Mike's Comic Shop Roadshow: Recent Episodes
Mike Atchison
Join Campus Comics Cast's own Mike Atchison as he shares interviews with local comic shop owners from around the globe. In addition to the interview, Mike will request a comic read suggestion from the shop owner and Mike, along with others from the Campus Comics Cast, will read and review the recommendation.
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.
It’s vacation time for Mike as he makes a trip to Myrtle Beach, SC. Immediately on the hunt for a local comic shop, he finds an awesome shop called Coastal Comics in Surfside Beach, just a few minutes down the road.Coastal Comics is a lively shop, and while it has it local base of customers, it attracts lots of tourists looking for their comic fix while on vacation. In business for 9 years running, Coastal Comics has a strong focus on old and new comics. The owner Drew has a great story and has a lot to be proud of here. Coastal Comics is a back issue hunter paradise, and Drew provides CGC processing service as well as pressing comics. The next time you’re are on vacation in the Myrtle Beach area, you definitely need to stop in at Coastal Comics. You won’t be disappointed!Then join Mike and his guest host, Ryan Daly of the illustrious Fire and Water Podcast Network as they review the first volume of House of Slaughter, written by James Tynion IV and Tate Brombal, and illustrated by Chris Shehan, with colors by the appropriately named Miquel Muerto.Coastal Comics is located at 1708 Hwy 17 N, Surfside Beach, SC, (843) 750-0330, online at https://coastalcomics.godaddysites.com/, and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/coastal.comics/ The email address is coastalcomics@hotmail.com.Follow Ryan and his fantastic podcasts on the Fire and Water Podcast Network at http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/Thanks to Ryan for joining me and thanks to Drew at Coastal Comics for sharing his time and story with me, as well as the great recommendation!
Join Mike as he takes a short trip to St. Louis, MO and one of the coolest shops around!Mike got a hot tip from Campus Comics Cast co-host, Shaad, about a hip comic shop practically in our backyard. That shop is Apotheosis Comics and Lounge, and if you thought going to comic shops couldn’t get better, wait until you go to one with a bar serving your favorite beer or seltzer! Apotheosis Comics and Lounge is in the heart of St. Louis on South Grand Blvd., a beautiful and historic part of the city. It’s locally owned and has a wide selection of current comic books, trade paperbacks and graphic novels, not to mention a great selection of local beers, cocktails and wines along with coffee and soda. And if you feel like it, you can have a pickup game of darts or come to one of their frequent comedy shows and game nights.The owner, Martin, is a busy guy...he’s not only a successful business owner, he’s heavily involved in the community, and still has time to be a comics fan! Martin has a gift of gab that made interviewing him an absolute pleasure. You are going to love the story he tells about...but wait...let’s not spoil it. Let’s just say it was worthy of being featured on a podcast called Dumbest Criminals.The next time you’re in the Gateway City, take a trip to 3206 South Grand Boulevard and treat yourself to some comics and a refreshment at St. Louis' Friendly Neighborhood Comic Book Shop, Apotheosis Comics and Lounge!Then join Mike and his Campus Comic Cast collaborators, Scott and Shaad, as they review OGN Cosmic Detective, by Jeff Lemire, Matt Kindt, and David Rubin.Apotheosis Comics and Lounge is at 3206 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, (314) 802-7090, online at https://shopapotheosis.com/, and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/ApotheosisComicsSTL/, Instagram.com/apotheosiscomics/, @ASTLComics on X. The email address is hello@apotheosiscomicsstl.com.Thanks to Martin at Apotheosis Comics and Lounge for sharing his time with me and the great recommendation (not to mention the great stories)!
