
The post announces the emergence of “New Cultural Criticism,” a long‑form nonfiction style that fuses novelistic storytelling with cultural analysis. It contrasts this movement with the 1960s New Journalism, noting that today’s critics operate on platforms like Substack rather than well‑funded magazines. The author highlights several exemplary essays that run 5,000‑plus words, arguing that depth and narrative freedom are essential in today’s fragmented media landscape. The piece also promotes the author’s upcoming novel, *Colossus*, as a highly anticipated spring release.

The author curates three standout Substack newsletters—Comedy Distant by Vanessa Ogle, big reader bad grades by Alexander Sorondo, and Cross Current by Mo Diggs—highlighting their unique voices and cultural relevance. Ogle delivers sharp satire on workplace and improv culture, Sorondo...