Looking forward to the next Dune movie?

 

Science fiction falls under the umbrella of this blog, right? I think it does. This puzzle was my tribute to the new Dune franchise (you've probably seen the 2021 movie, and as I alluded to in the cryptic-ish post title, part 2 is being released late this year), but I'll always accept the 6 original Frank Herbert books as the authority on Dune things. In other words, after doing this puzzle, you should read the books.

In other news, make sure to do the NYT puzzle this Thursday! Very excited to see my name in print...

(Note: this puzzle is solvable online, but you do need to look at the PDF version for the final across and down clues.)

The Itsy-Bitsy Meta

 

After a break for the holidays, here's a brand-new New Year's puzzle (first time typing "2023" for the copyright!) It's also my first meta, though the answer is fairly straightforward. If you think you know the answer, send a message or a comment if you don't mind other people seeing your thought process. I'll post the solution in two weeks with the next puzzle!

Side note: I was really excited to use 4-Down, especially this week :D

The Full Spectrum

 

This puzzle has a visual trick that's central to the theme. The solution below explains what's going on, but if you'd like a hint while you're solving, consider this: what changes about the grid and the entries as you move down?

Cubism

 

This puzzle isn't strictly science-related, though there is a mathematical fascination with this topic. I don't want to give anything else away, so all I'll say is this: it's a puzzle within a puzzle, about another puzzle.

Bad news: there's no online version this week. (Extra bad news for 2026 me: I have to re-convert the PDF from a PNG to change the name on it. Why the hell does Crossfire use PNG exports???)

Good news: that means an extra interesting theme...

PDF; solution

All The Way Up

This theme is a bit smaller than some others on this site, but I think it's still a satisfying payoff, especially since I couldn't believe my luck how well the revealer fit into the puzzle. 

I actually sent this puzzle to the Nobel winner the phenomenon is named after, but I haven't heard back. If you're reading this, 18-Across, it's never too late to write back... (I checked, in 2026; he's still alive!)