Welcome to Conspirator Brock.com! This little part of the internet is home to my random musings about comics, movies and other comic centric topics. Every Wednesday my pull list gets posted so you can compare, contrast, or complain about the books I pick up and read every week. Thank you for stopping by, and always feel free to leave comments.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Conspirator Brock's Local Comic Shop Review - San Antonio, TX
My first stop was a franchise shop called:
Alien Worlds
6900 San Pedro Ave. #121
San Antonio, TX 78216
My first impression when I walked in was that this place was going to have some high price stickers and that I wasn't really going to find much while I looked around. I was right.
When I looked through their selection of back issues I only found a handful of issues that I was interested in picking up, but I ended up putting back most of them because they were over priced.
All of their graphic novels were on tier display shelves face out and not really organized very well past publisher.
They had a small selection of current toys which were over priced ($24.99 for a re-solicited Marvel Select Thanos and Death) and displayed so close to one another on square pod shelves which made it difficult to even look at the toys on the bottom shelves. As for older toys they had them in glass display cases or hanging on pegs with no real order to them.
Their "New Release" comics were on a table located right next to the front door, and all of the books were in stacks face up. As for current comics there were maybe 6 months worth on tier display shelves behind the new release table.
Statues, Magic the Gathering, and other items filled the wall behind the register. If you were interested in Silver Age or older books; those were mainly in at the front counter in the glass display cases in piles with some random issue on top.
They did have a lot of stuff for D&D and gaming from books to figures.
I did get a first print copy of Peter Panzerfaust #1, which I must say was a fantastic read. And I decided while looking through their back issues that I was going to bind a collection of the last run of R.E.B.E.L.S.; so, I picked up issues #4, 5, and 7.
Overall, I wasn't to impressed with Alien Worlds, but they did have a fair back issue selection that, to be honest, I would only comb through for a specific title or during a sale.
My next stop was recommendation from listener @TechMike14. He tweeted me that he goes to this franchise gaming shop called:
Dragon's Lair Comics & Fantasy
7959 Fredericksburg Road
San Antonio, TX 78229
I wasn't expecting much in the way of back issues or comics in general from this gaming establishment, but I was surprised by their selection of graphic novels, current toys and current books. The store was very cluttered with fixtures and tables for gaming, but other than that a very nice place to browse around. The comics, new and current, were face out like they should be. The trade sections were spine out not face out, separated by publisher for all the soft covers, and all the hardcovers were in one section, which I thought was cool.
I found a great deal on R.E.B.E.L.S. 17 and 27 (fifty cents each), a first print copy of Thief of Thieves #1, a copy of the out-of-print-already (gotta love Marvel) Spider-Man: The Complete Clone Saga Epic Vol. 1, and I found the Stel action figure from the Green Lantern Series 4 that I wanted for my Green Lantern Core collection. Overall, I did get some good buys, and the manager that rang me up was nice guy so I think Dragon's Lair isn't a place to shrug off just because it is a gaming haven.
While I was in Dragon's Lair there I heard some people say that the sax man was back. I left and didn't hear anything or see this sax man. So, I thought the people in the shop were talking crazy. As I was waiting to exit the parking lot I saw that the people in the shop weren't crazy there was really a sax man outside. I really think the leg brace makes the whole look.
The next stop on my tour of local San Antonio comic shops was another franchised (I see a theme here in Spurs country) store called:
Heroes and Fantasies
4945 NW Loop #410
San Antonio, TX 78229
This store was interesting. They had a lot and I mean a lot of stuff: old and new toys, statues, t-shirts (which were displayed in three different ways: round rack, plastic box wall display and hung on t-shirt pegs), gaming stuff, lots of back issues, but their trade selections were in two different spots with no real order, and they had a couple of shelves of sets which was cool except for the fact that they were face out and out of order. If you haven't noticed the theme of being out of order yet I can't imagine why the store would be like that considering there was three people working there (on a Thursday). They were nice, but they never left the main counter except to walk to the back counter to get the subscriber's books. Very odd layout overall for this shop with the current books on face out shelves around half the front counter and new books on face out shelves between the front and back counters.
I did find a good chunk of R.E.B.E.L.S. issues: #6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 23, 24, 26, 28, and Annual 1. I also found a few issues of Fables that I needed: #35, 42, and 43. This shop also suffered from over priced back issues, but I had given up on finding any shop that would have decently priced back issues. Even their wall books which they kept on the wall behind the back counter were a bit much, but hey to each his own I guess.
