If you’re in Paris and (for some reason) need to take a break from all the gothic architecture, then I’ve got just the spot for you. Conveniently located a few streets down from Notre Dam Cathedral, Album Comics is an unbelievably well stocked and tourist friendly local comic book store. Read More
Here’s an updated look at my insane collection Star Wars action figure variant covers, of which I have all but Mr. Boba Fett. (I’m pretty sure) Back when they were first released I quickly scrambled to jump on-board, and now I’ve been steadily collecting them ever since. They just show up in my weekly pull list, so it’s been a very passive experience. But now that I look at them, scattered about on the floor, I feel a nerdy sense of shame accomplishment.
At this point there’s no reason to ever stop, so expect another one of these posts 2 years from now -most likely after I come to my senses and attempt to sell them off them on eBay.
I knew that I’d be spending a few days in the Wellington area and noted Graphic Comics as a somewhere that I’d like to visit if the opportunity presented itself. Several days later the universe answered when I stumbled across Graphic while exploring a popular Cuba Mall shopping district. “Damn that’s a great location!” Read More
I did not anticipate how freezing cold I would be in New York this past weekend, but the winter chill cut into me as I made my way in the cold, dark evening to Midtown Comics – hoping to get in before they closed (or I froze to death).
Whenever I’m in the Times Square area I love to go by there and snap up store exclsive variant covers and other random things. For someone who regularly goes into random comic book shops, you would think that I’ve got everything I need, but somehow Midtown Comics always manage to surprise me.
The store is jam packed with titles and graphics novels with curios and collectibles adorning each and every corner. Upstairs is no different, but with an impressive section of back issues and shelves of action figures.
It’s worth walking the extra few blocks from the main touristy area, even in sub-zero temps.
When I found out that I needed to go to Sydney for a video project the very first thing I did was to find out if I needed a travel visa. The answer was yes, so I’m glad that I did that first.
But…the second thing I did was – naturally – to research where all the local comic book shops are located. It turned out that I only really needed to visit one place, and all signs pointed me towards:Kings Comics, “Australia’s Award Winning Comic Book Specialty Store”. Read More
My geek game is strong this week in Iceland! After returning to Reykjavik on our final day, I managed to drop in on Nexus Comics. I haven’t done any research, but I’m guessing that it’s probably the country’s best comic book shop.
Here’s a panorama I snapped as I entered the shop (click to expand):
There’s an impressive games section, along with several shelves (and barrels) of fantasy costumes & weapons– perfect for some legit cosplay adventures in the Icelandic countryside.
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When I was firming up plans for an upcoming business trip to Amsterdam, I did the two things that I always do when preparing for a trip. The first was to research if any of my favorite bands were on tour there, and I was THRILLED to see that Chvrches would fit nicely into my evening itinerary (ignoring the fact that I’ve already seen them twice in concert this year). Secondly, I looked for local comic book shops, which led me to Henk Comics, located in the Chinatown area, just as it bleeds into the infamous Red Light District. I found the store along a cobblestone street, illuminated by early holiday decorations and neon lights.
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While geeking out with my family at Universal Studios in California (which is inferior to the Orlando park in every way), I wandered into the ridiculously massive Things From Another World comic shop. Being a resident of Portland, I’m already very familiar with the TFAW brand, so it was kinda fun to see one of the shops outside my local area.
Like I said, the store is huge. Did this used to be a Rainforest Cafe or something? (j/k) While the store does have a current releases wall, it definitely caters mostly to the touristy, gift shop crowd with tons of Legos, t-shirts and Funko type figures. I mean, it would definitely be weird to have a pull list there unless you worked somewhere on the Universal Studios property or have a season pass to cover the expensive parking lots.
Anyway, there was a lot to check out there and would probably be a great introduction their online store for folks wanting to similar items when they get back home.
