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

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

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.

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.

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.

This week on Page Burners, the group continues their journey through Night of Knives with a deep dive into Chapters 3–5. The discussion explores the book’s slower, more atmospheric middle section, the confusion and chaos of Malaz Island during Shadow Moon, and the increasingly tangled loyalties surrounding Dancer, Kellanved, Surly, and the Claw.

The crew debates whether Chapter 3 drags or intentionally leans into disorientation and tension, while also unpacking personal reading pet peeves, confusing timelines, and Esslemont’s descriptive style. Things heat up once the flashbacks begin, giving us our first real look at Dasem Ultor during the fall of Y’Ghatan — including his conflict with Hood, Surly’s growing influence, and the legendary reputation that made soldiers willing to follow him into hell.

Along the way, the episode also touches on Stormriders, Hairlock memes, Shadow Cultists, Dancer’s intimidating presence, and the ongoing question at the heart of Night of Knives: who actually knows what’s happening tonight on Malaz Island?

This week on Panel Chewing, Steve and Jarrod dive into another round of weekly comic reads—with a candid conversation to kick things off about something most podcasts don’t always say out loud: we pay for every book we review.

No review copies, no publisher influence—just honest takes from readers spending their own money each week. That reality shapes what we stick with, what we drop, and why our pull list leans heavily into indie books that actually earn their place.

From there, it’s business as usual—breaking down this week’s comics, debating what’s worth your time (and your wallet), and crowning our Pick of the Week.

We also wrap up our ongoing group read of Grant Morrison’s Batman and share final thoughts on the run—what worked, what didn’t, and whether it lives up to its reputation.

📚 Next Week’s Read Along:

We’re starting Lone Wolf and Cub Vol. 1—available free on Libby and Hoopla. Grab it and read along with us!

If you’re looking for real, unfiltered comic talk from readers just like you—this is it.

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 Erikson
• The edict against sorcery and what it reveals about Surly/Laseen’s rule
• Whether Night of Knives is a good entry point—or a risky detour—for Malazan readers
• The book’s dense, gothic atmosphere and how it shapes the reading experience
• Early thoughts on key characters like Temper and Kiska
• Why 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.

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)

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)