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Con Report: Anime 2026
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In this episode, Alex explores the evolving experience of Anime NYC 2026, weaving together a relaxed Day 4 recap with broader reflections on convention culture. He breaks down a Crunchyroll multi-title screening—A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special (Season 2 Episode 1), Reincarnated as a Slime, FX Fighter Kurumi, Tomb Raider King, and Reincarnated as Space Mercenary—calling out FX Fighter Kurumi for its moe-blob meets financial anxiety vibe and praising Space Mercenary’s confident sci-fi isekai flavor, while noting Returner’s Magic and Tomb Raider King weren’t his thing. Alex highlights the value of voice actor panels through a structured spotlight with Stephanie Sheh, including an anecdote about meeting Makoto Shinkai and the distinctive, all-encompassing process of working on his projects—context fans rarely hear elsewhere. Stepping back, Alex examines Anime NYC’s four-day format, arguing it effectively delivers three full days and advocating for an attendee-friendly “indie day” to elevate first-time and niche panels, provide technical dry runs, and rebalance the corporate tilt. He surveys the con floor’s Artist Alley, financial realities, adult-themed booths, and industry trends like increased LGBTQ+ content and growing interest in Korean and Chinese media. Recorded on August 27, 2026 at 14:52:05, Alex also urges a cultural reset—from big-spend merch habits to renewed show-floor spectacle—pointing listeners to Bento-Box.Ghost.io for his press coverage and an upcoming interview with the director of the new Ghost in the Shell adaptation now airing on Amazon Prime in the U.S.
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Dramacon
47:50|In this episode of Bentail Radio, recorded on October 15, 2026, host Alex dives into Svetlana Chmakova’s acclaimed three-volume original English-language (OEL) manga Dramacon, unpacking its depiction of romance, creative ambition, and early-2000s American anime fandom. Alex examines how the first anime bubble and publishers like TOKYOPOP shaped the OEL category, contrasting authentic artistic expressions—including creators like Edie Sky and LeSean Thomas, as well as anime-influenced Western animation such as Avatar and Castlevania—with the corporate misuse of "anime" as a predatory marketing buzzword. The discussion journeys through the fictional "Yatta-Con" setting across three consecutive years, analyzing Christie’s crumbling relationship with Derek, her evolving romance with cosplayer Matt Green, and classic mid-2000s convention staples like glomping, yaoi paddles, and Artist Alley struggles. Additionally, Alex tackles the series' darker themes of relationship melodrama and assault, while delivering a detailed analysis of Matt's hidden physical disability—concealing a lost eye behind sunglasses. Drawing poignant parallels to his own personal experiences living with a hidden physical disability, masking, and public perception, Alex offers an empathetic, insightful exploration of fandom history, representation, and narrative depth.Fall 2026 Watch list
26:39|n this episode, Alex offers his seasonal preview of what he’s watching for the Fall 2026 anime lineup. He kicks things off with a highly anticipated remake of a '90s classic, Magic Knight Rayearth, discussing the legacy of its creator, Clamp, and their early influence on the isekai genre. Alex explores how this female-led fantasy epic might be reinterpreted for a modern audience, especially compared to the male-dominated isekai of today.Next, Alex shifts from fantasy to sci-fi with Reincarnated as a Space Mercenary. He explains that while it may not be revolutionary, its sci-fi setting offers a refreshing change of pace from the typical medieval fantasy isekai. The conversation then turns to the season's most peculiar entry, FX Fighter Kurumi, a magical girl anime about the high-stakes world of foreign exchange trading. Alex questions whether the show will seriously tackle the anxieties of gambling or simply become a meme generator. Finally, he introduces a wild card, Super Psychic Policeman Jojo, a gritty cop drama with a supernatural twist that seems to harken back to the crime stories of the '80s.Mushoku Tensei Jobless Reincarnation Season 03 part 01
38:43|In this episode of Bentel Radio, Alex presents a detailed analysis of the third season of Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation and the controversial nature of its protagonist, Rudeus Greyrat. He argues that much of the fan criticism misses the point of the character, who is written not as an ideal to aspire to, but as a complex individual grappling with the trauma and isolation of his past life. Alex contrasts Rudeus with characters from other popular media, such as Fullmetal Alchemist, Succession, and Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series, to explore how authors create characters who are distinct from their own personal views.Alex posits that Rudeus's story is a powerful depiction of someone finally getting the support system they lacked, allowing them to grow and mature. The narrative, he explains, is not just about a fantasy adventure but about watching someone build the life they were denied. The conversation also touches on the world-building of the Mushoku Tensei universe, emphasizing that the world operates on its own rules, independent of the protagonist—a sign of sophisticated storytelling. This episode challenges listeners to reconsider their discomfort with flawed characters and appreciate the deeper commentary on personal growth, redemption, and the impact of community.daemons of the shadow realm