Now that I’m back from my international and geeky travels (for a while), it’s time to shift focus on getting my office space into shape. For months I’ve been hoarding variant covers from Jeff Lemire and John Tyler Christopher. However, I decided that the walls would reach maximum radness with the Wicked + Divine covers from Jamie McKelvie and Matt Wilson.
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A long time ago in a comic shop not to far away, I snagged the first issue of Marvel’s new Star Wars comic book like just about everyone else in the known universe. There were over fifty variant covers, but there was no way I’m getting caught up in any of that. Though I did have a moment of weakness over the Hasbro action figure variant with Luke Skywalker on the cover. It was pretty rad, but I didn’t budge, stating that “it wasn’t really my thing.”
(Spoiler: It turns out to totally be my thing.)
Flash forward a month to the release of issue #2, and – sure enough – there’s a Han Solo action figure variant. Standing in front of the new release wall I lament, “So this is going to be a thing now?” There was a moment where I almost bought it. However, since I didn’t get the last one I figured it was too late. And it’s not like I’m in need of new things to hoard.
One week later and I’m staring at Darth Vader #1 and it’s glorious variant cover. If you guessed that I fucking snapped, then you would be correct. “How bad do I want these now?!” I remember yelling out loud, or at least in my head.
It turns out that the comic shop still had last week’s Hand Solo variant, and I was able to buy the Luke Skywalker issue off Amazon for only a few bucks. I’ve added the variants to my pull list, and it’ll be interesting to see how long i can keep up with them. I heard that they’re retailer incentives, so if they don’t order or sell a certain number of issues, they won’t get that cover version.
Regardless, I’m in the game now. Can’t wait to add Princess Leia #1 and Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star War #3! I’ll update as they arrive.
I didn’t take very many photos or tweet snarky comments while at this year’s Image Expo 2015. I think it was because I was caught up in all the fun of listening to all the amazingly talented creators share their new projects with the world. After dropping a ton of cash each year on San Diego Comic-Con International, buying the ‘premium’ ticket to this event (which was like $25 over the normal ticket price) seemed like a reasonable decision. And for the most part, it was. We didn’t really get any advance seating or anything like that, but the swag bag was killer.
Tote bag, Image Comics t-shirt, and program guide. There were also the following expo-exclusive comics: Bitch Planet #1, East of West #16, Wytches #3, and Rumble #1.
The best thing that wasn’t in the bag? Not having to wait in the long line after the general session to buy the exact same items. As it turns out, the premium pass was more like a pre-order – which I will order again, without hesitation next year.
Even though I haven’t posted my weekly comics round-ups lately, rest assured, I’m still buying them – and, in most cases, reading them. This week I snagged a bunch of cool titles. Here’s a few of the more noteworthy:
Bee & Puppycat #2 – My daughter wanted her own monthly titles, so we’re reading Bee & Puppycat together. It’s funny, because the animated series isn’t even out yet and I can already tell she’s going to be on of those “I read the books first” gripesters. [Bee & Puppycat #2 comixology link]
Manifest Destiny #7 – The historical horror fiction rolls into its next story arc, and I’m loving every moment of Lewis & Clarke’s classified adventures in the new frontier. [Manifest Destiny #7 comixology link]
Shutter #3 – One of my favorite, new Image titles. It has a strong, female lead with an interesting backstory, and moves at a brisk place through a fantastically surreal world. [Shutter #3 comixology link]
This week was a pretty rad selection of comics. Not much could keep me away from the local comic shop today, not even the rude douchebag working the counter.
Rat Queens #6
Are there still people that haven’t heard of Rat Queens? It seems weird to me. Maybe it’s not for everyone, but that certainly hasn’t stopped me telling everyone how they should be reading it. I’m thrilled to see the new story arc kicking off this week, and hanging out, once again, with most ass-kicking gals in comics.
