Episode 17: “Lourdes in the Sky with Diamonds”

I’ve been embarking on a series of adventures, now that I’m “unleashed”. In this week’s podcast, I share with Chuck my first attempts at rock climbing and my amazing road trip to a classic arcade auction.

Chuck’s put together an interesting conspiracy theory about both Sony and Microsoft’s next generation consoles…or console? I’m convinced, which is a feat.

Oh, those crazy celebrities! Stealing brand names, hippie parenting, and taking the Fifth on drug references.

Episode 109: “There Can Be Only…Two.”

Manyuu Hikenchou… Oh, why are we bothering with formalities? The show is Titty Ninjas. If you have an oedipal complex, this show is a dream come true. If you’ve had or wince at mastectomies, this could be a nightmare…

Kevin and I have returned to form; berating current, exploitative anime. There’s probably no better specimen than this show to usher our wrathful return. This podcast is not without our staples: Pretentious energy drinks, 1980s action flicks, monkeys, and irresponsible science.

Episode 18: “Horrible Holocaust”

This is not a typical episode of the Alpha Counter podcast… More of a frankensteined construction of two partial recordings; forged together to form a single, patch-worked entity. If you’re just discovering this podcast after coming from Animazement, you should probably catch up on our previous episode first.

Kevin had a lot more to say about The Hunger Games after last week’s podcast was recorded. We have some…colorful peers that offered…unique perspective on the film and how it’s often discussed by others. But first I get to tell a story about how I, as a child, learned about a very important word.

The second part of this podcast is an excerpt from a recording with M. Due to some mental and technical failings on my part, the audio quality nearly doomed this material to oblivion. However, it’s directly relevant to my conversation with Kevin and contains one of the greatest jokes we’ve ever done on the podcast; earning it a second chance at life.

In a rare instance of humility, the A3K Podcast provides more examples of their guilty pleasures. Jahmere is diagnosed with OVA/OCD, Cody Baier is finally on the receiving end of anime outrage, Sean Ryan pounces on one member of the podcast, and is Mike in danger of being replaced by Fightbait?

What’s your anime guilty pleasure? Tell us here in the comments or, even better, tell Anime 3000. You may just score yourself some fabulous prizes!

Episode 17: “Tracker Jackers”

Hunger Games has Kevin in a fury. It’s the hot new book-to-film series that no one will remember in five years. By the way, how’s that The Lost Symbol movie coming along?

Turbo-spoilers contained within! This could be one of Kevin’s most unleashed podcasts; wasting no energy on delicately veiling this movie from the oblivious. If you haven’t seen the movie, read the book, or if you’re especially sensitive to virgin experiences, you have some homework before engaging this podcast. I don’t give a shit, so I’m quick to indulge in discussion.

Episode 108: “Monkeys Sad! Monkey Die!”

We needed an excuse to revisit Michiko to Hatchin–a show we discussed in our earliest episodes–and listener feedback provides! This particular recording went on much longer than expected, as Kevin rolled into his recent movie review. That bit, my friends, will appear in two days in the form of the next Alpha Counter Podcast.

If you’d like to contact us, you can comment below, send an email, mention us on Twitter, or post to us on Facebook!

Episode 16: “Car[olla] Talk”

Reality shows can’t be considered trash TV. Most are so scripted and doctored that they’re worse than garbage–they’re immitation garbage. And yet, there’s always at least one that we each call our guilty pleasure. For Matt and I, it’s this season’s Celebrity Apprentice; mostly for its involvement with our hero, Adam Carolla. That is, until he was fired due to producer shenanigans.

After the break, M joins us to talk about a show that’s genuine about its fiction: The Walking Dead; specifically Season 2. If you haven’t seen it yet, do, for here there be spoilers.

Episode 15: “Warp Factor WTF”

M and I got gabbin’ ’bout some gamin’ for this episode of the podcast. The Wiimote controls of Skyward Sword has M flailing and failing. Meanwhile, I’m inventing new ways to get court-martialed in Star Trek: Bridge Commander.

After the break, we vent out our frustrations by laughing at the 1990s era of comic books–The publicity stunts, the market flood, the talent…or rather, lack thereof.

To correct an oversight: Joe Madureira did find success in the video game industry, as creative director to Vigil Games’ Darksiders and its upcoming sequel.

Omake 19: “Quantum Liam”

This batch of outtakes features various tangents we’ve had on Method to Madness. There’s talk of Heroes Unlimited RPGs. We miss classic Looney Tunes, despite its past insensitivity. We come up with the greatest time travel TV series idea EVER. And webcomics that actually kick ass, like Axe Cop.

On the tail end, I’ve included an outtake with Anime 3000′s Cody Baier, aka @LordSchmeckie, recorded after we’d wrapped up our AniRiff for Garzey’s Wing.

Episode 14: “Giant Osama Bin-Ladenzilla”

What begins as me fawning through nostalgia over Bionic Six quickly roller-coastered into Kevin and I both ranting over the horrible era of comic books and cartoons known as the 1990s. Image Comics was one of that decade’s greatest creations, but also its most potent toxins. The only relic of that era to survive–and strangely still be worth picking up–is Erik Larsen’s Savage Dragon.

I never got around to mentioning that Rock-1 was one of my earliest childhood cartoon crushes. Add that to my list of “thank yous” for TMS entertainment. We need you guys back working for Warner Bros!

I also mentioned this: THIS IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW.

RoboGeisha hardly needs any endorsement from the likes of us. If you’ve read the title of the movie, you’ve already decided if you’re going to watch it. And by visiting this website and reading this text, I already know that you are.

Matt and I reviewed this movie for Anime 3000–the experience was more a favor for us than for them. This was no chore to sit through. It’s just the right kind of goofy movie you watch with friends and spend the next half hour or so debating, “What the hell did we just watch?” And that’s not a rhetorical question.

WE KEEP WATCHING ANIME THAT SUCKS. (This is becoming a theme.)

