Page Chewing

Steve
  • 5.0 (14)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Page Chewing is where books, comics, and conversations collide. From in-depth chats with authors and artists to lively discussions with fellow readers, we explore the craft of storytelling, the worlds we love, and the ideas that stay with us long after the last page.

  1. Page Burners: Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont. - Prologue & Chapters 1, 2

    1D AGO

    Page Burners: Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont. - Prologue & Chapters 1, 2

    We’re back in the world of Malazan—this time stepping into new territory with Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont. In this episode, the crew begins their first-ever discussion of Esslemont’s work, breaking down the prologue and first two chapters of this gothic, atmospheric entry into the Malazan universe. While we planned to go further, there’s already plenty to unpack—from eerie tone-setting to early character impressions and the shifting political landscape of Malaz City. We dig into: First impressions of Esslemont’s writing style and how it compares to Steven EriksonThe edict against sorcery and what it reveals about Surly/Laseen’s ruleWhether Night of Knives is a good entry point—or a risky detour—for Malazan readersThe book’s dense, gothic atmosphere and how it shapes the reading experienceEarly thoughts on key characters like Temper and KiskaWhy longtime fans might (or might not) want to explore the Novels of the Malazan Empire We also tackle a big question: Why read Esslemont at all? If you’re deep into Malazan or just curious about expanding your understanding of the world, this episode lays out the case. Whether you’re rereading alongside us or diving into Esslemont for the first time, this is your starting point for Night of Knives. Next episode: Chapters 3 & 4.

    1h 58m
  2. Panel Chewing Pick of the Week: Chaos, Cults & Capes | Episode 130

    6D AGO

    Panel Chewing Pick of the Week: Chaos, Cults & Capes | Episode 130

    This week on Panel Chewing: Pick of the Week, we’re back with another stacked lineup of comics—from indie standouts to big publisher swings—as we break down everything we read this week and crown our top pick. We kick things off with a preview of our upcoming group read, diving into the legendary Lone Wolf and Cub—a classic manga rooted in Edo-period Japan, blending historical drama, political intrigue, and brutal samurai storytelling. If you’ve ever been curious about the series, now’s the perfect time to jump in with us. From there, we run through this week’s books, including: American Caper #6 and its sharp satire and character-driven chaos Fury of the Firestorm #1 and a darker take on heroism Corpse Knight #1 and its medieval revenge setup The Hab #1 and a twisted post-apocalyptic bunker story Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre #3—a wild, over-the-top ride that may divide readers  Plus more hits, misses, and everything in between  We also wrap up the Night City mini-series, revisit Spawn: The Dark Ages, and catch up on Hyde Street as it continues to impress with its character-driven storytelling. 🏆 Pick of the Week:  Jared highlights Astro Quantum #3 for its pulpy sci-fi energy and expanding universe  Steve chooses The Peril of the Brutal Dark #3 for its smooth storytelling, layered mystery, and strong pacing  📚 Group Read Discussion: We continue our journey through Batman by Grant Morrison, covering issues #673–674. As we near the end, we break down themes of isolation, grief, and identity—while debating whether this run lives up to its legendary reputation. 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)

    44 min
  3. Page Burners: The Healthy Dead: Extremism, Lust, and the Illusion of Purity

    APR 26

    Page Burners: The Healthy Dead: Extremism, Lust, and the Illusion of Purity

    In this episode, we dive into The Healthy Dead, the second Bauchelain and Korbal Broach novella in the Malazan universe — and one of the most sharply satirical entries in the series. What starts as a darkly comedic side story quickly reveals itself as something more pointed: a critique of extremism disguised as virtue. We break down the novella’s central ideas, including:  The satire of “health fascism” and enforced purity  How good intentions spiral into control, paranoia, and collapse  The role of lust, obsession, and imbalance in shaping society  Why this story feels more grounded — and more uncomfortable — than traditional fantasy themes  We also talk character highlights, including Emancipor Reese’s growing agency, the unsettling presence of minor demons, and the strange brilliance of Bauchelain’s final conclusions. While The Healthy Dead may not be the most complex Malazan story, it might be one of the most direct — forcing us to confront how easily any ideology, no matter how well-intentioned, can become something destructive when taken too far. If nothing else, this novella asks a simple question:  What happens when being “healthy” becomes more important than being human? 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)

    59 min
  4. Panel Chewing Pick of the Week 128: Trombone Week, Ice Cream Man Returns & Conan Claims the Crown

    APR 22

    Panel Chewing Pick of the Week 128: Trombone Week, Ice Cream Man Returns & Conan Claims the Crown

    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)

    52 min
  5. Page Burners: Malazan After Midnight Tides (Full Series Spoilers)

    APR 19

    Page Burners: Malazan After Midnight Tides (Full Series Spoilers)

    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)

    1h 43m
  6. Friday Conversation: Lincoln Michel on Writing, Genre-Bending Fiction & The Future of Storytelling

    APR 17

    Friday Conversation: Lincoln Michel on Writing, Genre-Bending Fiction & The Future of Storytelling

    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)

    1h 7m
  7. Panel Chewing #128: Pick of the Week, Comic Hits & Misses + Indie Comics Steal the Show

    APR 15

    Panel Chewing #128: Pick of the Week, Comic Hits & Misses + Indie Comics Steal the Show

    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)

    48 min
  8. Page Burners: Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson - Chapter 21 & Epilogue

    APR 13

    Page Burners: Midnight Tides by Steven Erikson - Chapter 21 & Epilogue

    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)

    2h 7m
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5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Page Chewing is where books, comics, and conversations collide. From in-depth chats with authors and artists to lively discussions with fellow readers, we explore the craft of storytelling, the worlds we love, and the ideas that stay with us long after the last page.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    683
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Page Chewing
  • Show Website
    Page Chewing

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