Bento Radio

29 Episodes
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By: Alex Holt-Cohan

After more than two decades of devouring every shonen, shojo, seinen, and josei anime he could find, this seasoned oldtaku is still watching—week to week, episode by episode—and he’s not stopping anytime soon. Join him every week for fresh takes on your favorite series, hidden gems you’ve never heard of, and the kind of anime reflections only years of obsession can bring.Follow the host here:BlueskyInstagramYouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

magilumiere
#1
05/29/2025

🔥 SEASON 2 UPGRADES! WE MOVIN' TO YOUTUBE! 🔥

That's right, you heard it! You can NOW WATCH this podcast over on YouTube! If you're seeing my glorious (and slightly experimental) avatar right now, HELLO! 👋 If you're listening to the audio, no worries, the OG feed ain't going anywhere. Links to everything will be in the descriptions, so you can catch the vibes wherever you prefer!

Why the video, you ask?

Visuals for a Visual Medium: Anime is pretty, right? So, let's get some visuals up in here!Dodging Copyright Ninjas: YouTube can be a minefield with copyright...


Dragon Ball Evolution
#25
05/22/2025

Welcome back, anime fans and cinephiles! In this episode of Bento Radio, Alex explores the notorious 2009 live-action adaptation, Dragon Ball Evolution. The episode opens with a reminder to catch up on previous episodes—especially the ones on Speed Racer and Ghost in the Shell—and teases the official start of Season 2, which will bring the podcast to more platforms, including a YouTube version where you can watch past episodes.



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Live action Speed Racer
#24
05/15/2025

Welcome back, Speed Racer fans and anime lovers! In today’s episode of Bento Radio hosted by Alex, we dive into the vibrant and unconventional world of the 2008 film "Speed Racer" directed by the Wachowski sisters. Get ready for an in-depth exploration as we break down the film’s high-octane action, visually striking style, and its layered commentary on legacy, artistry, and the commercialization of racing culture.




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Live Action Ghost in the shell
#23
05/08/2025

In this episode, we dive deep into the 2017 live-action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, a film that sparked intense debate and widespread controversy from the moment it was announced. We explore how the movie attempts to reimagine the iconic anime for a Western audience, the complexities of its casting choices—especially the backlash surrounding Scarlett Johansson’s role—and whether the film succeeds in capturing the philosophical and cyberpunk essence of the original. Join us as we dissect the visual style, narrative structure, and cultural implications of this polarizing adaptation.



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Alita: Battle Angel
#22
05/01/2025

Welcome to the first episode of Movie May! Today, we’re diving deep into the decades-long journey that brought Alita: Battle Angel to the big screen. Whether you’re an anime fan, a James Cameron devotee, or just love a good underdog story, this episode unpacks the fascinating history and production of this unique adaptation.



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air Gear
#21
04/24/2025

Hey there, anime fans! This week on Bento Radio, I’m Alex bringing you an epic rundown of Air Gear with all the insight, sass, and deep-dive analysis you expect from your favorite anime podcast. Whether you’re a die-hard Otaku or new to the world of high-speed AT battles, this episode is packed with hot takes, behind-the-scenes tidbits, and a ton of nostalgic energy.


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#AirGear #AnimeReview #BentoRadio #AnimePodcast #Airtreks #JetSetRadio #ExtremeSportsAnime #Ograte #AnimeCulture #MangaVsAnime

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One Piece Fan Letter
04/17/2025

This episode is all about celebrating One Piece’s expansive universe and the clever interplay of main and side characters. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the seas, “One Piece Fan Letter” offers a fresh perspective on how impactful storytelling can ripple across an entire world. Tune in, join the discussion, and let’s keep exploring together!



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#OnePiece #AnimePodcast #BentoRadio #AnimeReview #ShounenAnime #FanLetterOVA #WorldBuilding #AnimeCommunity #NakamaVibes #PirateLife


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What I'm Watching Spring 2025
04/10/2025

Episode Highlights

Beyblade X ReminderAlex kicks off with a shout-out to the previous episode on Beyblade X. If you haven’t listened yet, now’s the time to catch up and get inspired by that underdog spirit that’s unlike any typical kids’ show.My Hero Academia Vigilantes➤ Synopsis: Set before the main series, follow Koichi Haimawari as he delves into the gritty world of underground heroes operating without official licenses.➤ Vibe: Think early Batman meets My Hero Academia with a hard-hitting twist on superhero origin stories.➤ Streaming: Watch it on Crunchyroll.Witch Watch➤ Synopsis: Follow teenage witch Nico Wakatsuki a...


Bayblade X
#19
04/03/2025

🔥 Episode Highlights

Beyblade X (2023) on Netflix shocks with a non-traditional MC – Robin (Bird Kazami) sucks at Beyblading! 🐦💥Xtreme Stadium & X-Line: High-speed rail mechanic amps battles to insane velocities! 🚄✨Team Persona: Robin teams up with Multinanairo (e-girl Beyblade engineer) & Cross (pro blader) – but they carry the wins. 💼🎮Old vs. New: Alex compares Beyblade X to the 2001 original – wild stadiums, unhinged designs, and Bit Beasts vs. modern "realistic" struggles. 🌀🆚🌀Toy Marketing 101: How anime like Beyblade, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Gundam sell plastic fantasies – but Beyblade X subverts expectations! 🤖💸 ---

💬 Key Takeaways

Robin’s Struggle: A rare audience-insert MC who loses constantly – no Ash Ketchum plot armor here! 🚫🏆M...