For the A3K Podcast over on Anime 3000: Sean Ryan, Cody Baier, Jahmere Durham, Michael Martinez, and host Sean Russel formed a pact. We came together–as brothers–in mutual support under a tent of trust to share each other’s anime guilty pleasures. But Cody, our resident villain, creeped in with a knapsack filled with judgement.

This is the main course of this discussion, but there’s an extra serving with some dessert coming up! Stay tuned for Part 2 of this podcast in the coming weeks. In the meantime, what’s your anime guilty pleasure? Tell us here in the comments or, even better, tell Anime 3000. You may just score yourself some fabulous prizes!

Cross Ups 01: “Commencing 4th down; Hut, hut, hike!”

On the success of our Method to Madness Omake outtakes, we present some of the pre-game anecdotes that take place before the show really gets started. They’ve been collected and released for you in a new podcast sub-series we call Alpha Counter Cross Ups.

You’ll probably notice a slight difference in audio quality, at least on my side. These audio clips are taken straight from our Skype recordings, before I mix in my locally recorded track. But the content makes up well for it. Especially for bonus content…that’s free!

Episode 107: “Planet B612…You’ve Never Heard of It”

The Little Prince is a hipster douche who comes to Earth to remind us how much we suck. He’s that guy whose charity work includes being the weekend friend to children of modest means. Never all that emotionally invested and once he flies back to his home of luxury, you may never see him again.

This is a show from the infant days of Nickelodeon; before it developed any notable original programming. It was an innocent, episodic series of visits, similar to Kino’s Journey. Fantastic for small children, but offers nothing (but ironic comedy) for anyone whose age has reached double-digits.

Episode 14: “If You Can Read This, The Bitch Derezzed”

That girl is Poison… Or is she? That is, is she a she? It’s a debate that’s been waged since before many of its participants were only just born. With the release of the video below, it’s time we accept the truth and begin asking ourselves some very deep, personal questions.

M hops on for the second half of the show to adjust the focus of our male gaze while we discuss the recent Cross [Sexual] Assault scandal. Take notes, fellas. This may actually get you dates.

Episode 12: “Breaking Boobs”

Matt has challenged my distaste for sports and its rampant fanaticism. He doesn’t understand why, with my fervor for fighting games, don’t I gravitate toward real-world martial art contests. The truth is, I’d sooner watch WWE than MMA.

There may be some weight to Matt’s argument, since I do enjoy both playing Ace Attorney games and watching The People’s Court, though my joy of each stems from different roots. On the other hand, my love of the Portal series hasn’t inspired me to volunteer for testing experimental quantum weaponry in deadly labyrinths. No, the source of my Portal passion is likely more Freudian.

Matt and I do agree on one thing: Our opinion on boobs. We dig ‘em. And apparently, they could just save your life.

Episode 106: “Internorts!”

The Adventures of Mark Twain took us by surprise. It’s a lost gem of animation; an artifact lost in the rubble of obscurity. Maybe because it hosts some creepy-ass shit.

I’m ashamed to admit that despite my personal passion for wordsmithing, my pool of consumed literature is pale and shallow. (The reason for this may be elaborated in a future podcast.) This movie has done its job inspiring to seek more of Mr. Twain’s works in hopes to sponge his gift of turning a phrase.

Episode 11: “We Cannot Leave the Magic”

Having gorged myself on the entirety of Fraggle Rock, I felt the intense need to gush over the show’s craftsmanship and timelessness. Luckily, M was game for some more Muppet musings.

Macross Plus is one of our favorite anime, and if you’ve seen it, it’s also one of yours. However, a peer has recently challenged our affections. Together, M and I seek out the corpus delicti of the show’s most intense scene.

The following video clip is strangely relevant:

Episode 10: “Foiled Again!”

Lisa Foiles riles me, though this may or may not be her fault. As I touched upon in my guest appearance on the Anivision podcast, my frustration may be rooted within. Chuck and I deconstruct this enchanting effect by Lisa Foiles and many like her. They’re the girls that our mothers warned us about and our fathers encouraged us to woo.

Supposedly, the Xbox 720 will be registering game discs to the console in order to “prevent software piracy”. It’s fairly obvious their true goal is to “prevent ownership”. Publishers of all media are waging a war and they’ve declared you, the consumers, as the enemy.

These whiney-butts crying that they’re not making enough money are forgetting that as long as their products are changing hands (rather than getting tossed into a bin), that proves these commodities have value. The ability to share and resell media is a healthy tool… Just ask popular literary genius, Neil Gaiman:

Episode 105: “Ruh roh, rori!”

The year 2011 was a very good year for us in anime. It may be a contributing factor to our recent bi-weekly shift… There’s a shortage of garbage to put up on our podcast pike!

In a sort of lightning round fashion, Kevin and I share some of the notable titles that we viewed last year. Not all of which were released in 2011, mind you, but it is what we saw. Among these titles are included Redline, Level E, Marawu Penguindrum, Trigun: Badlands Rumble, and King of Thorn.

Many thanks to “Paris” and M for their generous donations! If you’d like to contribute to the show, send us an email, send us money, or share this podcast to other people!

Episode 09: “This is Our Scene Now.”

Matthew “@PhantomFHarlock” Kraft hops on the podcast to exchange rants of chickenshit traffic tickets and to continue our ongoing IP war efforts, post-SOPA. And he’s okay with sex with dead people.

The Stop Online Piracy Act was put to rest some time ago, but all that was buried was a mask. The entity behind such laws is a villain with many faces; SOPA and PIPA among its repertoire. It may no longer be a hot trend, but we need to stay aware that it’s still alive and lurking about us.

Then there’s the woman who fucked a corpse, got pregnant, and is suing his estate for child support. Yeah.

Episode 08: “Fly Air Clapton”

Meeting Adam Carolla is probably one of the highest moments of my life. If Kevin and I were to have a child together, that still wouldn’t compare. And that’s not just assuming that the child would be a product of our love; but also including the epoch-making medical breakthrough and the inevitable wealth and celebrity that follows.

