ESW Podcast - Episode 104

Mister Fibuli! Mister Fibuli! By all the x-ray storms of Vega! Brigade Leader at UNIT Southeast KE Castelan joins Mike, Mike, Jen, and Mary to discuss the first Doctor Who story penned by the late, great (and thanks for all the fish) Douglas Adams. Featuring the epic winner-take-all battle for robot supremacy between Avitron and K-9! Plus, Mike and Mike talk about their upcoming appearance at Borderlands Comics and Games in Greenville, SC for Doctor Who Comics Day!

Earth Station Who Episode 104: The Pirate Planet

To listen, click the link above or download this podcast from iTunes.

Check out the cool Doctor Who merchandise in our Amazon store!

If you would like to leave feedback or a comment on the show, feel free to contact us via the ESW feedback line at (404) 963-9057 (remember long distance charges may apply), our ESW Facebook group page, or email eswpodcast@gmail.com.

Borderlands Free Comic Book Day Video

Many thanks to the fine folks at Borderlands Comics & Games in Greenville, SC for making this year's Free Comic Book Day something special! It was a fun day and I'm very glad someone captured it on video. Keep a sharp lookout for the man in the hat!

This Weekend - FCBD at Borderlands Comics & Games

This Saturday, I will at Borderlands Comics and Games in Greenville, SC for Free Comic Book Day! I will be giving free previews of Strong Will, the upcoming comic by Bobby Nash, Wendell Cavalcanti, Rob Jones, Mark Maddox, and myself. Tiki Zombie artist Peter Cutler will also be there offering free sketches.

There's also going to be several other creative folks, zombies from The Walking Dead, cosplayers, a blood drive, a 25-foot gorilla! And did I mention FREE COMICS?!?!?!

Hope to see ya there on Saturday! It's gonna be a FAN-TIKI-TASTIC time!!!

This Weekend - New World Comics Grand Opening

I am pleased to announce I will be at the Grand Opening/Heroes Day event at New World Comics this Saturday, September 8th! Also in attendance will be Bobby Nash, Sean Taylor, some live entertainment, a few local artists, and additional guests and surprises.

New World Comics
212 E. Kivett Drive
High Point, NC 27260
Phone: 336-355-6980

If you’re in the area, please stop by and say "Howdy!"

Learn more about New World Comics at newworldcomics2012.com, Twitter, and Facebook.

This Weekend - Legends & Knoxville Comic & Anime Show

This Saturday (6/9), New Legend comes to Legends! I will be at the Rome, GA comic shop from Noon until 2pm signing copies of Tiki Zombie #1, along with two "legends in their own minds," Bobby Nash and Sean Taylor. Can one shop hold these three egos? Come on by and find out!

After the signing, Bobby and I will travel to Tennessee to appear at the Knoxville Comic and Anime Show! We may not make it to the con on Saturday, but Mike Faber will be representing the Earth Station One podcast hosting panels and meeting fans. Bobby and I will be there all day Sunday (6/10) at the ESO table promoting the podcast and having copies of our own books available.

I've never been to either area, so I'm looking forward to seeing the sights and meeting new folks! If you're nearby, feel free to stop by and say, "Howdy!"

ESO Podcast - Episode 73 Part I

Longest. Episode. Ever.

Welcome to the first part of the biggest episode of the Earth Station One podcast ever. Once again we are on location! This time we were hosted by the fine folks at Titan Comics in Smyrna, GA. In this first part, we visit the dark alleys of Gotham City and talk about the Dark Knight, Batman. But wait! That’s not all! We also talk about the newest episode of Torchwood: Miracle Day.

Join us for an episode we like to call Episode 73 Part I: – Holy Podcast Batman! That's Right, Chum! ESO Is Going Live Once Again!

