Dinniman unveils quasar's legal ambitions – and a better call saul inspiration
Matt Dinniman, the mind behind the wildly popular Dungeon Crawler Carl series, is laying bare his future creative ambitions, fueled by a deep dive into the character of Quasar – a fast-talking alien lawyer who’s about to become a legal powerhouse.
A legal drama in the making
The author, alongside narrator Jeff Hays, recently released a YouTube video dissecting the character voices for the upcoming A Parade of Horribles, revealing Dinniman’s fascination with crafting a legal drama, heavily influenced by the sharp wit and morally flexible style of Better Call Saul. He envisions a world where alien lawyers, akin to Quasar, navigate the complexities of intergalactic law.
“So my goal in life after I’m done with the Carl series is to one day write some sort of legal drama; something that involves aliens,” Dinniman explained, demonstrating a surprising, and frankly, unsettling level of focus on a post-Carl venture. He clarified his vision: “When I added him to the story I told Jeff, ‘Do, like, the quintessential Better Call Saul, but with like maybe a New York-sort of accent’ and he nailed it.”
The scale of Dungeon Crawler Carl remains uncertain, though Dinniman has indicated a total of ten books. The impending television adaptation for Peacock adds another layer of complexity, potentially extending his involvement far beyond the current scope. The success of the show could fundamentally alter his trajectory, though he remains cautiously optimistic about his long-term plans.
Beyond the books: expanding the universe
But the momentum doesn’t stop with the new book. A Parade of Horribles, released on May 12th in Kindle, Audible, and hardcover formats, is already generating significant buzz, complemented by a tabletop RPG scheduled for release in May 2026. Dinniman’s team is actively building upon the established Dungeon Crawler Carl universe.
Despite recent inquiries about potential spinoffs – specifically, a Quasar-centric series – the author remains tight-lipped. “As of right now, no. We’ll see how Crocodile does,” he stated, leaving the future of the franchise tantalizingly open. While a direct spinoff isn’t on the immediate horizon, the upcoming Crocodile graphic novel offers a compelling avenue for continued expansion.
Jacob Kienlen, a Senior Audience Development Strategist and Writer for IGN, notes that Dinniman's meticulous approach to character development and world-building is a key factor in the series’ enduring appeal. The Dungeon Crawler Carl franchise represents more than just escapist fantasy; it’s a testament to the power of detailed storytelling and a surprising ambition to explore legal drama with an extraterrestrial twist.”