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It’s a rollercoaster week on Panel Chewing: Pick of the Week—and not always in a good way. Steve and Jarrod break down a mixed bag of comics, featuring everything from disappointing reads (yes… multiple trombones 👀) to standout surprises that kept the stack from falling apart completely. From the eerie return of Ice Cream Man to the wild swings of Absolute Batman and Dead Teenagers, this week proves not every pull list is a winner. On the flip side, Jarrod finds gold with Human Nature and dives headfirst into Hyde Street, while Steve explores a new take on Deathstroke and battles through a confusing adaptation of Smile. And when all hope seems lost… Conan shows up. 🔥 Pick of the Week: Savage Sword of Conan #13 brings classic storytelling, stunning black-and-white art, and everything you want from a Conan tale—proving sometimes the old ways still hit the hardest. 📚 Group Read Update: We continue our journey through the Batman and Son run, with a stylish murder mystery and a confusing jump into modern-day chaos. With only a few issues left, the big question remains: does this run come together… or fall apart? 💬 Got suggestions for our next group read? Let us know—we want you reading along with us! Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

We’ve finished Midnight Tides—and now it’s time to zoom out. In this full series-spoiler discussion, the crew breaks down how this turning-point book reshapes the Malazan story, especially when it comes to the Crippled God. Is he still the big bad… or something else entirely? We also dig into reread insights, how we each discovered Malazan, and which storylines we’re most excited to follow as the series moves forward. ⚠️ Full spoilers for the Malazan Book of the Fallen. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

In this episode of Friday Conversation, we sit down with acclaimed author Lincoln Michel, known for Metallic Realms, The Body Scout, and his thought-provoking work across fiction and criticism for a deep dive into the craft, business, and future of storytelling. Lincoln walks us through his writing journey, from discovering his voice through art and literature to navigating MFA programs, publishing, and teaching creative writing. We explore how genre fiction, constraints, and experimentation shape his work, and how he blends sci-fi, noir, and literary influences into something uniquely his own. We also get into the realities of modern publishing, the shrinking “midlist,” and what it means to be an author in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Along the way, Lincoln shares insights on creativity, storytelling structure, and why constraints can actually unlock better writing. Plus, we preview his upcoming novel Haunted Hills, a haunted house concept with a wild twist and talk about influences ranging from Kafka and Calvino to Stephen King and cyberpunk classics. If you’re a writer, reader, or just someone who loves great conversations about books, this is one you don’t want to miss. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

In this week’s Panel Chewing: Pick of the Week, Steve and Jarrod are back with a stacked lineup as they continue catching up on recent reads—diving into indie standouts, superhero staples, and everything in between. From deep space survival in Astral Quantum to gritty pulp crime in City of Demons, and supernatural tension in Estuary: A Ghost Story, there’s no shortage of variety. The guys also tackle familiar territory with Marvel and DC, questioning whether titles like Daredevil and Detective Comics still bring anything new to the table—or if they’re stuck in a cycle of “more of the same.” On the indie side, books like Hyde Street, Neighborhood Watch, and Pretty Hate Machine show off the creativity smaller publishers are bringing right now, while Conan the Barbarian continues to impress with a near pick-of-the-week performance. But when it comes time to choose, Jarrod goes with a powerful, emotional issue of Minor Arcana that hits harder than expected, while Steve surprises himself with Kilroy Is Here—a one-shot that leaves a lasting impact. Plus, the guys break down this week’s group read from Batman’s Grant Morrison run (Batman and Son, issues #667–668), exploring its unexpected murder mystery twist and standout artwork. Whether you’re into indie comics, superhero books, or just looking for your next great read—this week’s episode has something for you. And of course… what was your pick of the week? Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