29:25|In this episode, Alex explores Demons of the Shadow Realm, positioning Hiro Arakawa’s newest manga and anime adaptation within the broader arc of her career—from the comedic, edutainment charm of Silver Spoon to the enduring legacy of Fullmetal Alchemist. After a plot overview featuring twins Yuru and Asa, demon contracts, and warring factions, Alex dives into audience expectations and the pitfalls of comparing every Arakawa project to FMA. He contrasts the clean-cut moral framing often found in shonen hits with Demons of the Shadow Realm’s messier, more adult exploration of agency, where characters make difficult choices within flawed systems. Alex also touches on Arakawa’s openness to real-world issues—like acknowledging Ainu land and nuanced portrayals of disability—and how that engagement can invite controversy yet enrich her storytelling. Along the way, he considers seasonal release structures, noting how 24-episode pacing and breaks can distort audience perception compared to FMA’s uninterrupted run. He references creators like Togashi and Otomo to show how great artists evolve, urging listeners to trust Arakawa’s craft and meet the series where it is, rather than demand the “original recipe.” Recorded on September 24, 2026, this thoughtful critique is a must-listen for fans navigating hype, legacy, and what makes modern dark fantasy resonate.The Ghost In The Shell (2026)
37:37|In this episode of Bentail Radio, host Alex offers an overwhelmingly positive review of the new Ghost in the Shell adaptation from Science SARU and director Mokaochan. Alex argues that this series finally breaks free from the self-serious, contemplative tone set by Mamoru Oshii's iconic 1995 film, which has heavily influenced nearly every subsequent adaptation, including Stand Alone Complex and Arise. By embracing the humor, levity, and even the "oiled-up lesbian beach fun" from Masamune Shirow's original manga, Alex believes this version presents the most fully-realized version of Major Motoko Kusanagi and her world. The conversation explores how previous adaptations often struggled to depict the characters' lives outside of their high-stakes jobs, resulting in one-dimensional portrayals. Alex celebrates the new series for giving its characters rich interior lives, a sense of humor, and personal relationships, making the world of Section 9 feel more lived-in and authentic than ever before. He also mentions his recent interview with the director, Mokaochan, available on the show's companion site.Roujin Z
32:19|In this episode of Bento Radio, host Alex takes a deep dive into the 1989 anime film Rojuin Z, the lesser-known but fascinating follow-up project from Akira creator Katsuhiro Otomo. The discussion kicks off with a look at the central question: what happens after you create the work you'll forever be known for? Alex explores how legendary creators like Otomo, Hayao Miyazaki, and Hideaki Anno continue to produce art, often in wildly different genres and tones than their most famous projects.The conversation then shifts to Roujin Z itself, a darkly comedic sci-fi film about an automated, military-grade hospital bed that gains sentience and goes on a rampage to fulfill its patient's last wish. Recorded on September 10, 2026, the episode analyzes how the film satirizes Japan's anxieties about its aging population, the over-automation of elder care, and the dangers of technology developed without empathy. Alex contrasts the serious, cyberpunk grit of Akira with the surprisingly light, comedic, and character-driven tone of Roujin Z, arguing that it showcases a different but equally compelling side of Otomo's creative genius.Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of Nymph Circe
32:38|In this episode, Alex dives deep into Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway’s second film, The Sorcery of Nymph Circe, examining how it confronts Gundam’s long-standing tension between “war is bad” and dazzling mecha spectacle. After a plot synopsis, Alex explores the franchise’s core moral ambiguity—where antagonists aren’t always wrong, just wrong in method—drawing parallels across Universal Century and AU entries like G Gundam, War in the Pocket, Gundam 00, Witch from Mercury, and Iron-Blooded Orphans. He argues Hathaway finally centers the terror of mobile suits at ground level, treating Gundams as tools of war rather than superhero icons, with night-lit battles that obscure spectacle to emphasize destruction and human stakes. Alex highlights the evolving triangle among Hathaway, Gigi, and Kenneth Slagg: Gigi’s “princess” archetype forged through harsh reality; Kenneth’s brilliant yet morally slimy command presence; and Hathaway’s deteriorating psyche as Mafty’s mission intensifies. He praises the film’s extravagant craft—score, animation, and selective CG flourishes—while noting its deliberate visual choices to de-glamorize combat. Through political themes of Earth Federation control, environmental pretexts, and class protection, Alex frames Hathaway as the trilogy’s pressure-cooker chapter pushing toward Adelaide, where ideology collides with intimacy. Recorded on September 3, 2026, this episode argues Gundam Hathaway is essential viewing on Netflix for its uncompromising look at war, identity, and love.