Welcome to yet another episode of Lyfeblerd, where we talk about manga, manhwa, light novels and other types of comic books. I'm your host, Cryptte, and today we're checking out one of my all-time favourites. I’m talking about Hiromu Arakawa’s steampunk, dark fantasy, adventure manga, Fullmetal Alchemist. So, grab a beverage, settle in, and let's get the show rolling!



Equivalent Exchange

We join the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse in a world in which alchemy is a practised science, influencing even their technology and governed by one rule — equivalent exchange. 

The tale begins with the siblings trying to bring their mother back to life using alchemy, but it goes wrong, leaving their bodies ravaged. The practice was forbidden for a reason, and the boys are considered lucky with Edward losing a few limbs while Alphonse’s body disappears. It sounds like a lot but this is just the beginning.

The duo then go off on an epic quest to become State Alchemists and restore their bodies. The manga covers so many themes, like brotherhood and family, redemption, war, morality and more. Along their journey, they meet many fun characters and interesting villains across a backdrop of sinister plots and political intrigue that will have you binge-reading in no time.



Reading List

If you like what you heard and want to get your copies of FMA, here’s where you can find them;

 * Fullmetal Alchemist Complete Box Set (manga), written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa - https://amzn.to/3YJ5fqH
 * Fullmetal Alchemist: The Land of Sand (novel, Volume 1), written by Makoto Inoue and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa - https://amzn.to/3QO5HlS

For fans of Hiromu Arakawa looking for more manga, pick up her coming-of-age, slice-of-life manga titled “Silver Spoon” (Gin no Saji). Arakawa-san shifts gears by introducing us to Yuugo Hachiken, a young teenager that enrols at Ooezo Agricultural High School in Hokkaido. It’s a look at his daily life and the rigours of agriculture.

 * Silver Spoon, Volume 1 (manga), written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa - https://amzn.to/45Btj1e



If FMA was a bit too dark and you prefer your shonen with no seinen in it at all, try Eiichiro Oda’s global hit, “One Piece." It’s the tale of a young boy called Luffy who dreams of becoming a pirate and goes off in search of infamy and adventure.

 * One Piece, Volume 1: Romance Dawn (manga), written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda - https://amzn.to/3E5SFby



The links above are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, so thank you for helping me keep the lights on.



I hope you enjoyed the last episode of season 2. Lyfeblerd will be back soon though, with more things to geek out about. Please like, share and subscribe to the show on your favourite podcast platform. Support your local comic book scene and keep reading the books you love. 

The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde [http://youtu.be/0JtZOZroRCw]. 



See you around!







 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

18 - Fullmetal Alchemist Fever

Welcome back, comic book fans to another episode of Lyfeblerd. Today, we plunge into the captivating world of Osamu Tezuka's masterpiece - Dororo. I'm your host Cryptte, and I can't wait to share my thoughts on this iconic manga. 



Story

Set in a war-torn feudal Japan, Dororo tells the story of a warrior named Hyakkimaru. Born without several body parts due to a demonic pact made by his father, Daigo Kagemitsu, Hyakkimaru sets off on a journey to reclaim what he has lost. Early in his travels, he comes across the young orphan thief named Dororo and together they face a horde of terrifying demons and other challenges.



The duo forge a deep bond that defines the heart of this manga, as we see Hyakkimaru attempt to regain his humanity while inadvertently becoming weaker. It is a dark tale that is warmed by Dororo's charm and unwavering loyalty, making this a truly gripping and emotionally charged narrative.



Reading List

For those who try and love Dororo, I recommend checking out other works by Osamu Tezuka, such as Astro Boy or Naoki Urasawa’s Pluto, which is based on Astro Boy’s "The Greatest Robot on Earth story arc.

 * Dororo, written and illustrated by Osamu Tezuka - https://amzn.to/3YjBuww
 * Astro Boy, Vol. 1, written and illustrated by Osamu Tezuka - https://amzn.to/3rMFSrF
 * Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 1, written by Naoki Urasawa & Takashi Nagasaki and illustrated by Naoki Urasawa - https://amzn.to/3Qk5uGI



For those looking for something lighter or just different, pick up March Comes in Like a Lion by Chica Umino. It is a heartwarming and introspective look into the world of shogi.

Fans of the superhero genre can also read My Hero Academia by Kohei Horikoshi. 

