Books, Blogs, and Brain Clouds No. 40 (June/July 2025)


Mark Gruenwald!

It's literally been years in coming, but my biography of Marvel Comics writer and editor Mark Gruenwald finally has a publication date! It'll be out March 16, 2026, and you can preorder it at the link below.

https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/M/Mark-Gruenwald

The Karate Kid Part III Reimagined

I've been a huge Karate Kid fan since the 1984 film, but I've always loathed The Karate Kid Part III. This summer I finally decided to do something about it and write my own version.

A Fly Went By the Fantastic Four

As a longtime Fantastic Four fan, I was very excited about the new film (which I loved) and I got even more excited when the classic Beginner Book A Fly Went By showed up in the mid-credits scene! Since the context contains spoilers, I won't get into specifics, but I loved it when my interests unexpectedly intersect!

Hopefuls Song of the Month(s)

The Honeydogs - "Kill Switch" (2025)

The Honeydogs (who count Hopefuls Darren Jackson and Peter Anderson among their former members) have just released their first new album in 9 years!

What I'm Reading

Lately, I seem to be alternating nonfiction (a Fountains of Wayne bio by Fiona McQuarrie; a history of the Mary Tyler Moore Show by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong) with Stephen King (You Like It Darker; Carrie).

Meanwhile, Theo and I have just started Suzanne Collins's Gregor the Overlander series (thanks to Cousin Diane for the recommendation).

And Finally, a Brain Cloud


Peace, love, and thank you for reading.

paul.allen@gmail.com
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