Contest of Challengers

Why isn't every new comic on the racks in 10.0/Mint condition? The closing of ComiXology digital storefronts. What's been as good for retailers as House of X? Sales ALWAYS slow down in September. Why can't DC get readers interested in a line-wide Event? Year of the Villain just isn't cutting it. When should a publisher start over at #1? More Transformer Card Game events are heading our way!

It's an extra episode of Contest of Challengers for the week! We start mid-pitch as Eliot is explaining the premise of his new Aftershock comic series Midnight Vista to a prospective buyer on the Challengers' sales floor. The other voices on this episode are Customer Brian K. and Eliot's friend (and birthday boy) Mike. There are other ambient voices in the background as this was recorded on a Saturday afternoon. The background music gets turned down 8 minutes in (sorry Fozzy). This is a very personal story for Eliot and after listening to it you'll most certainly want to read MIDNIGHT VISTA!

We just had a Battlepug cookout! Where were YOU?? You can make it up to us on Batman Day. Local Saturdays. Our thoughts on the upcoming DC 100-Page Giants. Publishers talking honestly to retailers. The 80/20/5 Rule. Sales expectations for the Dawn of X titles.

Why don't we do more store videos? We can always do more promoting. Of new comics, of events, everything. Road construction in front of the shop is always fun! What are Doom Code Signs? I may have gotten that name wrong... Making vinyl toys from comic books. Spider-Man Life Story may be THE graphic novel for the gift-giving season. A consistent set of ongoing titles that bring new readers in to stores. Thank you for all the 29th Anniversary congratulations! No gatekeeping!! Equating popular comics to popular music. The spiritual sequel to Watchmen.

D23 is happening right now! What does "D23" stand for, anyway? We don't know. Have you seen Marvel's solicits for November? They get bigger every month (as Patrick gets angrier). 2nd, 3rd and even 4th prints being offered before the 1st print comes out. Can Spider-Man #1 sell more than House of X #1? We sure don't think so. What made everyone (read: speculators) want Batman #77 and Powers of X #3 this week? The difference between the content in a Marvel graphic novel rated "Teen +" vs a Marvel graphic novel rated for a 10-year old is… nothing. A Glow signing? Maybe.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers QB Landry Jones joins the XFL! Wait—that doesn't belong here… Caroline Cash (Girl in the World) just signed at Challengers! She was a delight and we sold books! But… Trade-waiting! Is it by subscribers or non-subscribers? The current trend of comic shops making videos. Destroying this week's copies of Superman #14 (even though Patrick routinely says #13 in the episode) and Supergirl #33 (that one he gets right). Okay, look, I did a crappy job of taking notes for this episode, I admit, so there's way more on this podcast than noted here. We got a brief mention on Cartoonist Kayfabe!

Patrick is a broken old man. We so desperately want new carpet! And window blinds! Making the consumer pay the credit card processing fee. Paying for "convenience." #10 in Sri Lanka, bay-bee! AWA announced the first book in their new superhero shared universe. Referencing Brian Hibbs' latest 'Tilting at Windmills' column (on ComicsBeat.com) about stores buying their graphic novels from more than just Diamond. When a major publisher doesn't support the biggest release they'd had in years. Or, why we're sold out of House of X #2 already. We got a brief mention on NPR's See, Hear, Eat!

Remember Superman Unchained? Dal doesn't. Keepin' them back issues in order! When books disappear from your mindset (i.e. Morning Glories). Thanks, Patrons! What are the best Event Books, in enjoyment and in money earned? Surge pricing and the people that merit it. Happy 10th Anniversary, CoC!

We've got a (potentially) big event happening tomorrow and neither of us know what to expect. It's a surprise drop of the comic book tie-in to Dreamville and J Cole's "Revenge of the Dreamers III". We tell you how this came about and what we're expecting for the day. And if you don't know Dreamville or J. Cole, it's okay; we didn't, either. House of X #1 was released this week! It's exactly what we wanted it to be and doing what we wanted it to do! But… will the next 6 books in the "Dawn of X" era do the same? Patrick got a new toy and you get to hear it. Listener question about story arcs vs stand-alone mini-series. Brian Michael Bendis was on the Late Late Show with Seth Meyers. Caroline Cash is coming to Challengers! And also some guy names Nike Morton. Or something. We may not be sure of his name but we know he sure likes pugs. Apple is changing the classifications for several podcast categories, including ours! And… and UPDATE to the Dreamville event! Okay, you know what? Shove it up your arse.

Want vs need. Rewarding you for sharing in our ecosystem. Captain Marvel #8 is what the swarm went for this week. Customer databases. Information integrated into your life. Top-selling books for the nation vs @ Challengers (Black Cat vs. Dceased). How many young reader imprints can the market bear? The first of the Comic-Con International San Diego publishing announcements.