youko

Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Devilman Crybaby is possibly the most violent and over-the-top anime I hope to ever review for this podcast. From the brilliantly deranged mind of Go Nagai in 1972 to the brilliantly deranged visuals of Masaaki Yuasa in 2018, Devilman Crybaby is one 'Hell' of an accomplishment. Musical tracks: "Smells Blood" - Kensuke Ushio "Nighthawk" - Kensuke Ushio "Devilman no Uta - 2018" - Kensuke Ushio - vocals by Avu-chan (Queen Bee)

Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB First part of our Devilman Crybaby episode because Go Nagai deserves his own episode. And even just skimming his achievements and focusing on Devilman this episode was almost an hour long!

Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB For this episode, I take a look at two collaborative works in Japanese animation with international artists: Porter Robinson and Daft Punk. These projects speak to the passion of creating a truly unique a personal experience to be shared across the world regardless of nationality. Further reading/listening https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2023-04-10/why-international-anime-co-productions-are-so-rare/.196552 Anime World Order Podcast - Show #200 "Let's ACTUALLY Interview Helen McCarthy Already"

On March 7th, 2024 the news broke that legendary creator, Akira Toriyama, had passed away days earlier on March 1st. This news shocked and saddened all of us here in the Treehouse Community, and so have come together to say "thank you" and "goodbye" to a man who has given us so much over the years.

Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Bocchi the Rock is a series defined by its quirky animation, its memes, and its music. But there's so much more to this story! Bocchi the Rock represents an intersection of passion and ambition that resulted in one of the most unique and beloved anime properties that has already made history and will certainly go down as the best of the best to represent anime as an artistic medium. Musical tracks in this episode: "Seishun Complex" - Kessoku Band "Pepepepe" - Tomoki Kikuya "Invincible Guitar Hero" - Tomoki Kikuya "Rock n Roll Morning Light Falls on You" - ASIAN KUNG FU GENERATION - covered by Kessoku Band

Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod With a new anime adaptation on the horizon after over a decade of waiting, I'm jumping into the conversation to talk about Spice and Wolf: a unique take on the fantasy genre with an equally unique pairing of characters. And the story of how the 2008 anime version was produced is also full of uniqueness as well! Music tracks in this episode: "Kenshi to Yopparai" - Yuuji Yoshino "Hashiru" - Yuuji Yoshino "Ringo Biyori" (The Wolf Whistling Song) - Rocky Chack

Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod Thank y'all so much for an amazing first year of podcasting! This is a quick update on where we are as a show and some of my plans going into the new year! Music tracks in this episode: "Ready Steady Go!" - L'Arc-en-Ciel

Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod A new season of anime goodness is upon us, and I want to highlight a few shows that I plan to spend the cold Winter months enjoying inside my warm house! I also have a few shows to talk about from the Fall 2023 Season as well! Tell me the anime YOU are excited for this season down in the Spotify comments section.

Become part of our community on Discord! https://discord.com/invite/UGmCFnWtrB Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod We're kicking off 2024 on a wholesome note! Kosaka Kitarou and his fellow Studio Ghibli alumni spent the better part of four years crafting a film during a time when both Ghibli and Madhouse Studio were looking for a new course to chart. Okko's Inn is the happiest film about dealing with grief I have ever seen. It's a story about how understanding and helping other people is healing for the soul. Music tracks in the episode: "Suiryou-sama" - Keichi Suzuki "Okko's Inn Main Theme" - Keichi Suzuki "Jinkan Bungie Jump!" - vocals by Seiran Kobayashi (Okko)

Follow us on Instagram! Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) • Instagram photos and videos I count down my top 10 anime from 2023!