Black Clover
#18
03/27/2025

Episode Title: Exploring Black Clover: A Shonen Formula Breakdown

Introduction:

Welcome to Bento Radio with your host, Alex! Dive into the world of anime as we explore the intricacies of popular series and dissect what makes them tick. Don't forget to check out our previous episodes, including discussions on "The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2" and "Log Horizon."

Main Discussion: Black Clover Analysis

Overview: This episode focuses on "Black Clover," an anime that debuted in the fall season of 2017. The series follows Asta, a young boy born without magic in a world where...


The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2
#17
03/20/2025

🎙 The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2: Disney’s Redemption or Missed Opportunity? 🎙


In this episode of Bento Radio, Alex takes a deep dive into The Hunchback of Notre Dame and its controversial sequel. The 1996 Disney classic broke ground with a disabled protagonist, Quasimodo—but why did it fall short in delivering a fully inclusive story? And how did The Hunchback of Notre Dame II attempt to fix it?


We’ll explore:

✅ How Disney’s original film missed the mark on disability representation

✅ The backlash from audiences who wanted a different ending

✅ Why...


Log Horizon
#16
03/13/2025

In this episode of Bento Radio, we explore Log Horizon, the MMO isekai anime that stands apart from its genre peers like Sword Art Online and Overlord. Unlike the typical “trapped-in-a-game” trope, Log Horizon shifts the focus from power fantasies to strategy, world-building, and deep character development.


🔥 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:


•How Shangri-La Frontier shares storytelling DNA with Log Horizon

•Why Log Horizon’s approach to MMO mechanics and player psychology feels more authentic

•The unique role of NPCs like Rudy and how they blur the line between AI a...


Pokemon
#15
03/07/2025

Pokémon is it difficult property to talk about. This is for a couple reasons first it's a universally known quantity everyone reading this right now. Knows what Pokémon is. You probably seen the shows if not played the games so what's left to talk about? Well, I wanted to talk about an impact on culture and the fact that very few things of it ilk exist anymore. In the same space Pokémon have transcended being a property or an IP and has almost turned into a kind of platform

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Shangri-La Frontier
#14
02/28/2025

Shangri-La Frontier is an anime about playing video games and the best way possible it expresses the joy and challenges of learning the end and out of the actual mechanical skills of playing video game. Unlike other work in this genre of anime, it doesn't just focus on one game it focuses on many games switching game with each arc it's title game being the place for the characters and up at most often. This gives the anime a unique feel and ability to shift in and out of complex settings, gameplay styles, and genres of gameplay in a way t...


Solo Leveling
#13
02/21/2025

Solo Leveling is obviously a power fantasy trading in the same currency as most of the Isakai genera how ever it has moments of greatness in-between the audience insert escapism witch when combined with the high production quality make this show something I've ended up watching week to week.

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Jormongand
#12
02/14/2025

Jormungand is an action-packed, globe-trotting anime about arms dealing, war, and morality in the modern world. Based on the manga by Keitaro Takahashi, the anime aired in 2012 and consists of two seasons: Jormungand and Jormungand: Perfect Order.



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Black Lagoon
#11
02/07/2025

Black lagoon is one of my favorite shows and Manga of all times. Part action film part power fantasy and part Love story Everyone Involve with the property from the Mangaka Rei Hiroe to the animation team at Madhouse have built a world dripping with criminal intent in a way that still holds up over a decade later and regardless of the time it takes Hiroe san to finish a full volume of the manga. It's well worth your time.

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Gurren Laggon
#10
01/31/2025

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is a story about revaluation striving for the future and self confidence in and I think we can use that right now.

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What I'm Watching Winter 2025
#9
01/24/2025

a quick look at what I'm Watching the winter 2025 season.

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Norigami
#8
01/17/2025

My thoughts on Norigami.


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Yakuza Fiance - Review
#7
01/10/2025

My Review Of Yakuza Fiance


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Top Five anime of 2024
#6
01/03/2025

To Kick off 2025 the Year of the Snake I wanted to talk about my top five anime of 2024.


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Ranma 1/2 Remake - Review
#5
12/27/2024

Ranma 1/2 Is a classic anime from the time before streaming and from a Creator who famously writes long winding stories that never really "end". can the remake shine within the constraints ofa modern streaming Low episode count seasonal format? Im not sure it can.



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Bonus- What I was watchin at the begining of this season
12/24/2024

This is an episode from the old podcast that focusese on what I was watching for this current season.



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Review -Dan Da Dan
#4
12/20/2024

Dan Da Dan is Siensaru's second full series and there next is going to be a Ghost In The Shell adaptation so it's great that they knocked this out of the park.



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Frieren
#3
12/12/2024

Frieren is an incredible work of fantasy that traids on the viewers Knollege of fantasy stories. It's also an eploration of love in a mode that few shows attempt.



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Full Metal Alchemist
#2
12/06/2024

Fullmetal Alchemist is considered a masterpiece for good reason, thanks to its story, world, and characters, which demonstrate a masterclass in storytelling. In this episode, I want to focus on perhaps one of the show's greatest strengths: its world-building.



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Evangelion
#1
11/28/2024

Evangelion changed everything about anime when it released in 1995. Hikdeki Anno and his team created a seminal work the likes of which has never really been topped but, what it did to anime as an industry and a medium is just as interesting as the show itself. If you’re here you’ve probably already watched Eva so I want to talk about what happened as a consequence of its release instead. And if you haven’t seen Eva, what are you waiting for? It’s on Netflix, go watch it!



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It's So Over We're So Back
11/22/2024

After a brief interruption in releasing episodes, I've finally jumped to a different publishing platform. If you're here from LunchBox Radio, then thanks for sticking around. If you are here because you are looking for a good anime podcast, then that's why I started talking about anime on the internet in the first place. I hope you enjoy the show.


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