Contest of Challengers
From Challengers Comics + Conversation in Chicago, this is CONTEST OF CHALLENGERS, a comics industry business podcast about the business of running a comic book store. Hosted by Patrick Brower and W. Dal Bush. Challengers • 1845 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 • 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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WHAT’S THE SCAM?
11/10/2025
WHAT’S THE SCAM?
We're taking a break from the podcast after this episode. We will be back later in 2025, but we're not sure when, or how often. Thanks for your patience and for sticking with us! WHAT’S THE SCAM?•We do a lot of movie promotion for just about everybody that asks. •New Ennis/Epting graphic novel, PARTISAN! •We still don’t really back Kickstarter projects. •Special orders from long ago that will never fill. •Shipping issues abound in the real world. •Why Priority Mail shipping is hardly worth it. •An increase in fraudulent web orders! •Comic news featuring Scarlet Witch and the Amazing Spider-Man. This episode is dedicated to the badlands.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #757 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT
11/03/2025
AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT
AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT•Halloween is just an excuse to talk about the Monster Cereal Mascots! •Corpse Tour guy deserves more than YOU! •Thanks, Patrons! •Funding offers. •The cost of store exclusive covers. •A new printing of an old Patrick comic book project. •When we used to exhaust ourselves hosting events. This episode is dedicated to giving everyone the same experience.---------- This episode was not digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #756 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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DAY 6,417
10/27/2025
DAY 6,417
DAY 6,417It’s Exhausting to Exist in That Space (alternate episode title) •Going to cons as kids vs going now. •The 6,417th day of Challengers and what that means for Patrick! •The earlier days of Challengers. •The end of Diamond Previews. •We are locked out of our Diamond account (for all that matters). •DC Comics is currently more additive to the industry than any other publisher. •James Tynnion IV is coming to Challengers in less than 2 weeks! This episode is dedicated to all 6,416 previous days!---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #755 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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SEVERAL POINTS OF ALIGNMENT
10/20/2025
SEVERAL POINTS OF ALIGNMENT
SEVERAL POINTS OF ALIGNMENT•Airport chat! But only the first part; we’re back in the Podcastitorium ™ for most of the episode. •No name calling. •Digital marketing mail. •NYCC purchases •DC Next Level This episode is dedicated to NO KINGS!---------- This episode was partially digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #754 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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CCC @ NYCC
10/13/2025
CCC @ NYCC
CCC @ NYCC•Recorded entirely in New York City! •Very long car rides. •The Speech! •The rest of our New York Comic Con experiences. Mostly. This episode is dedicated to the oldest and dearest of friends.---------- This episode was NOT digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #753 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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A SPEECH IS JUST TALKING
10/06/2025
A SPEECH IS JUST TALKING
A SPEECH IS JUST TALKING•Barry Mindster and the bonkers emails we get. •Who is Laura Lympus? •We’re getting closer to having an actual plan for our New Your Comic Con •AEW + DC Comics = Our worlds colliding!! •Superman/Spiderman from DC and Marvel in 2026! This episode is dedicated to always standing up for those that cannot stan up for themselves.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #752 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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ALL-MALE REVIEW
09/29/2025
ALL-MALE REVIEW
ALL-MALE REVIEW•Droning on about the same topics! All deliveries all the time! •We’re heading to the New York Comic Con in 2 weeks! •It was a tiring Batman Day! •A 1-star review for not at all unrealistic entitled reasons! •We’ll be getting Image books 27 days before bookstores! •Comics talked about in this episode: LUCKY DEVILS #5 SLEEP #5 VOYEUR #1 This episode is dedicated to playing the hits.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #750 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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IT’S JUST COMIC BOOKS
09/22/2025
IT’S JUST COMIC BOOKS
