***This episode is Part 2 of our Gankutsuou series, which contains spoilers for both the anime and the book. Please listen to the previous episode first!Welcome to Masterpiece Theatre… I mean, Masterpiece Anime… Here to fully make good on our podcast’s name, we’re ready to go full Literature Analysis Mode on some actual literature with Gankutsuou and its book of origin “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Joined by Vrai Kaiser, we cover everything from the funny bits to the twists, tragedies, and the Gay Stuff, including the gay stuff from the book that the anime somehow redacted?? There’s lots to unp ..read more

Welcome to Masterpiece Theatre… I mean, Masterpiece Anime? Finally, Anime is Lit covers the most Literature of Anime - “Gankutsuou”, the artistic 2004 adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic (and long) novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” …IN SPACE! with vampires! Joined by Gankustuou aficionado Vrai Kaiser, we explore the anime’s approach to the novel, as well as the thematic contrasts, visual design, and the creators’ own inspirations. This episode is a spoiler-free discussion for fans and newbies alike. We cover plenty of interesting aspects from our research on both the original text and the a ..read more

Part 2 of our NANA discussion, complete with spoilers. Our guest Meru (@pixelatedlenses) goes with us on a deep dive through the well-crafted storytelling and the inherent feminism woven into all its fibers. NANA candidly goes places few anime ever do, and we sift through the complexity of its portrayals of sexuality, race, gender, heteronormative expectations, friendships, and the characters' own internal lives. We also discuss the narrative framing, highly effective symbolism, and allusions to the real life Sid Vicious, exploring how they enhance the ideas already present in the story. Openi ..read more

Continuing part 2 of our discussion on the classic shoujo masterpiece Dear Brother (Oniisama e), now no-holds-barred, all-spoilers-all-the time. Dawn and Diana are with us to go in-depth about the themes, characters, tragedy, romance, metaphors, symbols, and what makes this show so effective at everything it has to say. *****This episode is part 2 of 2, please note the following content warnings for topics we discuss in relation to Dear Brother: Suicide and extensive suicidal ideation, drug addiction, abuse, bullying, disease, minor sexual assault themes, and romantic love between siblings ..read more

We’re back with a supercast on the unmissable classic shoujo masterpiece Dear Brother (Oniisama e)! Joined by our friends Dawn (of the Anime Nostalgia podcast) and Diana, we talk about the show’s rich history, its multi-genre nature, and what makes it such a master work—both within anime as a medium and in our own hearts. This episode is part 1 of 2, an entirely spoiler-free discussion of the history and creators of Dear Brother, as well as the stories, themes, and dramatic techniques the anime uses. Each one of us deeply loves this series and we hope to convince you to watch it before listeni ..read more

Is The Witcher anime? It's definitely literature, and we decided it's anime enough for this podcast! K and Danny are joined by our friend Elise to talk about the recent Netflix adaptation of The Witcher. Elise helps us compare to the books and games, and we talk about themes, writing, amazing female characters, the difference a female showrunner makes, and our excitement about the series (and Geralt's ass). [Contains mild spoilers for the Netflix "The Witcher" series, but is spoiler-free for the books/games.] Elise on Twitter Follow us on Twitter: @animeislitpod Email: animeislitpod@gmail.com ..read more

It's the ultimate Chihayafuru cast, brought to you right at the dawn of Chihayafuru Season 3's airing! We assembled the biggest fans of this anime that we know (AnimatedInk of Anigamers, and returning guest Heidi) to talk about its masterful uses of genre, character, gender, history and poetry itself to create an unforgettable story. If you're looking to start Chihayafuru or are a longtime fan, both are welcome for this discussion! We really dig into the history and nuances of karuta itself, as well as the 100 Poems that the cards are based off of. We each share our personal favorite poems and ..read more

We were pleased to guest on Oh No, Anime! with our longtime podcasting friend Marc for a series about the Lore of Evangelion. This is a deep-dive into a synthesized understanding of the construction of the world and events that make up the NGE series. Here is Part 2! From the Oh No, Anime! feed: "I'm joined once again by Danny and K of Anime is Lit! to finish our outline of the timeline of events leading up to the Evangelion TV show. You can find the soul timeline/chart we talked about HERE." Where to find Oh No, Anime! - Website | YouTube | iTunes | Stitcher | Soundcloud | Twitter @AnimeisLit ..read more

We were pleased to guest on Oh No, Anime! with our longtime podcasting friend Marc for a series about the Lore of Evangelion. This is a deep-dive into a synthesized understanding of the construction of the world and events that make up the NGE series. Here is Part 1! From the Oh No, Anime! feed: "In the first part of a new series celebrating Neon Genesis Evangelion's addition to Netflix, I sit down with our friends Danny and K to begin creating a definitive podcast guide for the lore of the Evangelion TV series. You can find the soul timeline/chart we talked about HERE." Where to find Oh No, A ..read more

We're back in the saddle with old pod pals to bust open seasons 1 and 2 of the Mob Psycho 100! Marc of Oh No, Anime and TheSubtleDoctor of Warui Deshou join us to talk about what makes this show so incredibly special, as well as the show's emotional allegory, morality and ethics, and the best of the Body Improvement Club. Join us for another shot at something actually recent! **Spoiler Warning starts at 46:26** (This is Part 1 of 2, the second half of our discussion will be released in a few days as Ep 12, Part 2) Opening Theme - "99" by Mob Choir Ending Theme - "Gray" by Sajou no Hana @Animei ..read more