This podcast isn’t just about me flapping my gums about personal heroes. Kevin recounts with us some more stories from his college days with stories of colorful characters. The lesson to walk away with is that being an asshole and doing drugs won’t make you many friends, but it will get you laid.

Omake 18: “Catch a Tail by the Tiger”

After an ass-full of Method to Mad Libs, it’s time for some real cartoon talk. Before getting back into the anime swing, Kevin and I have some business to attend: A new show to pitch for the Disney Afternoon.

In the final score of the 20th Century, Disney built up an impressive catalog of characters and series through the Disney Afternoon. From the Wuzzles (I count it!) on through to its swan song, The Mighty Ducks.

Through adult eyes, we’d like to revisit our wholesome childhood characters, but through a more mature lens. Bonkers carried the settings established in Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, but it failed as a spiritual successor. We’d like another stab at Disney in the noire genre; this round with a more modern cast of characters and maintaining an adult tone. We want a series about Hollywood murder and debauchery…you know, that we can watch with our kids.

Episode 104: “Method to Microbes”

We conclude our Month of Method to Mad Libs with the triumphant return of Kevin! With him, he’s brought what is unarguably our most intense drink test case to date. One that could end a life, or at least a marriage.

Sometimes I wonder what lengths hippies will go to reintegrate our Gaia, Earth. Kombucha will certainly do that; sending you on a shorter course toward your grave. What is not seen in this audio podcast is the moment shortly after my first sip, where I fold over like a puppet whose stings were cut. It robs you of life.

There’s a whole second half to this recording, but it needed some extra care to prepare for its awaiting public. So tune in tomorrow for a special treat!

Garzey’s Wing had this coming, as proclaimed in our Method to Madness episode for this OVA. For Anime 3000, I volunteered to join Cody Baier on his AniRiffs! series for the first episode of Garzey’s Wing.

This was an incredibly fun collaboration, and I think that shows in the finished work. You can either watch the YouTube version above, or we encourage you to play the audio file along with the DVD, which is available for less than the price of a sandwich on Amazon.

Episode 07: “Method to Metal Gear”

Chuck Lai joins me for some Method to Mad Libs, where we map out the diabolical master plan of the evil Dr. Skanky. The moral of this podcast: I want a cock ring…so much.

After we’ve had our fun and games, Chuck and I discuss some movies that we’ve been meaning to see, some we regret having seen, and some we know you must see. Shortly after recording this podcast, I did give Insidious a viewing… Unfortunately, I found the scariest part of that film to be its title card. I believe that the producers shared my opinion, since they used it twice to bookend the show.

Episode 06: “Method to Meth Labs”

Don’t call it a comeback; we’ve been here for years! Matt Kraft joins me on the new Alpha Counter podcast to take Method to Mad Libs back to its roots. And when the mics get hot, so do we!

After some nostalgic tête à tête with Mad Libs, Matt and I keep the podcast ball a-rollin’. TV has apparently been good to the both of us, as we compare and exchange the images that occupy our living rooms. Robotech is a hot topic during this podcast, as Matt is brought up to speed on the various Macross series that have emerged since the classic days of Harmony Gold. Yes, including “Shadow Chronicles”.

Episode 103: “Method to Mashups”

It’s Method to Mad Libs Month! Expect rounds of Method to Mad Libs in both Method to Madness and Alpha Counter throughout the course of February!

First out the gate is a compilation of Method to Mad Libs sessions with some very close members of the Method to Madness family. To whet your appetite, there’s a lost clip with the boys over at Anime 3000. The second course is M, a voice that should sound very familiar. Then we top it off with a rare treat: Cody Baier (aka Lord Shmeckie) comes back from Anime 3000 for a rematch!

Episode 05: “Hi-Def Hands of Fate”

Kevin embarked on a quest to for a new workout arena, with fancies of The Wheel of Pain, à la Conan. He found no such complex; at least not ones without severe, inescapable cancellation fees (that include, but are not limited to, lashings). While that does intrigue Kevin, it’s probably also illegal.

In other news from The Internet, we may now have the means to produce and purchase a true high-definition Blu Ray release of Manos: The Hands of Fate. Good…? We aren’t able to come to a solid conclusion on that, though one thing we find certain: Punk chicks are hawt. It’s too bad our audio cut during our investigation of Disney punk princesses.

Episode 04: “At the End, There’s Happiness”

Kevin went on a routine road trip to Wilmington recently. While it’s familiar ground for him, there are always new [mis]adventures to be had. For this episode, Kevin shares his latest tales of karaoke, Hooters, and Wings… The last two are strangely unrelated.

Daytime court shows are a guilty pleasure of mine and probably the only reason why I notice broadcast television. Judge me all you like, but Marilyn Milian is a sexy lady. Even at nearly 20 years my senior, it’s hard to view clips like the following and not be turned on.

I hope she has “fuck you” money, as we also discuss in this podcast. A lesson, listeners: Never say a con word about Rutger Hauer while in earshot of Kevin.

Episode 102: “Bucket Monkey”

Robin and the Dreamweavers is probably the most obscure cartoon we’ve ever done on Method to Madness. It’s the pilot for a stillborn series that mashes Cool World with all the tropes of early-1990s comics.

For once, we get to put on our hipster glasses and brag, “Yeah, we’re watching this show–oh, you’ve never heard of it,” with sincerity. Robin and the Dreamweavers was a miscarried wretch that was birthed 10 years too late and buried quietly in an unmarked grave. Your life was better in the sweet ignorance before knowing this movie even existed. But it’s too late; you’ve read this far and you’re forever changed… You’d may as well also listen.

Episode 03: “Assholes on Assholes”

Xbox LIVE was hacked! Customer accounts were compromised! Thousands of dollars in funds were stolen! And for what? Basically, trading cards. And this isn’t news? Chuck Lai and Matt Kraft join me in scolding Microsoft and the media for not giving this serious breach of security its due attention.

For better updates on the hack and how Microsoft is resolving this matter, Chuck recommends this blog.

Later in the podcast, we talk about how we refuse to get old. Getting old makes you retarded the r-word. Then we shake our canes, gripe about kids today, and talk politics. Don’t worry; you can also look forward to plenty of butt talk.

