Don’t be alarmed if you spot groups of people buying books in their boxers next week. It’s likely a group of cosplayers itching to purchase the latest adventures of Princess Donut and Dungeon Crawler Carl.
May 12 is the official release date of “A Parade of Horribles!,” the 8th installment of the Dungeon Crawler Carl LitRPG series.
The relatively new sub-genre of LitRPG blends traditional science fiction and fantasy with role-playing game mechanics, where characters gain levels, stats, artifacts and abilities, often receiving system prompts as part of the story.
Dungeon Crawler Carl’s exploits began in 2020, when Pacific Northwest author Matt Dinniman first shared the story of Carl, a regular guy from Seattle who finds himself at the center of an alien invasion, wearing just his boxers and with only his ex-girlfriend’s pampered show cat for company.
The story begins with an alien mega corporation flattening all human-made structures on Earth to collect on a debt that humanity didn’t know it owed. The survivors participate in a galactic reality show called “Dungeon Crawler World,” broadcast for the entertainment of the “full citizens” of the galaxy’s inner system.
Each volume of the series puts Carl and his fellow crawlers in a new doom-filled scenario.
According to the New York Times, more than 6 million copies of Dinniman’s series have been sold globally. IGN reports the audiobooks are also extremely popular and have led to major gains in the series’ fanbase. Previous releases have prompted bookstore events and fan gatherings across the country.
In the Portland area, several local businesses are hosting Dungeon Crawler Carl events tied to the release:
Powell’s Books (Cedar Hills) midnight book release party
Powell’s Books in Cedar Hills will host a midnight release party on May 11. The event will feature trivia contests, a costume and talent competition, a scavenger hunt, raffle prizes and music. The event begins at 9:30 p.m. and is open to attendees ages 18 and older.
WonderCon 2026
Themed refreshments will be provided by Multnomah Whiskey Library and Voodoo Donuts, including drinks like Donut’s Dirty Shirleys and Shirley Temples.
General admission tickets cost $53.49 and include access to all activities, one drink ticket and a copy of the book.
An optional $15 companion ticket is available for those who want to participate in activities without purchasing the book.
Two Rivers Bookstore/ Weird Sisters Yarn book signing
Eric Wilson, illustrator of the Dungeon Crawler Carl chapter headings, put a call out on Facebook about an informal signing at Two Rivers Bookstore in St. John’s.
Dungeon Crawler Carl
Wilson wrote, “I found a little bookstore and yarn shop down the street from my apartment that had DCC books on the shelf! And they’re getting book 8 in on the 18th. Since it’s literally down the block from my place, I thought if any of you wanted to get your copies there or just come by while I was hanging out I’d be happy to do signings. If anyone is interested, we can figure out a time. I’ll give the store a heads up. ”
He ended with a heads up, “So just to be clear, not an ‘official’ event, more ‘hey, we’re in the same place, wanna sign this?’”
https://tworiversweirdsisters.com/
8836 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
Pairings Portland crawler-themed wine tastings
Pairings Portland specializes in creative, pop-culture-themed wine flights paired to things like tv shows, movies, astrology and personalities, rather than traditional tasting notes.
The wine bar has extended its Dungeon Crawler-themed tastings from an additional week, running until May 10.
“We’re pairing wines to the chaotic, brutal, surprisingly hilarious characters Carl meets on his way down into a collapsed Earth turned bloodsport reality show. Monsters await!!–11 pairings available all from BOOK #1. 9 to characters + 1 to the book as a whole + 1 to the author Matt Dinniman! $55 in you go for the whole schbang. Minimum flight is 5 wines. Must be 21+ to participate.”
Reservations are for two hours and generally $30 per person for a five-wine flight. Guests can add glasses, bottles and snacks during their visit. The venue seats approximately 16 and takes a small deposit to hold a reservation, which is refundable with 48 hours’ notice.
MORE BY
SEAN STERLING
Must be 21+ to participate.
455 NE 24th Ave, Portland, OR 97232
Matt Dinniman, author of “Dungeon Crawler Carl”
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