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First of all, this isn’t so much a review as it is a quick impression while out on one of my geek adventures. Speaking as a tourist, it was nice to side-step the family sightseeing on Monterey’s famous Cannery Row and take in some soothing, nerdy comic book images – if only for a few minutes. That’s really all the time you need to check out Current Comics. It’s small and lean, and probably the right fit if you already know exactly what you want.
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I was in Las Vegas last week for some work-related stuff, so I didn’t have a chance to hit the comic book shop. Which totally killed me by the way, with the release of Caliban (Avatar Press) and ton of other titles I’m into right now. Amongst the stack were: Punisher, Crossed: Badlands, Black Science, Pretty Deadly, and God is Dead.
This week my stack – entirely Image Comics – is much smaller, but completely rad nonetheless. I snagged the debut issue of Shutter (which I just read and was blown away by), and the latest issues of East of West and Manifest Destiny.
While out on a family adventure this weekend, I had the chance to visit Dr. Comics & Mr. Games in Oakland, California.
Much like the Tardis, and most comic shops, it’s much bigger on the inside. The store’s layout is fairly straightforward, but devious by design. The new comics are along side walls, with the more popular (superhero) titles near the back. To get to them you must survive a gauntlet of irresistible collectibles ranging from Doctor Who trinkets to action figures of every variety.
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Here’s a quick glimpse at this week’s haul. I’m going to do a shorter rundown this week, as I’m drowning in work.
Voice in the Dark #4 – Loving this book – there’s few current comics like it.
Fuse #2 – Enjoyed the first issue, and I’m eager to see how it progresses (meaning, “If I’ll keep buying standalone issues”)
Undertow #2 – I’m glad this doesn’t come out on the same week as The Wake – they’re totally different, but I like to have a buffer between my aquatic adventures.
The Week of Avatar! – Lucky me, there’s three killer Avatar Press titles. Mike Wolfer is doing a bang-up job of running the Gravel show on his own. God is Dead continues to spread epic destruction. And the latest Crossed: Badlands story arc ends – I really hope everyone dies in this one.
This week’s trip to the comic show was pretty light on the wallet, but teeming with the quality.
Manifest Destiny #5
I picked this one up, along with the reprint of #4, so I shall soon be caught up. I’m frustrated with myself for not finding this gem earlier, but thrilled that my local comic shop evangelized this title so heavily.
East of West #10
Loving every second of it East of West. There really aren’t enough Sci-Fi/Western/Asian/Armageddon books out there these days.
I had a heavy-ass stack of comics today when I left the store. Not all of them are pictured here (I’ll explain), but here’s all the noteworthy titles:
Manifest Destiny #1 (Fourth Printing)
Okay, so I’m late to the game on this title and since everyone has been raving about it, I grabbed the rest of the issues as well (hence the heavy stack). I love the art style, and I think I’m going to enjoy people dressed as old-timey fur trappers fighting monsters.
God is Dead #7
The battle against the God is swift and brutal, and I’m excited to see how the next story arc plays out.
Punisher #3
Does this book come out every two weeks or something? I can’t believe it’s already in the third issue – not that I’m complaining. I can’t wait to see Frank Castle beat the crap out of Electro (or any other dumb superpowered person for that matter).
Jupiter’s Legacy #4
The family drama is really ramping up, and I’m looking forward to all the puffy Frank Quietly people stabbing each other in the back.
Trillium #7
It’s that time of the month where I visit the quiet sadness that pervades every haunting frame of Trillium, and is pretty much my favorite thing about Jeff Lemire creator-owned projects.
Daymen #3
For someone that hates vampires as much as I do, I’m really into Daymen. Maybe because it’s about a human familiar that works for the bloodsuckers, or perhaps because it’s such a well choreographed story so far.
Starlight #1
I always love the start of a new Millar title. And since this one looks like golden age sci-fi, I’m probably going to read it first.
Vell #1
First issue. Going in cold. Looks intriguing.
UPDATE: I ended up going back to the store today (Thursday) to snag Moonknight #1. Can’t believe I missed a Warren Ellis book!