In this episode of Page Burners, the crew wraps up their deep dive into Midnight Tides by Midnight Tides, the fifth installment in Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. Covering Chapter 25 and the epilogue, the discussion zeroes in on the novel’s powerful and tragic convergence—where politics, prophecy, and personal choices collide in unforgettable fashion. The panel explores the Shakespearean structure of the story, the devastating outcomes of key decisions, and whether the book’s emotional payoffs truly land. From the throne room climax to the fates of central characters like Trull, Rhulad, and Seren Pedac, the group debates what worked, what didn’t, and what may be setting the stage for future books. Is Midnight Tides a masterclass in thematic storytelling, or does its sprawling narrative leave some threads underdeveloped? The episode also looks ahead to what’s next in the Malazan reading order, including The Healthy Dead and Night of Knives, and teases an upcoming full-series spoiler discussion. If you love epic fantasy, deep character analysis, and honest reactions to one of the genre’s most ambitious series—this is the conversation for you. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

This week on Panel Chewing, we’re back after a short break with a stack packed full of comics—and we mean FULL. From wild indie chaos to big-name titles, we break down what hit, what missed, and what’s worth your time. We dig into a wide range of books including Absolute Martian Manhunter, Batwoman #1, Hyde Street, Punisher, Spawn: Dark Ages, and more—covering everything from standout artwork to storytelling highs and frustrating missteps. There’s plenty of debate this week, with mixed reactions on several titles, plus some surprising standouts that almost took Pick of the Week. We also continue our ongoing group read with Grant Morrison’s Batman run (Issues #665–666)—the one place where we go full spoiler mode. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

In this episode of Spotlight Chewing, we return to what we love most, shining a light on indie creators pushing boundaries across books, games, and music. Joined by authors Thomas J. Devens (The Scroungers) and Alex (Carpentry in the Elven Forest), we dive into a wide-ranging conversation covering everything from gritty fantasy and cosmic horror to lighthearted comedy adventures and sci-fi found-family stories. We highlight a massive list of indie reads including: Time travel thrillers like One WayDark dystopian standouts like Birthday TreatBrutal fantasy epics like Kings of ParadiseSpace-faring adventures like ResiduumAnd unforgettable indie horror like Negative SpaceAlong the way, we talk about: Writing vs. reading as indie authorsThe evolution of fantasy trends (grimdark vs. cozy vs. romantasy)DIY publishing, zines, and cassette audiobooksIndie bands, games, and creative passion projectsThis is a celebration of creators doing things their own way, raw, unfiltered, and unforgettable. If you're looking for your next read, your next obsession, or just want to explore the indie creative scene, this episode is packed with recommendations you won’t want to miss. Blog post with links: https://pagechewing.com/spotlight-chewing-indie-books-music-games-you-need-to-discover/ Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

This week on Friday Conversation, we sit down with legendary fantasy author Tad Williams, the mind behind Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, Otherland, Shadowmarch, and more. From Shakespeare to Tolkien, from tropes to subversion, this conversation dives deep into the craft of storytelling and what it means to write in a genre where readers already know the rules. We explore: Tad’s relationship with Shakespeare and The TempestThe origin of Caliban’s Hour and re-framing classic storiesWriting in a post-Tolkien fantasy landscapeThe challenge of tropes—and how to break themThe difference between “architect” and “pantser” writersWhy fantasy readers are harder to surprise than everThe hidden mechanics behind Memory, Sorrow and ThornAnd what it really means to keep readers off balanceThis is more than an interview, it’s a masterclass in storytelling from one of the most influential voices in modern fantasy. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

This week on Panel Chewing, we’re back in the saddle with a stacked lineup of comics, breaking down the best reads, biggest disappointments, and everything in between. From indie standouts to superhero staples, we dig into what worked, what didn’t, and what’s worth adding to your pull list. 💥 This Week’s Highlights: American Caper #5 – Still wild, still fun… but not its strongest issue Dead Teenagers #1 – A 90s-inspired time loop horror with potential Deathstroke #1 – A decent entry point, but does it deliver? Battle Beast #7 – A welcome breather from nonstop chaos  A couple of books we’re officially dropping this week 👀 🔥 Pick of the Week: Knight City #2 – A fresh take on superhero burnout and the cost of always being “on” 📚 Group Read (Join Us!): We continue our read-through of Batman and Son by Grant Morrison, diving into: The Clown at Midnight (a bold prose-style issue) The Three Ghosts of BatmanIf you’ve ever wanted to explore Morrison’s Batman run, now’s the perfect time—read along with us using Libby or Hoopla (free with a library card). 🎧 Tune in, join the discussion, and let us know: what was your pick of the week? Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

