From Challengers Comics + Conversation in Chicago, this is Contest of Challengers, a podcast about the business of running a comics shop. From publishers to distributors to the sales floor itself, each episode deals with the issues of the week and how they affect the way Challengers conducts business, and that includes the actual comic book issues themselves. Hosted by Patrick Brower and W. Dal Bush. Thanks for listening. Keep Reading Comics!
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SAME-DAY LOCAL DELIVERY!! •We test out our new Same-Day Local (Chicagoland) Delivery Service! •The 'whys' and 'hows' of wanting local delivery. •So many upcoming events!! •Shout out to NotSoFunnyBooks on IG. •Never respond to the comments, Patrick. ---------- Contest of Challengers #794 This episode is dedicated to Trexity. T heme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with…
MY NORMAL STATE IS "F" THOSE GUYS •Positive Marvel changes for retailers! MIDNIGHT bundles, discounts & lit sign! Updated Foil Cover pricing! Possible cover letters…? •A Marvel x Star Wars crossover mini-series for 2027! •The continual Warren Ellis problem. •Adding "A Graphic Novel" to titles. ---------- Contest of Challengers #793 This episode is dedicated to the incomparable Mike Gold. T heme:…
PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE IS MY DEFAULT •We do not ship comic storage boxes. •A long Yelp review story. •Pokemon bros. •Contest of Challengers passed our 17 th Podcastiversary!! •Marvel Compact Comics?!? ---------- Contest of Challengers #792 This episode is dedicated to Matt Kindt and Brian Hurtt. T heme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro:…
GET TO THE FIREWORKS FACTORY •Unpacking some questionable comics. •Batman Day 2026! •Upcoming events, plus a tease! •Cakeworthy. •Upcoming exterior transformation. •End-of-the-year ordering structure. •Comics talked about in this episode: SIX OF US #1 HAMMERFIST #1 TERMINAL #1 ---------- Contest of Challengers #791 This episode is dedicated to David Harper's Eisner win! T heme: Adam WarRock (with…
A NEW ANYTHING •Don't forget our MATT KINDT/BRIAN HURTT is coming up! Fri, Aug 7!! •Brief Marvel solicits for October. •Pitching the books of our friends. •We do not sell everything we get in the store. •Dal's eBay account (transforming robots for sale!) ---------- Contest of Challengers #790 This episode is dedicated to Arunimus Prime. T heme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol…
LET THEM COOK It's a deeper dive on fewer topics this week! •A non-comic public service announcement. •Marvel is moving their publishing offices from NY to Burbank, CA! •Marvel Comics announces a NEW Editor-in-Chief!! •Miniseries getting extensions. ---------- Contest of Challengers #789 This episode is dedicated to Richard Hendrick. T heme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol…
DELUGE! *Dal's microphone turned off before the recording, so his audio was only captured by Patrick's mic. We used Cleanvoice to reconstruct Dal's audio, and it sounds great, but a few parts sound like gibberish. Well, more gibberish than normal* •Flooding! •UPS shipment emails. •Distributor emails (again). •SDCC announcement roll outs. •Speculation on a new DC/Marvel Crossover! •New Challengers…
IT DOESN'T. WHO CARES. •It starts petty… •Customer service is key. •Thanks, Patrons! •The American Library Association's Annual Conference was in Chicago and we got to see a bunch of our publishing friends! •DC Execs visit the shop! •MATT KINDT and BRIAN HURTT are coming back to Challengers! •We still have signed copies of our DWJ Exclusive Cover! ---------- Contest of Challengers #787 This…
HORROR MOVIE LIZARD MAN •Lots of new toys in-store and coming our way! •Only Dal is allowed an Aztek figure! •An update on the availability of Pennies! •MIDNIGHT(s)! •DC Animation announcements. •The Back Issue Blind Box mystery! ---------- Contest of Challengers #786 This episode is dedicated to Milly Alcock.. T heme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris…
ACTIVELY MANAGING •Print catalogs vs digital catalogs. •Huge Lunar shipment on the horizon! •Upcoming signings! •Credit card processing fees being passed to the consumer is getting out of hand. •Pennies!! •A Chicago spice bag! •New title announcements for September! ---------- Contest of Challengers #785 This episode is dedicated to Gerry Conway. T heme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro:…
KEEP ESCAPING IT •Opening a Marvel 616 Doom Blind Bag. •BIG week of "A" list Releases. Or is it? •MASK #1 Blind Bag surprise! •Huge spoilers from the Big 2 publishers, before the corresponding books are released!! •Adjective titles. •Warrior Cats. •Jed McKay's MOON KNOGHT is a consistent joy. ---------- Contest of Challengers #784 This episode is dedicated to Keith Kremer. T heme: Adam WarRock…
