Mike's Comic Shop Roadshow – Details, episodes & analysis

This episode Mike is still in the City of Brotherly Love, making the trip across town to Fat Jack’s Comic Crypt. The staff could not accommodate a full interview, but one of the staff, Lucas, had time to make a quick recommendation of a couple books for Mike to read. So, that made this a perfect opportunity for a Pitstop episode! Unfortunately, Fat Jack’s closed last year due to landlord issues, and the owner, Mike Ferrero passed away in December of 2024. The ICv2 website reported his death and stated, “Founded in 1976, Fat Jack’s was an integral part of the Philadelphia scene” This episode is dedicated to Mike Ferrero and his nationally renowned comic shop. On a decidedly more positive note, Mike is joined into this deep dive of Junkyard Joe by one of the best comic podcasters out there, Adam Murdough! Adam has been one of the voices on the classic Comic Geek Speak podcast for many years. For those that have missed those Muddle the Murd segments, guess what? You get one in this episode! Here’s to Mike Ferrero and Fat Jack’s Comics Crypt. Thanks to Lucas for taking the time to make a recommendation, and a big thanks to Adam Murdough for joining the journey with Junkyard Joe!

This episode Mike travels to the City of Brotherly Love and Brave New Worlds, a comic shop that is smack dab in historic Old City! Only a few blocks from Mike’s hotel, he took a leisurely stroll and walked past one historical site after another, from the Liberty Bell to the final resting place of Benjamin Franklin! Brave New Worlds is as charming as the area in which it resides. Mike had the pleasure of interviewing not one, but two managers, Brian and Cacey, and got a book recommendation from both. Cacey is also a cohost of the Tales From the Shortbox podcast. It comes out weekly and is hosted by Cacey Crawford, Adam Sheehan, Shaun Betit, and RJ Veit, who discuss the comics that were released the previous week. I have subscribed, and you should, too! The Brave New Worlds that Mike visited is one of two locations and has been around for over 35 years. They carry a wide variety of comics, game cards, graphic novels, children's books, action figures, back issues, t-shirts, posters, board/card games, and many collecting supplies. It was a blast to hang out with this very friendly and knowledgeable crew! Brave New Worlds is found at 55 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106. Follow the shop on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube, and check out their website https://stores.comichub.com/bravenewworldsphiladelphia. You can also email them at rob@bravenewworldscomics.com. You can hear more from the illustrious and enigmatic Captain Entropy on podcasts such as the Dark Horse Presents Aliens with Diablu Frank, Prof. Alan’s Quarter Bin, the Fantastic Pour with Brett Young, JLUCast with Chris and Cindy Franklin, the Longbox Crusade, and the DC SpecialCast with Paul Kien. A big thanks to Brian and Cacey for taking time out of their busy day to tell me about Brave New Worlds and giving great book recommendations, and thanks to Captain Entropy for joining me in the adventure of reading Step by Bloody Step!

This time Mike zigzags his way across the US to Columbus, OH and discovers a cool shop called Comic Town. The owner, Ryan, was very accommodating, even though he was busy helping customers throughout the interview. It was great to see the level of attention he gave them, no matter what they were looking for. Unfortunately, this marks the first time a shop featured on the Roadshow has closed its doors since the interview was recorded. Due to an ever growing backlog, it’s been a year since Mike interviewed Ryan, and in November of 2023, he sadly closed his business. Ryan’s heartfelt goodbye post on the Comic Town Facebook page is worth reading as it describes his decision as being as the result of a lot of soul searching and discussions with his family, which is laudable in and of itself. He was ready to shift away from retail and take on challenges in a different industry. We wish Ryan the very best and dedicate this episode not to the Comic Town shop, but to Ryan and his family. Mike and returning guest host Russell Burbage review Ryan’s enthusiastic recommendations, the first volume of The Magic Order, by Mark Millar and Olivier Coipel. The Comic Town Facebook page is worth checking out, if for no other reason than reading his farewell post. 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!

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!