The third month of the year is named after the Roman God of War Mars, so join Mike as he leans into the month by marching himself down to the Gulf Coast.Join Mike as he ventures south to Sweet Home Alabama for a family vacation and of course, a trip to a local comic shop in Foley, AL!Serendipity abounded as it turned out Mike’s co-host Scott on the Campus Comics Cast was also on his own family vacation in Gulf Shores, so he joined Mike for the interview at Covert Comics and Collectibles. In fact, this shop was Scott’s suggestion because he has been going to Covert Comics for years when he comes here for vacation.Covert Comics and Collectibles is right on the main drag in Foley, and despite its name, it’s easy to find. It has so much to offer...new and old comic books, Sports Cards and Memorabilia, Trading Cards, Statues, Video Games, DandD, Vinyl Records, Funko Pops, and Vintage Toys. And with 5000 square feet of space, it’s very roomy and fun to explore.The owner, Jason, had a level of enthusiasm that was palpable. He and his staff are super-friendly! This history of Covert Comics is very interesting so buckle down for a great ride! And the next time you take trip to Gulf Shores, AL, skip a couple of hours at the beach and treat yourself to this fantastic comic shop, Covert Comics and Collectibles!Then join Mike and fellow comics fan, and podcaster, Paul Hix, as they review the trade collection of Wolverine Vol. 3 issues 66-72 plus Wolverine: Old Man Logan Giant-Size 1. Paul is 50% of the genius behind the Waiting for Doom podcast and several other shows. This is an 8 part story with the original issues coming out in 2008 and 2009. It was written by Mark Millar, with pencils by Steve McNiven, and inks by Dexter Vines, Mark Morales, and Jay Leisten.You can find Covert Comics and Collectibles at 107 South McKenzie St., Foley, AL 36535, (251)377-9690, online at covertcomics.com, and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/covertcomicsfoley, and email at jason@foleycomics.com.Thanks to Paul for his help in reviewing Old Man Logan. Find Mr. Paul Hix and his various podcasts along with Mike Garvey, at https://www.waitingfordoom.com/ and anywhere you get your podcasts. It’s one of the best and funniest comic podcasts out there! You can also send him an email at waitingfordoom@gmail.com and find Waiting for Doom on Facebook, X, and other social media sites.Thanks to Jason at Covert comics and Collectibles for sharing his time with us and to Scott for teaming up with me on the interview.
Did you know the Squadron Supreme is Marvel's take on the Justice League and Skymax (aka Sk'ym'x) is Marvel's Martian Manhunter?Join Mike as he makes a stop in the great state of Texas at a comic shop appropriately named Star Comics in Lubbock, TX. Star Comics is Lubbock's OG comic shop, having opened in 1977.The owner Robert Mora is a very insightful comic shop owner with a keen business sense that is balanced with his passion for comics.Listen to this episode and learn more about one of Star Comics’ claims to fame. A little hint...it has to do with the inimitable Alex Ross himself! Robert showed Mike a really cool surprise that you will hear about in the interview, so tune in!Next time you find yourself in west Texas, do yourself a favor and visit Star Comics. You will be glad you did! Enjoy the interview with Robert and then join Mike and fellow comics fan, blogger extraordinaire, and overall bronze age comics expert, Russell Burbage, as they review the collection of Squadron Supreme maxiseries from 1985/86, written by Mark Gruenwald, and art by Bob Hall, Paul Ryan, and others.A big thanks to Robert telling his great story!You can find Star Comics at 3504 34th St, Lubbock, TX 79410, (806) 744-0727, online at https://www.starcomicsonline.com/ and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/starcomicsonline/, and email at mystarcomics@gmail.com.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 Squadron Supreme.
Did you know that Bruno Mars graduated from Roosevelt High school in Honolulu?Join Mike as he stops in at a comic shop in the heart of Honolulu called Other Realms. It’s a spectacular family run comic shop and is owned and operated by Charles and Loretta Whitesell. This is a thriving business that employs over a dozen full and part time staff and has been in business for 35 years.Loretta and Charles’ tandem approach of hobbyist enthusiasm and great business sense was magic to behold. Possibly the busiest comic shop I have ever been to, the place was buzzing with customers, gamers and staff helping at every turn. It’s the kind of comic shop to hang out at all day!If you are ever on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, do yourself a favor and visit Other Realms. You won’t regret it! Enjoy the interview with Loretta and Charles and then join Mike and longtime friend and founding member of the Campus Comics Cast, Matt Martin, as they review volume 1 of Seven to Eternity as recommended by Charles (with an assist from comics manager Eric)!A big thanks to Charles and Loretta telling their great story!You can find Other Realms at 1130 N Nimitz Hwy C-140, Honolulu, HI 96817, (808) 596-8236, online at https://other-realms.com/, and on social media at https://www.facebook.com/OtherRealmsLtd/, https://www.instagram.com/otherrealmsltd/.Find Matt @wookieecopilot on just about all of the social media platforms you can find.Many thanks to Matt for his help in reviewing Seven to Eternity!
