Mike's Comic Shop Roadshow

This episode Mike travels a whole 20 minutes and visits…and no exaggeration…the most beautiful comic shop he’s ever seen. See for yourself in the Facebook post! It’s Villainous Grounds in Perryville, MO, and upon entering the 140-year-old building in the historic Perryville town square, you will feel right at home at the coffee bar, at a table in the nook, or in the second floor Mad Hatter’s Room. And if this isn’t enough, Villainous Grounds has for six years co-hosted the “Heroes for Kids Comic Con,” raising more than $11,000 for regional and local organizations each year for the past two years. It’s not local bias that has Mike raving about Villainous Grounds…every bit of the praise is well-earned. And the owners, David and Mary Jo, are absolutely inspiring! If you ever get the chance, you will be as amazed as Mike at the atmosphere and customer service at Villainous Grounds, one of the few comic shops where you can get a caffeinated beverage of your choice at the same time as you buy your comics. Mike is joined by the one and only Clinton of the Coffee and Comics Podcast. I mean the choice in cohost made itself. Find and follow Villainous Grounds at https://villainousgrounds.com, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. You can contact them at (573) 605-1333, or better yet, visit them at 26 N Jackson St, Perryville, MO, United States, 63775. Be sure to catch Clinton and his podcasts on your favorite podcast feed and follow him on Facebook. Many thanks to Clinton for joining me for the great discussion and to David and Mary Jo for their great recommendation of Hairball.

This episode we travel to our nation’s Capital, Washington DC and one of the coolest comic shops Mike’s ever experienced, Fantom Comics! Located on the second floor of a beautiful building in the historic Dupont Circle neighborhood in DC, Fantom Comics was everything Mike expected and more! The co-managers, Sarahti and Jacob, were just as charming as the area, and passionate about comics to boot! Their website says it best, that Fantom Comics was established in 2005 with twin goals, to offer a wide selection of comic books and graphic novels to comic book fans, and to introduce this underappreciated yet quintessentially American art form to the public at large. Fantom Comics is an open, inclusive store that welcomes all people, even if you've never read a comic book in your life. So, whether you're a fan who wants to talk comics, a novice who wants to learn comics, or you're just looking for the right gift for the comic book devotee in your life, they are always ready to help. It was a blast to hang out with the fabulously friendly Fantom Comics crew! Then, Mike is joined by comic podcaster extraordinaire, Ian Levenstein! Ian is the host/producer/founder of Comic Timing podcast and was a big part of Comic Geek Speak for years! Find and follow Fantom Comics at https://stores.comichub.com/fantom_comics, as well as on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram. You can contact them at (202) 241-6498, or better yet, visit them at 2010 P St NW, Washington, DC 20036. Be sure to catch Ian and the Comic Timing podcast at comictiming.net. Listen to Comic Timing on your favorite podcast feed and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. It’s a top-notch show with an amazing cast! Connect directly with Ian with a version of i_am_scifi on the socials. Many thanks to Ian for joining me for the great discussion on Blue Period and to Jacob and Sarahti for their great recommendation of Blue Period!

For this episode Mike goes to the theme park capital of the world, Orlando FL. While it was a grueling trip…delayed in St. Louis airport for 16 hours, then stuck in the Atlanta airport overnight due to wintry weather…Mike finally landed in Orlando 36 hours later and was able to arrange for an interview at one of the coolest comic shops ever, Blackbird Comics and Coffeehouse. Winner of the 2024 Spirit of Comics Retailer Award winner, this shop has a vibe like no other. It’s atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the owners are the best one-two punch Mike’s ever met. Once you visit, you’ll find it difficult to leave this comic shop and bookstore with a cozy café set in the center of it all! Dave and Candice’s story is unique, and the spirit they imbue into their business is contagious. So, buckle up and prepare your ears for the chat with Candice and David at Blackbird Comics and Coffeehouse! Then, Mike is joined by the inimitable DC Dave, half of the dynamic duo hosting The Monitor Tapes, A Crisis on Infinite Earths Podcast to discuss East of West Vol 1! And yes, Dave had to break out of his routine and review a non-DC comic! Find and follow Blackbird Comics and Coffeehouse their website at https://www.theblackbirdroost.com/, as well as on Facebook and Instagram. You can contact them at (321) 316-4296, or better yet, visit them in person to get the full experience, because this podcast simply can’t do it justice. They are located at 500 E Horatio Ave STE 3, Maitland, FL 32751, just outside of Orlando. Listen to The Monitor Tapes on your favorite podcast feed and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, BlueSky and Mastodon. Their direct webpage is www.themonitortapes.com. It’s a fantastic show! Many thanks to DC Dave for joining me for the fun discussion on East of West Vol 1!

