This episode breaks down major shifts in the anime industry, from One Piece moving to a seasonal format to Black Clover’s surprising return. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce analyze how production schedules impact animation quality, storytelling, and voice acting across iconic franchises like Naruto and Boruto. They examine the pressure creators face to maintain success, the relevance of physical media, and how community support can revive canceled series. The hosts highlight the cultural impact of anime, the importance of character growth, and the realities of voice actor transitions—spotlighting Miley Flanagan’s journey voicing Naruto through multiple eras. From the unique premise of Zom100 to the streaming wars and filler episode debates, this discussion explores what the future of anime looks like for both studios and fans.
Crunchyroll deletes anime without telling people and One Punch Man Director deletes X account after season 3 backlash. Chainsaw Man’s movie might’ve reignited anime hype — but One Punch Man’s comeback is already dividing fans. In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce break down what’s really happening behind the scenes: from Chainsaw Man’s new adaptation and One Punch Man’s animation controversy to MoistCr1TiKaL’s influence on anime discussions and Twitch’s growing impact on creator culture.They dive into the harsh truth of online harassment, the burnout creators face, and how big corporations like Crunchyroll keep losing fan trust. The hosts also spotlight the overlooked power of female anime creators, the balance between fan service and storytelling, and why separating art from the artist is becoming the biggest debate in anime today.
In this episode, Kyle and Will dive deep into the anime world — from Demon Slayer Infinity Castle breaking records to Chainsaw Man’s growing anticipation. They unpack Crunchyroll’s subtitle controversies, debate One Punch Man Season 3’s animation concerns, and even discuss a study linking dark humor in anime to higher intelligence and emotional stability. The duo explores the heavy themes of Goblin Slayer and Gachiakuta, celebrates female mangaka shaping the industry, and breaks down My Hero Academia’s character rankings — especially Bakugo’s fan-favorite moments. As the fall anime season unfolds, they reflect on community growth, creativity, and why anime storytelling hits deeper than ever.
In this episode, Kyle and Will dive deep into the impact of fan service in anime, focusing on Tougen Anki and its bold approach to character representation. They discuss what makes fan service effective—or distracting—and how it shapes audience perception. The duo explores the importance of building a creative legacy, maintaining animation quality, and ensuring narrative consistency within Tougen Anki’s story. They also draw fascinating parallels between Tougen Anki and Naruto, while unpacking the ongoing debate around the portrayal of female characters in modern anime.Later, Kyle and Will shift to a broader discussion on the future of anime storytelling, the rise of AI in content creation, and the standout titles of the fall anime season. They highlight how powerful backstories give characters emotional weight, the risks of relying too much on AI, and why the human touch in creativity still matters more than ever. The conversation wraps with their top picks for this season and a reminder that authenticity—not algorithms—is what makes art timeless.
In this episode, Kyle and Will discuss their disappointment in the current state of anime, particularly focusing on the popular series Gachakuda. They explore its themes, character dynamics, and representation, while also delving into the implications of live-action adaptations and the impact of streaming services like Crunchyroll on anime availability. The conversation highlights the importance of physical media and the potential risks of losing access to beloved shows as the streaming landscape evolves.Kyle and Will also discuss the current state of anime streaming, the implications of exclusivity on platforms, and the mainstream success of anime—particularly focusing on the impact of the Demon Slayer movie. They dive into the cultural sensitivity surrounding anime content and the ethics of content creation, especially in light of the Joey Bizinger controversy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of listening, open-mindedness, and respectful dialogue within the anime community.
Fall Anime 2025 is stacked with big returns and fresh surprises. From the long-awaited comeback of One Punch Man and My Hero Academia to the rise of romance-driven series with unique premises, this season has something for everyone. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce break down what’s worth watching, what feels generic, and which shows might end up being the hidden gems of the season. Whether you’re here for character growth, top-tier animation, or just curious about the hype, this episode has your Fall 2025 anime guide covered.
Demon Slayer Infinity Castle is breaking records worldwide, but is it really worth the hype? In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce dive into the film’s breathtaking animation, pacing, and storytelling choices. From Akaza’s emotional backstory to the controversial voice acting performances, they explore how Demon Slayer continues to impact anime culture. Whether you loved the film or found flaws in its execution, this deep dive into Infinity Castle’s art, characters, and cinematic triumphs has something for every anime fan
Live action anime keeps splitting the fandom—My Hero Academia and One Piece prove how fragile character integrity and creator input really are. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce break down the wins and failures of adaptations, the backlash against The Anime Men, and why censorship is reshaping anime culture. They also get real about parenting in the digital age, share personal convention stories, and make bold predictions about the future of anime. For fans who care about more than surface hype, this conversation hits home.
Anime fans are feeling the highs and lows right now. Kyle and Will dive into the latest Jujutsu Kaisen trends, the endless frustration of Rent-a-Girlfriend, and the growing struggles anime creators face in 2025. From censorship concerns in My Dress-Up Darling to TikTok’s obsession with trends over quality, the conversation explores what it really means to create and enjoy anime content today. With hype building for One Punch Man and To Be Hero X, we ask: are creators losing passion chasing clicks—or is this just the new normal for anime culture?
Kyle and Dr. Applesauce unpack the latest anime headlines, from the arrest at the Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle premiere to K-Pop Demon Hunters smashing Netflix records. They tackle rumors of MrBeast stepping into anime, why fans need better theater etiquette, and the realistic timeline for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3. Along the way, they explore how new series like Gachiyakura and Togen Anki highlight evolving representation in anime—and why character backstories matter more than ever.