Just like Alien Worlds I would probably check this place out for a specific back issue or hit them up during a sale.
I happened to come across 12 copies of Sugar Shock by Joss Whedon and illustrated by Fábio Moon in the back issue bin (priced from $4.00 to mostly $5.00). So if Marshall who works Thrusdays at Comics Conspiracy tries to sell you a copy and we are out, you can always contact Heroes and Fantasies.
Calli called me as I was leaving Heroes and Fantasies and asked me when I was going to be back. I told her that it might be awhile or it could be a quick stop, but that I wasn't sure really how long it would take. She told me she was hungry, and since I was too, she suggested my favorite place to eat. I didn't think twice; I picked her and Brody up, and we went to get some good food at Cracker Barrel.
Anytime I travel and there is a Cracker Barrel within a reasonable driving distance I have to eat there and have the homemade chicken n' dumplins. So good!
So with Calli and Brody with me I went to the last stop on my tour which was another:
Alien Worlds
1255 SW Loop 410 #123
San Antonio, TX 78227
Calli and Brody stayed in the car and I went in to check this place out not excepting much. Now I did know that this store was next to the Alamo Drafthouse Westlakes because of my fellow podcaster @TobyXi. From what I gathered about the Alamo Drafthouse was that it is a great place to watch movies new and old and that they do some awesome things besides show cool movies, and serve beer and food. What I didn't know was that this Alien Worlds location and the Alamo Drafthouse were directly connected; I could see the bar from the comic shop.
The comic shop wasn't much. Very small, but it did have everything the bigger shop had, but not in such an annoying amount. One of the guys that was working, Mike, was really cool and down to Earth. We started chatting and swapping stories about comics, and what it is like working in a shop with a wacky boss. He said that the location here was really great because you could come watch a movie, pick up your books, game a little and do it all while having a beer. I couldn't disagree with that at all.
(Fun fact about the Alien Worlds stores; if they are running a credit card transaction you won't be able to get through if you are trying to call; there is only one line for the phone and credit card reader. I thought that was fucking hilarious.)
Even though it was a small shop I found a issue of R.E.B.E.L.S.: #3, and I also found a toy that the second I saw it I was on the phone calling Higgins. He needed the figure and told me to try and talk the price down from $40 to $30. Mike agreed, and so I snagged the Herculoids figure - Domo, Gleep and Tundro for a good price for Higgins; he was a happy man.
Now that I have been close to a Alamo Drafthouse I can see the appeal and I completely understand Toby's excitement when he tweeted that there was a possibility of a Alamo Drafthouse coming to San Francisco. I unfortunately didn't get to experience a film at the Alamo Drafthouse, but if things work out in SF then I will definitely be visiting "The City" more.
There you have my experience of some of the local comic book shops in San Antonio, Texas. I was disappointed with some of the practices that the shops used: face out graphic novels, toys on shitty displays and over priced back issues, but despite all of that I almost got the entire run of the R.E.B.E.L.S., a couple of things I was looking for, and something completely unexpected for Higgins.
I'm glad I don't live in Texas, but if I did and I had to be a saver at one of the shops I visited I would have to go with the Alien Worlds that is connected to to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, because combining beer and comic books is just a natural thing. Thank you San Antonio and I will most likely be back to visit.
Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 2/29/12
(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Marvel or Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our digital Comixology site.)
01. Amazing Spider-Man #680 Marvel
02. DC Universe Online: Legends #24 DC
03. A Game of Thrones #6 Dynamite
04. Justice League #6 DC
05. The Shade #5 of 12 DC
06. T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents #4 of 6 DC
07. The Unwritten #34.5 Vertigo
We have a fifth week people and an extra day to boot. Gotta love leap years. What can I say about this week other that the awesome fact that Justice League is one of the books you have to get, and if you haven't been reading A Game of Thrones or The Shade you need to start. Small week, but I needed it because I still have to get caught up with last week's books. My plans for the rest of the week: read, blog, and try to enjoy the rest of my time off.
Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.
As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
I Have Been Away
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 2/22/12
(Note: Since I will be on a plane heading to San Antonio, TX at the time this list would normally go up I have not included deep links. I will update when I am able.)