HI-SEAS (The Hawai‘i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) is an analog space research station on an isolated Mars and Moon-like site on the Mauna Loa volcano on the Big Island of Hawai‘i at approximately 8200 feet above sea level. And on this episode of the Road Show, Mike is nearby on the island of Oahu at 808 Collectibles.This comic shop is small but has huge heart, and the owner Art is a super guy. Plus, he has a very interesting story of how he got started.Meeting Art was a great experience, and his story is inspiring. Be sure to stop in at 808 Collectibles the next time you visit Hawaii and experience it for yourself! Enjoy the interview with Art and then join Mike and his co-host, Shag Matthews of Fire and Water Podcast Network fame, as they discuss Art’s recommendation: Black Knight: Curse of the Ebony Blade!A big thanks to Art for letting me hang out with him!You can find 808 Collectibles at 945 Kamehameha Hwy # 10, Pearl City, HI 96782, (808) 230-5980.Explore the multitude of podcasts by Shag Matthews at http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/. Follow Fire and Water on X @FWPodcasts and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FWPodcastNetwork.A big thanks to Shag for joining in on the fun!
For the Mars Perserverance Rover landing, researchers studied salt crystals in the Utah's Great Salt Lake for a method to detect ancient microbial life. And speaking of Utah, Mike visits Dr Volt's Comic Connection for episode 11 of the Roadshow.On this episode, join Mike as he returns to his home away from home, Salt Lake City. Dr. Volt’s Comic Connection was his hometown comic shop and Saturday hangout for 3 great years.Despite being under new ownership, the welcoming spirit of Dr. Volt’s is as strong as ever. Jeff is the manager, and he has done some great things with the shop. It’s open, airy and nicely lit, and just chock full of awesome stuff.As the oldest comic shop in Utah, it’s been supplying collectors with comics, toys and games for over 30 years! Catching up with Jeff was a blast, and that sentiment will hopefully show through when you listen to the interview. Be sure to stop in at Dr. Volt’s next time you visit Salt Lake City! So please listen to the interview with Jeff and then join Mike and the dynamic duo of Professor Alan and Em Middleton, of Relatively Geeky Network fame, as they they passionately discuss Jeff’s equally passionate recommendation, Hellblazer, issues 41-46, Dangerous Habits!A big thanks to Jeff for letting me hang out with him!You can find Dr. Volt's Comic Connection at 2043 E 3300 S, Millcreek, UT 84109, (801) 485-6114 and drvolts@gmail.com. The official website is https://drvolts.com/ and you can follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DrVoltsComics.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.Big thanks to Prof. Alan and Em for joining me!
Did you know that Region 6 of the Military Auxiliary Radio System, aka MARS includes Texas, and that is where Mike happens to be for this episode of the Roadshow.This episode features a wonderful comic shop in the far southern tip of Texas. It is named The Comic Cave, and is located in the heart of the Sunrise Mall in Brownsville, TX where it gets an amazing amount of foot traffic. The Comic Cave has everything you might expect at a comic store, and they do it with style and a welcoming attitude.The founder and owner is Bill Taliancich, who is one of the nicest shop owners I have met. His demeanor is reflected by the staff as they are super welcoming to everyone that comes in. In fact, his one word description of the Comic Cave is “welcoming”.Meeting Bill and his staff was fantastic, but do not just take Mike’s word for it...listen to this interview with Bill and then join Mike, Scott and Shaad as they discuss the recommended book, Cowboy Bebop: Supernova Swing. And be sure visit The Comic Cave next time you get the chance!A big thanks to Bill for sharing his time and telling his story!Be sure to visit or contact The Comic Cave at 2370 Frontage Rd 83 Suite 1522, Brownsville, TX 78521, (956) 372-1042 and at rgvfanfest@gmail.com.Follow The Comic Cave follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheComicCaveSunriseMall/, thecomiccave1 on Instagram and @thecomiccave on Twitter.
