Mike's Comic Shop Roadshow

Breaking with the usual pattern a bit, while at the 2023 HeroesCon in Charlotte, NC, I met some fantastic comics vendors, including Fred Wright, Jr. and his wife, LaTonya and daughter Bailee, who own Eastgate Comics in High Point, NC. This episode highlights Eastgate Comics and you will hear some great stories...of its origin and evolution. Theirs is a truly heartwarming and inspiring story.

Please forgive the background noise of the convention. I tried to reduce it as much as possible.

After the interview, you’ll hear Mike and co-host, Andrew Leyland cover Fantastic Four #52, which features the first appearance of the Black Panther! Andy is from Manchester, UK, and is a lifelong comics fan and a prolific podcaster. He has more than a passing knowledge of the Fantastic four, being an original host of the Fantasticast! He also hosts a plethora of other podcasts, which I have linked below. Chatting was a “ahem” fantastic experience! Speaking of the adjective “fantastic”, during our recording I, in Freudian fashion, overused the word a bit! So, I challenge you to take a drink every time I say it!

Hey Kids Comics - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrew-leyland

Amazing Spider-Man - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrew-leyland0

Palace of Glittering Delights - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/palace-of-glittering-delights-two-true-freaks/id900945950

The Overlooked Dark Knight - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-overlooked-dark-knight-the-new-adventures/id1718444339

Connect with Andy on Facebook, Threads, and Discord under Fire and Water Podcasts, and you can email him at [email protected].

Find Eastgate Comics online at https://www.eastgatecomics.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Eastgatecomics/.

Thanks a ton to Fred for this interview and thanks to Andy for joining me for the review.

In this episode I am back in Columbus, OH and visited a very strategically located comic shop called Heroes and Games. The owner, Doug, and I hit it off immediately. We are about the same age, and except for the fact that he is a die hard Marvel fan and I am a huge DC fan, we share similar backgrounds.

I mentioned “strategically located”. Doug has placed his shop literally in a convention center, giving him tons of exposure, especially during events.

It’s very much a family oriented business. When he was young, Doug and his dad bought and sold comics together, and now Doug includes his daughter and son in the business.

One of the things I liked most about Heroes and Games was the back issue selection. Tons of dollar books and almost as many marked as priced books. The selection of trades is impressive, as well. Not to mention a subscription service, apparel, gaming supplies, and much, much more. Listen to the virtual tour part of the episode to get the full effect.

I can’t recommend enough that you visit Heroes and Games the next time you are even close to Columbus, OH!

I hope you enjoy the interview with Doug and his crew as much as I did!

Find Heroes and Games inline at https://heroesandgames.com/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/heroesandgamesohio

You can find Scott and Shaad on their websites https://www.burgcomics.com/ and https://linktr.ee/shaadschubert respectively, or you can email them at [email protected].

Thanks a ton to Doug for this interview and allowing me to interrupt their busy day, and thanks to Scott and Shaad for joining me for the review.

In this particularly special episode Mike makes his way back to the Beehive State and to The Nerd Store in Valley Fair Mall. He got the chance to interview Roger, who along with his brother Charles, is an owner and operator.

Roger has one of the most interesting and inspiring stories Mike has heard so far. This is a story of two brothers scraping and clawing their way to success, including surviving on one cup of noodles a day and sleeping in the back of the store.

Now, if you thought that alone was reason this was a special episode, you’ll be happy to hear the rest of the story.

As returning listeners know, the basic script is an interview with a comic shop owner or manager, then a review of the book they recommend. Here is the curve ball: both Roger, the co-owner, and another friend of mine from the area, Andrew, are friends with the author of the book being covered this episode, Plastic. And that is Mr. Doug Wagner. Introductions were made and the next thing you know, Mike was interviewing Doug. He is an absolute gentleman and a joy to interview, not to mention, as his series Plastic shows, a supremely imaginative and talented writer.

So strap in and prepare to enjoy this episode!

Find The Nerd Store on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Nerdstoreut/?locale=en_GB.

Find the extraordinary author of Plastic, Doug Wagner, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Doug.Wagner13, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/Doug.Wagner13/, and X @Doug_Wagner.

And above all, track down and buy the sequel to Plastic, Plastic: Death and Dolls, out now at your favorite comic shop...or online...bottom line...it’s a must buy!

Thanks to both Roger and Doug for these interviews. They were two of the most fun interviews Mike’s had!

This time Mike zigzags his way across the US to Columbus, OH and discovers a cool shop called Comic Town.

The owner, Ryan, was very accommodating, even though he was busy helping customers throughout the interview. It was great to see the level of attention he gave them, no matter what they were looking for.

Unfortunately, this marks the first time a shop featured on the Roadshow has closed its doors since the interview was recorded. Due to an ever growing backlog, it’s been a year since Mike interviewed Ryan, and in November of 2023, he sadly closed his business.

Ryan’s heartfelt goodbye post on the Comic Town Facebook page is worth reading as it describes his decision as being as the result of a lot of soul searching and discussions with his family, which is laudable in and of itself. He was ready to shift away from retail and take on challenges in a different industry. We wish Ryan the very best and dedicate this episode not to the Comic Town shop, but to Ryan and his family.