Cowboy Bebop is a banner series for anime as a medium and as a cultural exchange. The production story of Bebop is almost as wild as the show itself. And the people who brought the vision to life under the steady hand of Shinichiro Watanabe put every single ounce of their creative effort into elevating Bebop beyond its original concept into something truly unique and unmatched a quarter century later. Musical tracks in this episode - Yoko Kanno & the Seatbelts "first track "Spokey Dokey" "Green Bird" - vocals: Gabriella Robin "The Real Folk Blues" - vocals: Mai Yamane Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave | @treehouseanimepod

Attack on Titan recently ended, and I wanted to talk about my journey with this series that began all the way back in 2013. HEAVY SPOILERS FOR ATTACK ON TITAN Obviously! I went through my memories as best as I could, like Eren Yeager sifting through his awareness of the multiverse, and I compiled my notes into a semblance of sanity in order to ramble through my thoughts now that it's all over. I hope y'all enjoy listening to this podcast as much as I enjoyed producing it! Music tracks used in this episode "Ashes on the Fire" - Kohta Yamamoto "Guren no Yumiya" - Linked Horizon "You See Big Girl" - Hiroyuki Sawano "ətˈæk 0N tάɪtn " - Hiroyuki Sawano "The Rumbling" - SIM "Nisennen... Moshiku wa... Nimannengo no Kimi e…" - Linked Horizon (feat. Yui Ishikawa)

Gurren Lagann is a true blue modern classic, and a turning point for its creators, the studio, and much of its audience! The show is a non-stop rollercoaster of storytelling and animation that oftentimes leaves me breathless after watching! But it's also a tale firmly rooted in tradition, a fresh "spin" on the classic hero's journey as we follow our timid protagonist on his journey to manhood. And for Hiroyuki Imaishi and crew, Gurren Lagann propelled a burgeoning desire to make a further name for themselves, eventually resulting in the creation of Studio TRIGGER - co-founded by Hiroyuki Imaishi Masahiko Ohtsuka. Musical tracks in this episode: "Rap is a Man's Soul!" [Short Start Edit] - Tarantura "Drill to Heaven with Your XXX!! -First Time Outside Version" - Taku Iwasaki

From the classic catalog of manga powerhouse CLAMP and the dynamite animation staff of Studio Madhouse, comes a classic love story with a twist! Chobits is a series very much set in the early 2000s yet imagines a not-so-distant future of artificial intelligence and computers becoming fully integrated into modern society as sexy robot ladies. I've had a lot of time to think about and examine this show from multiple angles, and my conclusion is... Listen and find out! FEATURING!!! Special Guest: Anime Sekai Podcast Check them out on Instagram and give them a Follow! Anime Sekai Podcast (@animesekaipodcast) • Instagram photos and videos Music tracks in order of appearance: "Let Me Be With You" - Round Table feat. NINO "Katoko no Koi" - Keitarou Takanami "Katoko no Koi" DUET VERSION - Keitarou Takanami, with vocals by Rie Tanaka and Tomokazu Sugita

Paranoia Agent is our spooooky Halloween episode for this year, and it's the scariest anime I own in my collection. We're breaking out the big guns for this one! From the late, great director, Satoshi Kon comes a work that could be described as a stream of consciousness piloted by a captain with a firm hand on the tiller. Only the captain knows the direction the boat needs to go, and he offers no other condolences to his audience other than "trust me". Satoshi Kon is the kind of anime director who actively goes against the grain of "traditional" anime direction. He actively unbalanced audiences with nonlinear direction, and physically brought his characters into strange and unchartered waters. He was a man very concerned with the social issues of his time, and it's clear he had a lot to say about the current generation. I hold a lot of respect for him, rest in peace. Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) • Instagram photos and videos Music tracks in this episode “Dream Island Obsessional Park” Susumu Hirasawa “Jouken Douji” Susumu Hirasawa “Kingdom” Susumu Hirasawa

Happy fall, y'all! A new season of magical anime goodness is upon us, and I want to talk about a few that I have my eyes on going into the Fall 2023 Anime Season! The Sizzling Summer Watchlist went over pretty well so I've now made the seasonal previews an official part of the podcast! In other news... there are too many damn cartoons to watch this season!!! Tell me the anime YOU are excited for this season down in the Spotify comment section! Follow the show on Instagram and be part of the show! Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) • Instagram photos and videos