This episode, we take a trip south to Dothan, AL, on the Alabama/Florida border. Mike struck gold when he found Knight Vigil Comics. Embedded in an antique mall, this shop has a humble presence, but what it lacks in size and flashiness it more than makes up for in style and old-fashioned comic goodness. The owner, Tim, is a consummate gentleman, has a deep love for comics, and he has a remarkable story. The shop is wall to wall back issue comics and sports some great art all around. Tim also has a significant presence on eBay. So, get ready for Tim and his super story about Knight Vigil Comics! Then, Mike is joined by longtime podcaster podcast editor extraordinaire, Steeven Orr of the Steeven Or Else Network! Steeven has to be one of the most creative people in podcasting. He not only uses his sound editing skills to make every episode of the Roadshow sound as good as it can, but he is also the brain and the voice behind the promos for Roadshow AND the Campus Comics Cast. Considering his love for all things Conan, not to mention the fact that one of his shows is called Hither Came Conan, he was the natural choice for a guest host! Follow Knight Vigil Comics on Facebook and contact them at (334) 797-1389. Explore the multitude of podcasts by Steeven at somanypodcasts.com and follow him on all the social media sites. Also, if you are in the market for a podcast editing service, you simply must contact Steeven at edityourpod@gmail.com. It’s a fantastic service! Many thanks to Steeven for joining me for the fun discussion about Conan the Barbarian 1!

In this episode, we are back in Philadelphia, PA, and the shop Mike had the pleasure of visiting is Ontario Street Comics. Some comic shops defy expectations; some break the mold completely. That is what Ontario Street Comics did. This shop is a family affair, with the owner, Bill AKA The Captain, his wife, and their little dog Evie. It has a very homey atmosphere. Bill is one cool cat with a great sense of humor. So, batten down the hatches, mateys, and get ready for the interview with Bill! Then, Mike is joined by longtime podcaster and one of the co-founders of the Fire and Water Podcast Network, The Irredeemable Shag! Shag was the perfect cohost of this episode, as a lifelong fan of Sad Sack! Follow Ontario Street Comics on Facebook and contact them through email them at wfink27240@aol.com. Explore the multitude of podcasts by Shag at http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/. Follow Fire and Water on X @FWPodcasts and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork. Many thanks to Shag for joining me for the fun discussion about of Sad Sack’s Army Life 8!

This episode, we are in Rochester, UK at the charming Get Ready Comics, and meet the equally charming owners, Paul and Katie. Get Ready Comics fits perfectly into the magic of this historic city. Rochester was Charles Dicken’s favorite city, and many of his novels are based on the area. As their Facebook page says, Get Ready Comics has been located on the Historic High Street for over 9 years and has been a home for people who love comics, pop-culture, classic tv and film, and everything in between. Then, Mike is joined by longtime podcaster, Stella Bowman, of the Batgirl to Oracle and the Dear Reader podcasts. Stella is a wealth of knowledge and has particular expertise in both the Batman family mythos and classical literature, making her the perfect cohost for this episode! Follow Get Ready Comics on Facebook and check out their web page at www.getreadycomics.com (and subscribe to their amazing newsletter!). You can also email Paul or Katie directly at hello@getreadycomics.com. Follow Stella on her podcast adventures at https://thebatmanuniverse.net/category/podcast/bto/ and https://fireandwaterpodcast.com/show/dear-reader/, and follow Batgirl to Oracle on Facebook and X. Many thanks to Stella for joining me and reviewing the amazing recommendation of Batman Noel!

