Page Chewing

Steve
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Books
  • 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. Weekly Update: Malazan Second Apocalypse, Analog Living & Why Reading Still Matters

    4d ago

    Weekly Update: Malazan Second Apocalypse, Analog Living & Why Reading Still Matters

    In this week's update, I talk about everything that's been occupying my reading life lately—from continuing my journey through The Bonehunters with the Page Burners group to revisiting The Darkness That Comes Before in a full-spoiler reread of The Second Apocalypse. I share some thoughts on balancing multiple projects, the surprising impact of Lone Wolf and Cub, and ideas for future reads outside of fantasy. I also spend some time reflecting on something that's been on my mind lately: our relationship with technology. From nostalgia for the 1990s to the growing desire for an "analog life," I talk about social media fatigue, why reading still matters, and the importance of finding quiet moments in an increasingly connected world. Along the way, I share thoughts on From, Black Summer, upcoming projects like Daily Page, and some behind-the-scenes podcast updates—including a pleasant surprise after switching podcast hosts and discovering more people are listening than I ever expected. If you'd like to read along, discuss books, or just escape the noise for a little while, grab a book and join me. Topics discussed: The Bonehunters and the Page Burners readalongThe Darkness That Comes Before spoiler rereadLone Wolf and Cub and influential storytellingUpcoming Daily Page episodesThoughts on From and Black SummerSocial media, nostalgia, and the analog lifeWhy reading still mattersPodcast updates and future plans Amazon Storefront Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm Rode Procaster Microphone

    26 min
  2. Panel Chewing Pick of the Week #134 | Absolute Green Arrow Arrives & Lone Wolf and Cub Gets Deeper

    Jun 9

    Panel Chewing Pick of the Week #134 | Absolute Green Arrow Arrives & Lone Wolf and Cub Gets Deeper

    This week on Panel Chewing Pick of the Week #134, Steve and Jarrod dive into a lighter comic week packed with interesting discussions and unexpected surprises. Before getting into the week's books, they take a look at DC's Absolute Universe and discuss whether the experiment has been a success, which titles have stood out, and why Absolute Superman continues to exceed expectations. The comics discussion includes thoughts on Astral Quantum #5, Absolute Green Arrow #1, Only the Savage Are Left #1, American Caper #7, Rook: Exodus #10, Elric: The Sleeping Sorceress #2, Powers 25, and Viking Moon #3. Along the way, they talk about dark humor, post-apocalyptic storytelling, fantasy adaptations, superhero reinventions, and the books that earned their Picks of the Week. In the second half of the show, the ongoing group read continues with Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 3. Steve and Jarrod explore the deeper themes emerging in the classic manga, including vengeance, morality, social class, samurai culture, and the complicated relationship between Ogami Itto and Daigoro. The discussion highlights how the series evolves from episodic adventures into a larger epic while examining the historical and cultural influences that make it such a landmark work. Whether you're following the read-along or looking for new comics to add to your pull list, there's plenty to chew on in this week's episode.

    47 min

  3. Jun 8

    Weekly Update: Malazan, The Second Apocalypse, and Getting Back on Track

    After a long break, the weekly update returns. This week I talk about getting back into a regular reading and podcasting routine, catching up on projects, and what’s currently on my reading list. We discuss finishing Night of Knives and continuing the Malazan journey with The Bonehunters, revisiting The Darkness That Comes Before for a full-spoiler reread series, and reading Lone Wolf and Cub alongside Jarrod on Panel Chewing. I also share updates on upcoming podcast projects, including the new Second Apocalypse reread, plans for more community discussions, a new daily short-form show called The Daily Page, and some changes happening behind the scenes at Page Chewing. Along the way, I talk about what I've been watching lately, including Black Summer, From, and the divisive horror film Funny Games. Whether you're reading along with the community, looking for your next book recommendation, or just checking in on what's happening around Page Chewing, this episode is a chance to catch up and see what's coming next. Books and movies discussed (Amazon Affiliate links) Night of Knives The Bonehunters The Darkness That Comes Before Carpentry in the Elven Forest Stepphenwolf Blog post listing ebooks on sale Page Chewing Store on Amazon

    20 min
  4. Page Burners: The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson - Chapters 3, 4

    Jun 6

    Page Burners: The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson - Chapters 3, 4

    In this episode of Page Burners, the crew continues their journey through The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson, covering Chapters 3 and 4. The discussion explores one of the biggest questions surrounding the Malazan series: what exactly makes its storytelling feel so different from other fantasy epics? The panel dives into the series’ sprawling structure, massive cast, thematic throughlines, and whether Malazan even has a true “main character.” The conversation also examines Apsalar’s complicated relationship with Cotillion, the emotional fallout of possession and identity, and the tangled connections between Apsalar, Cotillion, and Cutter. Along the way, the group discusses the ever-entertaining Telorast and Curdle, the mysteries surrounding Urko, Karsa’s encounter with a K’Chain Che’Malle Short-Tail, and the increasingly science-fiction-like discoveries involving Icarium and Mappo’s exploration of ancient sky keeps. From character analysis and worldbuilding mysteries to theories and the future of the series, this episode is packed with speculation, laughs, and plenty of Malazan deep-dives. Next Episode: Chapters 5 & 6 of The Bonehunters. Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm Rode Procaster Microphone

