The Wonder of Anime

The Wonder Of Anime Podcast, is a weekly sometimes biweekly, look at anime with the host, Lisa.

WITCH WATCH Gets Funnier, Vigilantes Is Hitting Close to Home | Spring Anime 2025 Reviews 04/29/2025

WITCH WATCH Gets Funnier, Vigilantes Is Hitting Close to Home | Spring Anime 2025 Reviews So many shows, so little time! This week on the podcast, I am catching up on life before diving into a manga review of A Star Brighter than the Sun vol 1 and then my weekly anime reviews! Check the time stamps to avoid spoilers! 00:00 Intro 03:00 A Star Brighter Than The Sun Review 09:13 Rock is a Ladys Modesty ep 2 13:00 Wind Breaker Ep 2-4 23:07 Vigilantes ep 2-3 28:34 Outro Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Sony A6000 and a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/36354360

Spring Anime Sampler! Rock Is Lady's Modesty, WITCH WATCH, and More! 04/09/2025

Spring Anime Sampler! Rock Is Lady's Modesty, WITCH WATCH, and More! We're back, baby! Let's dive into the Spring Anime season, which is packed with so many engaging titles like WITCH WATCH, My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, Kowloon Generic Romance, and more! But before that, I chat about what I've been up to in my absence and where the podcast is headed moving forward. Intro, Where I’ve Been New Episode Types Rock is a Lady’s Modesty WITCH WATCH ZatsuTabi That’s Journey Kowloon Generic Romance My Hero Academia: Vigilantes Wind Breaker S2 Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Sony A6000 and a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/36069695

The Wonder of Digimon Tamers 10/10/2024

The Wonder of Digimon Tamers Calling all Digidestineds!! This week on The Wonder of Anime I'm joined by the incredible Serrandon. Serrandon (Sir-ran-den) is a director, photographer, and content creator based in Los Angeles. Inspired by anime, video games, and pop culture of the late 90s & 2000s, Serrandon produces vibrant, "in-your-face" content that makes you feel like a tween again. Serrandon has a web series titled, Plug_N an immersive retrospect show that gives a fresh perspective on video games, tech, and toys from yesteryear. In this episode we discuss the 2001 anime, Digimon Tamers! We talk about why it was so different from Digimon Adventures, the darker theme it discusses, the new movies, and so much more. *Apologies for the issues in sound quality in this episode. I had some technical difficulties midway through recording and needed to change microphones. Follow Serrandon: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Sony A6000 and a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/33406892

The Wonder of Code Geass 10/03/2024

The Wonder of Code Geass Welcome back to a new season of The Wonder of Anime! Cristal Marie is joining me for the first episode back! Cristal Marie is the host of the official Crunchyroll podcast CrunchyCast, a V-tuber, and an award-winning singer/creator living the Anime Girl life in NYC. She is best known for being on YouTube's Get In The Robot, Beyond The Bot, and now The Hollow TV. In this episode, Cristal Marie and I dive into CODE GEASS, the 2006 original anime about an exiled prince, childhood best friends, and mecha?! Strap in because Cristal Marie breaks down how Code Geass paved the way for a lot of anime in terms of telling these types of stories. We also discuss the light Yagami comparisons, Attack on Titan, and Jujutsu Kaisen. (No spoilers, I promise!) Follow Cristal Marie: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Sony A6000 and a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/33304137

The Wonder of 5 Cm Per Second and Makoto Shinkai 05/10/2024

The Wonder of 5 Cm Per Second and Makoto Shinkai On this week's episode of The Wonder of Anime. podcast host and beat maker The Wolves Den is in the expert seat. He brings us one of Makoto Shinkai's earliest works, 5 Centimeters Per Second. We get into what makes this movie so special even if the ending is not traditional, Shinkai's influences, how his tropes carry on, and so much more. Spoilers for Garden of Words around the 41 minute mark. Spoilers for Your Name around the 51 minute mark. Follow The Wolves Den: Follow Menu Combat: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Sony A6000 and a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/31230282