 * March Comes in Like a Lion, Vol. 1, written and illustrated by Chica Umino - https://amzn.to/458h2S9
 * My Hero Academia, Vol. 1, written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi - https://amzn.to/3KsiAOt



If you purchase a book or more via the affiliate links above, please note that Lyfeblerd will earn a small commission for doing so at no extra charge to you. Thanks in advance. 



That wraps up my review of Osamu Tezuka's Dororo. I hope you enjoyed this episode of Lyfeblerd. If you did, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Follow on social media @lyfeblerd and keep reading the books you love.



The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde [http://youtu.be/0JtZOZroRCw], provided by Argofox.



See you in the next one.







 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

17 - Reclaiming Shadows in Dororo

Apocalyptic Hijinks

Welcome to yet another episode of Lyfeblerd. I'm your host Cryptte, and today, we're jumping headfirst into the zombie-filled world of "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead." Hold onto your brains because it's going to be a wild ride! But before we begin, let me tell you a bit more about the manga.


Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata. Both of them have accolades to their names, and together their talents shine just as brightly. Haro-san is good at blending genres, and in Zom 100 he's managed to balance comedy with horror and action. There’s currently a lot of excitement surrounding the manga right now as an anime adaptation recently started airing less than two weeks ago. There’s also a live-action movie slated to appear on Netflix on August 3.



Story

Ever worked a soul-devouring 9-5 that stripped you of not just your social life but also your health and any meaningful relationships outside of the office? Then you and our protagonist, Akira Tendo, have a lot in common.

Zom 100 begins with the 24-year-old office worker recounting how he wound up a modern-day zombie working for an exploitative corporation. He's three years into the job when a zombie apocalypse hits Japan and possibly the entire world. For Akira, this means no more work and he's suddenly transformed into a new man. In a bid to make the most of his newfound freedom, he creates a bucket list of things to do before he's turned into a zombie. Akira's depression is replaced with a curious adventurous spirit and a fearlessness that defies common sense. 


Volume one sees Akira create his bucket list and check off a few items, like confessing his feelings to the woman he loves, riding a motorcycle and drinking beer at home all day. It's a hilarious tale that gets more and more absurd, as we see our hero braving the undead for a series of beer runs. The collapse of society has always afforded the survivors of apocalypses the luxuries they were denied in the past. It's everywhere in pop culture and literature, but few have done it as Akira does. 


Akira is an ordinary guy that faces the undead armed with a sense of humour and a never-give-up attitude. 





Reading List

Brains! Brains!!

 * Zom 100: Bucketlist of the Dead, written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata  - https://amzn.to/3Y02wsB
 * I am a Hero, written and illustrated by Kengo Hanazawa - https://amzn.to/3Q5BFcJ
 * Alice in Borderland, written and illustrated by Haro Aso - https://amzn.to/3pV9O4j
 * 

Genre-bending comedy

 * One Punch Man (Jump Remake), written by One and illustrated by Yusuke Murata - https://amzn.to/3Y0inre
 * Mob Psycho 100, written and illustrated by One - https://amzn.to/3pUPVdG

Purchasing any of these books via the links provided will go a long way in keeping the lights on. Thanks in advance.


I hope you enjoyed this episode of Lyfeblerd. If you did, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde.


Don’t forget to support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one. 





Hosted on

16 - Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

Welcome to Lyfeblerd [https://ayambalitcast.com/geek-out-with-cryptte-on-lyfeblerd/], a podcast all about manga, manhwa, light novels and other types of comic books. I'm your host, Cryptte, and today we're diving into the intense and thought-provoking seinen manga series, Battle Royale.


Originally written by Koushun Takami in 1996, it went unpublished until 1999 after being rejected in 1997 by the Japan Horror Fiction Awards. This was because it was too reminiscent of a recent murder in Kobe involving high school students. For the show, I’ll be covering the manga adaptation which was released from 2000 to 2005 and illustrated by Masayuki Taguchi. Tokyopop released the series in English in the following years and a special edition hit store shelves in late 2007.

Now if I haven’t scared you away, strap in for a rollercoaster ride of survival, betrayal, and moral dilemmas.



Reading List

For fans of Battle Royale and those that want something similar once they’re done reading, pick up Gantz by Hiroya Oku. It’s a sci-fi story about a secret war that shares themes of survival and moral ambiguity, delving into the psychological effects of life-and-death situations. Another manga with similar dystopian themes is Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama. In a post-apocalyptic world filled with man-killing giants, we are treated to lots of action and politics.

