Contest Of Challengers

THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES•Publishers adding formats = technical issues. •A Saga "update". •Dal's Imposter Syndrome. •Hiring local artists. •Looking ahead to Free Comic Book Day 2027. •Local Comic Shop Day will have happened by the time you hear this.---------- Contest of Challengers #799 This episode is dedicated to All Elite Comedy. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

A +ZERO CHANCE•How our events are changing with the times. •Searchable creator links. •Dal's first-ever Blokees build. •Tote bags!•Challengers (and your?) support for the Alzheimer's Association. https://challengerscomics.com/products/frans-kitchen-cookbook https://fourfran.com ---------- Contest of Challengers #798 This episode is also dedicated to "The Butcher" Andy Williams. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersC

LOGIC DICTATED•This week was not a huge week of comics or sales. •Superhero comics tropes. •Corner boxes on covers. •We love inkers!!•Spawn 77 sales. •Current at-the-counter annoyances. •Are you watching Lanterns? •Challengers Similar Cinema Suggestion.   ---------- Contest of Challengers #797 This episode is dedicated to "The Butcher" Andy Williams. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.2

THE END OF READING•Is it too hot to shop for comics in Chicago? •WE love our new CTA Tracker! •Thanks, Patrons! •The end of reading?•Will Christmas Crisis return in 2026? •KYLE HIGGINS and LANCE BRIGGS are coming back to Challengers! •We tease some other huge upcoming events. •Dal is still excited for the Marvel Midnight books, but Patrick didn't get the chance to read them. *frowny face* •Subscribing to "B" Covers.   ---------- Contest of Challengers #796 This episode is dedicated to Tim Curry. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myp

SIGNS OF THE TIME•Minor weekly reordering annoyances. •When customers buy comic supplies. •Erroneous AI. •Giving directions to other shops.•Comics talked about in this episode:      MIDNIGHT X-MEN #1      MIDNIGHT SPIDER-MAN #1 •Do you find value in our "NEW FIRST ISSUE" and "NEW PRINTING" shelf signs?   ---------- Contest of Challengers #795 This episode is dedicated to Dolly. Now and Forever. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversati

SAME-DAY LOCAL DELIVERY!!•We test out our new Same-Day Local (Chicagoland) Delivery Service! •The 'whys' and 'hows' of wanting local delivery. •So many upcoming events!! •Shout out to NotSoFunnyBooks on IG. •Never respond to the comments, Patrick.   ---------- Contest of Challengers #794 This episode is dedicated to Trexity. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics

MY NORMAL STATE IS "F" THOSE GUYS•Positive Marvel changes for retailers!      MIDNIGHT bundles, discounts & lit sign!      Updated Foil Cover pricing!      Possible cover letters…? •A Marvel x Star Wars crossover mini-series for 2027! •The continual Warren Ellis problem. •Adding "A Graphic Novel" to titles.   ---------- Contest of Challengers #793 This episode is dedicated to the incomparable Mike Gold. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics +

PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE IS MY DEFAULT•We do not ship comic storage boxes. •A long Yelp review story. •Pokemon bros. •Contest of Challengers passed our 17th Podcastiversary!! •Marvel Compact Comics?!? ---------- Contest of Challengers #792 This episode is dedicated to Matt Kindt and Brian Hurtt. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

GET TO THE FIREWORKS FACTORY•Unpacking some questionable comics. •Batman Day 2026! •Upcoming events, plus a tease! •Cakeworthy. •Upcoming exterior transformation. •End-of-the-year ordering structure. •Comics talked about in this episode:      SIX OF US #1      HAMMERFIST #1      TERMINAL #1   ---------- Contest of Challengers #791 This episode is dedicated to David Harper's Eisner win! Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N We

A NEW ANYTHING•Don't forget our MATT KINDT/BRIAN HURTT is coming up! Fri, Aug 7!! •Brief Marvel solicits for October. •Pitching the books of our friends. •We do not sell everything we get in the store. •Dal's eBay account (transforming robots for sale!)   ---------- Contest of Challengers #790 This episode is dedicated to Arunimus Prime. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

LET THEM COOKIt's a deeper dive on fewer topics this week! •A non-comic public service announcement. •Marvel is moving their publishing offices from NY to Burbank, CA! •Marvel Comics announces a NEW Editor-in-Chief!! •Miniseries getting extensions.   ---------- Contest of Challengers #789 This episode is dedicated to Richard Hendrick. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • Challenge