The Wonder of Princess Tutu 05/02/2024

The Wonder of Princess Tutu On this week’s episode of The Wonder of Anime, we are diving deep into the archives and talking about the icon 2000s anime, Princess Tutu. Cosplayer and content creator Dana also known as Sundai, joins me in the expert seat to talk about this original anime. We discuss why the dub for Princess Tutu made it so memorable (shoutout to Luci Christian,) how its not a ballet anime, and why it’s so important today. Follow Dana: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/31050643

The Wonder of Black Clover 04/11/2024

The Wonder of Black Clover This week on The Wonder of Anime, streamer and cosplayer Simone Malcolm is in the expert seat! Simone is a multi-hyphenate creative who writes, cosplays, and streams. An animanga enthusiast who loves to nerd out over music, gaming, fashion, and pop culture. Simone comes to us with the ever “controversial” shounen, Black Clover. It seems people either love it or hate it, with no in-between. We get into what makes Black Clover so special, is Yuno really a Sasuke clone, why people hate it so much, and more! Follow Simone: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/30773188

The Wonder of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood 04/04/2024

The Wonder of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood On this week’s episode of The Wonder of Anime, it’s time to talk about my number one favorite anime, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. In the expert seat, I have David Ross, aka Vibe Dealing David. He’s a content creator, cosplayer and streamer. We dive in right away into what makes FMAB the best anime, ever! We also talk about some unpopular opinions, was Nina Tucker’s storyline THAT sad, what 03 did better, and so much more! Follow David: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/30672433

The Wonder of Barakamon 03/28/2024

The Wonder of Barakamon This week, I'm joined by the incredible streamer and cosplayer, Phyfer Rage! Phy is in the expert seat this week to talk about the slice of life anime, Barakamon. We discuss why this story is life-changing, what life lessons we can take away, and why the countryside is always healing! Plus, we have some fun side tangents about Nana and more! Follow Phy: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/30085153

The Wonder of Clannad 03/14/2024

The Wonder of Clannad In this week's episode of The Wonder of Anime, I'm joined by podcaster and streamer PolowBornFly. He's one half of the iconic Mic Check Waifu Waifu podcast. He's in the expert seat talking about the millennial classic, Clannad. We discuss how Clannad changed his life, why it's so much more than a sad anime, and why people need to try different anime genres. Follow Polow: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/30090188

The Wonder of Eureka Seven 03/07/2024

The Wonder of Eureka Seven The mecha agenda is back, baby! Phoenix, host of The Anime Tea, is on this week’s episode of The Wonder of Anime continuing the mecha recruitment plan. Phoenix brings us the 2005 original anime Eureka Seven. We discuss the show airing on Toonami, how It’s compared to Evangelion, why it’s very different, and why more people should watch it. Follow Phoenix: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/30082523

The Wonder of Gurren Lagann 02/29/2024

The Wonder of Gurren Lagann This week on The Wonder of Anime, voice actor Zeno Robinson is in the expert seat. Zeno is known for his roles as Hawks in My Hero Academia, Genya in Demon Slayer, Akira in Zom 100, ans many more. As the expert, Zeno walks us through Studio Gainax’s mecha anime, Gurren Lagann. We discuss Simon and Kamina’s unique dynamic, how Gurren Lagann is different from other mechas, why it’s in Studio Trigger’s DNA, and why Zeno’s yelling quotes out in a theater. Follow Zeno: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/30069233

The Wonder of Dragon Ball Z 02/15/2024

The Wonder of Dragon Ball Z This week on The Wonder of Anime, it’s time to talk Dragon Ball Z with Kyle Lewis. Kyle Lewis is a comedian and host from Brooklyn, NY. He is the host of The Fun Factor on YouTube, which is a comedy anime and gaming channel, and the host of Character Select Comedy, where you can see the best and sometimes nerdiest comedians perform at The Stand in New York City. In this episode, we uncover why Dragon Ball as a franchise still has the world in such a massive chokehold. Why is Goku so empty headed, and what has changed about fandom! Follow Kyle: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/29875733

