Gateway to Anime

Episode 34 - Samurai/Ninja Anime

Sam and Charlie are joined by first time guest Luis as they talk through Samurai/Ninja Anime.

Though the influence of both these cultural cornerstones are felt throughout so much anime and manga, the gang are surprised to find that there aren't as many shows based in the strict historical sense of the genre as one may think.

Sam gives a brief history of Samurai and Ninja, and the differences between the two, before the gang discuss three different shows: Luis takes on a classic that isn't entirely his cup of tea, Charlie talks about one of her all time favorites and Sam tackles one of the first break-through anime movies from the 90's into the west.

 

Episode 33 - Dark Fantasy with Gerald Lillywhite.

Sam and Charlotte welcome Gerald back to the show to talk about Dark Fantasy anime. This genre is usually pretty heavily entrenched in Isekai but we manage to sidestep those to talk about two classics of the genre and a.... less classic.

Sam actually gives one of his favorite ever shows to Gerald to break down (unheard of), while he speaks about another dark fantasy anime favorite. Meanwhile Charlotte lays into a show she has hated since 2014. 

Episode 32 -Death Match/Battle Royale Anime

The gang get together to talk about all things Death Match/Battle Royale anime.

After the phenomenal success of Squid Game all over the world we figured we should provide some recommendations that are similar in the anime world.

We dive into the history of the genre and talk through some older influences like: Lord of the Flies, The Cube and a Japanese novel/manga/movie that basically started this whole craze entitled.... Battle Royale.

Episode 31 - Star Wars: Visions

It's crossovers all round!

Sam and Charlie reveal their lack of Star Wars knowledge as they speak to Tom Pigott, from the Pixels and Pints Podcast, about the crossover Star Wars/Anime anthology series on Disney+. 

Thankfully Graeme saves the Gateway crew some credibility as he reveals his Star Wars knowledge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 30 - Fall 2021 Season Round-up

Did someone say Vampire Eurovision? Apparently they did.

Sam, Charlie and Graeme are finally reunited back in the studio as they talk through the good, the bad and the downright outrageous of the Fall 2021 season of anime.

 

 

Episode 29 - Mecha Anime

Sam, Charlotte and Graeme explore the phenomenon that is Mecha anime. Sam, once again, gets his research on, Graeme goes back to the future to explore the Gundam franchise, Charlotte gets to talk about one of her all time favorite shows (plus outs herself as an unashamed Tom Cruise fan) and Sam has fun with Gurren lagann.

Episode 28 - Summer 2021 Season Round-up

Sam and Charlotte talk through the shows of the 2021 anime summer season. Charlotte is a little down on the season but finally accepts her steampunk origins and new found favorite 'villainess' genre. Sam is buoyed by an anime original which could be something special.... Or it could fall apart. Time will tell.

Episode 27 - Sci-Fi Anime

Graeme is in his element as he is able to wax lyrical to Sam and Charlotte  about one of his favorite subjects. Charlotte revisits one of her first gateway shows and Sam takes on the 'final boss' of anime.

Episode 26 - Slice of life Anime

The gang take it a little slow this week to talk about a genre rather specific to Japan; slice of life anime. Famous for slow, meditative pacing with little to no conflict or resolution, it's a genre that takes a little bit to get your head around.

Graeme gets a little stitch up from Sam and Charlotte proclaims an 'undisputed king' for the first time.

Episode 25 - Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, with Gerald Lillywhite.

Due to popular demand, Gerald re-joins Sam and Charlotte to talk about something dear to all of our hearts, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

We discuss whether it is indeed the greatest anime of all time, and how much it means to each of us.