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

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.

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 [https://amzn.to/3RVeYLn] The Bonehunters [https://amzn.to/4uqrZu1] The Darkness That Comes Before [https://amzn.to/4aBPFnX] Carpentry in the Elven Forest [https://amzn.to/4vH8vlX] Stepphenwolf [https://amzn.to/4vt6qtu] Blog post listing ebooks on sale [https://pagechewing.com/page-chewings-amazon-ebook-deal-roundup/] Page Chewing Store on Amazon [https://a.co/d/09sDOgB0]

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 [Rodecaster Duo] Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm [https://amzn.to/49zzxD3] Rode Procaster Microphone [https://amzn.to/4uMVqaA]

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 [https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7EQ7XWFUP6K9E] Books discussed (Amazon Affiliate links): Capes 7 [https://amzn.to/4flBDdA] The Fury of Firestorm 2 [https://amzn.to/4omptnj] Honor and Curse Eternal 3 [https://amzn.to/4dKcyb2] Megalith 1 [https://amzn.to/4x30itz] The Peril of the Brutal Dark 4 [https://amzn.to/49BQD3g] King Spawn 55 [https://amzn.to/434Zjvr] Pretty Hate Machine 2 [https://amzn.to/4dIQPAb] Enders Game [https://amzn.to/4dSJyOt] Red Roots 2 [https://amzn.to/4fmhpQY] The Odyssey [https://amzn.to/4vtksvr] Hyde Street 12 [https://amzn.to/4x06MJO] Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 2 [https://amzn.to/434ZKWB] Podcast equipment used (Amazon Affiliate links): Rodecaster Duo [Rodecaster Duo] Rode PSA1+ Professional Studio Arm [https://amzn.to/49zzxD3] Rode Procaster Microphone [https://amzn.to/4uMVqaA]

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.