The Wonder of One Piece 02/08/2024

The Wonder of One Piece This week on The Wonder of Anime, we're sailing the Deep Blue with Neysha Campbell, aka NeyshaPlays! Neysha is a cosplayer, entertainment critic, podcaster, and writer. She explores and reviews anime, manga, TV, and film, infusing her work with insightful critiques and opinion pieces. In this episode, we talk all things One Piece! Neysha walks us through its beginnings and how Oda's career could have gone a completely different way. We talk about the power of friendship, believing in your dreams, and if Luffy and Zoro will have to fight in the end?! Where to find Neysha: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/29788088

The Wonder of Sk8 The Infinity 02/01/2024

The Wonder of Sk8 The Infinity This week on The Wonder of Anime, we're joined by the incredible Briana Lawrence aka BriChibi. Briana is the author of "In Search of Superpowers: A Fantasy Pin World Adventure" and "The Essential Guide to Manga: 50 Series Every Manga Fan Should Know." She also is the Senior Features Editor at Crunchyroll. Briana is talking all things Sk8 The Infinity, the original anime which premiered in 2021. We dive deep into what this skating anime has to say about life, having fun, your purpose, and so much more. We also discuss what ever happened with the government corruption plot and speculate on what the Sk8 OVA may reveal. Where to find Briana: Buy: Pre-order: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/29740073

The Wonder of Fire Force 01/18/2024

The Wonder of Fire Force In this week’s episode of The Wonder of Anime, we’re discussing all things Fire Force with the amazing Kiy of PinKIY Sensei! Kiy is a STEM researcher by day and a Gaming Princess by night. Online, she’s known for being authentically herself and sharing her love of anime, gaming, and her journey in academia with the #PrettyCommittee. As Kiy tells us about Fire Force, we dig deep and discuss the bigger lessons in the manga and anime about life and death. We discuss the connection to Soul Eater, what it teaches us about found family, and of course, the “fan service.” Spoiler alert, it’s definitely not as much as you think. All this and more! Where to find Kiy: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/29527143

The Wonder of Sailor Moon 01/11/2024

The Wonder of Sailor Moon This week, Lisa is joined by writer, host, and podcaster Victoria L Johnson. Victoria hosts the popular Sailor Moon Fan Club Podcasts where she interviews fans of Sailor Moon! Victoria also regularly produces and moderates panels for conventions, including San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic Con, and Anime NYC. In this episode, Victoria schools us on one of the most popular anime ever, Sailor Moon. We discuss its origin story, how dark but also comedic the anime can be, why Seiya could have pulled us, and so much more. Where To Find Victoria and Moonies Club: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/29435493

The Wonder of Yu Yu Hakusho 01/04/2024

The Wonder of Yu Yu Hakusho The Wonder of Anime is back with an all new season and show format! In this season, Lisa is joined by guests from all over the anime and manga industry, as well as anime content creators to discuss the wonder of anime! Specifically, their favorite anime! From Yu Yu Hakusho to Jujutsu Kaisen, Cardcaptor Sakura to Sasaki and Miyano, new school and old school, we will unpack it all. This week, Lisa is joined by podcast host, writter, and youtuber Tsunderi! Erica, also known as Eri, is the host of the podcast Nerds at Work with Tsunderi. On her podcasts Eri interviews self-proclaimed nerds who managed to turn their nerdy passions into thriving careers. She also reviews and discusses anime and manga on her blog and Youtube channel. In this episode, Erica dives deep into Yu Yu Hakusho. After 33 years, the series still manages to be top of the conversation in our current anime culture. Why is it still a successful show and why is the Dark Tournament not the best arc in the show? Are Yusuke and Keiko the best shounen couple? We get into all this and more! Where to Find Eri: Follow Lisa: Recorded using a Hyper Quad X microphone Intro Music: LAKEY INSPIRED - Arcade Edited by Lisa De La Cruz using Davinci Resolve /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/29311318

