Animated Episodes

Summary Aaron and guest Tia Jackson delve into Guillermo del Toro's 2022 adaptation of Pinocchio. They explore the themes of grief, love, and acceptance, particularly through the character of Geppetto, who grapples with the loss of his son. The conversation also highlights the unique animation style and the emotional depth of the characters, including Sebastian J. Cricket, who serves as a moral compass. The discussion culminates in reflections on the film's rich storytelling and its explorati...

Episode Summary: In this highly anticipated sequel episode, Aaron is joined once again by Avatar expert and friend of the show, Luke Newton , to break down Book 2: Earth of Avatar: The Last Airbender . From Aang's inner conflict and Zuko’s evolving path to the unstoppable entrance of Toph and the terrifying rise of Azula, the duo dives into the character arcs, deep emotional turns, and standout episodes that define this season. Plus, they discuss new Avatar news, the upcoming Netflix live-action...

Episode Summary: Aaron and Brash dive into the high-octane, lore-deepening animated film Predator: Killer of Killers directed by Prey ’s Dan Trachtenberg. The hosts unpack the Predator Codex, dissect each gladiator-style hunt from Viking to feudal Japan to WWII, and debate the ethics of cryo-trophy warriors. Plus, what this means for the upcoming Predator: Badlands , surprise returning characters, and a stacked Fandom Fact Face-Off trivia showdown. Topics: How Killer of Killers rewrites Predator...

What if the resilient plumber in overalls could teach us more about life than just saving princesses? Join us as we uncover the powerful lessons of resilience and perseverance brought to life by Mario in the Super Mario Bros movie—2023's highest-grossing animated film. Throughout this episode of Fandom Portals, we explore how Mario's journey reflects the essential traits of determination, adaptability, and the power of community, making him a relatable role model for young men and boys. By exami...

Animation lovers, brace yourselves for a captivating adventure through the world of "Avatar: The Last Airbender," as we celebrate Animation Celebration month alongside the International Day of Animation. This episode features our special guest, animation aficionado Luke Newton, who shares his journey from watching classics like Dragon Ball and Yu-Gi-Oh to developing a profound appreciation for Avatar. We promise an insightful journey through Book One: Water, exploring exceptional character devel...

What happens when a band of voice actors brings their beloved Dungeons & Dragons campaign to life in an animated series? Join me, along with my brilliant co-host Adam Brasher, as we explore the world of "The Legend of Vox Machina," the Amazon show that shattered Kickstarter records. We dive into the vibrant tapestry of D&D that this series presents, weaving together the creativity of its star-studded cast—including talents like Tony Hale, Stephanie Beatriz, and David Tennant—and the community-dr...

Brendan White, the creative force behind the More Than Hentai podcast, brings his infectious passion for anime to our latest episode. With nearly a decade of podcasting experience, Brendan offers invaluable insights for those new to the anime universe. Celebrating the art of animation, we shine a spotlight on shows like "Cyberpunk Edgerunners" and discuss their ability to captivate audiences in just a few episodes. Brendan takes us through the diverse array of anime genres and terminology, makin...