My Comic Shop History

Host Anthony Desiato finally reaches the famed Acme Comics in Greensboro, NC, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2018. Anthony settles in for an epic conversation with the store's manager, the one and only Jermaine Exum (aka Lord Retail), about Jermaine's dual identity, his role at Acme, and inter-shop dynamics. This episode is Part 1 of a two-episode podcast crossover with Flat Squirrel Tales: Beyond My Comic Shop. To hear Part 2, be sure to tune in to Flat Squirrel Tales on 10.4.17! Support this podcast

In this special bonus episode of My Comic Shop History, host Anthony Desiato announces the launch of the Kickstarter campaign for his next documentary film: MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY! The episode features conversations with Pat Callanan of Cave Comics (Newtown, CT) and Menachem Luchins of Escape Pod Comics (Long Island, NY) PLUS a special cameo appearance by Jermaine Exum, AKA Lord Retail, of Acme Comics (Greensboro, NC). The My Comic Shop Country Kickstarter runs from 9/20 through 10/20. Don't be a flat squirrel! Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato ventures farther than ever before with a visit to a pair of very young California comic book stores: Comic Asylum in Palm Desert (ft. owner Chicks Halay-Ay) and Interstellar Comic Books and Collectibles in Palm Springs (ft. owner Adrian Cuevas). Anthony speaks with each about first-year growing pains, tourism, retailing in the desert, and more. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato concludes his trip to the Garden State with stops at two longstanding NJ shops: Fat Moose Comics (est. 1982) in Whippany and Dewey's Comic City (est. 1991) in Madison. First, the Flat Squirrel meets the Fat Moose! Anthony enjoys a casual chat with current Fat Moose owner Matt Potucek and employee (aka "heart and soul of the store") Shawn Hendricks about Diamond Comic Distributors' secret shoppers, balancing legacy with innovation, and much more. Then, at Dewey's, Anthony gets veteran retailer Dan Veltre's take on the various industry changes his store has weathered over the years. This episode is Part 2 of a two-episode visit to the Garden State. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato continues his journey to comic book stores around the country with a visit to Zapp! Comics in Wayne, NJ. Anthony engages owner Ben Lichtenstein about his business philosophy, and Ben serves up a comics retail masterclass on: the importance of product turnover and diversification, the art of the deal in buying and selling back issue, and common industry pitfalls. This episode is Part 1 of a two-episode visit to the Garden State. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato continues his journey to comic book stores around the country with a visit to Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in Philadelphia. Amalgam and its owner, Ariell Johnson, have received considerable media coverage from both industry and mainstream outlets since the store opened in late 2015. Anthony asks Ariell about navigating the attention, using her platform to effect change on multiple levels within the industry, and operating two business within one. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato continues his journey to comic book stores around the country with a visit to Midtown Comics in New York City. Anthony is joined by Ted Alexander (Store Manager, Downtown location) and Henry Varona (Marketing Assistant & Events Coordinator) to discuss how Midtown operates on such a large scale while still remaining a local comic book store. BONUS: Following his conversation with Ted and Henry, Anthony brings in Dan Greenfield (13th Dimension) to talk about the customer experience at Midtown. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato continues his journey to comic book stores around the country with a visit to Packrat Comics in Hilliard, OH. Packrat made industry news in early 2017 with a viral photo highlighting the problem of delinquent customers. Anthony welcomes owners Teresa and Jamie Colegrove to discuss the inspiration for (and reaction to) that photo, overcoming early struggles and staying positive, winning an Eisner Award, and much more. Making it a true double-date episode, Anthony's wife, Stephanie, also joins in on the fun. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato embarks upon a season-long, cross-country journey to explore comic book stores and meet the people behind the counter. In the season premiere, Anthony visits Aw Yeah Comics (locations in Harrison, NY; Skokie, IL; and Muncie, IN) to speak with owner/manager Marc Hammond about launching and maintaining a family of stores, navigating different markets, and cultivating a sense of community for customers and fans. Support this podcast