Seirei no Moribito is a classic example of a classic anime that time has unfortunately left behind in wider fandom. This is a story of fighting for what you believe in and protecting what you think is right even if it will likely cost you everything you hold dear. How far would you go for a stranger? And on the production side, I think y'all will find it interesting to learn how this historical fantasy action drama is closely tied to its genre opposite: Ghost in the Shell As well as the animation techniques further refined by Production I.G. that paved the way for their catalog today. Speaking of being left behind... I briefly talk about the absorption Rightstufanime into the Crunchyroll Store, my thoughts on why this is not good for the anime community, and where we might be headed. You can use code "thankyou" for 15% off your entire order before October 10, 2023. Musical tracks featured in this episode: "Shine" - L'Arc En Ciel (vocals by Hyde) "Nahji no Uta" - composed by Kenji Kawai "Omoi Haruka" - composed by Kenji Kawai *minor redaction- I bought Moribito on blu-ray the weekend before this episode went live because Sentai Filmworks had a weekend fire sale

Outlaw Star is a series that defines the epitome of what was great about the animation and character designs of the late 90's. It's a real shame we haven't gotten any new projects in this universe over the last 25 years... Buckle up because the story of Outlaw Star's production is one full of twists and turns, nostalgia, and a little heartbreak. Musical tracks in this episode "Flight" - Kou Ohtani "Through the Night" - Masahiko Arimachi and Kazuhiro Hara

Death Parade is a consistent favorite of mine, and its director, Yuzuru Tachikawa, has had one heck of a career following this show's release. Take a chance and gamble on a good time as I explain how Tachikawa-san was able to produce such a unique property through the Young Animators Training Program, sponsored by the Japanese Government. Musical tracks in order of appearance "Flyers" - BRADIO (Opening credits theme) "Donyu" - Yuki Hayashi

This is the second half of our Treehouse Anime Club Origins series, and this time I turned the Listener Spotlight on full and put the community in the driver's seat! This is YOUR Anime Origin Story! I also reached out to my podcasting "senpai" for their anime origin stories. This was a blast to put together and I plan to do more of these kinds of episodes in the future. Enjoy! Intro & Outro music: "Driver's High" - L'Arc-en-Ciel (Great Teacher Onizuka OP 1) All Podcasts mentioned may be found on Spotify and major platforms. Here are their social links - please check 'em out! Anime Degens Podcast Instagram, Twitter, Tiktok: @animedegens Sugio Summit Instagram: @sugoisummit Youtube: Sugoi Summit - YouTube The Anime Backlog Instagram, Twitter: @theanimebacklog Anime Sekai Podcast Instagram: @animesekaipodcast Tiktok: @animesekaipodcast

By popular demand, this is a more detailed breakdown of how I got into the anime hobby, what the anime landscape was like at the time, and the ideas that shaped this podcast! Intro music: "Ready Steady Go!" L'Arc-en-Ciel [Fullmetal Alchemist OP2]

The Treehouse Anime Club Discord has spoken! "Mobile Suit Gundam" the 1980s Compilation Movie Trilogy is our first official mecha episode! Grandaddy RX-78-2 demands its coverage! I admit that Gundam has long been a blind spot in my personal anime journey, and what better way to enter the franchise than by classic peer pressure? I've been on one heck of a journey, and I can't wait to share my experiences with you as we cover the production story of Mobile Suit Gundam. Musical tracks used in order of appearance: "From Sleep" "Fly! Gundam!" (the original OP credits theme) "Gallant Char" "From Sleep" (second half) "The Heroic Gundam"

Revolutionary Girl Utena is one of the most unique visions of animation and storytelling I've seen in recent memory. Kunihiko Ikuhara was already riding high from his success as the Series Director of Sailor Moon, but he left it all behind to gamble on a vision. The Treehouse Anime Club pulls back the curtain on early days of Utena's production as well as the creative tensions present in the group bringing her world to life. Ikuhara took his team, and ultimately his audience, along for a crazy-ass emotional roller coaster experience that remains today as a crowning achievement in experimental storytelling. Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) | Instagram Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) on Threads And also feel free to join our community on Discord! *link embedded on Instagram bio