IT’S JUST COMIC BOOKS•No podcasting backlash from last week. •Patrick was on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago this week for Batman Day! https://wgntv.com/news/celebrate-batman-day-with-challengers-comics/ •How DC Comics is hindering our Batman Day. •Deadpool/Batman! •Our (lack o)f Local Comic Shop Day plans. •An unsent email. •20 New #1’s for October 1st! •Having to drop a very delinquent subscriber. This episode is dedicated to owning up to your mistakes.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #750 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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PUBLIC DISCOURSE
09/15/2025
PUBLIC DISCOURSE
PUBLIC DISCOURSE•Hypothetical employee situations. •When our opinion doesn’t matter. •Red Hood #1. •Another celebrity drop-by! This episode is dedicated to not using your words to hurt others.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #749 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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IT’S BEEN KNOWN FOR YEARS
09/08/2025
IT’S BEEN KNOWN FOR YEARS
IT’S BEEN KNOWN FOR YEARS•DC KENNY OMEGA #1. •Challengers Blue. What If it survived? •The Jonas Brothers. •Thanks, Patrons! •Japanese Manga vs American Comics, via The Beat. •IDW Classics. •Fran’s Kitchen cookbook is in-stock! Support the Alzheimer’s Association! You can buy the cookbook on the Challengers website here: https://challengerscomics.com/products/frans-kitchen-cookbook And you can donate directly at This episode is dedicated to dilated pupils.---------- This episode was not digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #748 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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35 - 0
09/01/2025
35 - 0
35 - 0•Lucy Knisley’s latest signing! •35 years. •Social media app changes. •Rethinking FOC’s. •Fran’s Kitchen cookbook is in-stock! Support the Alzheimer’s Association! You can buy the cookbook on the Challengers website here: https://challengerscomics.com/products/frans-kitchen-cookbook And you can donate directly at https://act.alz.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20117b?px=10851299&fr_id=18580&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=0C147D8B6AF658D9B4FA0012D177141A This episode is dedicated to what would have been GWB III’s 88th.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #747 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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BLIND AS A BAG
08/31/2025
BLIND AS A BAG
Show less This episode was erroneously not posted last week! SORRY!! That means there will be TWO episodes posted within 24 hours! (Thanks for the heads up, Andrew!) BLIND AS A BAG•Last week’s Yelp review is gone. •Bags of Blindness! INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE PRESENTS BATTLE BEAST #1, BATMAN #1 Blind as a Bat, DC K.O. #1 Lights Out, ULTIMATE ENDGAME #1 True Believers. •Bar codes on covers. •Compact Comics on fire! •Black Ninja comics! •Celebrity interaction in the comic shop. •Fran’s Kitchen cookbook is in-stock! Support the Alzheimer’s Association! You can buy the cookbook on the Challengers website here: And you can donate directly at This episode is dedicated to polypropylene.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #746 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ---------- Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 •
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WE’VE COMPLETELY FAILED
08/18/2025
WE’VE COMPLETELY FAILED
WE’VE COMPLETELY FAILED•Changes to the Patreon website (and declined pledges). •App interaction. •A completely insane Yelp review. •Card game allocations. •The American Joshi + the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! •Batman Deadpool looks so fun!! •Fran’s Kitchen cookbook is in-stock! Support the Alzheimer’s Association! You can buy the cookbook on the Challengers website or you can donate directly at rememberingfrances.com This episode is dedicated to Frances.---------- This episode was not digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #745 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF EXISTENCE
08/11/2025
OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF EXISTENCE
OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF EXISTENCE•Welcome back to us! •Don’t skip reading Supergirl! It’s so fun! •Customer outreach (via emails). •Where Monsters Lie vol 3 Dead End, and how you can get it! •Shopify’s email interface is… lacking… •Some big events are coming to Challengers this Fall! •Our non-existent Diamond orders. •Thanks, Patrons! •Opening new accounts at new-to-us distributors. •More like NO-kemon cards, amirite?? This episode is dedicated to all the cyborbs.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #744 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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“MITCHELL!”
06/30/2025
“MITCHELL!”
