Saturday Miscellany—5/31/25

I didn’t think this was going to be a very full list when I started to assemble this post. But, boy howdy, are there a lot of good things below.
Odds ‘n ends about books and reading that caught my eye this week. You’ve probably seen some/most/all of them, but just in case:
N.J.’s Peter David, prolific comic book writer known for ‘Incredible Hulk,’ ‘Spider-Man,’ dies at 68—If I read any of David’s comics, it was unknowingly. But his novels? Oh man…my college years and 20s were full of them (and some of his more recent novelizations, too). The man was excellent at merging the humor and heart, darkness and hope, and bringing depth to concepts that don’t seem welcoming to it.
Twain Dreams: The enigma of Samuel Clemens—A Twain revival? Bring it on.
So, a certain “great bearded glacier” set off a firestorm this week in a blog post about a new project, Howard Meets Hercules—I could easily post a dozen reactions, but the AV Club’s summary will probably do. (okay one other, Duncan MacMaster’s is pretty much what I want to say.)
Finding Your Way Into Writing Fiction as J.R.R. Tolkien’s Grandson: Simon Tolkien on the Double-Edged Sword of a Mighty Literary Inheritance
“That Broken, Brave, Beautiful Man is Someone I Wanted to Write For”: Raymond Chandler’s Trouble is My Business Arvind Ethan David—I really wasn’t inclined to try this new adaptation, but clicked on the interview anyway. David’s second answer changed my mind.
Concrete Poetry & The Great Gatsby Re-Ordered—the story behind one of Fahrenheit Press’ latest projects. I can’t say I’m sold on the idea, but I am incredibly curious.
Monthly Manga Mania Featuring Firsty Duelist: Mashle: Magic and Muscles by Hajime Komoto—this is a great idea for a series, and maybe something that will get me to try my second manga 🙂 I’ve always appreciated his writing
Books I’ve Read With Characters Who Don’t Exist—Stephen always brings the oddest list categories–and they work. And with a title like this one, you just have to stop and read, right?
Is Fiction Getting Worse? Tiktok, Tropification and Toxic Ideology—I’m not sure what my answer to the question would be. Maybe?
Books for Men: Book Berne-ing 19!—Haven’t watched this yet, but I’m betting it’s worth a watch. Love the idea and can’t wait to see JCM’s take.

To help talk about backlist titles (and just for fun), What Was I Talking About 10 Years Ago Week?
Attack the Geek by Michael R. Underwood—I refuse to believe it’s been a decade since I read this
Off to Be the Wizard by Scott Meyer—see above comment
And I mentioned the release of some books that should not be that old, either: Long Black Curl by Alex Bledsoe; I Am Princess X by Cherie Priest; The Last Drive and Other Stories by Rex Stout
I’m apparently struggling with the passage of time today.

This Week’s New Releases that I’m Excited About and/or You’ll Probably See Here Soon (and some I forgot to mention last week):
Instant Karma by Todd Morr—I read an earlier printing of this, but I love the idea of these Pocket Noir books, so I want to mention it. Also–you need to read this.
If You’re Not One Percent by Todd Morr—the populace of a quiet mountain town vs. mudererous rednecks on a thrill kill murder spree.
A Briefcase Full Of The End Of The World by Todd Morr—”Carter isn’t exactly the smartest guy in the room, but even he knows he’s in deep trouble. What should have been a simple snatch-and-grab turns into a nightmare when he realizes there’s something special about the contents of the case he’s stolen. Now, every lunatic, thug, and doomsday prophet in the city is after him, each with their own twisted plans for the mysterious prize.”
Return to Sender by Craig Johnson—Walt goes undercover (or tries to) to hunt for answers to a woman’s disappearance. I started this last night, and am having a blast with it. Also, this is not where I expected this book to go after the ending of First Frost (at least not yet)
Everybody Wants to Rule the World Except Me by Django Wexler—sure, I haven’t read the first in this duology yet. But this looks great.