We break down the latest media news and then take a deep dive into the early Americanisation of anime. Drawing on Fred Ladd’s commentary for the Gigantor (1964) cartoon, we explore how Ladd and his team reshaped Japanese storytelling, aesthetics, and themes to fit the expectations of American television.
First Aired Date: 21 Nov 2025
References
News
Yes, You Should Yell at Seagulls
https://gizmodo.com/yes-you-should-yell-at-seagulls-2000684978
What If the Aliens Come and We Just Can’t Communicate?
https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/11/what-if-the-aliens-come-and-we-just-cant-communicate/
Video Games
Everyone Likes The Outer Worlds 2’s Radio Stations but Me
https://www.polygon.com/the-outer-worlds-2-radio-stations/
An Invasion of Homer Simpson Clones in Fortnite Bled Into Real Life
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/an-invasion-of-homer-simpson-clones-in-fortnite-bled-into-real-life/1100-6536308/
Nintendo Wii Release Anniversary
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-19/nintendo-wii-release-anniversary/105971384
Analysts: More Than Half of Gamers Prefer Single-Player Games
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/analysts-more-than-half-of-gamers-prefer-single-player-games/1100-6536314/
New Survey: Most Players Around World Prefer Single-Player Games
https://kotaku.com/new-survey-most-players-around-world-prefer-singleplayer-games-solo-2000644895
Red Dead Redemption 2 Sales Record
https://www.eurogamer.net/red-dead-redemption-2-has-sold-more-copies-than-any-other-game-in-the-last-7-years-and-is-the-fourth-biggest-selling-of-all-time
Anime
Guillermo del Toro & James Cameron on Alita / Gunnm
https://www.polygon.com/guillermo-del-toro-james-cameron-alita-battle-angel-gunnm/
Best ’90s Anime — Problematic Today?
https://www.cbr.com/best-90s-anime-problematic-today/
Kamen Rider Amazon Blu‑Ray North America Release
https://www.cbr.com/kamen-rider-amazon-blu-ray-north-america-release/
Comics
George R.R. Martin’s Controversial Spider‑Man Take
https://www.cbr.com/george-rr-martins-controversial-spider-man-take-calls-marvel-comics-out/
Movies
Amazon & James Bond – No Time to Die Death Discussion
https://gizmodo.com/amazon-james-bond-movie-no-time-to-die-death-2000684175