My 2022 Anime Wrapped & What Is Coming in 2023! 12/29/2022

My 2022 Anime Wrapped & What Is Coming in 2023! Hey y'all, it's almost the new year! Here's my anime wrapped for 2022 and what I have planned for 2023. Enjoy :) Anime I’ve Watched: 2022 Anime AOT S4 P2 Sasaki and Milano Demon Slayer S2 Chainsaw Man Do It Yourself MHA S6 Cour 1 Play It Cool Guys Other Anime Watched and Finished Love Stage!! BSD S 3 Wakakozake Love is Like a CockTail Other anime Ongoing Bleach S1-S2 S8 the Infinity Takunomi Kakuriyo Bed and Breakfast One Piece Movies Bubble Belle JJK 0 The Deer King Dragon Ball Super S Movie Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/25457775

Lettering Manga ft Brandon Bovia 11/08/2022

Lettering Manga ft Brandon Bovia On this episode, I'm joined by Brandon Bovia, a freelance manga letterer/touch up artist. Brandon currently works on Kaiju No.8, Dragon Ball Supers, and many others. Brandon and I discuss his weeb journey, what lettering manga entails, the differences between lettering weekly manga chapters vs entire volumes and so much more. We also discuss burning out and saying no for self-perseverance. Follow Brandon: Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/24945759

Translating Manga ft David Evelyn 11/01/2022

Translating Manga ft David Evelyn On this episode, I'm joined by Japanese-English translator, David Evelyn. David has worked on visual novels, games, manga, light novels, and other Japanese media. Currently, he translates for the shounen hit, Kaiju No. 8, and City Hunter. David walks me through how he fell "upwards" into translating and provides some behind the scenes on how the process works. We also talk about visiting Japan, overhearing conversations, those old 90s translations, and more! Follow David: Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/24869859

Inside the Mind of a Blerd ft Steve and Bo 10/25/2022

Inside the Mind of a Blerd ft Steve and Bo On this episode of The Wonder of Anime podcast, I'm joined by Steve and Bo from the Inside the Mind of a Blerd podcast. We had so much fun discussing the origin of the podcast, how Steve and Bo met, the show's structure, manga adaptations, and more. Follow Inside the Mind of a Blerd: Follow Steve: Follow Bo: Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/24798147

Why Dad Needs to Talk ft Rob aka Father of Vash 10/04/2022

Why Dad Needs to Talk ft Rob aka Father of Vash On this week’s episode, I am joined by Rob of the Dad Needs To Talk Podcast and Youtube channel. Rob and I immediately jump into his anime origin story and the events that led him to start the podcast. We also discuss the differences between older anime and today's anime, the importance of community, dealing with grief, and so much more. Follow Rob: Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/24583185

I'm Back! Life Update and What's to Come on TWOA! 09/27/2022

I'm Back! Life Update and What's to Come on TWOA! *taps mic* Hello, is this thing on?? I can't believe it's been almost 9 months since I've put out an episode! And let me tell you, so much has changed! I'm so excited to be back! In this episode, I am just giving you a brief life update and what's to come with The Wonder of Anime podcast and Youtube Channel! Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/24507291

Choosing Violence ft Panda 01/15/2022

Choosing Violence ft Panda This week I’m joined by the incredible Panda. If you’re active on anitwitter, chances are you’re already familiar with her. She is a host on the Worst Gen Podcast, a moderator of the Anime After Dark clubhouse, and one of the creators of the Watcher’s 100 Challenge that many took part in last year. In this episode we discuss her anime journey, joining the Worst Gen Pod, doing the watcher’s challenge, making friends on Twitter, and more. Follow Panda: Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/21784532