“MITCHELL!”•Patrick is joined by Mitchell Davies of All Star Comics in Melbourne, Australia! •How can 2 stores 15,570 kilometers apart have the exact same experiences selling comics? •2 Will Eisner “Spirit of Comics” Retailer Award recipients! •Which store has the better All-Ages section? •How GHOSTBUSTERS brought the stores together. •All Star predominantly sells American comics, so how do they get them? •Working with the same distributors from very different distances. This episode is dedicated to 9,675.05 miles.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #743 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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YOU HAVE MORE VALUE THAN THIS
06/23/2025
YOU HAVE MORE VALUE THAN THIS
YOU HAVE MORE VALUE THAN THIS•The 200th Anniversary of the first comic book? •Marvel’s 616 Day. •The Golden Biscuit of Adventure Comics #210. •Problems for IDW. •Zenescope leaves Diamond. •What we’ve never received from Diamond. •Comics talked about in this episode: SUPERMAN TREASURY EDITION 2025 NEW HISTORY OF THE DCU #1 GOTHAM CITY SIRENS UNFIT FOR ORBIT #1 EXQUSITE CORPSES #3 This episode is dedicated to The Glasgow Looking Glass.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #742 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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HOW TO MEET THE MOST AMOUNT OF NEEDS
06/16/2025
HOW TO MEET THE MOST AMOUNT OF NEEDS
HOW TO MEET THE MOST AMOUNT OF NEEDS•Magic the Gathering: Final Fantasy and the wave of unmeetable collector demand. •Prioritizing the in-store experience. •Back issue bundles! •Gehenna Naked Aggression’s printing issue. •No more Marvel Masterworks? •How the 1999 manga “The Future I Saw” is currently effecting Japanese tourism. •Getting a credit line from a comic distributor. •Sourcing comic supplies from Lunar. •Warner Bros Discovery splits in 2! This episode is dedicated to a 45+ year-old office desk that lived a very full life.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #741 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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DIAMONDS AREN’T FOREVER
06/09/2025
DIAMONDS AREN’T FOREVER
DIAMONDS AREN’T FOREVER•Childhood toy line nostalgia into today’s comic publishing. •Literally half of this episode is about action figures. Be warned. •An “important” Diamond update! This episode is dedicated to Mark & Jasmine.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #740 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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HOW DEEP OF A WELL
06/02/2025
HOW DEEP OF A WELL
HOW DEEP OF A WELL•We press “record” in the middle of a conversation about just-announced Marvel Legends figures from a Hasbro livestream. •Morgan Perry is the BEST! •A duct-cleaning coincidence. •Thanks, Patrons! •Deadpool/Batman! •The strength of the market for the late summer. •Thank you, Peter David. This episode is dedicated to a little Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo! ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #739 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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THINK OF THINGS TO THINK OF
05/26/2025
THINK OF THINGS TO THINK OF
THINK OF THINGS TO THINK OF•A week of repairs for the Podcastitorium! •July's Lunar orders are due when?!? •Ad Populum officially owns Diamond. •BLADES OF FURRY signing recap. •Mission Impossible Final Reckoning giveaway swag! This episode is dedicated to doing your own stunts ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #738 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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A CODEFIED STRUCTURE
05/19/2025
A CODEFIED STRUCTURE
A CODEFIED STRUCTURE•Paper vs PDF •Using physical catalogs when ordering. •Receiving stock from Scholastic. •Comics talked about in this episode: GHOST PEPPER #1 SIXTH GUN ROAD TO THE SIXTH #0 OUT OF ALCATRAZ #3 ROBIN & BATMAN JASON TODD #1 JL VS GODZILLA VS KONG II #1 GODDAMN TRAGEDY #1 MOMMY BLOG This episode is dedicated to Dal’s mom’s 80th birthday!---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #737 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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NOT A PATH TO FOLLOW
05/12/2025
NOT A PATH TO FOLLOW
NOT A PATH TO FOLLOW•Website tweaks and notifications. •Searching PRH for “I Am a Hero.” •Details of our Career Day at a local elementary school. •Free Comic Book Day wrap-up. •The Chillin’ Like a Villain Art Show opening! •Comic talked about in this episode: EXQUISITE CORPSES #1 This episode is dedicated to the darker seid of love. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #736 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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A WEEK IN THE DAY
05/05/2025
A WEEK IN THE DAY
A WEEK IN THE DAY•No more “Charles” at the bank! •Forgetting subscribers’ names. •A mystery box of comics from Lunar! •MORE shortages from Lunar this week!! •Thanks, Patrons! •The FCBD Comic Shop Crawl. •Career Day! •Diamond has finally been sold! Probably. This episode is dedicated to teachers and their infinite patience. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #735 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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THIS IS DUMB, JUST, PERIOD.
04/28/2025
THIS IS DUMB, JUST, PERIOD.
THIS IS DUMB, JUST, PERIOD.•Free Comic Book Day week prep. •Upcoming events! •Now that BOOM! Is distributed by Penguin Random House… •New Comic Book Day constant shipping woes. •Every month keeps getting bigger for Godzilla! •Scholastic, one more publisher Diamond has just stopped supplying. •Comics talked about in this episode: SUPERGIRL #1 ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN INCURSION #1 This episode is dedicated to both Michael B. Jordans. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #734 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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IS THIS WHAT RESPECT FEELS LIKE?
