Reading Books by Problematic Authors

Books
Written By Chris Well

YouTuber The Artisan Geek offers a well-measured, thoughtful approach to how and when to read and discuss books by problematic authors.

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Conan vs Masters of the Universe
Conan vs Masters of the Universe

Was He-Man actually made from canceled Conan the Barbarian toys?  Investigating just how much the original sword-wielder Conn the Barbarian really influenced He-Man.

Molly Tanzer on her SF / art heist mashup: “The speculative possibilities were fun to play with.”
Molly Tanzer on her SF / art heist mashup: “The speculative possibilities were fun to play with.”

The author talks about an intergalactic art heist by a group of underqualified misfits. What can go wrong? “At its heart, the novella is a meditation on ‘the culture of the copy.’”

Why saving comic book stores is important
Why saving comic book stores is important

The doc Shopping for Superman shares the history—and influence—of comic book stores. “See just how necessary support will be in keeping these shops open and available for future generations.”

Jonathan Maberry Sword & Sorcery: Complete Kagen the Damned
Jonathan Maberry Sword & Sorcery: Complete Kagen the Damned

The award-winning author known for writing zombies, outer space epics, thrillers, and more, now turns his attention to a different kind of hero. “He’s a civilized man pushed out of every aspect of his comfort zone.”

Godzilla: Happy Birthday to the Director Who Launched Kaiju Movies
Godzilla: Happy Birthday to the Director Who Launched Kaiju Movies

Japanese film director Ishirō Honda is one of the key figures who brought the world Godzilla—and the launch of kaijus as a whole movie category.

Glen Cook: Garrett, P.I.—dealing with gods, wizards, and vampires
Glen Cook: Garrett, P.I.—dealing with gods, wizards, and vampires

A private detective that has to face crooks, corruption, and—well, gods, vampires, wizards, elves, centaurs, and the like. These fantasies are totally for fans of detective fiction.

100 Supernatural Detective Series (Revising Again)
100 Supernatural Detective Series (Revising Again)

Want books that mix urban fantasy and crime fiction? Including books from Charlaine Harris, Kevin J. Anderson, plus Hellboy, Jim Butcher, Kim Harrison, X-Files, Supernatural—and more.

Bewitched vs. I Dream of Jeannie: What’s the difference?
Bewitched vs. I Dream of Jeannie: What’s the difference?

What sets these two 1960s fantasy sitcoms apart? Bonus points when we talk about crossover details with pop rock legends Boyce and Hart! And The Monkees!

Interview: How ‘Woodstakes’ is Vampires vs Classic Rock
Interview: How ‘Woodstakes’ is Vampires vs Classic Rock

A spin on the Dracula legend vs the iconic rock festival. Darin S. Cape shares why he focused on the classic rock festival, his favorite vampire stories, and a surprising list of literary inspirations.

Superman: 13 Alternate Versions
Superman: 13 Alternate Versions

Few have reached the same heights as the Man of Steel. For Superman Day 2026, we look at various media where you can find stories about the Last Son of Krypton.

Chris Well

Chris Well been a writer pretty much his entire life. (Well, since his childhood.) Over the years, he has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio, and books. He now is the chief of the website Monster Complex, celebrating monster stories in lit and pop culture. He also writes horror comedy fiction that embraces Universal Monsters, 1960s sitcoms, 1980s action movies, and the X-Files.

https://chriswell.substack.com/
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