Mike might not be from Mars and Matt might not be from Venus, but this episode of the Roadshow is out of this world.This episode features a great comic shop in St. Charles, MO, a suburb of St. Louis and very close to my home stomping grounds. Its name is STL Comics, Toys and More, and wow . . . More is an understatement in all of those categories.The founder and owner is Eric Meyer, who describes the shop as a place to relive your childhood, with a ton of nostalgic appeal.Listen to this interview with Eric, and then join Mike and longtime friend and founding member of the Campus Comics Cast, Matt Martin, as they review volume 1 of Bill Willingham’s Eisner Award-winning Fables.A big thanks goes to Eric for sharing his story!Be sure to visit or contact STL Comics at 4117 Old Hwy 94 S, St. Charles, MO, (314) 537-9971, and stlcomics@outlook.com.Check out STL Comics online at: http://www.stlcomics.net/ and follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StlComics/Find Matt @wookieecopilot on just about all of the social media platforms you can find.Many thanks to Matt for helping reviewing Fables, one of our favorite books!Also, a big shout out to Steeven Orr of Steeven Orr Else Podcast Services. This is a great service folks. For all of your podcast editing, mixing and cleanup needs, he’s your guy. Find him on all the standard social media locations and specific to his service, go to https://www.fiverr.com/steevenorrelse/edit-your-podcast-episodes?utm_campaign=gigs_show&utm_medium=shared&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=wzlraq
To quote Mark Ronson and featuring Bruno Mars, "Julio, get the stretch, Ride to Harlem, Hollywood, Jackson, Mississippi." Not sure if the Atch-Attack had a stretch limo for the visit, but he did stop in at Offbeat.
On this episode, like Johnny and June, the Roadshow is going to Jackson. Jackson, MS, that is, and unlike Johnny and June, the fire has not gone out...in fact, this comic shop has the Roadshow all fired up!
This episode's featured shop is OffBeat, one of the most unique and inspiring comic shops Mike has been to.
The founder and owner is Phillip Rollins AKA DJ Young Venom, who describes OffBeat as an “Alternative Culture Store” and a refuge. It is Mississippi's only Black-owned record and comic book store and also serves as “an art gallery for young minority artists and a venue for up and coming musicians, comedians, and poets of all ages. In short, a space for people to be themselves.”
Listen to Mike's interview with Phillip, and then join Mike and a very special co-host, Peter Rios from the Daily Rios, as they review Eisner Award-winning Rob Guillory’s excellent first volume of Farmhand.
Next time you are “going to Jackson”, you really must experience OffBeat...it has Mike's highest recommendations! A big thanks to Phillip Rollins for giving the Roadshow the chance to hear your great story!
Be sure to visit or contact OffBeat at 109 North State St., Jackson, Mississippi 39201, (601) 376-9404, and veryoffbeat@gmail.com.
Check out OffBeat online at: https://www.offbeatjxn.com/ and follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Objxn.
Follow Peter on his podcast adventures at https://thedailyrios.com/. You’ll find his shows on Apple, Stitcher and other podcast clients. Follow him on Twitter @peterjrios and on Instagram @thedailyrios. You can also contact him by email at peter@thedailyrios.com.
Many thanks to Peter for joining me and reviewing Farmhand by Rob Guillory!
Did you know that the St Louis Science Center has a Mission Mars exhibit? And while you are in St Louis, you should check out All American Collectibles.
In this episode the Roadshow returns us to the Gateway to the West, grand old St. Louis, and Mike's hometown shop, All American Collectibles!
The owner is David Schmidt, and he is not only a friend, he has few peers when it comes to comic knowledge...from the Golden Age to the present, and the success of his shop shows it.