OUR FAVORITE ANIME SUCKS.

Over at the A3K Podcast on Anime 3000, we struck a nerve with our submissions for overrated anime series. Your opinions were voiced and we heard you. Now it’s time for us to put our money where our mouths are and cover our own Top 3 favorite anime of all-time.

My choices may not surprise you, but the third certainly surprised me…and it’s my list! Ultimately, I had to ask myself which anime series I enjoyed watching all the way through, again and again. Sword of the Stranger came very close, as did Cowboy Bebop… But only one OVA seemed to resonate as much as when I first discovered it as a teenager.

Episode 101: “The Littlest Pet Shop of Horrors”

Pet Shop of Horrors left quite an impression on me. After discussing it briefly on the Halloween A3K Panel, I found I had so much left over to say. I’d only barely scratched the surface of D and Leon’s secret bromance. It’s a show that would have been beautifully realized in a Jim Henson series with creatures portrayed by Muppets. Why the talk about Muppets? Cuz there’s also talk about Muppets in this podcast.

It’s quite difficult for me to describe M as a “regular guest” on the show, as the first component of that phrase feels much more at home. Expect to hear more from M on the new Alpha Counter podcast and other corners of AlphaCounter.com.

Episode 02: “I’m Your Prostitute; You Gon’ Get Some”

Batman: Arkham City has an ending that begs scrutiny. Paul Dini was apropos in planting in-jokes of Lost into the game’s script, since it ironically reflects its confusing conclusion.

Guest co-host, Charles “Comtar” Lai joins me in this week’s podcast as my Devil’s advocate. Together, we break down not only Arkham City‘s plot holes, but also its cast and controversies. Chuck (as I know him) also brings his experience in “bullet hell” shmups and other classic, niche games…that have recently been invaded by fan service.

Episode 100: “Master Cleansers are Full of Crap”

It’s the big 100th Episode for the Method to Madness podcast! Almost two years in the making… How will the boys celebrate this milestone? (With whiskey.)

We did it! We made it to 100 episodes of the Method to Madness podcast! We start things up with our traditional energy drink sampling, followed by some overdue listener emails. Then on to the main event: Exploring the anime series that also passed the 100-episode mark. Most of them, we’re amazed made it past 10.

Christmas Special: “Fist of the North Pole” or “Ho Ho Hokuto no Ken”

When Kevin and I realized that there exists no Christmas Special episode of Fist of the North Star, we knew that it was our task to correct this oversight.

Our little holiday treat from the post-apocalypse will fit right in your stocking, just before it kicks your ass. Kenshiro is not only the successor to hokuto shinken, but also of the Santa Clause. You do NOT want to be on Ken’s naughty list.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Method to Madness podcast!

Episode 01: “The First Issue’s A Collector’s Item”

It’s the premier episode of the Alpha Counter podcast! New website, new podcast, new talent… Most of those statements are true.

First topic up: Superheroes!

This episode will touch fans of comic book superheroes and traditional RPGs, though not like that ghoulish, handsy uncle you hate to be with alone in a room on Thanksgiving. No, it’s more like that uncle who only gets handsy because he’s drunk himself blind. At least you know that when he apologizes for it, he means it! I’m not doing so well selling this new podcast, am I?

Fans of Method to Madness will find this episode familiar, despite its fresh, new format. I’d just returned from a local comic convention with stories in tow. In the same spirit, Kevin was curious to see how I’d fare starting up a superhero RPG…with unexpected results.

Look forward to the next episode where we introduce some new voices to our podcast party!

Omake 17: “Take the Physical Challenge”

Our 100th episode of Method to Madness is just around the corner! But first, we have a very special announcement, followed by another round of outtakes.

This round of outtakes includes bits from our Tenchi Muyo! guest podcast with Matt Kraft, my adventures with ordering services from Best Buy online, and Whovian shenanigans. Kevin also indulges in some talk of creatures from folklore and their integration into cyberpunk RPGs. And it wouldn’t be Method to Madness without sharks.

Sean Russell asks us on the A3K Podcast: Does lolicon lead to pedophelia? Mike and Jahmere from the 2 Guys and a Mic podcast and I do our best to generate an answer to that fandom debate… That is, when Cody Baier allows us.

Fans of lolicon, best brace yourselves! No matter which side of the debate prevails, you still lose.

“I Choose You, Zombiechu!”

For this year’s Halloween episode of the A3K Panel on Anime 3000, I was invited to be the oddball third wheel along side some big names in manga and anime fandom. Those names being Clarissa from the Anime World Order podcast and Otaku USA and Ed Chavez from MangaCast and Vertical.

The topic of the night: Halloween anime and manga. For me, there was only one choice. And the rare opportunity to engage with my betters of the fandom was a genuine treat.

YOUR FAVORTE ANIME SUCKS.

On the A3K Podast, I join Anime 3000 emcee, Sean Russell, as well as Cody “Lord Shmeckie” Baier from KUSO!, and Mike and Jahmere from the 2 Guys and a Mic Podcast. Together we break down the most overrated anime shows out there. My pick may sound familiar…

And seriously, go watch The Legend of Black Heaven.

Episode 99: “Gist of the North Star Part II”

You think we forgot about The Gist of the North Star? Episodes 6 thru 10 pits Kenshiro against The Army of God. How can we neglect podcasting about something like that? No more than Ken can ignore a kicked puppy.

And puppies do get kicked. Grandma’s are nearly plowed. Children are orphaned. AW, HELL NAW.

It’s difficult to tell what would be more dangerous in the post-apocalypse: A nuked-out Jesse Ventura or a rescue attempt by Bat. If I fell under capture or plunder from Jesse Ventura (even pre-apocalypse), I would feel much safer in his care. Bat’s technique is effective in erasing the problem, but not truly solving it.

Episode 127: “BYOB, Bring Your Own Boner!” [NSFW]

What? Another Whiskey Thursday? Is there a problem with that?

