In this episode, Xan cracks open Ice Head Gill by Ikuo Hachiya a new Shonen Jump series about an axe-wielding boy battling liches in a frostbitten world. Does this Norse mythology-infused action manga deserve its spot in Jump’s lineup? Tune in as we break down its standout moments, generic tropes, and icy lore! Support the show: Help us keep the lights on at tinyurl.com/spiraken (thank you to our anonymous donors!). Want more Spiraken? 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Hit the Bell for weekly manga reviews! 💬 Follow us @spiraken on Youtube, Twitter/X, Bluesky, and Instagram 🎧 Rate us 5★ on Apple Podcasts 🛡️ Join our Discord: tinyurl.com/spiradiscord 🎥 Watch more on YouTube and Twitch #IceHeadGill #ShonenJump #MangaReview #NorseMythology #AxeWieldingHero #Spiraken #WheelOfManga #spiraken #mangareview #wheelofmanga #shonenmanga #adventuremanga #sliceoflifemanga #spirakenreviewpodcast Music Credit: Closing Theme: Trendsetter by Mood Maze (via Uppbeat) License code: YEPNB5COHX56JVES Random Question of the Day: What’s your favorite Norse-inspired manga? (Vinland Saga? MÄR? Let us know in the comments!) Find Us Everywhere: 📧 Email: Spiraken@gmail.com | Xan@spiraken.com 📚 Patreon: patreon.com/spiraken 🛒 Amazon Store: amazon.com/shops/spiraken
Mar 5, 2025 • Subscribe
More like this


#91.5 First Thoughts on Ice-Head Gill
Manga by Hachiya, Ikuo Do we give a cold reception to this axed series? David and Jordan give their first thoughts on the discuss Shonen Jump…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 414:Knight of the Ice
In this episode, Xan reviews a josei sports manga about figure skating. Is it worth checking out? Well, Sit back and find out as he reviews Knight of the…


#92 Ice-Head Gill (Ft. ZZ Digital from Interstitial: Heart to Mind Layer)
Manga by Hachiya, Ikuo Let me axe you a question, is this manga good? No. We and our guest ZZ Digital from Interstitial: Heart to Mind Layer…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 395: Downfall
In this episode, Xan reviews a depressing manga that might be biographical. So enjoy as Xan reviews the character study manga Downfall by Inio Asano. As our host rants about…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 471: Orochi
In this episode, Xan reviews a classic horror series that centers on a mysterious figure who may or may not cause disasters. Is it scary? Well find out…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 363: Tanikamen
In this episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan reviews a school life manga following the exploits of a masked main character. So sit back and enjoy as…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 379: Yotsuba&!
In this episode, Xan reviews a super popular and funny slice of life series. So sit back and enjoy as he review "Yotsuba&!" by Kiyohiro Azuma. As he reviews…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 347: Oishinbo
In this special holiday Episode, Xan gets geeky about cooking manga as he reviews the11th longest running manga of all time. So grab a plate of cookies, drink…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 396: Kurosagi
In This episode, Xan reviews a manga that focuses on robbing from those who would rob us. So hold onto your wallets, and enjoy as he reviews Kurosagi/The…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 432: Gigant
In this episode, Xan reviews the latest sci fi series by the creator of Gantz. Does it live up to its predecessor? Well, find out as he reviews the…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 568: Gokurakugai
In this episode, Xan reviews a supernatural troubleshooter manga that hits a lot of tropes but doesn't do anything new with them. Will he enjoy this manga? well,…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 424: Baccano!
In this episode, Xan reviews a period piece manga adaptation that involves alchemy, immortals and gangsters. Was it awesome? Well sit back and find out as he reviews…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 425: Psyren
In this episode. Xan reviews a Shonen Jump series that is pretty obscure. Was it worth checking out? Well sit back and find out as he reviews Psyren by Toshiaki…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 508: Haikyu!!
In this ep, Xan finally reviews a super popular Shounen Jump manga. Is it as good as people say? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 416: Asadora
In this episode, Xan reviews a mystery science fiction story by one of the best Mangaka creating today. so grab an onigiri and get ready to see something…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 494: Dandadan
In this episode, Xan reviews a shonen manga that features ghosts and aliens. Do the two concepts merge well together? Well, find out as he reviews the sci…