01. All Star Western #6 DC
02. American Vampire #24 Vertigo
03. Aquaman #6 DC
04. Batman: The Dark Knight #6 DC
05. Captain America & Bucky #627 Marvel
06. Danger Girl: Revolver #2 IDW
07. Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz #5 of 8 Marvel
08. Flash #6 DC
09. Green Lantern: New Guardians #6 DC
10. Justice League Dark #6 DC
11. Superman #6 DC
12. Voodoo #6 DC
I'm preoccupied with packing for my trip, and actually getting away from California for five days that I haven't really given much thought to my pull list this week. That is a bull shit excuse I know, but it is the truth. I am looking forward to reading All Star Western, Aquaman, Justice League Dark, and Batman: The Dark Knight, but that won't be until I get back from Texas next week. Wish me luck in Texas because Ryan Higgins hopes I have a horrible experience. That guy really doesn't like kids; evil man, evil man.
Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.
As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Random Comic Pick - Episode 46
The story follows Conrad Paulson a professional thief who can get anything he wants, but there is something he cannot get; the life he left behind. The first issue is a grabbing introduction to Conrad's world and it leaves you wanting to read more. I would recommend getting your hands on a copy (don't steal it) to see for yourself. It is a great book that has potential to be a memorable one; that will always steal your attention.
Remember you can now find this title and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.
Friday, February 17, 2012
I Need Some Help With A Gift...
Thanks.
2-20-12 Update:
I haven't gotten any responses yet, but I did get a couple of re-tweets (thank you to those followers of mine who took the time to pass this on), and I did go out on a limb and I emailed Guillem March directly. The email got bounced back to me.
3-21-12 Update:
The awesome Omar Brodrick has tried to reach out to Guillem March and as I was searching around on the internet and stumbled across Guillem March's Art Gallery on ComicArtFans.com and I sent him a message through the site about this. Now the only thing to do is wait and see.
Guillem did get back to me and unfortunately he cannot take any commissions at this time. Bummer. I'll have to find someone else. Let the search begin.
Image Expo
There will be plenty of Image creators there: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. Not to mention a bunch of special guests: BK Vaughan, Fiona Staples, Blair Butler, Ed Brubaker, Joe Casey, John Layman, Jonathan Hickman, and many more!
You can purchase your tickets online or at any of these local comic book shops; (Yes, we are selling a limited amount at Comics Conspiracy.) The tickets are very cool looking and feature different creators and art work. CBR.com has an article on them check it out for more.
If you live around the Bay Area and are going to have some major Wonder Con withdrawals this year you should really think about checking out the Image Expo.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 2/15/12
(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Marvel or Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our digital Comixology site.)
01. Amazing Spider-Man #679.1 Marvel
02. Batman #6 DC
03. Captain Atom #6 DC
04. Catwoman #6 DC
05. DC Universe Online: Legends #23 DC
06. DC Universe Presents: Challengers of the Unknown #6 DC
07. Fables #114 Vertigo
08. Green Lantern Corps #6 DC
09. Legion of Super-Heroes #6 DC
10. Red Hood and the Outlaws #6 DC
11. Star Trek / Legion of Super-Heroes #5 IDW
12. Super Dinosaur #8 Image
13. Winter Soldier #2 Marvel
I hope everyone is excited to read Batman this week; I am. Scott Snyder has been giving readers an amazing Batman story that you shouldn't be missing out on. This week also has a few more titles I'm looking forward to reading: Winter Soldier, Catwoman, Fables, Green Lantern Corps, and Red Hood and the Outlaws.
Ryan didn't order enough copies of the new Dark Horse comic Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi #1 by John Ostrander so I have to head over to Illusive Comics later to try and snag a copy.
Yesterday, in between tweets about Valentine's Day, the passing of John Severin and other randomness, Ed Brubaker tweeted,
"For all who complain about 3.99 comics, you should buy the 2.99 ones when they come out, like Winter Soldier this week. Vote with ur money!"
I must say that after I read that I took note of how many Marvel and DC titles were $2.99 Vs. $3.99 and here is the tally I came up with: Marvel 7 out of 17 and DC 15 out of 16 (not counting Vertigo). My Marvel purchases were 2 out of 17 and my DC purchases were 8 out of 16; all $2.99 books. One of the main reasons I picked up Brubaker's Winter Soldier in the first place was the fact that it was $2.99.
You have the power to influence the price of comics by voting with your money. One of the main reasons I don't really buy Marvel titles is the fact that a majority of them are $3.99. Marvel might not feel the ding in their overall sales because I don't buy much Marvel anymore, but they will feel the dent if a lot more comic book readers vote with their money by "drawing the line at $2.99".
Now get to your local comic book store and get something to read!
Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.
As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Chronicle is a Must See Movie!
