Draft:Dungeon crawler carl
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Comment: Fails WP:NBOOK - online book retail websites (such as BookScouter and Amazon) are not acceptable or independent sources, neither is Audible. Dan arndt (talk) 05:44, 24 October 2024 (UTC)
| 6 (as of 2024) | |
| Author | Matt Dinniman |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | LitRPG, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Dark Humor |
Dungeon Crawler Carl is an ongoing LitRPG (Literary Role Playing Game) series written by American author Matt Dinniman. The series combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and dark humor, set within a deadly alien reality show where Earth has been destroyed and its survivors must navigate a dungeon filled with monsters, traps, and bizarre challenges. The series follows protagonist Carl and his cat, Princess Donut, as they attempt to survive and progress through increasingly difficult levels of the "World Dungeon." As of 2024, the series consists of six published books, with further installments planned.
Premise
[edit]The story begins when a massive cataclysmic event destroys Earth, and Carl, the protagonist, wakes up to find himself one of the few survivors. Alongside his ex-girlfriend’s Maine Coon cat, Princess Donut, Carl is thrust into a sadistic intergalactic gameshow where contestants must navigate an enormous multi-level dungeon filled with lethal traps, monstrous creatures, and deadly challenges. The dungeon, designed by the alien "Syndicate," offers participants the chance to survive, level up, and potentially win prizes, while providing entertainment to the galaxy's viewers.
Throughout the series, Carl encounters a range of allies and enemies, from fellow human survivors to strange alien beings. Alongside Princess Donut, who herself undergoes surprising developments, Carl must master new skills, defeat bosses, and uncover the mysteries behind the Syndicate and the World Dungeon.
Plot
[edit]In Dungeon Crawler Carl, the story begins with Carl, an average man, who finds himself unwittingly thrust into a deadly game after Earth is invaded by an alien species known as the Slime Lords. The invasion is accompanied by the creation of massive dungeons filled with monstrous creatures and deadly traps, forcing humanity to fight for survival. Carl is chosen as a contestant in this brutal competition, where he must navigate the treacherous levels of a dungeon filled with deadly adversaries.
Accompanied by his loyal cat, Princess Donut, Carl begins his journey through the dungeon. As they progress, they encounter various characters, including other contestants, bizarre monsters, and enigmatic NPCs. Throughout their adventure, Carl learns to harness unique skills and powers, while also grappling with the moral implications of the competition. The game becomes increasingly complex as alliances form and betrayals occur, all while Carl aims to rescue his girlfriend, who has been captured by the Slime Lords.
As the narrative unfolds, the challenges intensify, leading Carl to confront not only external foes but also his own fears and insecurities. The themes of friendship, loyalty, and the absurdity of the situation are explored as Carl and Princess Donut face insurmountable odds. Ultimately, the story culminates in a dramatic showdown within the depths of the dungeon, where Carl must confront the true nature of the Slime Lords and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance. The blend of humor, action, and existential themes adds depth to Carl's journey, making it a unique addition to the genre of litRPG.
Major Themes
[edit]Dungeon Crawler Carl blends elements of LitRPG, dungeon crawl fiction, and dark comedy. The narrative is structured around game mechanics like leveling up, skill acquisition, and loot collection, making it a quintessential example of LitRPG. Themes of survival, trust, and the absurdity of reality television also feature prominently. As Carl navigates the dungeon, he reflects on human nature, morality, and the sometimes ridiculous lengths people will go to for entertainment.
Humor is a significant element in the series, with witty dialogue, absurd situations, and the often comedic interactions between Carl and Princess Donut providing levity amidst the life-and-death stakes.
Main Characters
[edit]- Carl – The protagonist of the series, Carl is a former mechanic who finds himself forced into the deadly game of the World Dungeon. Resourceful and determined, Carl evolves throughout the series, gaining new abilities while trying to survive the dungeon’s escalating threats.
- Princess Donut – Initially Carl’s ex-girlfriend's cat, Donut quickly becomes one of the series' central figures. The sentient and increasingly powerful cat develops a complex personality and a suite of abilities that make her essential to Carl’s survival. Her royal attitude and snarky remarks provide much of the series’ humor.
- Lucia Mar – A prominent figure introduced in the series, Lucia Mar is a mysterious and skilled combatant who becomes both an ally and rival to Carl as they navigate the dungeon.
- The Syndicate – The enigmatic alien organization responsible for the creation and management of the World Dungeon. They serve as both the masterminds behind the gameshow and its audience, profiting from the entertainment value of watching participants struggle to survive.
