This week on The Anime Effect: LeAlec, Nick and Leah are joined by Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar. Plus, in our audio-exclusive episode, we fill you in on the latest news including the announcement of a new., we fill you in on the latest news including the announcement of a new season of DAN DA DAN and how Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is doing at the box office! Episode 82 of The Anime Effect is now available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts! If you're waiting to watch the video episode, it'll be live on Crunchyroll and YouTube at 7 p.m. ET. Keep reading for more details on our latest episode. Listen or Watch on: Global pop star, drag icon, and anime fan Pabllo Vittar, who just dropped their new single “MEXE” with K-pop group NMIXX sat down with The Anime Effect. The Queen Stars host discussed how Cardcaptor Sakura and other anime has influenced her drag, music and fashion. Earlier this year, Vittar walked the orange carpet as a presenter at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Vittar presented the award for Best Anime Song ( Otonoke by Creepy Nuts in DAN DA DAN took home the prize) wearing an angelic off-white outfit adorned with a baby blue bow. “It was such an honor to represent Brazil and my love for anime,” they said. Speaking of fashion, for Vittar personal style is a message and though perhaps not all onlookers appreciate what she tries to convey through her savage fits, Vittar has advice for everyone. “Sometimes I go into the street for a walk and people look at me like an alien,” Vittar said. “Like girl, empower yourself too, honey!’ And the one anime series she deemed the most stylish, especially in terms of hair, would surprise no one: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. “Oh my god, everyone delivers a c*** moment,” Vittar said. “So drag, you know?” Though Vittar’s love for anime and fashion doesn’t stop at frills, pastel colors and pointy heels. She also gushed about her Adidas x Dragon Ball sneakers—specifically the Frieza pair. “I receive every shoe from Adidas because I’m an Adidas girl,” Vittar laughed. When asked about her gateway anime, Vittar didn’t hesitate: Cardcaptor Sakura . That early love of magical girls shaped Vittar’s fandom and helped inform their drag artistry. Bright colors, transformation sequences, and larger-than-life costumes are emblematic of Vittar’s world. “I love so many animes, but Cardcaptor Sakura reminds me so much of my childhood,” Vittar said. “I actually dressed up like Sakura in Carnival here in Brazil and it was amazing.” Similarly, Vittar’s admiration for K-pop runs deep—not just the music, but the performance culture. “I’m inspired by the makeup, the choreography, the fashion. As a drag queen, I’m always searching for new shapes, new colors, new combinations. K-pop is all about fantasy, and drag is about fantasy too. I want to feel that idol fantasy.” With all of that in mind, it just made sense for the Brazilian recording artist to team up with NMIXX for a dream collaboration. “I love NMIXX,” Vittar said. “I love the girls. They are so talented and professional.” Vittar left the experience in South Korea feeling inspired despite the rigorous 24-hour long video shoot for MEXE. As far as who she’d like to work with in the future Vittar was quick to answer. “Twice. I love all the girls, but Momo especially,” Vittar said. “I saw Twice in Brazil, and I was crying—it was one of the happiest days of my life.” News Featured in Episode 82 – Audio Only Creepy Nuts to Perform at Coachella in 2026 Crunchyroll Heads to New York Comic Con 2025 with TRIGUN STARGAZE, DAN DA DAN and More Panels DAN DA DAN Anime Announces Season 3 Japan Box Office: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle First Movie Remains No.1 in 9th Weekend Live-Action ONE PIECE Season 2 Sneak Peek Trailer Debuts Crunchyroll Collabs with Noah Lyles, Adidas for Anime-Inspired Capsule Collection Hosts & Special Guests in This Week's Episode Pabllo Vittar , Brazilian drag queen Nick Friedman , Host LeAlec Murray , Host Leah President , Host Stay updated on The Anime Effect Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Watch on Crunchyroll Watch on YouTube