Mike and returning guest host Russell Burbage review Ryan’s enthusiastic recommendations, the first volume of The Magic Order, by Mark Millar and Olivier Coipel.

The Comic Town Facebook page is worth checking out, if for no other reason than reading his farewell post.

Find Russell Burbage on his Seigi No Nakama blogspot at https://seiginonakama.blogspot.com/, which is Japanese for "Friends of Justice”, where he covers lots of Bronze Age goodness.

Thanks to Russell for his help in reviewing!

The vacation in Myrtle Beach continues as Mike takes a jaunt a bit to the north and visits the House of Heroes in North Myrtle Beach where he found two of the coolest cats he’s ever met, Shawn and Eric.

They are co-owners of House of Heroes and together they told a great story about their shop and its history. House of Heroes is jam-packed with comic and pop culture goodies. It’s a cozy shop with a huge variety of products. Comics, cards, collectibles, toys, vinyl, you name it!

Most importantly, Shawn and Eric projected a feeling of happiness that Mike has yet to experience at any comic shop! They were laid back, and welcoming and best of all, kept Mike in stitches throughout the interview!

It goes without saying that you should visit the House of Heroes any time you are in the Myrtle Beach area. You will be glad you did!

Then join Mike and his guest host, the inimitable Dan Brown, as they review the first volume of Wonder Woman: Earth One, by Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette.

House of Heroes is located at 1626 Hwy 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582 and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/houseofheroescomicsandcollectables/. The email address is [email protected]. Their phone number is (803) 246-6201.

Find Dan @detective651 on Twitter, Instagram and Teepublic, and Comic Plug on YouTube.

It’s vacation time for Mike as he makes a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. Immediately on the hunt for a local comic shop, he finds an awesome shop called Coastal Comics in Surfside Beach, just a few minutes down the road.

Coastal Comics is a lively shop, and while it has it local base of customers, it attracts lots of tourists looking for their comic fix while on vacation. In business for 9 years running, Coastal Comics has a strong focus on old and new comics. The owner Drew has a great story and has a lot to be proud of here. Coastal Comics is a back issue hunter paradise, and Drew provides CGC processing service as well as pressing comics. The next time you’re are on vacation in the Myrtle Beach area, you definitely need to stop in at Coastal Comics. You won’t be disappointed!

Then join Mike and his guest host, Ryan Daly of the illustrious Fire and Water Podcast Network as they review the first volume of House of Slaughter, written by James Tynion IV and Tate Brombal, and illustrated by Chris Shehan, with colors by the appropriately named Miquel Muerto.

Coastal Comics is located at 1708 Hwy 17 N, Surfside Beach, SC, (843) 750-0330, online at https://coastalcomics.godaddysites.com/, and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/coastal.comics/ The email address is [email protected].

Follow Ryan and his fantastic podcasts on the Fire and Water Podcast Network at http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/

Thanks to Ryan for joining me and thanks to Drew at Coastal Comics for sharing his time and story with me, as well as the great recommendation!

Join Mike as he takes a short trip to St. Louis, MO and one of the coolest shops around!

Mike got a hot tip from Campus Comics Cast co-host, Shaad, about a hip comic shop practically in our backyard. That shop is Apotheosis Comics and Lounge, and if you thought going to comic shops couldn’t get better, wait until you go to one with a bar serving your favorite beer or seltzer!

Apotheosis Comics and Lounge is in the heart of St. Louis on South Grand Blvd., a beautiful and historic part of the city. It’s locally owned and has a wide selection of current comic books, trade paperbacks and graphic novels, not to mention a great selection of local beers, cocktails and wines along with coffee and soda. And if you feel like it, you can have a pickup game of darts or come to one of their frequent comedy shows and game nights.

The owner, Martin, is a busy guy...he’s not only a successful business owner, he’s heavily involved in the community, and still has time to be a comics fan! Martin has a gift of gab that made interviewing him an absolute pleasure. You are going to love the story he tells about...but wait...let’s not spoil it. Let’s just say it was worthy of being featured on a podcast called Dumbest Criminals.

The next time you’re in the Gateway City, take a trip to 3206 South Grand Boulevard and treat yourself to some comics and a refreshment at St. Louis' Friendly Neighborhood Comic Book Shop, Apotheosis Comics and Lounge!

Then join Mike and his Campus Comic Cast collaborators, Scott and Shaad, as they review OGN Cosmic Detective, by Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and David Rubin.

Apotheosis Comics and Lounge is at 3206 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, (314) 802-7090, online at https://shopapotheosis.com/, and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/ApotheosisComicsSTL/, Instagram.com/apotheosiscomics/, @ASTLComics on X. The email address is [email protected].

Thanks to Martin at Apotheosis Comics and Lounge for sharing his time with me and the great recommendation (not to mention the great stories)!

The third month of the year is named after the Roman God of War Mars, so join Mike as he leans into the month by marching himself down to the Gulf Coast.