We welcome Anthony Askew from the Dynamite in the Brain podcast to the party. Nicolas Cage is a wig-out god and demands cake. JP asks, “Why so Siri-ous?” There exists a Champion of Omelets. Fuck Nancy Grace; that sensationalist, exploitative…porn star? Retard dungeon. And guys with serious ball problems.

Episode 126: “Sex Orgy With the Holy Trinity!” [NSFW]

Whiskey Thursday… WHY CAN’T I QUIT YOU?

Tony’s out for this one, leaving us to mourn Steve Jobs amongst ourselves. John-Paul wants Adam Carolla (and other radio professionals with podcasts) to get the fuck off our internet. Bible slashfic. Monkey torture. Ryan knows where/what all the good pr0nz is. We test six statements that “get her in the mood”. A man in Los Angeles becomes my new hero. And John-Paul learns how Nancy Grace is fucking crazy.

Episode 125: “Wal-Mart Greeter Serial Killers and the Retarded iPod Mules Who Love Them!” [NSFW]

The Grey Ghost takes another shot with Whiskey Thursday on Fightbait.com! This is a particularly long podcast, so here’s some highlights:

John-Paul loves talking about his phone. Conversation sparks over the upcoming Kindle Fire. Slurs are retarded. Metric Hitler. The value of an infant’s life, in dollars. Tony really, really wants to get into Dr. Who. Rick-Rolling pedophiles. And an almost perfect murder.

Episode 98: “Bangin’ Benton”

Cyber City Oedo 808 is one of the greatest anime of all ti–you know, fuck it. We don’t need to tell you this. Just go to Amazon and buy it for only $3, while you still can. Then thank us later. CLOCK’S TICKIN’, CHUMP.

But for the illuminated few that already own Cyber City (and the dregs who deny themselves), this podcast will still be a treat. Join our celebration of some classic Kawajiri cyberpunk action.

For the record, they are called "jutte".

Episode 97b: “Time for Me to Fly”

Part 2 of Kevin’s Dragon*Con report continues where the previous left off; concluding his escapades through convention-sanctioned speed dating. Later, his mettle is tested in the Magic: The Gathering tournament… Not in his performance in the game, but his patience from judo-chopping douchebag opponents.

Of all the John Ringo panels, Kevin attended all the ones that mattered. He also lamented the played-out, gross commercialization of HP Lovecraft memes and the almost inappropriate gypsy caravan of cosplay strippers.

Episode 97a: “I Publish Cute Girls’ FanFic”

Dragon*Con 2011 got a touch of The Business this year. Kevin joined a few of our friends to the World’s Largest nerd herd. This is Part 1 of his report, in which he recounts his maiden voyage into the great geek gathering.

I, unfortunately, could not join my friends this year, and I never have thus far. Economic excuses aside, it’s also been the price of my own cowardice. I want to experience everything there is at Dragon*Con, but as anyone who’s been can confirm, that is simply impossible. I’m overwhelmed by event schedules, peer synergy, and the fear of missing rare opportunities.

Thank goodness Kevin went as my proxy and he generously allowed me to experience the con vicariously through his storytelling.

Episode 96: “NOBODY HAS TO DIE. I ONLY WANT THE STAR CRUISER.”

Tenchi Muyo!: Ryo-Ohki is an OVA buried deep in the ancient catacombs of my anime past. As such, I retrieved another relic from that era: Matt “@PhantomFHarlock” Kraft.

It’s been a while since Matt’s been in Neverland; a metaverse innocent to concepts like career, parenting, or mortgage…where the landscape is painted with cartoons and poor eating habits. But for Tenchi Muyo, I could think of no better expert.

Matt also provides us with insight to how a geek negotiates pastimes with family responsibilities. Raising children affects how we view our own hobbies… Sure, we “turned out okay”, but how will the current generation of media mold the clay of our offspring’s minds? Did we have it better, or do they? Matt gives his best guess.

Oh yeah, and there’s that whole Alpha Counter thing we did.

Episode 95: “Too Soon?”

Kevin loves violent justice. Sean loves time travel. Put those two hands together and you get our latest podcast exercise! How would you prevent 9/11?

This may be our most insensitive podcast to date. But we make no apologies! Terrorists are assholes and have at the very least earned the barrage of juvenile pranks we’d arrange to not only thwart, but also demoralize their campaign.

Come for the terrorist jokes; stay for Sean waxing nostalgic over live-action stage shows based on 1980s cartoons. A He-Man roller derby musical…that happened.

Promo: Whiskey Thursday

Episode 124: “I Hate Beer Hands Because They Are Dubstep!” [NSFW]

Tuesdays feel like Thursdays here on Method to Madness, as we re-post another recent appearance on Whiskey Thursday.

This is easily one of the best episodes that I’ve had the pleasure in taking part! We test the waters in golden showers, John Paul shares where he bares no hair, cannibal cannibus, and how anime voice actors exploit their fans. We also establish that Mongolian grills are fuckin’ dope and goddamnit fedoras are still cool.

As mentioned in this podcast, looking at my high school’s website design, it’s like taking a time machine back to the years in which I attended.

Episode 94: “McDDLT”

Ghost is for counter-terrorism what Meg is for sharks. John Ringo needs to write for H-games, since our eponymous hero takes direction from the same moral compass. Need further convincing? Ghost has a harem and bangs underage rape victims.

Ringo’s storytelling stylings may share a common cousin with eroge, named Mary Sue. Ghost could also be taken as a dark comedy, and it likely is. Fans of manly anti-heroic fantasy are in for a treat, but ingest this book in small portions. Marathoning it at great length may result in shock by its deluge of horrific antics.

We have also determined that the time machine will be a hipster invention.

Promo: The Speakeasy Podcast

Omake 16: “Mute = Cholesterol?”

Our outtake podcasts are often complimented as our best work, which sounds counter-intuitive. Why would we (or, more accurately, I) edit out our “best” material from each episode? I begin to question my own judgement–of topical relevance, comedy, and my place in the universe–but within a picosecond my ego reminds me that I’m never wrong.