 * Gantz [https://www.amazon.com/Gantz-Omnibus-1-Hiroya-Oku/dp/1506707742/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Gantz+Manga&qid=1688644901&sr=8-1] Omnibus Volume 1 by Hiroya Oku
 * Attack on Titan [https://www.amazon.com/Attack-Titan-1-Hajime-Isayama/dp/1612620248/ref=sr_1_3?crid=FSG162HYFDRA&keywords=Attack+on+Titan+by+Hajime+Isayama&qid=1688644948&sprefix=gantz+manga%2Caps%2C382&sr=8-3] Volume 1 by Hajime Isayama



If you’re looking for something lighter in the survival game space, then try BTOOOM! by Junya Inoue. It plays things simple and safe, with no psychoanalysing, moral dilemmas or complex characters. Aoharu X Machinegun by Naoe is another one but this time lives and sanity aren’t at stake. The story takes us into the world of competitive airsoft.



 * BTOOOM! [https://www.amazon.com/BTOOOM-Vol-1-Junya-Inoue/dp/031623267X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QG8TBNDF6HH4&keywords=btooom%21+manga&qid=1688659508&s=books&sprefix=btooom+mang%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C403&sr=1-1] Volume One by Junya Inoue
 * Aoharu X Machinegun [https://www.amazon.com/Aoharu-Machinegun-Vol-Machine-Gun-ebook/dp/B01922I3EQ/ref=sr_1_19?crid=10PYU1UJAQVMP&keywords=aoharu+x+kikanjuu&qid=1688660100&s=books&sprefix=Aoharu+X+Kikanjuu%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C701&sr=1-19] Volume One by Naoe



So Long

That brings us to the end of another episode. I hope I've been able to get a new book or two onto your reading list. If I have, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. 

Join me next time on Lyfeblerd for more manga, manhua, light novels and other types of comic books. Until then, keep reading the books you love and support your local comic book scene. 


See you in the next act. 


The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde [http://youtu.be/0JtZOZroRCw], provided by Argofox.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

15 - Surviving Battle Royale

In this episode Cryptte covers the Japanese light novel "Kizumonogatari," written by Nisio Isin (NisiOisiN) and illustrated by VOFAN. It is part of the "Monogatari Series" and serves as a prequel to the first novel, "Bakemonogatari." 


Kizumonogatari follows the story of Koyomi Araragi, a teenage boy that is suddenly thrust into the dark and mysterious world of aberrations and various supernatural beings. Set in a contemporary Japanese town, the main protagonist of the Monogatari Series stumbles upon the vampire Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade, which shatters his perception of reality and turns his life upside down.


Nisio Isin is known for his unique storytelling style and wild narratives, which have made him a bit of a celebrity in Japan and the rest of the world. His themes usually revolve around some of my favourites, like the supernatural, mystery, and psychological horror. He's even got romance up in there. 




Reading List

For fans of Kizumonogatari, I highly recommend the entire Monogatari Series if you haven't read it already. Expect more of the same while digging deeper into the lives of NISIOISIN compelling characters. 

 * Bakemonogatari: Monster Tale - part one [https://www.amazon.com/BAKEMONOGATARI-Part-1-Monster-Tale/dp/1942993889/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687393621&sr=8-1] (light novel), written by NISIOISIN and illustrated by VOFAN



If Kizumonogatari didn't catch your fancy, but you enjoy the psychological aspects and intricate story, then try out The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. It’s the tale of a man that gets caught up in a mystery while searching for his wife’s missing cat. Another good one is the light novel Spice and Wolf, written by Isuna Hasekura that takes us on an adventure with a travelling merchant and an ancient wolf deity. It’s got a nice mix of fantasy, politics and trading.

 * The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle [https://www.amazon.com/Wind-Up-Bird-Chronicle-Novel/dp/0679775439/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687394763&sr=8-1] (novel), written by Haruki Murakami
 * Spice and Wolf [https://www.amazon.com/Spice-Wolf-Vol-light-novel/dp/0759531048/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1687394591&sr=8-1] (light novel), written by Isuna Hasekura





Fare Thee Well

We come to the end of yet another episode. I really enjoyed talking about Araragi and company and whether this is your first time coming across the Bakemonogatari Series or not, I do hope I’ve convinced you to give Kizumongatari a try. I also hope you enjoy my recommendations and share your opinions with me on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @lyfeblerd. 


