“I hope you said your prayers and brought the lube, because you about to get fucked from here to eternity.”
Well, I think it is safe to say that The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook was an absolute trainwreck in the best way possible. Did I have any clue what the fuck was going on on this fourth floor? Maybe not, but I am strapped into my seat on the hype train at this point, so I just sat back and enjoyed the wild ride. CHOO CHOO, motherfuckers!!
For me, the DCC series has always been all about the characters, and I continue to be impressed by the continued character growth and level of emotional depth that Dinniman is able to deliver amidst all the chaos and mayhem. Carl is just the best broody bastard, and seeing him getting increasingly bolder and more rebellious as he learns more about the grand scheme of this sick ‘game’ is just inexplicably entertaining.
And do not get me started on the found family vibes that are only getting stronger and stronger. Of course Princess Donut is still just the absolute highlight of this entire shitshow (Princess Posse represent!), and I was also pleasantly surprised by Katia’s growing role in their party. I mean, joke’s on me for thinking she was just going to be a boring red shirt character… girlie kicks fucking ass!! I mean, I somehow didn’t even end up missing our trusty manager Mordecai in this instalment, because all the other side characters just stole the show.
Now, all that said, I do have to admit that The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook is probably my least favourite instalment so far, simply because of the fact that my last remaining brain cell was truly dying trying to wrap my head around this level. Okay that’s a lie, I didn’t even bother trying to comprehend how this clusterfuck of a noodle-knotted-subway system functioned. But hey, Carl eventually seemed to figure out how the logic was logicking, and in Carl we trust, so that’s all that matters.
At this point I honestly don’t know if I am more concerned or impressed by Dinniman’s unhinged imagination and twisted storytelling, but there’s no denying that the man is cookingggg! What’s more, I love how this series is becoming more nuanced and deep with each instalment, all without ever losing its insanely high fun factor. The snark and cutting social commentary just bleed off the page in The Dungeon Anarchist’s Cookbook, and I couldn’t stop myself from cackling at all the deranged dark humour; chef’s kiss.
So, even though this instalment was relatively speaking just a tiny step down for me personally, I still loved it way more than I ever thought possible. Safe to say that I am still suffering from a heavy case of DCC fever, and I am not even trying to look for a cure. Give me all the explosive chaos and wonderful weirdness. Level five, bring it on!