The magic of converting what was once chaff into vital stuff is context, I believe. A variety bag of assorted candies will be consumed faster than a 1-pound dedicated bag of Tootsie Rolls. Except for Dum Dums, no one eats those. Well, except maybe strippers, whom I assume buy them in bulk instead of wasting time sifting through Sweet Tarts and Double Bubbles. Costco would be wise to stack their Dum Dum pallets next to their drums of pole wax.

Within this batch of podcast outcasts are bits from M’s recent guest hosting, conspiracy theory talk from a podcast you won’t hear in full until next month, and a classic Sean Russell moment from the High School of the Dead episode of the A3K podcast.

Episode 93: “Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce”

Tiger and Bunny is a rip-off. It’s currently available for free on Hulu and we are not paying them enough! This is the type of show that we needs encouragement to produce more.

We don’t spend much time discussing Tiger and Bunny, but only because there’s so little to say. It’s a superhero buddy comedy. It’s good. You should watch it.

Promo: Anime Addicts Anonymous Podcast

Episode 121: “Measuring Steve Jobs’ iCancer With The Fat-o-Meter!”

Just in case you missed it, I appeared again on Fightbait.com‘s Whiskey Thursday.

In this episode, we debate the misuse of the phrase “slice of life”, Katy Perry’s miserable opening acts, the majesty of her performance, and apotemnophilia. You’ll have to look that last one up. We also ride the nostalgic rainbow aboard John Paul’s journal journeys and Tony tries to talk me out of throwing away old VHS home movies that I’d long-forgotten.

Episode 92: “The Gist of the North Star Part I”

The Fist of the North Star is the greatest anime series of all time. OF. ALL. TIME. We discussed Fist in our podcast debut; in a time when there was Madness, but the Method was still to be sorted out. Now we return to the show to give it its due homage in a full retrospective series we like to call “The Gist of the North Star”.

NOTE: From September thru December we’ll be adjusting our release schedule so that new podcasts episodes publish every other week. Both Kevin and my workloads have ramped up, Kevin has some family business to tend to, and the holiday season is just always especially busy for me. We intend to still record as much as we can, but the schedule adjustment will allow us some much-needed elbow room while still providing our listeners with regular content.

The good news is that this will likely free us up for side projects, so you can expect more written articles on the website and guest appearances on other podcasts.

Come the beginning of the new year, we expect to return to our weekly schedule; rested and ready to dole out the harshness.

Promo: The Cool Kids Club Podcast

Episode 91: “Puppies and Bunnies (DIE.)”

Watership Down has a reputation, grossly skewed by YouTube AMVs. The Plague Dogs, on the other hand, assaults your sympathy with the beat of a taiko drum.

Our podcast’s familiar, M, joins me for this round while Kevin is wrestling sharks for justice and popsicles. Fans of M can read more of her written and doodle-riffic effects in her blog, Empersonal.

Promo: Fightbait.com

Omake 15: “On Air”

This past June, close friend Phil Lee invited us onto his local radio show to discuss anime podcasting and share stories from Animazement. We thank Phil and WXDU for allowing us a brief, shining moment over the airwaves. Luckily for the Internet, the broadcast was recorded and we’re able to share the interview with you!

I’m familiar with the Duke University station, having DJed there myself briefly last summer. It’s a memory I cherish, however I’d be hesitant to return to the studio. Not out of any sour grapes–the staff and crew are great–but hosting a music block isn’t nearly as comfortable a fit as talk radio, my natural habitat.

Episode 90: “Adjective Noun Gerund”

Mad Libs is a cheap party game that anyone can play. The real fun, of course, is how you play it. Exercising a more…unorthodox vocabulary can generate legendary scripts. We hope our technique catches on.

A listener email also sparks a discussion about the Vulcan/Romulan relationship shared between the anime and furry fandoms. The geek family tree is a convoluted briar patch. Each thorn stabs at a neighboring branch, denying their common root.

Promo: AAA Network

Episode 89: “Whoo OOH!”

Moetan slithered into our Garden and seduced poor Kevin, charming him with the promise of 13.5 episodes of concentrated depravity. He was unable to resist discussing it on this podcast. Be kind to Kevin; he’s not the villain (at least, here). He’s the victim of his own predilection for masochism and cartoon ducks.

The best part of this show is the ending. Obviously because that’s where it ends, but it’s also where we’re presented with the same Mahoromatic-style twist ending where all my wishes came true. It may be the only episode worth watching.

Promo: Fightbait Whiskey Thursday

Episode 88: “And THIS…is NOT the katana…”

The Sacred Blacksmith has forged a wedge that’s split Method to Madness in twain! It has my blessing as a worthwhile show, though there is no budging The Business.

Fan service is the salt of storytelling; in anime and most other breeds of entertainment. A pinch here or there can give a show an enriched flavor. More than a dash, and it ruins the experience; rendering it vile, inedible, and even toxic.

This show uses just what the recipe demands, losing none of its charming zest. Kevin, however, is a supertaster with an unforgiving pallet.

Promo: Anime World Order

Episode 87: “Hustle That Muscle!”

DD Hokuto no Ken either opens the Fist of the North Star doors to a new audience or completely alienate veteran fanboys. We can’t seem to agree on which. One thing we can agree on: Super-Deformed Fist of the North Star is a fun idea.

These 3-minute shorts have afforded the boys some much needed spare time in this busy summer. Kevin’s throwing a party and strong>he needs your help! Sean just needs to rest after hoisting around the pallets of sheet metal corpses at his day job.

Promo: Speakeasy Podcast

Omake 14: “That’s Not Romantic”

Remember our Clannad podcast? No, no… The original recording that didn’t make it. Weren’t you curious how that first round went despite technical interference? Just in case, we’ve included portions of that for this batch of outtakes.

Within this sideshow of aborted audio are pieces of our lost Clannad recording, energy drink experiments, and even the original recording of what became our promo for the A.A.A. Network. Enjoy hearing how the podcast sausage is made.

Promo: A.A.A. Network

Episode 91.5: “Disco is LIFE!”