Join Mike as he interviews Dave, and then as an added bonus, join Mike and a very special co-host, Eric from the Longbox Review, as they wax rhapsodic about the outstanding Archie Goodwin/Walt Simonson Manhunter series reprinted in many editions, but particularly the Deluxe Edition recommended by Dave. This series was originally presented as backup stories in Detective Comics issues 437 to 443.
Mike highly recommends the next time you are in St. Louis to visit All American Collectibles, and like Judy Garland sings, “Meet Me in St. Louis!”
Check out All American Collectibles at: http://www.allamericanstl.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063801750422
Find Eric and all of his adventures at https://longboxreview.com/, https://www.facebook.com/longboxreview, on Twitter @Longboxreview, and longboxreview on Instagram and many other social media outposts!
Many thanks to Eric for joining me and exploring the rich history of Paul Kirk, Manhunter!
If you think the planet Mars is read, you should have seen Mike's face after he returned to the balmy climes of Panama City, Florida to a shop that nearly has it all, just like the name implies. New and back issue comics, statues, and all kinds of geek culture merchandise. The shop has a large gaming area in the back, and they have supplies galore.
The owner, James Finlayson, is not only a successful business owner, but he’s also one of the most passionate comics fans you will meet.
You are truly missing out if you do not stop in when you are in Panama City!
Join Mike as he interviews James, and then hear the Campus Comics Cast crew as they “chew the cud” over James’ recommended book, volume 1 of the Eisner and Harvey award-winning Chew, by John Layman and Rob Guillory.
Check out Arena Comics and Gaming at: https://www.facebook.com/ArenaComics/.
It isn’t Mars the god of war; it is Mike the king of podcasts (at least this one anyway.) On this episode Mike steps into a wonderful comic shop where all your wishes come true, Emerald City Comics, and chats with co-manager Adrian, who handles the games part of the business, but sure knows his comics.
Next to Mile High Comics, this is the biggest comic shop Mike has been to. It is amazing! Join Mike and Adrian and get the virtual tour of this awesome comic shop. Then, as an added surprise, welcome back an old Campus Comics Cast host, Dan Brown, as he imparts some of his encyclopedic knowledge on not only Invincible, but Image Comics and the comics industry as a whole!
Check out Emerald City Comics at https://emeraldcitycomics.com and https://www.facebook.com/EmerladCityComics, and find them on Instagram and TikTok as well.
Find Dan Brown @detective651 on Twitter, Instagram, and TeePublic, and Comic Plug on YouTube.
Ready for a giant-sized team-up between Mike, Scott and Shaad? Ready for giant-sized action in this Marvel Treasury Edition? Ready for giant-sized exuberance from Comic Emporium’s self-proclaimed associate geek, Alex? Well, you are at the right place!Join Mike as he interviews Alex at the Comic Emporium, and gets the grand tour of this cool comic shop. Then hear the Campus Comics crew’s thoughts on the book Alex recommended, Marvel Treasury Edition #9 - Giant Superhero Team-up!Check out Comic Emporium at: https://www.facebook.com/comicemporium
If you thought one episode covering a comic shop in Australia was enough, you thought wrong.In episode 3 of Mike’s Comic Shop Roadshow, we meet Jason, the owner of the appropriately named The Comic Shop, in Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia. Join Mike as he interviews the affable Jason and then hear the Campus Comics crew’s thoughts on the book Scott recommended, Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star by Daniel Warren Johnson.Check out The Comic Shop at: https://www.thecomicshop.net/ and at https://www.facebook.com/theComicShopLiverpool/For some photos of The Comic Shop and lots of other content, go to: https://www.facebook.com/campuscomicscastSo now, join Mike and Beta Ray Bill beyond the orbit of Mars in this episode of Mike's Comic Shop Roadshow.
It's not an Atch-Attack, it's a MARS Attack as episode 2 goes down under to Kings Comics in Australia. Mike interviews the owner and then the Campus Comics Crew discusses the store recommendation of Nottingham!
In the premiere episode of Mike's Comic Shop Roadshow, aka MARS, Mike interviews his own local comic shop owner Mike Noe of Muddy Monster Comics in Murphysboro, IL. Listen to our thoughts on Mike Noe's suggestion of the Sheriff of Babylon.