Table of Contents
0:00:00 Intro / Welcome
0:03:55 ESO Rants and Raves – Bobby’s Birthday, Alfred Hitchcock Turns 112, The Fantastic Four Anniversary, Marvel Cartoons on Netflix, Comic Crossover Madness
0:44:30 Torchwood: Miracle Day Episode 6
1:05:16 BATMAN!!
2:29:29 Part 1 Show Close

Listen to ESO #73 Part I here, or download this podcast from iTunes.

LCS Tour - Book Nook

Book Nook
Decatur, GA
I love me some used books stores! There's just something about a place with a great selection of adventures, mysteries, biographies, and instructions, all for the low price of pennies on the dollar! Add a fine selection of used cds and videos, as well as current comics and back issues, and you've got the makings of a store that is right in my wheelhouse. I can spend hours and more than a bit of cash at such shops, and have frequently done so. Unfortunately, last weekend I was pressed for time so I did not get to enjoy my visit at the Book Nook for long, but it was fun while it lasted!

To check out all the Local Comic Shops I have visited on this tour, check out my LCS Tour Google Map!

LCS Tour - Titan Comics and Games Duluth

Titan Comics and Games
Duluth, GA
Speaking of Titan Comics and Games, where we recorded episode #45 of the ESO Podcast (see previous post), it was also last week's stop on the LCS Tour. Of course, I've visited the store many times and it is not just a great place to talk Trek, but a better than average comic shop as well. I have noticed that many shops use supplemental products, events or gimmicks to set them apart from the competition. Not so at Titan. They keep it simple. "We sell comics good" is not their public motto, but it could be (even if it not exactly grammatically correct). They have the current titles, decent number of trades and backstock, and super friendly service that will you make look forward to a return trip. An effective business model that has earned Titan the title of "The Atlanta Area's Premier Collectibles Chain." I have not yet visited the other two locations, but they are on my list and I expect I'll find more of the same - and that's a good thing!

To check out all the Local Comic Shops I have visited on this tour, check out my LCS Tour Google Map!

LCS Tour - Planet Comics

Planet Comics
Anderson, SC
As you can tell from the photo above, one thing that separates Planet Comics from many other shops is that it is open at night! We arrived at a time when most comic stores I know of would be closed. It was nice to see the place buzzing with people on Saturday night, particularly the gaming area. You can find a great selection of current comics and back issues, as well as discount books and an impressive anime and dvd section. So if you find yourself out on the town in Anderson, stop by Planet Comics for an after dinner treat!

To check out all the Local Comic Shops I have visited on this tour, check out my LCS Tour Google Map!

LCS Tour - Borderlands

Borderlands
Greenville, SC
While we were in Greenville, we went from one of the smallest stores (in square footage) so far on our tour, to one of the largest. And the two shops are mere blocks away! Robert Young is the new owner of Borderlands and he has some big plans to go with his big store. He has been in the comic retail business for over 20 years and is a passionate believer in the medium and great supporter of creators. Listening to some of his ideas, I know this will be a store to watch in 2011 and beyond! In addition to everything you'd expect from your LCS, Borderlands is also THE place to be for wargaming. Between all the gaming tournaments and comic events Rob has scheduled for this year, I have no idea how he's going to get any sleep!

To check out all the Local Comic Shops I have visited on this tour, check out my LCS Tour Google Map!

LCS Tour - Richard's Comics

Richard's Comics & Collectables
Greenville, SC
One of the dealers at the Charlotte Mini Con this weekend was Richard Morgan, and we also made it a point to visit his store on the return trip. And I'm so glad we did! Out of the many stores I have visited, Richard's Comics & Collectables gets my vote for best maximum use of minimal space! I can't believe all the items in this store - the current titles, decent backstock, shelves full of trades, figures and statues, original comic art for sale, gaming cards, and much more. I actually nearly got lost looking around the shop and it is one of the smallest ones we've been to! Not only did I find some cool stuff to buy, but also gave me some ideas for organizing my own geek space.

To check out all the Local Comic Shops I have visited on this tour, check out my LCS Tour Google Map!