This was one of the toughest episodes to record. Kyoto Animation is one of my favorite studios in anime, and Violet Evergarden ranks as one of my favorite recent works. For this episode, I am covering Violet Evergarden in its entirety so it's another long episode, but I made sure to pack this one full to the brim with cool details about the anime. Follow the show on Instagram/Threads! Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) | Instagram Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) on Threads And also feel free to join our community on Discord! https://discord.gg/X8xHcECby

Surprise! You're getting a bonus episode out of nowhere! Happy Summer! This week is mostly unscripted as I run through my highlights and a few lowlights of the 2023 Summer Anime Season, and where I think a few of these shows might be going. And tell me the anime YOU are watching this season! Follow the show on Instagram Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) | Instagram And be part of the show on our Discord! *30 day invite code https://discord.gg/X8xHcECby

This week's episode is a double feature of "Trigun" and its 2010 film "Trigun: Badlands Rumble"! Who is Vash the Stampede, really? Who brought his journey to life? What lies in store for the legendary outlaw and his world? From the mind of Yasuhiro Nightow, to the fine folks at Studio Madhouse who translated pen and paper to the big screen. Join me in the Treehouse as I discuss the fine folks who brought the world of the Humanoid Typhoon to audiences across the globe. SHOUTOUTS Bonsai Pop - Trigun video essays "The Human Tragedy of Vash the Stampede (Trigun)" https://youtu.be/e8U8PwrvDIk "Trigun: The Struggle of Vash and Wolfwood's Morality" https://youtu.be/avcPGhNjbEA "The INSANE Story of Trigun" https://youtu.be/B8GOYoBkAIE

The directorial vision of Masaaki Yuasa and Science Saru is one of the most unique voices in the anime industry. Their latest film, Inu-Oh, delivers one of the strangest and visually expressive films I've had the pleasure of experiencing. This is a project that can only be brought to life by the vision of Yuasa and his team. Join me as I uncover the story of the making of Inu-Oh! Rock on Song list in order: Birth Inu-Oh II Inu-Oh's Soliloquy Ending song: Inu-Oh's Soliloquy Before I can rise a star, I've got to dive in, Before the beast I set free can go to sleep Follow the show on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/treehouseanimepod/ Become part of the show on our Discord! https://discord.gg/U3uthdgUc *This link is good for 30 days after episode premiere. Discord took away permanent invite links

We were THIS CLOSE to being topical for Soul Eater's 15th anniversary! Ah well, better late than never. Soul Eater remains as one of my favorite action anime series to date, only topped by the likes of One Punch Man and Mob Psycho 100, which also share animation staff from Soul Eater! Join me as I geek out over the art and animation of Soul Eater, why I think it holds up today, why you should also read the manga by Atsushi Ohkubo, and why the true power of this anime lies in the friends we made along the way! Follow the show on Instagram! Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) | Instagram We also have a discord! We'd love to have you!

Follow the show on Instagram! Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) | Instagram This week, we're leaning a little into 90's anime nostalgia! I have a lot of fond memories of the Ronin Warriors, but it's also been over 10 years since I last watched the show. So, what better excuse to rewatch a classic series than to make an episode about it?! I can't find a better one. Links! Check out myself with Joe and Jake from 3 Bros, 1 Controller Podcast - Zelda Episode! 3 Bros, 1 Controller (buzzsprout.com) Thanks again for the opportunity, guys! Fan wiki for Samurai Troopers Yoroiden Samurai Troopers Fan Wiki | Fandom

Follow the show on Instagram at Super Dave (@treehouseanimepod) | Instagram We're all somebody from somewhere. For our inaugural episode I am covering the production story of "Kiki's Delivery Service" and the fine folks who made it the critical and commercial success it is today. I also talk about my plans for the show (I have a lot of 'em!) plus thank the folks who helped me get started.