In this episode of Lunchbox Radio, Alex takes a deep dive into My Hero Academia: Vigilantes, the under-the-radar prequel that explores the grittier, street-level side of hero society. Set years before Deku’s rise, Vigilantes follows Koichi, Pop Step, and the quirkless Knuckle Duster as they patrol the rougher corners of Tokyo, fighting crime outside the law.

Alex unpacks how this spin-off expands the MHA universe with grounded storytelling, darker themes, and compelling character dynamics—while still delivering that Studio Bones action flair. From X-Men parallels to social commentary and surprise cameos, this episode is a must-listen for any fan looking to dig deeper into the world of quirks.

Whether you’re a seasoned My Hero fan or new to Vigilantes, this episode explores why this spin-off might just be one of the best stories in the franchise. Stay Plus Ultra!

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This week on Lunchbox Radio, Alex dives deep into Lazarus, the new cyberpunk anime from Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Space Dandy). Streaming on HBO Max and dripping with dystopian aesthetics, Lazarus follows a world reeling from the miracle drug Hapuna—a cure for pain that turns out to be a death sentence.

Alex explores how Watanabe’s latest work channels themes of pharmaceutical greed, influencer toxicity, climate collapse, and humanity’s desperate need to feel again. We compare Lazarus to Terror in Resonance, Blue Submarine No. 6, and even the opioid crisis, highlighting why this show might be Watanabe’s most radical and uncomfortable work to date.

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Hey anime fans! Welcome back to Lunchbox Radio, hosted by Alex! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Gundam gquuuux, a 2025 anime that’s flown under the radar—mostly because it’s streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime. But before we get into the mecha action, Alex shares some summer studio woes (it’s hot up here in the treetops, requiring AC due to his highly elevated studio!) and talks about a recent trip to NYC to see the Takashi Murakami exhibit at the Gagosian Art Gallery in Chelsea (24th St, not 21st—don’t make the same mistake!). The exhibit, running until July 11th if listening on release, features Murakami's "slavish and giant recreations of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e paintings" and collaborations with Louis Vuitton.

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