Chronicle, written by Max Landis & Josh Trank who also directs the film, is a "found footage" style movie that documents the journey of three teens who develop telekinetic powers after discovering some strange crystal like formation in a cave.
The premise behind Chronicle is a simple one and it keeps this simple feel throughout from character development to overall action. I loved the use of "found footage" and the simple CG that was used in the film. I would have to say the CG of the Spider was my favorite.
I was totally entertained as I watched this film, and I left the theater wanting to talk about this movie. This film is a must see because it is a great movie overall, and you will not be disappointed. Go check it out for yourself to be sure.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Marvel Why You So Bad?
I know most of you are tired of me "bashing" on Marvel, but they make it so easy to do. I would love to say: that I've been blown away by the stories in the X-Books, that Bendis's Avengers are the stuff of legend, that Iron Man and Captain America are deep and engaging titles, and that I'm in general excited about the things that are going on at Marvel, but I won't. Marvel has for the past year been spinning their wheels trying to keep up with what DC is doing in this market. Marvel is failing and not in small ways.
One failure is this past month Marvel didn't have a title in the top ten best selling single issues which lead to the joke going around the internet that, "All of Marvel lost to Aquaman last month"...priceless.
Another is story quality. Look at Fear Itself which was a horrible story that never seemed to have an end, Schism which was lame and is anyone really reading Fearless or Battle Scars?
Then there is the renumbering of the Uncanny X-Men and the "X-Civil War" which has given many long time fans a great place to jump off the X-Books.
Most of all there is this unspoken thought at Marvel, "We're Holding Our Line at $3.99, would you like a poly-bag and digital code with that 20 page comic?" How does Marvel expect to stay on top of the dollar share in this industry? A better question would be, how long will this mentality last in this economy?
Finally Marvel has a huge tendency to double ship. Stop doing this! Most stores don't want your non-returnable garbage that isn't going to sell. Especially for $5.99. Don't quote me, but I wouldn't doubt that we will be giving Marvel Point One away on Free Comic Book Day.
All these articles with Marvel execs do is add more fuel to the fire in regards to the backwards publishing practices that have given us decades of Marvel trash. I want to be wowed when I read comics and Marvel does nothing to wow me. And they even have the name that is synonymous with wow. Marvel you need to get you heads out of your asses and be the comic book publisher that this old true believer can get behind again. You can start by fixing this bull shit with Gary Friedrich and doing the "right" thing. Just a suggestion.
Alright people comment away!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 2/8/12
(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Marvel or Dark Horse books because you cannot support us currently by buying them through our site.)
01. Batgirl #6 DC
02. Batman and Robin #6 DC
03. Batwoman #6 DC
05. Deathstroke #6 DC
06. Demon Knights #6 DC
07. Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E #6 DC
08. Green Lantern #6 DC
09. Grifter #6 DC
10. Huntress #5 of 6 DC
11. Legion Lost #6 DC
12. Resurrection Man #6 DC
13. Severed #7 Image
14. Star Wars: Agent of the Empire #3 of 5 Dark Horse
15. Suicide Squad #6 DC
16. Thief of Thieves #1 Image
17. The Unwritten #34 Vertigo
Fairly big week for me already, and I had to get doubles of Batgirl and Huntress for Calli, but it is week two of month six for the "New Rejiggered 52" and there are some great titles this week: Green Lantern, Batgirl, Resurrection Man, Suicide Squad, Batwoman, and Batman and Robin to name a few. I am really looking forward to the two part "Hunt for Harley Quinn" story that starts in Suicide Squad this month and seeing what happens with Resurrection Man's admittance to Arkham Asylum. Can't wait.
I am going to give Robert Kirkman and Nick Spencer's new Image book Thief of Thieves a try because I like Robert Kirkman and the book was only $2.99 so stay tuned I may or may not let you know what I think.
And if you hadn't already noticed...NO MARVEL TITLES! This is such a relief on my wallet. Now I know their will be people out there that say I'm just hating on Marvel when I post stuff like this but I am just letting you know what really takes place in my mind when it comes to buying my comics. (I will read Wolverine and the X-Men: Alpha & Omega #2 this week but I'm not buying it.)
This week I took home 19 titles that were $2.99 (doubles for Batgirl and Huntress and the variant for Green Lantern) and one title at $3.50 (thank you Dark Horse) my total for books with California tax (8.25%) was $65.29. If I was to get a Marvel title that averages $3.99 I would have to add $4.32 for each $3.99 title that I put on my pull list. This adds up quickly. So, when I don't have any Marvel books on my pull list my wallet thanks me.