Anime is shifting fast—Hunter x Hunter teases life signs again, but fans wonder if it’ll ever truly return. Dandadan’s “Hunting Soul” insert song gets taken down for sounding too much like X JAPAN, sparking debate over homage vs copyright. FromSoftware announces a Sekiro anime at Gamescom, raising hype (and anxiety) about weekly pain in animated form. Toei veterans throw shade at Disney’s formula, claiming anime’s chaos is what global fans really want. And Kadokawa says it’s time for fewer cheap shows, bigger budgets, and real animator pay. Kyle and Dr. Applesauce break it all down—with hot takes, laughs, and the kind of anime debates only fans can truly understand.
Anime just hit 35,000 feet. In this episode of More Than A Cartoon, we dive into Crunchyroll’s new partnership with Delta Air Lines and ask: will anime finally become mainstream on flights—or get censored into oblivion?
Next, we unpack the controversy around Netflix’s One Piece live action. With Season 2 confirmed and Season 3 locked, fans are questioning how the adaptation will handle Oda’s comedy, Bon Clay’s representation, and the infamous Nami scene.
Finally, the hosts discuss alarming allegations that Demon Slayer VA Zach Aguilar is being stalked at conventions, raising tough questions about safety policies and the risks of parasocial fandom.
Casual, raw, and unfiltered—this is anime talk that actually feels like hanging out with friends.
In this episode, Dr. Applesauce and Kyle tackle anime’s latest controversies—from Petals of Reincarnation using real historical figures like Hitler, to the ethical debates surrounding Nezuko’s transformation in Demon Slayer. Plus, they dive into the viral “waifu call” app trend and what it means for virtual relationships. With a mix of sharp analysis, relatable fan moments, and lighthearted anime games, this is anime talk you can’t miss.
What is happening to anime culture?! Netflix wants to turn K-Pop Demon Hunters into a full-on franchise, Spotify and YouTube want your face to verify your age, and now watching anime apparently makes you less dateable than crypto bros. As lifelong fans, are we finally mainstream—or being pushed out of our own space?
This episode unpacks the hype, the fear, and the straight-up disrespect anime fans are facing in 2025.
Anime isn’t just entertainment—it’s culture, it’s comfort, it’s chaos. In this episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce dive into the evolution of anime fandom, from the rise of Demon Slayer to the emotional weight of Arcane. They get real about the pressure to keep up, the responsibility of creators, and the kind of storytelling that sticks with you. Whether you’re new or a lifelong fan, this convo will feel like home.
In this heartfelt episode, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce answer your burning anime questions—diving into nostalgia, new releases, and everything in between. From the magic of 90s anime to the emotional storytelling of Horimiya and The Summer Hikaru Died, this is a raw, relatable convo about how anime has shaped us. Whether you're a long-time fan or just getting started, there's something here that’ll hit home.
In this episode, we dive into the anime-meets-K-pop sensation K-Pop Demon Hunters, breaking down its powerful themes, emotional storytelling, and standout character dynamics. We explore how the anime’s music, action, and aesthetic blend to create a truly unique experience. Along the way, we reflect on anime culture, energy drink obsession, and how this film comments on mental health, societal pressure, and fan identity. From hidden symbolism to emotional acceptance, this is more than just an anime review—it’s a deep dive into what K-Pop Demon Hunters truly meant.
In this episode of More Than A Cartoon, Kyle and Dr. Applesauce dive headfirst into the growing anxiety around AI’s role in anime—and why it might be the beginning of the end for the artform we love. From Crunchyroll’s controversial AI voice experiments to the threat of soulless scripts and rushed productions, they break down how automation could strip anime of its emotional core.But it’s not all doom and gloom—there’s laughter, nostalgia, and deep dives into what still makes anime special. The duo shares how anime recommendations have shaped friendships, why romance anime hits different when characters feel real, and how shows like My Dress-Up Darling balance fan service with sincerity. They also discuss the rise of cosplay culture, the haunting beauty of Tokopi's Original Sin, and how isekai storytelling keeps evolving.Whether you're worried about AI, love debating subs vs dubs, or just want to hear two anime fans get way too emotional over fictional characters—this episode is for you.
This summer’s anime lineup is STACKED… or is it?In this episode of More Than A Cartoon, we break down new and returning anime releasing Summer 2025—from sequels fans have been begging for, to completely unhinged romcoms, Isekai madness, and hidden gems that could be this season’s dark horses.We’re talking early hype, red flags, sleeper hits, and which studios might be biting off more than they can chew (again 👀). Whether you’re a casual fan or peak fiction purist, this is your complete summer guide.
Welcome to More Than A Cartoon — the anime podcast where we go beyond surface-level fandom and deep dive into anime news, hot takes, and hilarious debates. Every week we talk anime culture, trends, and the stuff no one else dares to say out loud.
This week’s episode is a wild ride through anime highs and lows!
We’re talking Solo Leveling officially becoming the most-watched anime on Crunchyroll — but what does that mean for the future of the series? Then we dive into the Rent-a-Girlfriend Chapter 380 disaster, where years of romantic build-up ended in heartbreak… and the fandom is not okay.
Also — The Beginning After the End Season 2 just got announced, but instead of hype, it brought drama. We break down why fans are so split and what they really want from this adaptation. And finally, we recap Collect-A-Con Dallas, including the anime community highlights and some unexpected moments.
🔥 Expect unfiltered takes, spicy debates, and brutal honesty — all in one episode.