Join Mike as he ventures south to Sweet Home Alabama for a family vacation and of course, a trip to a local comic shop in Foley, AL!

Serendipity abounded as it turned out Mike’s co-host Scott on the Campus Comics Cast was also on his own family vacation in Gulf Shores, so he joined Mike for the interview at Covert Comics and Collectibles. In fact, this shop was Scott’s suggestion because he has been going to Covert Comics for years when he comes here for vacation.

Covert Comics and Collectibles is right on the main drag in Foley, and despite its name, it’s easy to find. It has so much to offer...new and old comic books, Sports Cards and Memorabilia, Trading Cards, Statues, Video Games, DandD, Vinyl Records, Funko Pops, and Vintage Toys. And with 5000 square feet of space, it’s very roomy and fun to explore.

The owner, Jason, had a level of enthusiasm that was palpable. He and his staff are super-friendly! This history of Covert Comics is very interesting so buckle down for a great ride! And the next time you take trip to Gulf Shores, AL, skip a couple of hours at the beach and treat yourself to this fantastic comic shop, Covert Comics and Collectibles!

Then join Mike and fellow comics fan, and podcaster, Paul Hix, as they review the trade collection of Wolverine Vol. 3 issues 66-72 plus Wolverine: Old Man Logan Giant-Size 1. Paul is 50% of the genius behind the Waiting for Doom podcast and several other shows. This is an 8 part story with the original issues coming out in 2008 and 2009. It was written by Mark Millar, with pencils by Steve McNiven, and inks by Dexter Vines, Mark Morales, and Jay Leisten.

You can find Covert Comics and Collectibles at 107 South McKenzie St., Foley, AL 36535, (251)377-9690, online at covertcomics.com, and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/covertcomicsfoley, and email at [email protected].

Thanks to Paul for his help in reviewing Old Man Logan. Find Mr. Paul Hix and his various podcasts along with Mike Garvey, at https://www.waitingfordoom.com/ and anywhere you get your podcasts. It’s one of the best and funniest comic podcasts out there! You can also send him an email at [email protected] and find Waiting for Doom on Facebook, X, and other social media sites.

Thanks to Jason at Covert comics and Collectibles for sharing his time with us and to Scott for teaming up with me on the interview.

Did you know the Squadron Supreme is Marvel's take on the Justice League and Skymax (aka Sk'ym'x) is Marvel's Martian Manhunter?

Join Mike as he makes a stop in the great state of Texas at a comic shop appropriately named Star Comics in Lubbock, TX. Star Comics is Lubbock's OG comic shop, having opened in 1977.

The owner Robert Mora is a very insightful comic shop owner with a keen business sense that is balanced with his passion for comics.

Listen to this episode and learn more about one of Star Comics’ claims to fame. A little hint...it has to do with the inimitable Alex Ross himself! Robert showed Mike a really cool surprise that you will hear about in the interview, so tune in!

Next time you find yourself in west Texas, do yourself a favor and visit Star Comics. You will be glad you did!

Enjoy the interview with Robert and then join Mike and fellow comics fan, blogger extraordinaire, and overall bronze age comics expert, Russell Burbage, as they review the collection of Squadron Supreme maxiseries from 1985/86, written by Mark Gruenwald, and art by Bob Hall, Paul Ryan, and others.

A big thanks to Robert telling his great story!

You can find Star Comics at 3504 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410, (806) 744-0727, online at https://www.starcomicsonline.com/ and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/starcomicsonline/, and email at [email protected].

Find Russell Burbage on his Seigi No Nakama blogspot at https://seiginonakama.blogspot.com/, which is Japanese for "Friends of Justice”, where he covers lots of Bronze Age goodness.

Thanks to Russell for his help in reviewing Squadron Supreme.

Did you know that Bruno Mars graduated from Roosevelt High school in Honolulu?

Join Mike as he stops in at a comic shop in the heart of Honolulu called Other Realms. It’s a spectacular family run comic shop and is owned and operated by Charles and Loretta Whitesell. This is a thriving business that employs over a dozen full and part time staff and has been in business for 35 years.

Loretta and Charles’ tandem approach of hobbyist enthusiasm and great business sense was magic to behold. Possibly the busiest comic shop I have ever been to, the place was buzzing with customers, gamers and staff helping at every turn. It’s the kind of comic shop to hang out at all day!

If you are ever on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, do yourself a favor and visit Other Realms. You won’t regret it!

Enjoy the interview with Loretta and Charles and then join Mike and longtime friend and founding member of the Campus Comics Cast, Matt Martin, as they review volume 1 of Seven to Eternity as recommended by Charles (with an assist from comics manager Eric)!

A big thanks to Charles and Loretta telling their great story!

You can find Other Realms at 1130 N Nimitz Hwy C-140, Honolulu, HI 96817, (808) 596-8236, online at https://other-realms.com/, and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/OtherRealmsLtd/, https://www.instagram.com/otherrealmsltd/.

Find Matt @wookieecopilot on just about all of the social media platforms you can find.

Many thanks to Matt for his help in reviewing Seven to Eternity!