Novels
[edit]| No. | Title | Matt Dinniman | Release date | Pages (1st edition) | Audio length | ISBN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dungeon Crawler Carl | Matt Dinniman | 21 September 2020 (Paperback) / 2 October 2020 (Kindle) | 444[1] | 13 hrs 31 mins[2] | 979-8688591507 | |
|
Carl and Princess Donut are forced into a deadly dungeon designed by aliens after the destruction of Earth. | |||||||
| 2 | Carl's Doomsday Scenario | Matt Dinniman | 2 January 2021 | 362[3] | 11 hrs 28 mins[2] | 979-8588333764 | |
|
Carl continues his dangerous journey through the dungeon, facing new horrors and uncovering more about the alien syndicate. | |||||||
| 3 | The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook | Matt Dinniman | 19 March 2021 | 532[4] | 16 hrs 54 mins[2] | 979-8724495066 | |
|
Carl and Princess Donut's adventure grows more intense as they battle deeper into the dungeon. | |||||||
| 4 | The Gate of the Feral Gods | Matt Dinniman | 14 June 2021 | 584[5] | 18 hrs 3 mins[2] | 979-8520410171 | |
|
Carl confronts new gods and learns more about the workings of the dungeon in this fourth installment. | |||||||
| 5 | The Butcher's Masquerade | Matt Dinniman | 19 February 2022 | 730[6] | 23 hrs 33 mins[2] | 979-8418566102 | |
|
The stakes are raised as Carl faces off against powerful foes in a masquerade of death and betrayal. | |||||||
| 6 | The Eye of the Bedlam Bride | Matt Dinniman | 14 June 2023 | 692[7] | 26 hrs 46 mins[2] | 979-8396866379 | |
|
In this sixth book, Carl must navigate new dangers and alliances as he delves deeper into the dungeon's mysteries. | |||||||
| 7 | This Inevitable Ruin | Matt Dinniman | 7 November 2024 (tentative)[8] | TBA | Length not yet known | TBA Parameter error in {{ISBNT}}: invalid character | |
|
Details about the plot are not yet available. | |||||||
The series is ongoing, with more books anticipated.
Reception
[edit]Dungeon Crawler Carl has been well-received by both fans of LitRPG and general fantasy readers, praised for its humor, fast-paced action, and character development. The series has garnered a dedicated following and has been recognized for its unique blend of dark humor and dungeon-crawling tropes. Fans have also created a wiki, forums, and online communities dedicated to discussing the books and their intricate details, such as the characters, dungeon mechanics, and in-world lore.
Themes and Motifs
[edit]The series frequently explores themes such as survival in extreme conditions, the commodification of violence and suffering for entertainment, and the evolving relationship between Carl and Donut, which transitions from comical to deeply supportive. The use of game mechanics such as experience points, classes, and leveling is central to the story and serves as both a literal plot device and a metaphor for personal growth and adaptation.
Influence and Legacy
[edit]Though relatively new, Dungeon Crawler Carl has influenced the LitRPG genre, bringing a fresh take on the dungeon crawl narrative while combining it with the satirical critique of modern reality TV and entertainment culture. The series’ unique blend of humor, game mechanics, and action has set it apart in a crowded field, earning it a reputation as one of the standout LitRPG titles in recent years.
Audio Adaptation
[edit]The *Dungeon Crawler Carl* series has been adapted into a cinematic audiobook by Soundbooth Theater, known for its immersive and dynamic audio productions. These adaptations incorporate a full cast of voice actors, sound effects, and music, enhancing the dungeon-crawling experience for listeners.[9]
TV Adaptation
[edit]A television adaptation of *Dungeon Crawler Carl* is in development by Universal International Studios and Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door, with Chris Yost attached as the writer. The series will bring Matt Dinniman's story of Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut, to a wider audience, following their survival in a post-apocalyptic world.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ "Dungeon Crawler Carl". BookScouter. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f "Dungeon Crawler Carl Audiobooks". Audible. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "Carl's Doomsday Scenario". BookScouter. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "The Dungeon Anarchist's Cookbook". BookScouter. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "The Gate of the Feral Gods". BookScouter. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "The Butcher's Masquerade". BookScouter. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ "The Eye of the Bedlam Bride". BookScouter. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
- ^ Kindle Pre-order Release Date. [Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 7: This Inevitable Ruin](https://www.amazon.com/This-Inevitable-Ruin-Dungeon-Crawler-ebook/dp/B0DJWKWV8W).
- ^ Soundbooth Theater. [Dungeon Crawler Carl Audiobooks](https://soundbooththeater.com/shop/audiobooks/dungeon-crawler-carl/).
- ^ Whittock, Jesse, and Max Goldbart. "Universal International Studios Buys Matt Dinniman’s ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ With Seth MacFarlane’s Fuzzy Door & Chris Yost Attached." *Deadline*, August 21, 2024. [Link](https://deadline.com/2024/08/dungeon-crawler-carl-seth-macfarlane-universal-chris-yost-series-1236045866/).
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