In this episode of Page Chewing, the crew dives into Midnight Tides Chapters 18–20, where the tension escalates and the cracks in both empires, and characters, begin to widen. We unpack the haunting mystery of the Nerek and the strange sanctification that shields them, questioning whether divine power, belief, or something far older is at play. From there, the conversation turns toward one of the most compelling emotional cores of the book: the fractured relationship between Fear and Trull Sengar. Is Fear acting out of loyalty… or cowardice? And what does “treason” even mean in a world already unraveling? Rhulad’s descent continues, and with it comes one of the most fascinating dynamics in the series—his uneasy, almost tragic bond with Udinaas. As madness tightens its grip, we explore the blurred line between manipulation, guidance, and survival. Meanwhile, Seren Pedac’s arc deepens in powerful ways. Her grief, guilt, and emerging connection to something more—whether magical or psychological—add another layer to an already complex narrative. Her journey raises questions about agency, trauma, and transformation in a brutal world. And of course, we couldn’t resist diving into the lore—death, forgotten gods, Tiste Edur mythology, and the ever-expanding puzzle that is Malazan. Erikson continues to weave a narrative where belief shapes reality, power comes at a cost, and no character is ever as simple as they seem. This is a dense, emotional, and lore-heavy section of Midnight Tides—and we’re here to chew through every bit of it. Next week: Chapters 21–24. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

In this episode of The Friday Conversation, Steve is joined once again by Jose, and briefly by Jarrod, for an open-floor discussion that turns into something much bigger. From rediscovering the joy of reading to the harsh realities of publishing, the conversation dives deep into what it really means to be a reader in a world flooded with books. Jose shares exciting news about his upcoming PhD and writing journey, while the group reflects on reading habits, burnout, and the books that remind us why we fell in love with reading in the first place. Along the way, they tackle: The overwhelming number of books being published (and why many never sell)Indie authors, expectations, and the reality of getting noticedWhy some books feel like a chore—and others reignite your passionThe struggle of long fantasy series and unfinished sagasComics, manga, and balancing different reading formatsWhy “disposable” books still have valueAnd the hard truth: you can’t read everything… so how do you choose?This is a raw, honest, and wide-ranging conversation about reading, writing, and the ever-growing noise of the modern book world. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

In this episode, we dive into one of the most controversial and disturbing comics ever published — Crossed by Garth Ennis and Jacen Burrows. Originally released in 2008, Crossed presents a brutal vision of societal collapse where a mysterious contagion strips humanity of all restraint, turning the infected into sadistic killers marked by the red cross across their faces. This episode explores the entire first volume (Issues 0–9), breaking down the story arc, the major characters, and the themes that make the series both fascinating and deeply unsettling. We follow Stan, Cindy, and a small group of survivors as they attempt to navigate a world where civilization has collapsed almost overnight. Along the way we examine the evolution of the Crossed themselves, the psychological toll on survivors, and the moral compromises that arise when survival becomes the only priority. We also explore how Crossed reflects real-world anxieties, including themes of societal fragility and disaster response — ideas that Garth Ennis has cited as inspiration following events like Hurricane Katrina. Content warning: This series contains extreme violence and disturbing subject matter. Listener discretion is advised. If you're a fan of horror comics or want to understand why Crossed remains one of the most talked-about graphic novels in modern horror, this episode provides a full breakdown of the first run of the series. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