    2h 2m
  5. Panel Chewing #133: The Odyssey, Hyde Street, and Lone Wolf and Cub Vol 2

    Jun 2

    Panel Chewing #133: The Odyssey, Hyde Street, and Lone Wolf and Cub Vol 2

    This week on Panel Chewing Pick of the Week, Steve and Jarrod dive into another packed week of comics, graphic novels, and manga. They discuss the disappointing return of Capes #7, the intriguing mystery behind The Fury of Firestorm #2, and whether Honor and Curse Eternal #3 continues to build momentum. Jarrod shares his thoughts on Megalith: The Olympus Saga #1 and revisits Ender's Game through its graphic novel adaptation, while Steve explores the latest issues of The Peril of the Brutal Dark, King Spawn, Pretty Hate Machine, and Red Roots. For their Picks of the Week, Jarrod highlights Gareth Hinds' stunning deluxe adaptation of The Odyssey, while Steve champions the latest issue of Geiger/Hyde Street as one of the strongest books currently on shelves. The episode wraps up with the ongoing group read of Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 2: The Gateless Barrier, where they discuss the series' unique storytelling, philosophical themes, historical Japanese culture, and why this classic manga continues to impress decades after its original publication. Join the conversation, read along with the group, and let us know what your pick of the week was! Keep Page Chewing Ad Free Books discussed (Amazon Affiliate links): Capes 7 The Fury of Firestorm 2 Honor and Curse Eternal 3 Megalith 1 The Peril of the Brutal Dark 4 King Spawn 55 Pretty Hate Machine 2 Enders Game Red Roots 2 The Odyssey Hyde Street 12 Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 2 Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm Rode Procaster Microphone

    43 min
  6. Panel Chewing #132: Comic Reviews, Lone Wolf & Cub Begins + Pick of the Week

    May 26

    Panel Chewing #132: Comic Reviews, Lone Wolf & Cub Begins + Pick of the Week

    After a short break, Panel Chewing is back—and we’ve got a stacked episode to make up for lost time. This week, we’re diving into a massive haul of comics, breaking down everything we’ve been reading lately, from standout hits to a few disappointing misses. We kick things off with Absolute Superman #19, discussing its balance of spectacle and character development, before moving into the surreal and visually stunning Absolute Martian Manhunter #11. From there, we hit some mixed territory with Absolute Batman #20 and a few titles that didn’t quite stick the landing. On the flip side, there are some real highlights—Astro Quantum #4 continues to impress (with a realization that changes how we see the entire story), while Terror Bites #6 ramps up its overarching narrative in a big way. We also talk new releases, surprising reads, and a few books that completely fell off the rails. And of course, we wrap things up with Jarrod’s Pick of the Week: Sacrificers #21—a powerful and visually stunning finale to an epic fantasy series. Finally, we introduce our new group read: Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 1, available free on Libby and Hoopla. If you’ve ever wanted to jump into a classic manga, now’s the perfect time to read along with us.

    58 min
  7. Page Burners: The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson - Prologue, Chapters 1 & 2

    May 23

    Page Burners: The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson - Prologue, Chapters 1 & 2

    In this episode, we dive into the opening chapters of The Bonehunters, the sixth installment in Malazan Book of the Fallen by Steven Erikson. Covering the prologue through Chapter 2, we unpack a dense and chaotic start that reminds us just how wild this series can get. From the eerie, spider-infested streets of Kartool to the unsettling rituals of the Nameless Ones, the episode explores the darker tone and shifting stakes that define this point in the series. We break down the chilling release of Dejim Nebrahl, speculate on the motives of the Nameless Ones, and question whether they’re agents of balance—or something far more dangerous. We also spend time with standout character introductions and returns, including the unforgettable Hellian (who somehow steals every scene), the mysterious Barathol Mekhar, and a surprisingly emotional look at Apsalar’s current state. Along the way, we discuss how The Bonehunters begins to pull together threads from across the series, signaling a turning point where everything starts to converge. If you’re reading along, next episode will cover Chapters 3 and 4—so get ready, because things are only getting more intense from here.

    1h 58m
  8. Page Burners: Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont. - Chapters 4, 5 & Epilogue

    May 16

    Page Burners: Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont. - Chapters 4, 5 & Epilogue

    In this episode of Page Burners, we wrap up our discussion of Night of Knives by Ian C. Esslemont, covering Chapters 4, 5, and the epilogue—and there’s a lot to unpack. From the mysterious Stormriders to the shadowy aftermath of Kellenved and Dancer’s ascension, we dive into what wasn’t shown just as much as what was. Does the book’s decision to keep major events off-page strengthen its mythic tone, or leave the story feeling incomplete? We spend time breaking down Kiska and Temper as our POV characters—whether their arcs land emotionally, and how they function within the larger Malazan Book of the Fallen universe. We also explore the shifting portrayal of characters like Tayschrenn, the lingering mystery of the Stormriders, and the role of ordinary people caught in world-changing events. Along the way, we debate expectations vs execution, the strengths and weaknesses of Esslemont’s storytelling, and whether Night of Knives truly works as a standalone—or feels more like a missing piece of a much larger puzzle. If you’ve ever wondered what really happened that night… you’re not alone. Next Episode: We begin The Bonehunters by Steven Erikson, reading through Chapter 2.

    1h 46m
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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
    693
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Page Chewing
  • Show Website
    Page Chewing

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