After a long hiatus, the Art Eater crew reunite to explore art, gaming, and culture through personal stories and shared inspirations. The conversation spans classical and modern art, philosophy, restoration, and identity, alongside deep dives into game design, animation, narrative structure, and community influence. From Darkstalkers to Nietzsche then indie games to pixel art, nostalgia, and visual storytelling, the discussion reflects on how history, culture, and personal experience shape creativity. We do our first annual Gaming White Elephant exchange featuring free game recommendations and games we have finished this year.

Richmond, Sh--!! and AJ keep up the tradition of a Halloween Special! A GHOST in the Machine._11- has deleted Shaw--n!___.//'s voice from the recording--._!!! - Despite, the ghostly glitches the duo discuss the energy of the industry and the recent film, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc along with the much older classic horror film, 28 Days Later plus a new indie survival horror game called Psycho Dead!

Richmond joined by researcher and translator, Ann Yamamoto, conducts an in-depth interview with Katsumi Ueda, the producer of the documentary series Manben Neo, hosted by Naoki Urasawa explores the unseen craft of how manga is made.

The discussion covers the origins of the show, the challenges faced in production, and the insights gained from working closely with manga artists. Ueda shares his personal experiences and how his perception of manga has evolved through the process including his thoughts on the future of Manben and the importance of supporting manga culture globally.

Richmond, AJ and Noah Berkley (long time Art Eater film writing contributor, first time on the podcast) discusses Ryan Coogler's newest film, Sinners. The group discusses the types of discourse around the film and its layers of themes. From personal reflections to Coogler's messaging and relationships expressed, we explore many angles.

Richmond, Shawn and AJ offer a tribute Akira Toriyama(鳥山明) likely one of the most influential artists and creators of our lifetimes. After his tragic passing in March of 2024 - we discuss his life and work and how it has penetrated and enriched our lives. Rest in Peace, 鳥山明.

**SPOILERS - The Boy and The Heron will be discussed at length and spoiled. Go watch it first! (or not)...**
Richmond, James and Mike Judge(@goro_toro) have an impromptu podcast immediately after coming out of the latest Hayao Miyazaki film, The Boy and The Heron. The crew explores the film's artistry, structure and Miyazaki's influences and development as a director coming into possibly his actual last film.

SPOILERS - On Gaku will be discussed at length and spoiled. Go watch it first! (or not)...
Richmond and James have an impromptu discussion after immediately after rolling the credits on the 2019 film On Gaku: Our Sound(音楽) written, directed and animated by Kenji Iwaisawa and based on the 2005 self-published manga - Ongaku to Manga by Hiroyuki Oohashi.

We return to being fans rather than creators. A year of renewal and rebirth. Richmond, Thomas and AJ take some time to talk about the things they legitimately enjoyed as a fan in 2023.