DELUGE!*Dal's microphone turned off before the recording, so his audio was only captured by Patrick's mic. We used Cleanvoice to reconstruct Dal's audio, and it sounds great, but a few parts sound like gibberish. Well, more gibberish than normal* •Flooding! •UPS shipment emails. •Distributor emails (again). •SDCC announcement roll outs. •Speculation on a new DC/Marvel Crossover! •New Challengers Bookmarks are a-comin'! •So many publisher marking Zoom calls! •Dal has it in for publisher marketing reps. Sorry!---------- Contest of Challengers #788 This episode is dedicated to The Cleaner. The Best Bout Machine. The Belt Collector. Kenny "By God" Omega! Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin C

IT DOESN'T. WHO CARES.•It starts petty… •Customer service is key. •Thanks, Patrons! •The American Library Association's Annual Conference was in Chicago and we got to see a bunch of our publishing friends! •DC Execs visit the shop! •MATT KINDT and BRIAN HURTT are coming back to Challengers! •We still have signed copies of our DWJ Exclusive Cover!---------- Contest of Challengers #787 This episode is dedicated to your visible passion. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N West

HORROR MOVIE LIZARD MAN•Lots of new toys in-store and coming our way! •Only Dal is allowed an Aztek figure! •An update on the availability of Pennies! •MIDNIGHT(s)! •DC Animation announcements. •The Back Issue Blind Box mystery!---------- Contest of Challengers #786 This episode is dedicated to Milly Alcock.. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

ACTIVELY MANAGING•Print catalogs vs digital catalogs. •Huge Lunar shipment on the horizon! •Upcoming signings! •Credit card processing fees being passed to the consumer is getting out of hand. •Pennies!! •A Chicago spice bag! •New title announcements for September!---------- Contest of Challengers #785 This episode is dedicated to Gerry Conway. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 •

KEEP ESCAPING IT•Opening a Marvel 616 Doom Blind Bag. •BIG week of "A" list Releases. Or is it? •MASK #1 Blind Bag surprise! •Huge spoilers from the Big 2 publishers, before the corresponding books are released!! •Adjective titles. •Warrior Cats. •Jed McKay's MOON KNOGHT is a consistent joy.---------- Contest of Challengers #784 This episode is dedicated to Keith Kremer. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chica

THE SAND IN OUR STARS•Why was "Miles Morales" written in the show notes for 5 episodes ago? •Paul Chadwick and CONCRETE are back! •Are super-hero comics prime summer reading? •The unionization of Dark Horse workers. •The DC Blackout boycott. •Are YOU excited for the Supergirl movie? •Please don't overuse Jeff!---------- Contest of Challengers #783 This episode is dedicated to Dianne. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Wester

"OUR PODCAST IS GREAT"The human touch has value. Not saving time.We do not ship comic boxes or bulk comic supplies.Absolute Batman reprints.Packing up mail-order subscriptions.Using/not using Discord.Non-copy over subscription books. ---------- Contest of Challengers #782 This episode is dedicated to Darby Allin. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh, Colt Cabana (both) Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

WALL-TO-NEW RELEASE WALLWhat comics industry news has Patrick missed? Coordinating what's on sale this week with what's coming out next week and what we're getting shipped for the week after next.How you can see what our weekly best-selling single issues are.I really, really love the look of our NEW THIS WEEK Wall on Tuesday nights.Secret Identity Comics of Chester, England.Comics talked about in this episode:      BEAST OF BORIKEN #1      STAR-CROSSED #1---------- Contest of Challengers #781 This episode is dedicated to Joe Jackson Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol, Colt Cabana Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics

BTE MAILBAGHere are the topics Patrick tackles in this episode, but not necessarily in this order: Can you explain the Absolute Batman #20 printing issue?What is Ablestar?What Dal tasks are you doing?What was the process behind the new box display?Why do you guys wear suits?What changes are you itching to make?Which former employees do you miss?How do you choose the music in the store?Why aren't there links in your weekly email? What are the biggest problems affecting your business right now?---------- Contest of Challengers #780 This episode is dedicated to Sir David Attenborough. Happy 100th! Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue Marasciulo (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol, Colt Cabana Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N