Bonus Round – Tofu Fast, Tofu Furious

In this episode of the Bonus Round, we tackle the first season in the Initial D franchise. Funimation has recently re-released the earlier series that were once property of infamous TokyoPop. This is the story of tofu delivery boy Takumi who’s driving skills have unwittingly become a thing of legend. He gets swept up in street racing in his town thanks to some friends and rivals. There aren’t a ton of sports series focusing on car racing but with Initial D around you shouldn’t really need much else. There is also a trailer at the beginning of the podcast for the upcoming U.S. film release.

Anime3000 – Bonus Round – Initial D Season 1

Bonus Round – An Encore Performance

We return to the Kaleido stage in this episode of the Bonus Round on Anime3000 in which we talk about the second season of Kaleido Star and the accompanying OVAs. In season 1, Sora is able to perform the Legendary Great Maneuver with Layla and save the Kaleido Stage. In season 2, dubbed “New Wings” we find that due to her injury Layla has retired from the circus and become a full-time actress. Now Sora must find her own way on the stage but she is unsure of what direction to head in. A rival by the name of May Wong and the icy perfectionist Leon Oswald join the troop and bring further complications. Does Sora have what it takes to be a true Kaleido Star? Then it’s Extra Stage and Legend of Phoenix, OVAs about Rosetta Passel and Layla Hamilton respectively. As a special bonus we have a shocking in-depth expose about May Wong at the beginning of the review.

Anime3000 – Bonus Round – Kaleido Star Season 2 + OVAs

Her Name is Rio and She Dances on The Sand

On the Reverse Thieves blog and the Speakeasy Podcast we try to talk about some of the finest titles that anime and manga have to offer. But occasionally we do guests spots on other podcasts and talk about utter trash. This time I went on the Eeeper’s Choice podcast and recounted my journey through Rio: Rainbow Gate! with Philip and Doctor from the SSAA Podcast. It is everything you expect from an anime base on a pachinko game franchise AND LESS!

Like a Bird of Paradise! Rio: Rainbow Gate roundtable