So. Once again, summer is about to hit us upside the head with crash-boomy blockbusters and Comic-Con-induced anxiety. Luckily, we’ve got just the thing for our nerdly brothers and sisters looking to cool off, chill out, and other trite phrases that describe the act of being un-sweaty: a new issue of Grok.

If you’ll recall, this is our PDF zine you can read on your computer screen or print out and tote wherever you desire. Within, you will find fiction, essays and other general hilarity dedicated to geek culture and the nerd experience, all centered around a delightful theme. This time ’round, we’re all about…Extra Life.

Grok #4: Extra Life (PDF)

In this issue…

LOLing Out Loud – Part I, by Sarah Kuhn: What do a web-obsessed wallflower and a hyperactive cosplayer have in common? Well…nothing, but somehow, they manage to be best friends. And one of them is about to get a virtual shock of the life-changing kind.

Resolution, by Kenny Jeffery: Real world or second life? “Meaningful” activities or night-long videogame binge? Should a true gamer have to choose?

Embracing Videogame Heresy, by Kristina Wright: What happens when one woman goes on a seemingly hopeless quest to find the perfect starter game for her young son? Kristina takes you along for the bumpy, thrilling, Super Mario Bros-avoiding ride.

Must Love Dice – Part I, by Jeff Stolarcyk: Dungeoneering Wizard Ron’s newly-single. Dungeonmaster Martin’s crushed out and confused. And unfortunately for both of them, love is extra complicated in the world of natural 20s, healing surges and saving throws.

Dead Means What?, by Caroline Pruett: Just how arbitrary are the so-called rules of life and death when you’re talking about the big, bad universe of comics? Caroline takes an exacting look at funny book death and the revolving door (and, for good measure, explains Holly Robinson).

Man Out of Time, by Matt Springer: Paul Freemont is lonely, fat, middle-aged, and about to make a deal with the devil…or maybe just a guy who happens to own a wicked-looking Lord of the Rings replica letter opener. Hard to say, really.

Also! Ivan Sian takes on everything from rejected videogame sequels to drunken hook-ups with Bit from Tron! It’s all there for the reading, so go forth and READ!