The guys at Anivision aren’t just our brothers on the AAA Network, but also close neighbors!

While a local team-up couldn’t be arranged this time, The Grey Ghost was able to join the Anivision gang via Skype. This squashed any hope of those boys from tackling Sean and prying the mic from his lips before ranting about California’s video game laws, raping your childhood, and the editorial crimes of Lisa Foiles.

Episode 86: “Inspired By Olsen Wells”

Back to the Future and Demon Souls satisfies Sean and Kevin’s lusts for time travel and fantasy adventure, respectively. We also discuss punching babies in Yakuza 2 and Kevin shares his recent rediscovery of Magic: The Gathering.

Promo: Anime World Order

Highschool of the Dead

Sean Russell, maestro of Anime 3000 and host of the A3K podcast invited The Grey Ghost to join in a discussion of Highschool of the Dead. Good thing we had some extra jokes laying around from the first time we covered that show.

It’s astounding to learn how the anime fandom at large reveres Highschool of the Dead, yet finds Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt so revolting. It begs to wonder: Is the world mad or is it just us? If this is what passes for sanity, lock us safe within a padded room.

Episode 85: “Gobblecockers”

Koe de Oshigoto shows you how the sausage is made in the eroge industry. That is, if sausage was made from candy and strawberry cake instead of the standard lips and buttholes.

There’s more than meets the eye in this OVA; subtext on multiple dimensions. Obviously, there’s the same exploitative social grooming of the audience that we also saw in Clannad. But there’s more even within the microcosm of the show… A dark conspiracy that we bring to light!

Have you sent us any email? You might hear your name in today’s podcast! We finally dip into our mailbag to respond to some listener feedback.

Promo: Anime Addicts Anonymous Podcast

Episode 112: “Statutory Masturbation!” [NSFW]

Originally published on Fightbait.com on June 23, 2011, Whiskey Thursday is again haunted by The Grey Ghost, though only for the first half. We discuss legendary RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Zelda: Ocarina of Time as well as bizarre bathroom habits. After the break, the wage slave gets another tongue lashing and the gang uncovers murder conspiracies from the 1990s as if the bodies are still fresh.

Episode 111: “Suicide Poop Theory” [NSFW]

Originally published on Fightbait.com on June 16, 2011, The Grey Ghost appears on another episode of Whiskey Thursday! We discuss the sorry state of the wage slave, the potential evils of digital distribution, and racist pedophiles. No, really, it’s all much funnier than it sounds.

Episode 84: “Wish? Did Somebody Say Wish?”

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a good show about a bad deal. As a general warning, we spoil this show all to hell. But you know what? You should go watch it anyway. It’s cool; we’ll wait.

What Kevin suggests as a catchphrase of mine is the moral from Charles Perrault’s original version of Little Red Riding Hood. Its parable was to warn young women of the seductive trickery of men. Applying it to Madoka is just as sound a fit.

Little girls, this seems to say,
Never stop upon your way,
Never trust a stranger-friend;
No one knows how it will end.
As you’re pretty so be wise;
Wolves may lurk in every guise.
Handsome they may be, and kind,
Gay, and charming – never mind!
Now, as then, ‘tis simple truth -
Sweetest tongue has sharpest tooth!

I shamefully realized too late an easy parallel between Mami and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Just as well, since I’d sooner generate more comparisons to Buffy the Vampire Slayer than Star Wars.

Promo: Fightbait.com

Episode 83b: “When There’s No Room Left In Hell…”

Part 2 of our Animazement 2011 coverage kicks off with our applause for Anime Hell. Our advice for Anime Hell: If you haven’t been, go. If you have been, go again and drag in those who haven’t.

Saturday and Sunday is the meat and viscera of the convention, respectively. This year marks the first–of what we hope to be a legacy–panel hosted in part by Method to Madness. We also bought stupid anime girl figures with bobble boobs.

Footage of the panel can be viewed below:

Episode 83a: “Con Men”

Animazement 2011 has come and gone in a blink of an eye. Every year, we heed the call of The Gathering to unite with our geek kinsmen in a three-and-a-half day campaign over downtown Raleigh, NC. Then, as if it were a mirage, it’s gone. We return to our daily lives questioning if our episode into a different world had actually happened.

My initial impression can be found in my personal blog, but here is where Kevin and I offer our full report. This round, we provide handy survival tips as they cover the proceedings from Thursday thru Friday. Tips that will not so much optimize your con experience, but rather save you from the wrath of others. Although, they may be the same thing.

Highlights: The boys nearly get conned at the con. Anime-themed mixed drinks that suck. Sean is a world warrior, but Kevin is a goddamn superhero.

I should mention that the pseudonymous “Paris” and boyfriend, William, that Kevin refers to are the hosts of the Flavor Text Podcast. You should listen to it. Maybe then they’ll make more.

Coming soon in Part 2…

Episode 82: “Get Back in the Arms of a Good Friend”

Space Adventure Cobra is a manly show. As such, while recording the podcast, we drank…like men! This resulting podcast should (we hope!) or should not surprise you, given our impaired judgement.

We probably haven’t been this intoxicated during a podcast since Needless. However, Space Adventure Cobra is worth your full attention. Unlike the much-discussed Akira and Cowboy Bebop features, Hollywood would have to make special effort to corrupt the simple premise of the proposed Cobra live-action film.

Episode 81: “You’d Want Him Too, If You Only Knew”

I Don’t Like You At All, Big Brother! is the much less cumbersome Western title for Ochinko Oniichan no Koto Nanka Zenzen Suki ja Nain Dakara ne!! Honestly, the time it takes to articulate that title is near double my attention span for the show itself.

This podcast is filled with dirty talk…most of it irrelevant to the review. I’m actually pretty proud! We’ve assigned ourselves an “explicit” tag, but it is only now that I feel we’ve duly exercised that status.

You know you want all up in this.

I’m starting to see a lot of new listeners around here… Which means that a lot of you are breaking the first and second rules of Fight Club. Be that as it may, we felt it was time to take a look at some of the highlights of the Method to Madness podcast, thus far.