Let's Get To The Money ft Cosplayer Ronnie 01/06/2022

Let's Get To The Money ft Cosplayer Ronnie On this week’s episode, during the intro, I discuss my social media hiatus, what anime I’m currently watching, and what anime I’m plotting on for winter 2022. Then, content creator Ronnie joins me for an amazing conversation on cosplaying and monetizing cosplay. We also discuss her journey into anime, cosplay, and getting into conventions. We discuss how to safely make money as a content creator, taking care of her mental health, and setting boundaries when doing paid content. Wreck it Ronnie is a cosplayer of 12 years, and lover of all things nerdy. As a cosplay and convention going veteran, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience she loves to share with her community in the form of guesting and paneling for events! More recently into her adulthood, she has married her love of cosplay and modeling into a career as a professional ero- cosplayer. By running a sub-site for exclusive content, she's gained more freedom to cosplay and attend events. Ronnie has hosted panels on marketing and brand building across platforms and content forms in hopes of encouraging others to get their passions to fund themselves. She is also very passionate about minority representation and respect within nerdy spheres and often collaborates with efforts to improve such spaces' inclusiveness. Anime List I mentioned: Finishing 2021 Fall Season: Blue Period Beyond the Tri-Cornered Window Komi Can’t Communicate Currently Watching: Love Stage!! Your Lie In April Bungo Stray Dogs Season 3 Demon Slayer 2022 Winter anime: Attack on Titan My Dress Up Darling Sasaki and Miyano Love of Kill Follow Ronnie: Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/21691382

Anime Content Creator Reflections of 2021 12/30/2021

Anime Content Creator Reflections of 2021 Last episode of 2021! Let's reflect on all that we did! Thank you to Toyin, Tobi, and Ellie of Religiously Nerdy and Rob of Dads Need to Talk for joining me! Questions: Creator Reflections What was your favorite video/podcast ep/ post (you created) of 2021 and why? What was your favorite video/pod ep/ blog post someone else created of 2021 and why? (These can be 1 of each, more than one) Best lesson you’ve learned as a content creator this year? What is something you want to work on improving as a creator in 2022? What is something you did as a creator in 2021 you will NOT be doing in 2022? Favorite memory from the community in 2021 (events/clubhouses/spaces etc) What will be your personal mantra in 20212 Highlight of your year as a content creator What kept you going this year? What are some things you want to accomplish in 2022? Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/21637445

My Top Anime & Manga of 2021 12/23/2021

My Top Anime & Manga of 2021 Hey all! Since it's the holidays, I decided to release a yearly wrap-up for my top anime and manga of 2021. Below are links to what I referenced: Top 11 Anime: Attack on Titan Season 2 Horimiya Jujutsu Kaisen (2nd cour) Blue Period Demon Slayer Season 1 Demon Slayer Mugen Train Movie Bungo Stray Dogs Season 2 Given Given Movie Yuri On Ice Run with the Wind Top Manga: Sweat and soap There are things I can’t tell youThe summer of you Revival blue Blue!Blue!Blue! FANGS Hitorijime My Hero Bad boys, happy home Shitasaki ni Yoake no AjiUnder my skin Follow The Wonder of Anime: /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/21588158

This Is A Sign ft Ariana Rosario 12/16/2021

This Is A Sign ft Ariana Rosario This week on The Wonder of Anime podcast, I’m joined by voice actress Ariana Rosario. Ariana is a Full Time College student, part time online Voice Actor heard in indie video games such as Astoria Legends: Red Moon, Sands of Aura, Hanako’s Flower Shop and Penthos! She’s a Criminology major hoping to pursue a career professionally in the voice acting scene and is a big lover of the Xenoblade Chronicles series! In this episode we discuss her journey into voice acting, how she got into anime, dealing with rejection, and more. Follow Ariana: Follow The Wonder of Anime: Engineered & music by JRod at /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/21500243

STEM & Anime ft PinKIY Sensei 12/09/2021

STEM & Anime ft PinKIY Sensei The Wonder of Anime Podcast is BACK! This week, ,my guest is Kiy, also known as PinKIY Sensei. Kiy (pronounced KEY) is a full-time STEM professional in the field of artificial intelligence and an engineering and technology Ph.D. student. On the side, she serves as Marketing Director for Dream Con and Communications Specialist for a fine arts organization. In this episode, we discuss her journey to becoming a STEM professional, her online content which focuses on combining STEM, and her love of anime, video games, and other forms of media. Follow Kiy: Follow The Wonder of Anime: Engineered & music by JRod at /episode/index/show/thewonderofanime/id/21379745

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