In this special prelude to Season 3 recorded live at Undiscovered Realm Comic-Con, host Anthony Desiato invites guests Dan Greenfield (editor of 13thDimension.com) and Gregg Schigiel (creator of Pix from Image Comics) to the stage to talk about memorable comic shop experiences. My Comic Shop History returns with Season 3 on June 21, 2017. Support this podcast

It’s Christmas time again on My Comic Shop History! For the second annual holiday special, host Anthony Desiato proudly presents a supersized double feature. First up: Anthony sits down with returning guest Chris Wilcock of Undiscovered Realm to talk market trends, moving a store, the inside scoop on running a comic book convention, and of course, Funko POPs! Then, in the second half, Anthony introduces listeners to a new shop, It'z Vintage, a mecca of classic toys and collectibles. Anthony chats with the store's owner, Allen Baus, about his comic shop history, the timeless appeal of the Kenner Super Powers line of action figures, and the ins & outs of running his shop, which consists almost entirely of his personal collection. It's a holiday podcast extravaganza featuring two in-depth, one-on-one conversations not to be missed! Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato seeks the guidance of guests Mike Capolino and Craig Higgins as he tries to reconcile his nostalgia with his current experience reading "DC: Rebirth." Season 2 of My Comic Shop History concludes with the biggest piece of the collecting puzzle: Can you go home again? Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato brings in The Dads (John-Eric Aguilar, Matt Horton, and Joe Morciglio) to talk fatherhood and collecting: finding the time, space, and money to continue the hobby; charting a course for the next generation of collectors; and keeping those prized collectibles out of reach. It's the penultimate episode of Season 2! Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato reunites with his Season 1 Finale guests, Steve Oto and Bill Maio, to discuss the aftermath of Alternate Realities' closing and to answer the question, "Whatever happened to the man behind the counter?" Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato presents a special double-sized installment of My Comic Shop History: two episodes in one! First up is "In Defense of Batman v Superman," in which Anthony sits down with Doug Doescher, Ralph Puma, and Damien Torres to discuss the film and try to find some redemption for it. The second half, "Other Side of the Table," features cartoonist (X-Babies, Pix: One Weirdest Weekend) and podcaster (Stuff Said, Cruisin' Together) Gregg Schigiel. In an informative one-on-one chat, Anthony and Gregg discuss the creator perspective on comic conventions and store signings and deliver a crash course on self-publishing a comic book project. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato interviews New York Times writer/editor George Gustines about his path from collector to journalist, the process of pitching stories at The Times, and the nature of comics journalism. Anthony and fellow Bleeding Cool reporter Mike Sangregorio also recount their San Diego Comic Con experiences, including a brief stalking of legendary writer Grant Morrison, a Steve Oto doppelganger, and a surprisingly contentious screening of Batman: The Killing Joke (spoiler alert). Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato enlists Zach Woliner and John-Eric Aguilar to discuss the relationship between fandom and collecting. How do changes to characters and their storylines affect our buying habits? Plus: Pop updates! Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato founds the Alternate Realities Book Club with Phil Hussain, Rich Roney, and Mike Sangregorio to discuss the Darwyn Cooke masterpiece DC: THE NEW FRONTIER. The group examines the story's sprawling scope, human heroes, and lasting legacy. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato dives into the highly addictive world of Funko's Pop Vinyl figures with his collecting partner in crime (and fiancée) Stephanie Chow. Together, they welcome Undiscovered Realm owner Chris Wilcock (AKA the King of Pops) to talk about the appeal of these figures, the tricky task of self-policing one's buying habits, industry trends, and some must-hear tips for Pop collectors. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato teams up with 13th Dimension's Dan Greenfield and former comic shop employee Sean McInerney to tackle the completist mentality that drives many collectors. Why do we continue to buy and read comics we may no longer enjoy simply to maintain that coveted complete run? Support this podcast