With nearly 80 (dear lord, have we done that many already?) episodes under our belt, not everyone has the time, interest, or attention span to dive into the entire archive. So let’s make it easy… Listed below are some of the best episodes we’ve done to date, in no particular order:

• Superbook
• Highschool of the Dead
• Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu
• KissxSis
• Sharks!
• Animazement 2010 Pt1 & Pt2
• Unico in the Island of Magic
• A Wind Named Amnesia
• Yakuza
• Fist of the North Star (Live Action)

Fan Favorties:

• Saber Marionette J
• Baki the Grappler
• California Crisis

You can find additional material from us over at Anime 3000 and we occasionally appear on other podcasts found on the AAA Network and Fightbait.com.

Veteran fans: Did I forget your favorite episode? Post your favorite podcast episode in the comments and welcome the new folks into the fold! Spread the love!

Episode 80: “Elephant Snowball”

Astarotte’s Toy, aka Lotte’s Toy, aka Lotte no Omocha!…or as I call it, Dick-Suck Disgaea…nearly cost me my soul. This is why podcasting about anime requires the buddy system, since The Business had to swoop in to save me by, well, giving me the business.

Despite its criminal premise, this show attempts to distract its audience with what could be a genuine struggle of a scarred latchkey girl, burdened by royal responsibility. Fortune shines on her when her duties deliver the surrogate family she’s always needed and the opportunity to rebuild the lost ties with her estranged mother. She finally finds the love she–

ACK! There I go again… Look, this show is about a 10 year-old demon girl with severe daddy issues enthralled to suck dick for survival. At best, this show is a bottomless well for jokes about boobs and blowjobs.

Episode 79: “ATLUS Shrugged, P-body High-Fived”

Portal 2 and the PSN outage dominated the news in the past month; the ramifications of the latter still yet understood. Previous rants on our website about EULAs and virtual property are suddenly shadowed when we fall victim to real theft.

It’s easy to demonize Sony for their security oversight, but the dark truth is that this could happen to any online service: Amazon, iTunes, Google, Facebook… The “cloud” moniker is especially appropriate, since trust in them is trust placed in vapor.

As of this post, Sony’s claimed–in the same breath–that the hackers executed a “very carefully planned, very professional, highly sophisticated criminal cyber attack”, yet were so sloppy as to leave a calling card.

I don’t know if anyone in Anonymous was responsible for the breach or not, but I’d assume whomever was clever enough to break their way into the network understood the value of covering their tracks. It’s not difficult to imagine that Sony was left with little to no trace of the culprit, but saw an opportunity to vanquish at least one of their enemies. It’s like walking in on a murder scene where the victim has written the suspect’s name in blood on the floor to his right…except he was shot twice in the head and was left-handed.

Sounds like a job for Ace Attorney, Miles Edgeworth…whom we also discuss in this podcast.

Episode 78: “Grog’s Log”

Galaxy Angel is an excellent afternoon treat. At the end of the day, plotz yourself down on the couch with an instant dinner and unwind for 15 minutes.

While each episode contains a plot reminiscent of the Animaniacs or the Muppets, there are fresh laughs to be found. The characters have noticeable dimensions beyond just their bust measurements. There is no guilt to this pleasure; indulge!

Reward for a life well lived.

Episode 77: “YOU’RE NOT REAL.”

Clannad is a vile anime whose sins are so detestable, we risked Heaven’s wrath to speak of it…twice. This podcast was recorded while God dragged His fingers across North Carolina just a couple weeks ago. If it was to be our swan song, we could die complete in our mission on Earth exposing Clannad‘s evil.

The moé glamour of this show fails on us. Its true face is one of misogyny and female subjugation; a culturally toxic pill issued in a bright, candy wrapper.

Feminist Hulk would disapprove.

Omake 13: “Mr. Rogers Gets Tha Money”

We go into overtime very often in recording this podcast… We can’t resist a good tangent. But we’ve taken those excess yarns and spun together a fine tapestry of bonus material for you!

Enclosed within are outtakes of our podcasts for Garzey’s Wing, Angel Beats!, Venus Versus Virus, and all the other spoilers we couldn’t fit into our review of Durarara!

Episode 76: “God’s Gift to Buttholes”

Emails have been piling up in our inbox, so we’re taking this week to play catch up. So the first half of this podcast is all about YOU, the greatest podcast audience on the internet.

The second act is a tale told by “Keb’n” highlighting two colorful characters from his college days. One’s a big dumb monkey and the other is a drama-lusting twink.

If you’d like to send some feedback yourself, send us an email!

Episode 75: “Lesbian Water Slides”

Plastic Little gets a pity hump from us, years after it toyed with our hearts and broke it back in high school. It’s a gorgeous OVA whose looks was really all it had going for it–not much substance and just enough fan service for you to notice how desperate it is. There’s no need to try so hard, Plastic Little…we like you. Relax.

This show is worth a watch. For no other reason than the delicious eye candy; beautiful by even modern standards, let alone early 1990s.

Kevin also introduces us to the vintage works of Art Frahm.

The Culprit:

HP +100, DEF +3, END +1, Resist against Fire, Poison, and Petrify

NONE OF THIS AWESOME SHIT HAPPENS

Episode 74: “HULK SMASH CHOKEHOLD OF GENDER ROLES.”

Iron Man‘s adaptation into anime form could have been (should have been?) a fantastic sentai action series. This doesn’t belong on the G4 Network…its rightful home is on 4Kids.

We would have also accepted a DBZ-style shounen fighting series; one where every so often Tony Stark fires planet-ending repulsor beams from orbit, Rhodey occasionally declares, “That’s crazy!”, and arc generator power levels reach over NINE THOUSAAAAAAAAND. The fight scenes would be choreographed by putting Justin Wong in front of Marvel Vs. Capcom 2. We’d rather watch that show than what was actually produced.

Just put the 49sec mark on loop and you’ll get every show by Hiroyuki Morita.

Why is this man still allowed to draw comics???