My Comic Shop History

Host Anthony Desiato finally reaches the famed Acme Comics in Greensboro, NC, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2018. Anthony settles in for an epic conversation with the store's manager, the one and only Jermaine Exum (aka Lord Retail), about Jermaine's dual identity, his role at Acme, and inter-shop dynamics. This episode is Part 1 of a two-episode podcast crossover with Flat Squirrel Tales: Beyond My Comic Shop. To hear Part 2, be sure to tune in to Flat Squirrel Tales on 10.4.17!

In this special bonus episode of My Comic Shop History, host Anthony Desiato announces the launch of the Kickstarter campaign for his next documentary film: MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY! The episode features conversations with Pat Callanan of Cave Comics (Newtown, CT) and Menachem Luchins of Escape Pod Comics (Long Island, NY) PLUS a special cameo appearance by Jermaine Exum, AKA Lord Retail, of Acme Comics (Greensboro, NC). The My Comic Shop Country Kickstarter runs from 9/20 through 10/20. Don't be a flat squirrel!

Host Anthony Desiato ventures farther than ever before with a visit to a pair of very young California comic book stores: Comic Asylum in Palm Desert (ft. owner Chicks Halay-Ay) and Interstellar Comic Books and Collectibles in Palm Springs (ft. owner Adrian Cuevas). Anthony speaks with each about first-year growing pains, tourism, retailing in the desert, and more.

Host Anthony Desiato concludes his trip to the Garden State with stops at two longstanding NJ shops: Fat Moose Comics (est. 1982) in Whippany and Dewey's Comic City (est. 1991) in Madison. First, the Flat Squirrel meets the Fat Moose! Anthony enjoys a casual chat with current Fat Moose owner Matt Potucek and employee (aka "heart and soul of the store") Shawn Hendricks about Diamond Comic Distributors' secret shoppers, balancing legacy with innovation, and much more. Then, at Dewey's, Anthony gets veteran retailer Dan Veltre's take on the various industry changes his store has weathered over the years. This episode is Part 2 of a two-episode visit to the Garden State.

Host Anthony Desiato continues his journey to comic book stores around the country with a visit to Zapp! Comics in Wayne, NJ. Anthony engages owner Ben Lichtenstein about his business philosophy, and Ben serves up a comics retail masterclass on: the importance of product turnover and diversification, the art of the deal in buying and selling back issue, and common industry pitfalls. This episode is Part 1 of a two-episode visit to the Garden State.

Host Anthony Desiato continues his journey to comic book stores around the country with a visit to Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in Philadelphia. Amalgam and its owner, Ariell Johnson, have received considerable media coverage from both industry and mainstream outlets since the store opened in late 2015. Anthony asks Ariell about navigating the attention, using her platform to effect change on multiple levels within the industry, and operating two business within one.

Host Anthony Desiato continues his journey to comic book stores around the country with a visit to Midtown Comics in New York City. Anthony is joined by Ted Alexander (Store Manager, Downtown location) and Henry Varona (Marketing Assistant & Events Coordinator) to discuss how Midtown operates on such a large scale while still remaining a local comic book store. BONUS: Following his conversation with Ted and Henry, Anthony brings in Dan Greenfield (13th Dimension) to talk about the customer experience at Midtown.

Host Anthony Desiato continues his journey to comic book stores around the country with a visit to Packrat Comics in Hilliard, OH. Packrat made industry news in early 2017 with a viral photo highlighting the problem of delinquent customers. Anthony welcomes owners Teresa and Jamie Colegrove to discuss the inspiration for (and reaction to) that photo, overcoming early struggles and staying positive, winning an Eisner Award, and much more. Making it a true double-date episode, Anthony's wife, Stephanie, also joins in on the fun.

Host Anthony Desiato embarks upon a season-long, cross-country journey to explore comic book stores and meet the people behind the counter. In the season premiere, Anthony visits Aw Yeah Comics (locations in Harrison, NY; Skokie, IL; and Muncie, IN) to speak with owner/manager Marc Hammond about launching and maintaining a family of stores, navigating different markets, and cultivating a sense of community for customers and fans.

In this special prelude to Season 3 recorded live at Undiscovered Realm Comic-Con, host Anthony Desiato invites guests Dan Greenfield (editor of 13thDimension.com) and Gregg Schigiel (creator of Pix from Image Comics) to the stage to talk about memorable comic shop experiences. My Comic Shop History returns with Season 3 on June 21, 2017.