In this episode of Page Burners, the crew continues their journey through Midnight Tides, Book Five of Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson, diving deep into the chaos and revelations of the late-book chapters as the Letherii–Edur conflict erupts into full war. The discussion explores the sudden devastation unleashed by Letherii sorcery, wiping out entire villages and throwing the Edur world into upheaval. The hosts unpack the emotional weight of Buruk’s tragic storyline and Seren Pedac’s complicated reaction to his death, debating whether Erikson’s “fog of war” storytelling heightens the tension or obscures the emotional impact. From there, the conversation branches into some of the book’s biggest mysteries. What is the Empty Hold, and why might Seren Pedac be tied to its power? Who are the mysterious “Mistresses,” and how does the awakening of Death in Lether connect to the shifting metaphysical balance of the world? The crew also examines the arrival of the Crimson Guard and the enigmatic Iron Bars, whose appearance raises new questions about Lether’s place in the broader Malazan world. Meanwhile, the discussion turns toward Trull Sengar and the Edur war campaign, touching on the strange presence of the Jheck, the implications of a Tiste Edur with Andii traits, and the broader question of how disconnected the Edur may have become from their own origins. Finally, the hosts dive into one of the novel’s most bizarre and fascinating threads: Udinaas’ journey into a strange pocket realm inhabited by ghostly T'lan Imass, the shocking revelation of his son’s existence, and the tangled manipulations of the dragon-blooded powers moving behind the scenes. As always, theories fly, timelines get debated, and the group wrestles with the sprawling mythology that makes Malazan one of fantasy’s most ambitious series. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

This week on Panel Chewing Pick of the Week, Steve and Jarrod dive into another stack of comics and break down the books that stood out from the week’s pull list. Before jumping into the comics, the conversation kicks off with a nostalgic look at the comic-magazine era. From Wizard Magazine to Comic Shop News, the hosts reflect on the lost culture of comic journalism and how the internet—and now social media—has changed how fans interact with the hobby. Then it’s time to talk comics. Highlights this week include discussions on new releases like Absolute Superman #17, Astral Quantum #2, and Save Now #3, along with the finale of a recent Detective Comics arc and the latest chapter of Rick Remender’s The Sacrificers. The guys also dig into indie titles, time-travel chaos, noir mysteries, and the continuing brilliance of Conan the Barbarian. A few books nearly steal the show, including: The Peril of the Brutal Dark — a noir mystery blending archaeology and pulp adventureAssorted Crisis Events #8 — a deeply emotional comic about fading relationships and lost connectionsConan the Barbarian #29 — an issue so strong it works even without Conan appearing until the final pageBut the biggest surprise of the week? Steve’s Pick of the Week ends up being Batman #7, a haunting psychological story featuring a silent Joker, an uneasy conversation with Batman, and echoes of The Killing Joke. Finally, the hosts continue their Grant Morrison Batman group read, discussing issues 657–658 from the Batman and Son storyline. Damian Wayne enters the story with a bang—and not in a good way—raising questions about Batman’s judgment and the darker implications of the character’s introduction. If you’re reading along, the next discussion will cover issues 663–664 after a short break. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)

Steve and Jose revisit Garth Ennis’ Crossed, one of the most controversial horror comics ever published. Is it a brutal survival story about the collapse of humanity, or simply shock value taken to the extreme? In this episode, they break down the original run (issues 0–9), explore the themes behind the violence, and debate whether Crossed adds anything new to the zombie apocalypse genre. Send us a message (I'm not able to reply) Support the show Page Chewing Blog Page Chewing Forum Film Chewing Podcast Speculative Speculations Podcast Support the podcast via PayPal Support the show by using our Amazon Affiliate link Join Riverside.fm  Co-Hosts: Jarrod Varsha  Chris Jose Carl D. Albert (author) Thomas J. Devens (author) Alex French (author) Intro and Outro Music by Michael R. Fletcher (2024-Current)