This episode we are back in Lubbock, TX, where Mike discovered Monster’s Lair Comics (a great name, by the way!). The owner, Rob, originally hails from Chicago, IL so he and Mike had lots to talk about. This comic shop has lots to pick from and since Mike got there a little early, he enjoyed perusing the shelves and chatting with the very friendly staff. Rob tells a great story and has lots to be proud of with what he’s built with this business. So, buckle up as we jump right into the interview with Rob! Follow Monster’s Lair Comics on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/monsterslaircomics Then, Mike is joined by longtime podcaster, Peter Rios! Peter has more comic knowledge in his pinky finger than Mike does in his whole body. He’s a co-founder of Comic Geek Speak and current host of the Daily Rios, The Tower, and other shows. Follow Peter on his podcast adventures at https://www.comicgeekspeak.com/ and https://thedailyrios.com/. Follow him on X/Twitter @peterjrios and on Instagram @thedailyrios. You can also contact him by email at peter@comicgeekspeak.com or peter@thedailyrios.com. Many thanks to Peter for joining me and reviewing the legendary Secret Wars from Marvel!

This episode Mike makes his way from Philadelphia to Lancaster, PA and the appropriately named Comic Store and its owner, Charles Park. Charles is hands down one of the most interesting comic shop owners ever. No exaggeration, as the story he tells will attest. What started out as a Pitstop version of the Roadshow, where there is just a quick recommendation from the owner, turned into hearing a fascinating story from Charles. Charles’ knowledge of comics spans decades and there were times Mike almost forgot he was recording for being so wrapped up in the story. The Comic Store is in a cool brick building and is chock full of comics and related goodies. Mike spent a couple of hours there just perusing the shelves and asking Charles questions. Mike is then joined by another longtime podcaster, the illustrious Chris Eberle! Chris was one of the voices on Comic Geek Speak for years, and is steeped in comics knowledge, particularly Marvel comics. As a former comic shop owner and educator, he was great to team up with for the review of Kill or Be Killed! And, as a self-proclaimed follower and fan of the creative team, Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips, he was the perfect cohost for this episode! You can occasionally catch Chris on Ian Levenstein’s Comic Timing and Paul Spataro’s Back to the Bins podcasts, both of which you can find on all the podcast feeds. Many thanks to Charles for his fantastic story and great recommendation, and a big thanks to Chris Eberle for joining me!

This episode Mike is still in the City of Brotherly Love, making the trip across town to Fat Jack’s Comic Crypt. The staff could not accommodate a full interview, but one of the staff, Lucas, had time to make a quick recommendation of a couple books for Mike to read. So, that made this a perfect opportunity for a Pitstop episode! Unfortunately, Fat Jack’s closed last year due to landlord issues, and the owner, Mike Ferrero passed away in December of 2024. The ICv2 website reported his death and stated, “Founded in 1976, Fat Jack’s was an integral part of the Philadelphia scene” This episode is dedicated to Mike Ferrero and his nationally renowned comic shop. On a decidedly more positive note, Mike is joined into this deep dive of Junkyard Joe by one of the best comic podcasters out there, Adam Murdough! Adam has been one of the voices on the classic Comic Geek Speak podcast for many years. For those that have missed those Muddle the Murd segments, guess what? You get one in this episode! Here’s to Mike Ferrero and Fat Jack’s Comics Crypt. Thanks to Lucas for taking the time to make a recommendation, and a big thanks to Adam Murdough for joining the journey with Junkyard Joe!

