RealmJumpers

Magic systems are the beating heart of many beloved anime series, determining not just how battles unfold but often shaping entire worlds and societies. What makes powers like Nen, Cursed Energy, and Alchemy so compelling? We're breaking down the rules, limitations, and pure spectacle that define anime's most creative supernatural frameworks.

Starting with Hunter x Hunter's meticulously crafted Nen system, w...

Fantasy tropes are the comfort food of storytelling—sometimes predictable, often criticized, yet we keep coming back for more. From tavern scenes where empires fall to reluctant heroes who never wanted their power, certain patterns persist across books, anime, and games for good reason.

In this episode, Andrew and Jordan dive into the fantasy clichés they'll defend to the death and the ones that make them groan despit...

Ever wonder what would happen if anime's strongest characters threw hands without magic or special powers? That's exactly what we're exploring in this adrenaline-pumping episode dedicated to raw physical might across the anime multiverse.

We're diving deep into what makes characters like Rock Lee truly special – how in a world where everyone has flashy jutsu, this taijutsu master relies solely on physic...

Ever stared at your TBR pile and felt both pride and despair? You're not alone. In this intimate, laughter-filled discussion, we explore the fantasy reader's eternal struggle with books that keep multiplying faster than we can read them.

Mistborn's unique metal-burning magic system takes center stage as we dissect what makes Brandon Sanderson's worldbuilding so compelling. "That is one of the most ...

The spring anime season has reached its halfway mark, and we're diving into what's working, what's flopping, and which shows have completely caught us off guard.

My Hero Academia: Vigilantes stands out as a refreshing take on hero work through the lens of unsanctioned adults rather than sanctioned teenage students. The series explores what happens when heroes don't reach certain neighborhoods, with stan...

What happens when a dare turns into a creative mission? For writer Jordan Troche, it sparked a journey into crafting rich fantasy worlds that blend biblical mythology, medieval adventure, and anime-inspired storytelling. In this deeply personal conversation, Jordan pulls back the curtain on his creative process and the evolution of his unique narrative style.

The conversation begins with Jordan revealing how "The Fall...

The power of a great rivalry has fueled some of anime's most memorable moments, but not all rivals are created equal. When does a rivalry elevate storytelling, and when does it become a tired trope?

We're kicking things off with the granddaddy of them all: Goku versus Vegeta. This rivalry set the template—proud prince against carefree warrior—evolving from deadly enemies to reluctant allies to something surprisin...

What happens when the worlds of caped crusaders and super-powered anime heroes collide? In this fascinating exploration of cross-cultural storytelling, we dive into the shared DNA between Western superhero comics and Japanese anime/manga, uncovering surprising connections you might never have noticed.

Did you know that Goku and Superman share remarkably similar origin stories? Or that Dragon Ball Z was originally meant to ...

Why has isekai become the defining genre of modern anime? From truck-kun sending hapless protagonists to magical realms to overpowered heroes conquering fantasy worlds, these stories have captured both our screens and hearts. But what makes them so compelling?

We begin by tracing isekai's surprising history, which stretches back to 14th century Japan with tales like "Urashima Taro" about a man who visits an ...

Brace yourselves for an epic anime season as Spring 2025 delivers a powerhouse lineup that has fans counting down the days. We kick things off with the breaking news that Solo Leveling has shattered streaming records on Crunchyroll, surpassing both Demon Slayer and One Piece with its jaw-dropping latest episode featuring Beru. While celebrating this milestone, we can't help but discuss the surprisingly divisive reaction to the...

The line between fiction and reality blurred as we ventured to witness the inaugural real-life Hunter's Exam, bringing the legendary challenge from Hunter x Hunter into our world. What followed was a day filled with triumphs, chaos, and moments straight out of anime that left us both exhilarated and stunned.

Approximately 700 competitors gathered to face a series of five increasingly difficult phases, beginning with a...

What makes a great anime trope? And which ones make you roll your eyes every time they appear? In this episode, Andrew and Jordan break open the vault of anime storytelling devices to examine what works, what doesn't, and why certain character archetypes have become legendary.

The hosts kick off with their regular Realm Rumors segment, discussing updates on Dragon Ball Daima (including Super Saiyan 4's new "...

Venture beyond the mainstream anime landscape as Andrew and Jordan unearth spectacular series that never received their rightful recognition. These forgotten treasures offer uniquely compelling stories, unforgettable characters, and fresh perspectives that deserve a second chance with today's viewers.

The hosts kick off with exciting news about a real-life Hunter's Exam event recreating the famous challenge from ...

In this episode of RealmJumpers, we dive into the world of fantasy literature and explore two incredible novels that deserve an anime adaptation: Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson and Min Maxing My TRPG Build. These stories deliver everything anime fans love—unique magic systems, dynamic action sequences, and compelling character arcs that would shine in animation.

First, we break down why Mistborn is a perfect fit for an anime adaptati...

Step into the dynamic world of storytelling as we tackle the epic debate that every book lover and manga fanatic has faced: novels vs. manga. This episode dives deep into the strengths and weaknesses of these two beloved mediums, exploring how they each captivate audiences in unique ways. Discover the power of prose as we discuss how novels provide intricate character development and vivid world-building. Alternatively, get swept a...

The Solo Leveling anime has taken the world by storm, but is it living up to the hype? In this episode, we break down everything fans need to know—from its jaw-dropping animation to the changes made from the light novel and manhwa. Is A-1 Pictures delivering the adaptation Solo Leveling deserves, or are they playing it too safe?

We dive deep into Jin-Woo’s transformation, the anime’s pacing, and whether the adaptation is capturing t...

Could the anime streaming landscape be shifting beneath our feet? With "Dan Da Dan" making waves yet receiving little love from Crunchyroll, we raise eyebrows at how this may nudge audiences towards Netflix. As Disney and Netflix continue to secure anime licenses, Crunchyroll might find its catalog shrinking, stirring memories of the Funimation and Crunchyroll merger that reshaped anime availability, leaving fans longing ...

This episode unfolds the intriguing connection between anime and Western fantasy narratives, exploring the potential for certain anime to be adapted into engaging literary works. We dive into specific examples like "Record of Grancrest War" and "Re:Creators," discussing their themes, world-building, and character development. 

• Exploring the concept of anime as Western fantasy novels 
• Insights in...

Our origin story unfolds as we share our intertwining paths through the worlds of fantasy and anime, exploring our motivations for launching the Realm Jumpers podcast. We discuss our experiences with storytelling, the significance of filler episodes, our writing journeys, and how nostalgia shapes the changing anime landscape today.

• Exploring the inspirations for starting our podcast
• The deep connection between fant...