Don't forget to check out the FREE Veritgo Preview: 2012 to check out a sample of Fairest #1, Saucer Country #1, Dominique Laveau: Voodoo Child #1 and The New Deadwardians #1.
Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront or you can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop, giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.
As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
It's Tuesday, Ryan Said What? 2/7/12
"If the comic had been about raping donkeys it would have been better."
(He was obviously making this comment about a Marvel title)
Ryan Higgins becomes a different person on Tuesdays and yes he does swear like a sailor once the doors close at 6.
Random Comic Pick - Episode 44
We did however talk about a key story in comic book history, which was the Death of Superman [Superman (1986-2006) Vol. 2 #75] because Higgins had us watch the Death and Return of Superman video by Max Landis that was posted recently (which you should watch for yourself, but I warn you now you can't get that time back) on YouTube which is an attack slash parody of the events of The Death and Return of Superman. As we pointed out in the podcast there are blatant fallacies in it, but you'll just have to watch for yourself.
Below is a reading list for the Death and Return of Superman:
Death of Superman
Man of Steel (MoS)#18
Justice League America #69
Superman #74
Adventures of Superman (AoS) #497
Action #684
MoS #19
Superman #75
Justice League America #70
AoS #498
Action #685
MoS #20
Superman #76
AoS #499
Action #686
MoS #21
Superman #77
Legacy of Superman
Supergirl and Team Luthor
Reign of the Supermen
AoS #500
Action #687
MoS #22
Superman #78
AoS #501
Action #688
MoS #23
Superman #79
AoS #502
Action #689
MoS #24
Superman #80
AoS #503
Action #690
MoS #25
Superman #80
AoS #504
Action #691
MoS #26
Green Lantern #46
Superman #82
AoS #505
Action #692
Return to Action
MoS #27
Superman #83
AoS #506
Action #693
MoS #28
Superman #84
AoS #507
Action #694
MoS #29
Superman #85
AoS #508
Action #695
MoS #30
Superman #86
AoS #509
Action #696
MoS #31
You can also check out my Superman Reading List if you want to check out more stories about the Man of Steel.
Remember Comics Conspiracy is a great place to order comics and you can also download comics at the Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront for your computer, tablet or phone.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Conspirator Brock's Pull List for 2/1/12
(Note: I have included deep links for some titles if you wish to support Comics Conspiracy when you buy digital comics. I have not included links to Marvel or Dark Horse books because you cannot buy them through our site.)
01. Action Comics #6 DC
02. Amazing Spider-Man #679 Marvel
03. Animal Man #6 DC
04. Batwing #6 DC
05. Blackhawks #5 DC*
06. Detective Comics #6 DC
07. Green Arrow #6 DC
08. Justice League International #6 DC
09. Red Lanterns #6 DC
10. Swamp Thing #6 DC
11. The Unwritten #33.5 Vertigo*
12. Winter Soldier #1 Marvel
*Titles were released last week, but we were shorted.
Graphic Novel
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic (Vol. 9): - Demon Dark Horse
Star Wars Legacy (Vol. 8) - Tatooine Dark Horse
It's Black History Month, Presidents Month, the Month of Love, DC's sixth month of being on time, but all that pails in comparison to the fact that it is leap year and this February will have five Wednesdays in it. This means more new comic book days! I like this. My wallet may not. This week is stacked with some great reads: Action Comics, Detective Comics, Swamp Thing, and Animal Man. I can't wait to sit down and read through these titles.
As for the Marvel titles on my pull list, Amazing Spider-Man is still hanging on by a web. I hope it stays because I have overall really been enjoying Spider-Man for the past few years, but that could change. I did pick up Winter Soldier #1 to give it a try because it is by Ed Brubaker, it follows Bucky who I have enjoyed reading about over the past few years and it was only $2.99. We will see if it stays since I am most likely going to be off Captain America & Bucky after the current story arc.
And as for trade reading I picked up two more Star Wars trades this week and soon my reading of Knights of the Old Republic and Legacy will be complete.
Remember you can now find these titles and more in digital format at our Comics Conspiracy - Comixology Storefront.
You can still order comics from us directly by visiting the shop or giving us a call (408) 245-6275, or dropping Ryan an email at ryan@comicsconspiracy.biz.
As usual I'll be talking comics on The Comic Conspiracy, and on the Geekbox Forums. Now get out there and enjoy some good old fashioned comic book reading.