The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde [http://youtu.be/0JtZOZroRCw]. Do like, share and subscribe to the podcast and keep supporting your local comic book scene. Join me next time on another awesome adventure.




Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

14 - Kizumonogatari 

This time I dive into the three volumes of Yoshiki Tanaka's Legend of the Galactic Heroes (Ginga Eiyū Densetsu) . I'm stretching the rules a bit with this one though as it's technically a novel and not a light novel. But since it's spawned multiple anime and manga adaptations, I think we can make an exception. 



A Cosmic Adventure

Legend of the Galactic Heroes takes us to a world in which humanity has expanded far across space. We're introduced to two sovereign nations, the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. 


The Galactic Empire is a Monarchy that recently experienced a Civil War that left its Emperor nothing more than a figurehead. Now ruled by the brilliant and ruthless Reinhardt Von Lohengramm, the usurper begins to introduce a series of reforms designed to strip the elitist nobles of most of their power and influence. 


On the other side of the galactic pond we have the Free Planets Alliance which advocates democracy but is actually riddled with corruption. The contradiction isn't lost on Yang Wen-Li, Commodore of the Second Fleet and bane of the Galactic Empire, but for him all he seeks is a quiet peaceful life. Unfortunately though, both the ruling powers of the Alliance and his enemies in the Empire won't let him be. 


In Volume 1, Dawn, we are introduced to these warring factions and a third player, the Phezzan Dominion. Filled with political intrigue, espionage and space warfare, we meet a huge cast of characters as they try to survive and protect their nation's way of life. The Alliance and Empire are unaware of the forces that pit them against one another as a growing conspiracy takes root in the first book and spreads its tendrils into the remaining volumes. 



Reading List

If you like Legend of the Galactic Heroes, then try out this manga. 



 * Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin, Vol. 1- Activation by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko [https://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Suit-Gundam-Origin-Activation/dp/193565487X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=B151D1ZMO3H8&keywords=gundam+the+origin+manga&qid=1686249347&sprefix=Gundam+the+origin%2Caps%2C390&sr=8-1]



Not a fan? Then give this light novel a try instead.



 * Yukikaze by Chōhei Kambayashi [https://www.amazon.com/Yukikaze-Chohei-Kambayashi/dp/1421532557?ref=d6k_applink_bb_dls&dplnkId=c0e23602-eb24-4ed9-8d2b-151abfecdc44]






The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde [http://youtu.be/0JtZOZroRCw], provided by Argofox.





Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

13 - Legend of the Galactic Heroes

Cryptte and Rado return in the second half of "The Mysterious Man Behind Handrava," ranting, raving and geeking out like all good fans should. 


They discuss the importance of acknowledging others on the path to success and stress the need for a support system, even if it only serves to provide one with encouragement. Rado gives credit to his fans and Cryptte bulldozes his way through Wakanda to prove a point. 


Ultimately, they cover self-worth and the need to find or create a community in which one can feel comfortable in, free to be themselves. 




Reading List 

Check out these books recommended by Rado for anyone interested in authentic African comic books. He even included the podcast’s first animated show on the list.; 



 * Akissi: Tales of Mischief [https://www.amazon.com/Akissi-Tales-Mischief-Graphic-Novel/dp/191117147X], by Marguerite Abouet 
 * Aya of Yop City [https://www.amazon.com/Aya-Yop-City-Marguerite-Abouet/dp/1897299419], by Marguerite Abouet  
 * The Mighty Grand Piton [https://www.thelineanimation.com/work/the-mighty-grand-piton], directed by Wesley Louis



Contact

Whether it's to beg for more Handrava, ask for his account details or check out his latest works, you can reach out to Rado at;

 * @radokely [https://www.instagram.com/radokely] on Instagram
 * Handrava Webcomic [https://tapas.io/series/handrava/info]
 * Handrava Facebook [https://web.facebook.com/handrava/]




I hope you all enjoy this episode as much as we did. Let's celebrate our differences, give credit where it's due, and work together to achieve our goals. Thank you for listening!

Don't forget to subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. 


The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde, support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. 


See you in the next one. 





Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

12- The Mysterious Man Behind Handrava -part two-

In this episode of Lyfeblerd, Cryptte interviews Rado of Tana, the creator of the webcomic Handrava. They discuss Rado's background and what led him to create webcomics. The Madagascan native shares the titles that influenced him growing up and how difficult it was to acquire them. Despite these obstacles, he was adequately inspired to create his own webcomics, from Handrava to Cisticola and more to come. 


Despite all the laughter, the duo still manage to cover some of their favourite anime and manga. During a slight detour to Wakanda, they also address the issue of truly authentic African stories. Even jollof rice is not spared in this episode. 


Together they take a moment to reflect on gratitude, giving credit where it's due, and embracing our differences. They explore how redefining slurs and insults can help build a stronger, more inclusive community of creators and fans alike. So tune in for an episode filled with thought-provoking discussions, a healthy dose of nostalgia, and a celebration of the incredible world of comics, manga, and anime.




Don’t forget to support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one.





Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

11- The Mysterious Man Behind Handrava_part one_

New Season, New Rules



Hi, I'm Cryptte and you're listening to Lyfeblerd, a podcast all about manga, manhwa, light novels, and other types of comic books. 


I know, it's been a while but I'm back for the second season and I hope you're as pumped as I am. Even if you don't admit it, I have to say I missed you guys.




Previously on Lyfeblerd… 

Last season I covered a mix of manga, manhwa, webcomics, and light novels. Nine to be exact and I had fun talking about them.


While precariously navigating around spoilers, I tried to give you all a feel for the entire series, but there was one or two that I just had to stick to the first volume for. This was due to time constraints. 


Lyfeblerd runs on a biweekly schedule, which means having to put down each series after recording for a new one. Most of the titles I covered were things I'd read before, but I was always left with the urge to continue reading till the end. 


Then I had my reading lists which included lots of series I wanted to cover on the show but couldn't because I had already recommended them to you to read privately. 


The previous format left a bittersweet taste in my mouth and prompted me to make a few big changes to the show. Listen to the episode to find out what these changes are.




Support The Show

Don't forget to follow, like, and subscribe on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. Support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love.


The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde [http://youtu.be/0JtZOZroRCw]. Thank you for listening and see you in the next warp. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Season 2: Loading...

In the last episode of season one, Cryptte flies solo again as he jumps into the popular Korean web novel, light novel and manga, Solo Leveling. It’s an action fantasy title written by Chugong, with the manga illustrated by the late Jang Sung-Rak (aka Dubu) of Redice Studio. 


Also known as Only I Level Up, the story tells the tale of Sung Jinwoo, an E-rank Hunter in a world plagued by mysterious Gates that lead into otherworldly dungeons full of monsters. After a devastating dungeon run, Sung begins his rise from the weakest Hunter into a force to be reckoned with. 


Find out what Cryptte thinks of the story, which adaptation is his favourite and where the series’ creator plans to take the franchise in the near future. Maybe 




Reading List 

If you like Solo Leveling, then also try one of these books; 



 * Solo Leveling written by Chugong and illustrated by Jang Sung-Rak (aka Dubu) - https://amzn.to/3HINykG
 * That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime written by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah -  https://amzn.to/3VZzFmp
 * Dungeon Busters written by Toma Shinozaki and illustrated by SenriGAN - https://j-novel.club/series/dungeon-busters



If you aren’t a fan, try this shoujo manga instead, an isekai classic full of fantasy, magic and romance;



 * Fushigi Yuugi written and illustrated by Yuu Watase - https://amzn.to/3WkdOpB



Purchasing any of these books via the links provided will go a long way in keeping the lights on. Thanks in advance.





I hope you enjoyed this episode of Lyfeblerd. If you did, please subscribe and review on iTunes or anywhere else you get your podcasts. The theme song is Dreams by Rewayde [http://youtu.be/0JtZOZroRCw].


Don’t forget to support your local comic book scene and keep reading the things you love. See you in the next one.





Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

09 - Solo Leveling

Lyfeblerd is a podcast about light novels, manga and other comic books. Your host, Cryptte will be geeking out on classics, rare gems, must-reads and the occasional dud. Join this black nerd on his jo

Lyfeblerd · Zencastr

Lyfeblerd

Lyfeblerd is a podcast about light novels, manga and other comic books. Your host, Cryptte will be geeking out on classics, rare gems, must-reads and the occasional dud. Join this black nerd on his journey through geekdom.