Spiraken Manga Review Ep 566: Medalist
In this episode, Xan reviews a sports manga about succeeding by hard work and the belief that you can prove everyone wrong. So sit back and enjoy as…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 375: Glepnir
In this crazy episode of the podcast, Xan reviews a strange magical boy episode that is horrific and violent. So grab a coin, and prepare to see weirdness…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 354: Animeta!
In this episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan gets to talk about a manga that goes into the nitty gritty of being an anime inbetweener. So sit…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 577: Vagabond
In This Episode, Xan has the privilege to review a signature samurai manga that discusses one of the most popular Japanese Swordsman of all time. Is it worth…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 504: Wandance
In this episode, Xan reviews a sports manga focusing on the joy of hip hop dancing. Is it good? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 385: Honey & Clover
In This episode, Xan reviews a coming of age manga set in an art college and focuses on finding your purpose. So sit back and enjoy as he…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 367: Gal Gohan
In This episode, Xan reviews a rom com that combines the Gyaru Phenomenon with cooking. So, sit back and enjoy as he reviews the ecchi rom com cooking…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 510: Rainbow Days
In this episode, Xan reviews a fun romantic slice of life series about four friends trying to navigate the ups and downs of love. So, grab a fun…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 386: Domestic Girlfriend
In this episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan reviews a manga about unrequited love, awkward hookups and funny coincidences. So sit back and enjoy as he reviews…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 555: Team Phoenix
In our Five hundredth and Fifty Fifth Episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan gets to review a space opera manga that is an homage and a love…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 373: King Golf
In This episode, Xan reviews a sports manga that involves one of the most controversial sport ever, Golf. Is this a good manga? Well get your golf clubs…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 194: Good Robot
In This episode, Xan finally reviews the manwha he was suppose to review with May-san back in episode 193: So sit back and relax as he reviews Good…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 541: Bunny Drop
In This Episode, Xan reviews a slice of life manga about single fatherhood. How is it? Well, sit back and find out as he reviews the josei slice…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 392: Sweat & Soap
In this episode, Xan reviews a rom com manga that uses natural fragrances as a major plot point. So grab some deodorant and enjoy as he reviews Sweat…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 374: Maiden Railways
In this episode, Xan reviews a Josei manga anthology that focuses on romances occurring on or near train stations. So grab your suicaa card, sit back and enjoy…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 362: Gamblers Parade
In this episode, Xan reviews a gambling manga that is confusing and different. Sit back and enjoy as he reviews "Gamblers' Parade" by Kazutaka Kodaka and illustrated by Atsushi…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 526: Under Ninja
In this ninja filled episode, Xan reviews a serious comedy manga about the modern ninja who may or may not be everywhere or nowhere. How awesome is it?…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 539: Shiori Experience
In this episode, Xan reviews a rockin' manga series about the 27 club, following your dreams and light rock. How is it? Well, sit back and find out…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 499: Tokyo Aliens
Only One More Episode Till Episode Five Hundred!!!!! In this episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan reviews a shonen action series that is one part Men In Black,…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 500: Vinland Saga
In this celebratory episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, We celebrate 500 episode with our review of a historical action manga that has seen popularity recently. Is it…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 463: Sakamoto Days
In this episode, Xan reviews an action comedy about a retired hitman who runs a convenience store. How silly is it? Well, sit back and find out as…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 530: Bloody Sweet
In this episode, Xan reviews a rom com Korean web comic about a Skitch and a western Vampire. How is it? Well, sit back and find out as…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 406: Blue Exorcist
In this shonen action filled episode, Xan reviews a Weekly Shonen Jump Manga that is often overlooked. Is it as good as the more popular works? Well grab…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 405: Rainbow & Black
In this Technicolor filled episode, Xan reviews a manga about a boring girl whose life is turned upside down by a weird new pet. We hope you enjoy…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 559: Choujin X
In this ep, Xan reviews an action manga created by the mangaka responsible for Tokyo Ghoul. How does it compare? Well, sit back and find out as he…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 352: After Hours
In this episode, Xan reviews a modern romantic story that centers around the club scene. So grab your headset, set up your turntable and enjoy as he reviews…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 484: Toppu GP
In this episode, Xan has the privilege to review the latest manga series by Kosuke Fujishima. Does It hold up to the legacy of Ah! Megamisama? Well, sit…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 523: River’s Edge
In this Episode, Xan reviews a dramatic slice of life manga by the queen of Josei Manga series. How impactful is it? Well, sit back and find out…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 419: Blue Lock
In this episode, Xan reacts to the passing of a favorite manga creator and reviews a new sports manga series that has been nominated for tons of awards.…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 497: Shuna’s Journey
In this thought filled episode, Xan reviews one of Hayao Miyazaki's earliest works. Is it as good as Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind? Well, find out as…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 557: Snowball Earth
Happy 16 Year Anniversary To Spiraken!!!! In this special anniversary episode of the Spiraken Manga Review, Xan reviews a science fiction, survival mech series. Is it worth the read?…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 361: Smokin’ Parade
In this episode, Xan reviews a manga about prosthetic wearing crazy people fighting mascot headed murderers. How was it? Well sit back and enjoy as he reviews "Smokin'…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 349: Golden Kamuy
Happy New Year!!!! Hope your 2020 is amazing and filled with great memories. To celebrate the new year, here is another manga review podcast for the week. In this episode, Xan…
Spiraken Manga Review Ep 340: My Boy
In this episode, Xan reviews a unique seinen manga series about loneliness and finding purpose. So enjoy as Xan reviews "My Boy/Watashi no Shounen" by Hitomi Takano As our…