The Chowderhead Crusades

By: J.J. Walsh

Narrated by: Patton Oswalt

Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Comic-Con, 2036. The world is rocked by the bizarre and inexplicable materialization of Cateklysm Catholicon - a colorfully clad whack job decreeing that humanity's only hope lies in the lessons found in superhero comic books. "Cateklysm's Challenge" is born, enticing even the most skeptical with a prize that promises "the power to change the world".

But two decades later, the world has gone to crap. The prize, the challenge, and Cateklysm himself have all been forgotten by everyone but the Chowderheads - diehard superhero worshippers, who champion the progressive ideology infused into comics.

Enter Clayton Clayborn, a tragically orphaned, 17-year-old, second-generation Chowderhead living a dystopian nightmare existence on a Martian space freighter. Obsessed with the challenge, he'll face a gauntlet of comic book nerdery that will take him to alien worlds, thrust him into gladiatorial combat against supervillain look-alikes, and push him to the brink of annihilation in the heart of what seems to be the Batcave. But as Stan Lee would put it, "Excelsior."

"The comic book nerd's Ready Player One... Fun, frenetic, creative, and the ending hits like a ton of bricks." (Portland Book Review)

©2020 Severed Press (P)2021 Severed Press

Comic book fans must read

I loved The Chowderhead Crusades and Patton Oswalt’s reading of it. Both truly delivered more than I was expecting. The book has an abundance of action and comic moments that couldn’t have been read any better. Between the witty writing and some hilarious delivery by Oswalt there’s a lot of fun to be had here.

A tale any Gunter would love

JJ does a great job creating a unique story ripe with elements that fans of Ernest Cline will be immediately drawn to. Walsh’s influence by Cline is evident throughout the book, with similar pacing and nerd level attention to pop culture detail, this time being laser-focused on the world of comic books. While I appreciate the obvious influence Cline had on this story, it’s the aspects and plot choices that reveal JJs personal style that standout as the best portions of the novel. Overall it’s a story you will be hard pressed to step away from, and the choice to bring in Oswalt to narrate the audio book is borderline perfect. The honor of being labeled a chowderhead is immediately thrusted in the same level and air as Gunters, Trekkies and Padawans. Give this book a download and enjoy the ride…it’s FTL

Patton Oswalt sealed the deal.

I had been looking at this title for a while, and was on the fence, but bought it because yo was read by Patton Oswalt.

I was not disappointed. It was a good story, well paced, well developed and well read.

The narration really made it pop. Oswalt seems to me just to be an really likable person, pleasant to listen to, and his voice characterizations are great.

Im guessing he and I could not be further apart on the political/social spectrum, but that has no bearing on talent, and so I would likely buy an audio book just because he was the reader.

Buy the book; you will not be disappointed.

Comic book nerds in space!

I was pretty sold on the premise, as I like space and I like comics. But there were a ton of great twists and the characters were a lot of fun. Plus, Patton Oswald gave it a great read. You can tell he’s really enjoying the material.

Makes me want more

Incredible book! Starting this book with a novice understanding of comics and comic culture I’ve come out of this a full on pro and I can’t get enough. This is a page turner with excellent writing and nice character development. Action, romance, suspense, this has it all!

Solid book, solid casting.

Not an academic study of superhero lore, but not too far off, wrapped in a well-constructed story. And Patton Oswalt was so perfect for the role.

Fast-paced and fun

I say "fast-paced" but that really starts 20-30 minutes in, because there's a good amount of world-building like most sci-fi. After that it really takes off. I loved Ready Player One and this really was the comic book version. And Patton Oswalt is such a comic book buff – I don't think anyone else could have done it justice.

Ready Player One for comic fans!

The PDX Book Review nailed it. It really is “the comic book nerd’s Ready Player One.” And Patton Oswalt reading it makes even more what it is. If you’re really into comics, you’ll love the book for nostalgia. If you’re just kind of into them, you’ll learn a ton...while the main characters fight for their lives. Lol.

Patton perfect

I loved this book, and I love Patton Oswalt reading it. It's a match made in heaven for comic book nuts.

Fun premise with great narration

A fun story and a great book for comic book fans, and Patton Oswalt’s narration is perfect.