04/21/2025
IS THIS WHAT RESPECT FEELS LIKE?
IS THIS WHAT RESPECT FEELS LIKE?•Dal already has thoughts for next year’s C2E2! •It’s our C2E2 2025 recap episode! It was a pretty great show and got us more excited to be doing what we do. •Who we met/talked to! •Dal’s Dan Mora story! •Patrick’s first-ever CGC grading experience. •Diamond Comic Distributors has an official, legal buyer. •Our cloudy front window. This episode is dedicated to Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last match in the United States. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #733 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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ABSOLUTE UNITS OF DESTRUCTION (with MORGAN PERRY)
04/14/2025
ABSOLUTE UNITS OF DESTRUCTION (with MORGAN PERRY)
ABSOLUTE UNITS OF DESTRUCTION•Patrick is joined by MORGAN PERRY, Marketing Manager at Square Enix, Inc. •Square Enix has a new program for comic shops, Comic Partner, and Morgan is here to tell us about it! •Getting manga into the hands of manga fans new and old! •Upcoming manga series you cannot miss! •Morgan’s email: (for retailers who want to join Comic Partner and/or just learn more about Square Enix) •Morgan’s previous CoC appearance: This episode is dedicated to the Square Enix Comic Partner program.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound?Contest of Challengers #732Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill)Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol (with an assist from Google Translate)Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon HamptonPhoto of Morgan and Patrick (outside of Club Lago): Patrick---------- Challengers Comics + Conversation1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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IT’S NOT LIKE YOU’RE CONFUSING THE CHILDREN
04/07/2025
IT’S NOT LIKE YOU’RE CONFUSING THE CHILDREN
IT’S NOT LIKE YOU’RE CONFUSING THE CHILDREN•Tariffs in comics. •Dal’s take on Lost Fantasy #1. •Cover designs. •The closure of ThingsFromAnotherWorld .com. •Thanks, Patrons! •Publishers missing from Diamond. •Updating Sidekicks! This episode is dedicated to IKEA Kallax shelving. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #731 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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APOLOGIZING FOR THINGS NOT OUR FAULT
03/31/2025
APOLOGIZING FOR THINGS NOT OUR FAULT
APOLOGIZING FOR THINGS NOT OUR FAULT•Trying to buy a Will Ospreay print by Rob Schamberger. •MORE problems with Lunar shipments! •MORE problems with Diamond shipments! •2 annoying online transactions (one eBay, one Challengers). •Alliance Entertainment enters into an agreement to purchase Diamond Comic Distributors! What do we know about Alliance? •We’re 17!! This episode is dedicated to the 22% of small businesses that make it to 17 years. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #730 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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RELIABLY FRUSTRATING
03/24/2025
RELIABLY FRUSTRATING
RELIABLY FRUSTRATING•Next week is maybe the biggest New Release week we’ve ever had, in both quantity and dollar amount. •Lunar shortages! •Quantity limits. •Lunar growing pains. •Marvel’s “new” ideas. •The return of Adventure Time comics. •The soap opera that is Void Rivals. •Comics talked about in this episode: ABSOLUTE FLASH #2 DARK REGARDS #1 PLAGUE HOUSE #1 BATTLE BEAST #1, #2 RESURRECTION MAN QUANTUM KARMA #1, #2, #2 This episode is dedicated to Kazuchika Okada’s 1-year Continental Championship title reign.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #729 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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I’M SURE YOU’RE GOING SOMEWHERE WITH THIS
03/17/2025
I’M SURE YOU’RE GOING SOMEWHERE WITH THIS
I’M SURE YOU’RE GOING SOMEWHERE WITH THIS •The next few weeks of New Releases are MASSIVE. •What we’re looking forward to at C2E2. •Gabi Mendez signing recap! •An upcoming art show. •Comics talked about in this episode: FIRE AND ICE WHEN HELL FREEZES OVER #1 HARLEY QUIN FARTACULAR SILENT BUTT DEADLY #1 This episode is dedicated to meals with good friends.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How’d it sound? Contest of Challengers #728 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol “Patrick” Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent’s Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol “Dal” Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent’s Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com
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