This episode Mike travels to the City of Brotherly Love and Brave New Worlds, a comic shop that is smack dab in historic Old City! Only a few blocks from Mike’s hotel, he took a leisurely stroll and walked past one historical site after another, from the Liberty Bell to the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin! Brave New Worlds is as charming as the area in which it resides. Mike had the pleasure of interviewing not one, but two managers, Brian and Cacey, and got a book recommendation from both. Cacey is also a cohost of the Tales From the Shortbox podcast. It comes out weekly and is hosted by Cacey Crawford, Adam Sheehan, Shaun Betit, and RJ Veit, who discuss the comics that were released the previous week. I have subscribed, and you should, too! The Brave New Worlds that Mike visited is one of two locations and has been around for over 35 years. They carry a wide variety of comics, game cards, graphic novels, children's books, action figures, back issues, t-shirts, posters, board/card games, and many collecting supplies. It was a blast to hang out with this very friendly and knowledgeable crew! Brave New Worlds is found at 55 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106. Follow the shop on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and check out their website https://stores.comichub.com/bravenewworldsphiladelphia. You can also email them at rob@bravenewworldscomics.com. You can hear more from the illustrious and enigmatic Captain Entropy on podcasts such as the Dark Horse Presents Aliens with Diablu Frank, Prof. Alan’s Quarter Bin, the Fantastic Pour with Brett Young, JLUCast with Chris and Cindy Franklin, the Longbox Crusade, and the DC SpecialCast with Paul Kien. A big thanks to Brian and Cacey for taking time out of their busy day to tell me about Brave New Worlds and giving great book recommendations, and thanks to Captain Entropy for joining me in the adventure of reading Step by Bloody Step!

This episode Mike swoops down to Dallas, Texas and Titan Comics, where he met and interviewed Jeremy Shoor, the owner and operator. This is not the Titan Comics publisher, mind you, but it is a comic shop that is titanic, both in size and in coolness. Titan Comics opened in 1991 and are in their fifth location since then, having grown from 1100 square feet to more than 4700 square feet. It’s a big store! To get an idea of Titan Comics, think about a great comic shop and multiply it by 10. A full line of new comics, a back issue selection of over 90,000 as far back as 1942, and trades galore. Not to mention one of possibly the biggest stock of statues. Plus, magazines, supplies, and apparel. Then join Mike and fellow podcaster, Professor Alan Middleton, of the Relatively Geeky Network as they discuss one of the best reads so far in this Roadshow venture! So, onto Jeremy and Titan Comics! Titan Comics is found at 3128 Forest Ln #250, Dallas, TX 75234. Follow the shop on Facebook and Instagram, and on their website https://titancomics.com/. Explore the multitude of podcasts by Prof. Alan and Em Middleton at http://relativelygeekypodcast.blogspot.com/ and http://dorknesstolight.blogspot.com/. Follow them at https://www.facebook.com/relativelygeeky/ on Facebook and @Relatively_Geek on X. And please drop them a line at relativelygeeky@gmail.com to tell them how much you enjoyed their conversation. A big thanks to Jeremy for his amazing story and great book recommendation, and thanks to the Professor for joining.

We are back at HeroesCon for this episode where I met the owner of Time Tunnel Comics from nearby Hickory, NC, Jacob Edwards. Jacob had a booth at the show and had some treasury sized comics I was interested in. We chatted a while and he was gracious enough to agree to an interview after the floor at the con closed. Time Tunnel Comics has been around 24 years and has been owned by Jacob since 2018. Jacob has a unique story to tell. Not comics related, per se… but a very powerful a story, nonetheless. Then join Mike and comics pro, fellow podcaster, and pal, Andrew Malin, as they discuss two cool Superman vs. Flash races from the Silver Age, collected in the Treasury-sized comic featured in this episode. Time Tunnel Comics is found at 265 2nd Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602. Follow the shop on Facebook and Instagram, and at their website https://www.timetunnelcomics.com/! Find Andrew on the Nerd Dome podcast and VelleityStudios.com where you can find lots of cool stuff! A big thanks to Jacob for his amazing story and great book recommendation, and thanks to Andrew for joining.