LCS Tour - Heroes Aren't Hard to Find

Heroes Aren't Hard to Find
Charlotte, NC
This past weekend, we decided to take our LCS Tour out of the state, mainly because we were going to check out the Charlotte Mini Con, operated by Shelton Drum. The con itself was fun, though on a smaller scale than Shelton's world-renown "other" convention - HeroesCon - one of my personal fave cons every year. Though Shelton is recognized as the organizer of some great cons, he is also the owner of one of the best comic stores in the world, Heroes Aren't Hard to Find. Much like his conventions, comics not only take center stage, but nearly the entire stage! You will find an impressive assortment of current monthly titles (main and indie) as well as trades. There's a decent kids section in front and sweet statues throughout. And the life-size figures of Spider-Man battling Doctor Octopus hanging overhead are noteworthy attractions for any kid at heart! So if you are ever in the Charlotte area to attend one of Shelton's cons (and you should!), make sure you stop by Heroes Aren't Hard to Find. And if you happen to be in town when there is not a con, never fear! The same atmosphere and spirit can be found at shop on a daily basis!

To check out all the Local Comic Shops I have visited on this tour, check out my LCS Tour Google Map!

LCS Tour - Galactic Quest Lawrenceville

Galactic Quest
Lawrenceville, GA
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of Galactic Quest, and I have been a subscriber at the Lawrenceville store for over 15 years. Over the years, both the store and myself have had our share of ups and downs, but my stack has been consistently there for me each and every week. I used to think that it would be cool to own a comic store, but Kyle (the owner) made me realize that it is not enough to provide comics for folks each and every week, you must also build a community. Over the years, I've seen gaming tournaments, 24-hour artist marathons, art exhibitions, locally televised events, movie screenings, concerts, signings, and even a live podcast recording (co-hosted by yours truly just this past weekend). Not only do I appreciate the store as a fanboy, but as a creator as well. So please be sure to visit Galactic Quest, and if you do so on a Friday late afternoon, odds are I'll be there picking up my books!

LCS Tour - Bunjee's Comics & The Book End

Last weekend, fellow writer Bobby Nash and myself embarked on the first leg of our LCS Tour 2011. There are many comic shops in the local area that neither of us had visited in a while (if at all) and we thought it would be fun to travel around to see what it is out there. I love me some comic shops! I hardly ever leave one without buying something. And this is a great opportunity to promote my current projects as well! We began with a store I had not been to in a couple of years...

Bunjee's Comics
McDonough, GA
Bunjee's Comics has been in business since 1993. The first store was in Griffin, GA and later they opened a second store in McDonough. Sadly, last year the decision was made to close the Griffin store. I wish I'd visited the original as I've heard great things about it from fanboys and fangirls in the area. I had been to the McDonough store a couple of times a few years ago and was impressed by the selection and the service. I'm pleased to say that both are still excellent! This was the first time I'd had the pleasure of speaking with Bill, the owner, who was in good spirits despite the recent consolidation. In fact, he very much wants to expand the remaining store to accommodate the combined inventory. For a store in the southern outskirts of Atlanta, the stock of books and figures is impressive! In addition to the latest and greatest superhero comics, you'll also find a diverse array of indie titles. I don't often get a chance to travel to McDonough, but Bunjee's Comics is worth the trip!

The Book End
Stockbridge, GA
To be honest, I had never heard of The Book End until Bill from Bunjee's generously recommended we check it out, and I'm glad he did. I felt right at home as soon as I walked in the store! In addition to a wall full of new releases, the place is chock full of back stock. My budget would not allow me to dive in, but I spotted some rare gems just looking casually though the boxes. The place had an active crowd of card gamers which was nice to see among the used books and memorabilia. It was a real treat to chat with Paul, the co-owner, who made sure we left the store smiling!

Much thanks to both stores for their hospitality and thanks to Bobby for the photos and the driving duties! I also want to thank Mother Nature for not snowing on Saturday! I look forward to visiting more local comic stores in the near future!