Page Chewing

In this episode, Holly, Tim and Steve return to discuss various topics including their experiences with technical difficulties, the journey of author Tim Hardie, and his upcoming completion of the Brotherhood series. They delve into the emotional aspects of finishing a long-term project, explore character backstories, and consider the potential resurgence of serialized novels. The discussion also...

In this episode, we dive deep into the dark and gritty world of grimdark literature with the authors behind the upcoming anthology No Happy Endings . Join us as we discuss the challenges of writing short stories, the submission process, and what defines grimdark as a genre. We explore influences ranging from classic literature to video games, delve into the role of dark rituals in storytelling, an...

In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve discuss the rising costs of comics, reflecting on how prices have changed over the years and the implications for both consumers and the comic industry. They explore the value of comics in terms of entertainment versus cost, and the challenges of attracting new readers in a digital age filled with free content. The conversation...

In this episode, the hosts discuss various recent comic book releases and adaptations, exploring themes of storytelling, artwork, and character development. They delve into specific titles such as Absolute Wonder Woman, Standstill, and Conan the Barbarian, sharing their thoughts on the quality and direction of these comics. The conversation also touches on the influence of popular culture on comic...

In this conversation, the participants discuss their reading experiences for the month of October, sharing insights on various books, including graphic novels and fantasy literature. They delve into themes of world-building, the impact of different genres, and personal preferences in reading. The discussion also touches on the influence of classic works like Harry Potter and Lovecraft, as well as...

 In this episode, Steve Clark shares his journey as a writer, painter, and filmmaker, delving into his latest short story collection, City Swimmers and Other Stories . He reflects on his time at The Paris Review , the role of poetry in his creative process, and the challenges of publishing and translating poetry. Clark also discusses a personal collaboration with his mother, a poet, as they co-aut...

In this conversation, the participants delve into the works of H.P. Lovecraft, exploring his significant contributions to horror literature, particularly the Cthulhu mythos. They discuss key stories, the evolution of the mythos, personal experiences with Lovecraft's works, and the impact of his writing style. Themes of madness, insignificance, and the role of characters are examined, alongsid...

In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss their strategies for unwinding on weekends, the impact of literary fiction on their reading habits, and the distinction between contemporary and classic literature. They reflect on the challenges of discovering new books in a saturated market and the importance of reading material that challenges and enriches their understanding of literature. In th...

 In this episode of Weekly Polls, hosts Mike and Steve discuss various new comic releases, exploring themes of reboots, character development, and the impact of artwork on storytelling. They delve into specific titles such as Batman Full Moon, Green Lantern, Destro, Corvus, Minor Arcana, The Exorcism at 1600 Penn, Mystique, The Creeping Below, and Vicarious, sharing their thoughts on each and high...

 In this episode, we break down our top 10 favorite graphic novels, sharing personal stories, reflections on character development, and the artistry that brings these stories to life. From the cultural significance of classics like Maus and Watchmen to the mythic allure of Sandman , we explore how these works have shaped the landscape of comics and contemporary literature. We also touch on the imp...

In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, Mike and Steve delve into various new single-issue comics, discussing their themes, artwork, and storytelling. They explore the challenges of rereading comics, the gritty take on Batman, the contrasting artwork in 'Knights vs. Samurai', and the disappointing finale of 'Get Fury 6'. The conversation also touches on personal stori...

In this episode, Steve reflects on his latest reading experiences, from sci-fi to classic literature, and shares how they’ve influenced his perspective. He discusses the challenges of managing multiple podcasts and announces the exciting merger of his comic and book discussions into one streamlined show. Steve dives into his thoughts on The Windup Girl , exploring its themes of food scarcity and s...

In this episode, Stephanie Vasquez joins us to discuss her debut novel All Our Wars , delving into themes of family, violence, and the layered complexities surrounding the war on drugs. With a background in journalism, Stephanie explains how her investigative approach influenced the novel's structure and narrative, helping her navigate sensitive topics like immigration, cartel violence, and h...

In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve, along with guest Jared, dive into a variety of new comic book releases. They discuss the excitement surrounding the DC All In Special, the humor of Gru, the gruesome tales in Hello Darkness, and the surreal experiences in Paranoid Gardens. The conversation also touches on the disappointing writing in Fire and Ice and the mixed...

In this episode, Steve shares his weekly reading updates, including his experience with DNFing 'Name of the Wind' and his current reads in speculative fiction and comics. He discusses upcoming group reads and podcast episodes, reflects on his fantasy reading preferences, and shares insights from 'Dopamine Nation' about the impact of vices on happiness. Additionally, he explores...

In this thought-provoking episode, Steve, Jarrod, Thomas J. Devens and Varsha explore the complexities of digital ownership, with a focus on eBooks and platforms like Amazon. They discuss the trade-off between the convenience of digital content and the risks of losing access to purchased material, while also emphasizing the critical role of libraries in the digital age. The conversation expands in...

In this solo episode of Page Chewing Comics and Manga, Steve reviews a variety of comic books, focusing on number ones and ongoing series. He discusses his experiences with different art styles, the impact of anthology series, and the importance of character development. The episode also delves into unique storytelling concepts, including a dark commentary on competitive eating. Steve wraps up by...

Find my interview on Jose's Amazing Worlds: In Conversation with Steve  In this episode, Steve shares his thoughts on various books he has been reading, including his experiences with different genres and authors. He discusses his recent podcast appearances, upcoming community projects, and reflections on digital ownership and the importance of disconnecting from technology. The conversation...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with psychotherapist and author Phyllis Leavitt to discuss her powerful new book, America in Therapy . Leavitt explores how the principles of psychotherapy can be applied not only to personal healing but also to address the deep divides in our nation. She shares her own journey of healing and highlights the critical importance of addressing unhealed trauma i...

In this episode, Mike and Steve discuss various aspects of getting started in comics, including tips for new readers and recommendations for comic book stores. They explore new comic releases, focusing on both DC and Marvel titles, and delve into thematic discussions on war and profiteering in comics. The conversation also touches on anthology series and unique storytelling methods, culminating in...

 In this episode, we dive deep into Mary Shelley's Frankenstein , exploring its timeless themes of creation, responsibility, and the nature of humanity. Join us as we discuss the novel’s historical context, the profound philosophical questions it raises, and the emotional weight carried by its characters. We reflect on how Mary Shelley's personal life shaped the narrative, and examine th...

 In this episode, Holly and Steve are joined by book reviewer Charlie Cavendish for a lively discussion about the Fantasy and Sci-Fi Spotlight event, standout book recommendations, and the growing influence of technology on reading, including mobile phone stories. They reminisce about childhood favorites like The Hobbit and Redwall , while diving into the world of indie books and genre mashups. Fr...

In this episode, Steve provides a comprehensive update on his reading journey, discussing various book series including the Children of Time and the Unholy Consult. He reflects on his experiences with reading slumps, shares insights from classic literature like Frankenstein, and outlines upcoming changes to his podcasting format. Steve emphasizes the importance of community engagement and invites...

In this episode, Steve and Paromita sits down with author Benjamin Liar to discuss his latest book, The Failures , an epic blend of science fiction and fantasy. They dive deep into the inspiration behind the story, which Benjamin has been developing for over 30 years, exploring its intricate structure, interlocking puzzles, and multi-dimensional characters. The conversation covers themes of nature...

 In this episode of Weekly Polls Pick of the Week, hosts Mike and Steve discuss their favorite comic book series of the year so far, exploring various new releases and their thoughts on character development, storytelling, and the challenges of anthology series. They share insights on survival stories, the evolution of iconic characters, and the impact of art in comics. The conversation also touch...