This episode takes us back to the Lone Star State, specifically, Austin, the capital city. Mike was able to land an interview with Brandon, the manager of Austin Books and Comics. Austin Books and Comics is quite unique. It’s more of a conglomeration of multiple geek culture stores. In addition to the main store, there is also Guza Gallery and Outlaw Moon, each specializing in a different part of geek culture. Listen to the interview for details. It’s also touted as Central Texas’ biggest and longest-running comics and pop culture retailer, helping fans discover their favorite comics since 1977, and has been a Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retail finalist on multiple occasions! Brandon is as knowledgeable and amiable a shop manager as you will ever meet, and it comes through in the conversation. Then join Mike and longtime friend and founding member of the Campus Comics Cast, Matt Martin, as they review The Complete Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck. You will find that Matt is one of the most knowledgeable folks you’ll ever find on Disney’s Duck family! Austin Books and Games is found at 5002 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78751. Follow the shop on all the socials, like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube! Find Matt @wookieecopilot on just about all of the social media platforms you can find. Big thanks to Brandon for his interview and great book recommendation, and thanks to Matt for joining.

This episode takes us across the pond to the UK where Mike was stationed for a few months. Naturally, he searched for comic shops almost immediately and found ACE Comics in Colchester, Essex. Inquiries were made and a quick train ride later Mike was at the shop on a beautiful Saturday afternoon for an interview with Martin Averre, AKA Biff. Biff has a deep history in the comics industry, particularly in the UK. He personally knows many of the great British creators, such as Alan Grant, John Wagner and Pat Mills. The building where the shop is located is centuries old and full of history. As one of the oldest comic shops in the UK, it is the perfect combination of historical landmark and a modern business. Wait until you hear about the unofficial British version of a comic book price guide that Biff published and on which Brian Bolland drew the cover! After the interview, Mike is joined by podcast fellow podcaster and comics fan, George Hanna to cover Flake, the debut graphic novel by Matthew Dooley. It’s the winner of the 2020 Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize, the UK’s only literary award for comic literature. George is one of the hosts of Meanwhile at the Podcast, a show that covers it all...pop culture, entertainment, fandom, you name it. ACE Comics has locations in Colchester and Southend-on-Sea and found online at https://acecomics.co.uk/. They also have a very active eBay store, so check it out! Be sure to follow ACE Comics on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest. Connect with George at https://meanwhileatthepodcast.libsyn.com/ and follow the show on Facebook and the site formerly known as Twitter. Meanwhile at the Podcast can be found on Apple, Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts, so be sure to check it out. Big thanks to Biff for his interview and great book recommendation, and thanks to George for joining me. For more interviews at comics shops around the US and the world, subscribe to Mike’s Comic Shop Roadshow wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you like a longer than average, detail-oriented podcast episode, then this is one for you! Mike is apparently trying to make up for his missing October Roadshow episode with this “feature-length” presentation. Once again back in Salt Lake City, Mike visited the very first comic shop he went to when he moved there in 2017, Black Cat Comics. Black Cat Comics is owned by the multi-talented Greg (he is also a musician). He is very much a hands-on owner. In fact, business was so brisk there Mike had to follow Greg around the store as he added and moved stock around and helped customers. Located in the heart of SLC in the Sugar House area, it’s easy to get to. It has a very open-air concept design and if you are a back issue collector, this is a shop for you. After the interview, Mike and returning co-host, Eric of the Longbox Review podcast cover The Great British Bump Off, by John Allison and Max Sarin. Find Black Cat Comics at https://blackcat-comics.com/ and follow on Facebook and Instagram. Connect with Eric at https://longboxreview.com/ and follow him on Bluesky, Mastodon, Facebook, Instagram, Spoutible, and Tumblr. You can email him longboxreview@gmail.com and even leave a text or voicemail at 208-953-1841. Longbox Review can be found on Apple, Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts, so be sure to check it out. Connect with Mike at mike@comicshoproadshow.com or podcasts@burgcomics.com, at https://www.facebook.com/campuscomicscast on Facebook, and Mike’s Comic Shop Roadshow on Bluesky. Thanks to Greg for this interview and great book recommendation, and thanks to Eric for joining me.

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 heykidscomics1972@gmail.com. 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 podcasts@burgcomics.com. 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 Houseofheroescomicshop@gmail.com. Their phone number is (803) 246-6201. Find Dan @detective651 on Twitter, Instagram and Teepublic, and Comic Plug on YouTube.