In Episode 16 of The Midnight Release Podcast, we’re joined again by Howie and Wayne as we revisit the characters, franchises, and brands that became larger than the games they came from.

Who is the true face of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo? Which franchises became so iconic they transcended gaming into film, television, and pop culture dominance? And are we losing the era of the true “movie star”?

We explore the evolution of gaming icons, legendary franchises, and unforgettable characters — then shift into Co-op Mode for a discussion on iconic actors and films, before wrapping up with a brand-new segment, Loadout, where we build the ultimate dream night setup.

Whether it’s pixel legends, blockbuster heroes, or cultural symbols, one thing is certain:

Icons never fade.

Anime didn’t just entertain us — it raised us.

In Episode 15 of The Midnight Release Podcast, we’re diving deep into the worlds, characters, and stories that shaped a generation. Joined by Howie and Wayne, this episode blends nostalgia, culture, and real-life reflection as we explore how anime went from “not cool” to fully mainstream — and why its lessons still hit hard today.

From our first exposure through Toonami blocks to debating power levels, favorite series, and the life lessons hidden beneath the action, this is a full-on celebration of anime’s impact on who we are.

We also jump into recurring segments Now Loading (TRUE blind anime rankings) and Next Gen, where we break down the recent Dragon Ball pop-up event.

Press start — this one’s personal.

In this episode of Midnight Release, we crack open the binders and relive the heartbreak.

From Pokémon, Magic, Dragon Ball Z, and Naruto trading cards to modern TCGs like Fusion World, Gundam, and Riftbound, we dive headfirst into the world of trading cards — the ones we loved, the ones we ruined, and the collections we absolutely should not have sold.

We talk OG card shop culture, Toys “R” Us memories, card sleeves we definitely didn’t use, and how today’s market has been reshaped by scalpers, collabs, and chase culture.

Plus:

• A brand-new recurring segment Continue? where we talk about games sitting unfinished in our backlog
• The DLC Drop with upcoming releases you should have on your radar
• And a look ahead at next episode’s deep dive into anime, Toonami, and how it shaped a generation

Cut the deck — regret is part of the game.