The Secret Stash

This is me in front of Kevin Smiths comic book store, the home of the AMC show Comic Book Men and the podcast Tell Em’ Steve Dave. This was our final stop on a impromptu trip to New Jersey initiated by the postponement of Boston Comic Con due to the Boston bombing. That is an interesting story for another time. For any geek this store definitely holds a special place in their top ten lists of stores to visit.

I made sure to pick up some signed comics and a signed DVD, a shirt, and few other trinkets to remember the trip. I was able to meet Mike before he became the megastar partner to podcasting superstar Ming Chen. Sorry, just listened to Tell Em’ Steve Dave and felt the urge for some mild Ming bashing. The highlights for me were seeing the Buddy Christ status and the poker table the guys record the podcast at.

Superhero Weekend at the Museum of Play

The Annual Superhero Weekend at the Museum of Play seemed to be a success. We arrived just before two o’clock on Sunday and the parking lot was full but we got lucky and found a spot up front as someone else was leaving. Luckily we were right on time for Ken Wheaton’s presentation on drawing, he showed us how to draw Popeye, Bart Simpson, Captain America and Spiderman. My daughter has far more natural talent than I do but my Popeye was passable. Ken was rather witty, as my daughter raised her hand in order to rat out my wife for not participating.

While I had far less time to spend talking with any of the creators due to the kids wanting to play and who can blame them. For the few moments I got to talk to them, everyone was great. It is difficult to stop and hold a conversation with a four year old pulling you towards the Lego area. Will Perkins co-creator and artist of Beware was super nice, he sketched Red Angry Bird for my son and despite the surprised look on his face sketched a Zombie Hello Kitty at the request of my daughter. My wife bought a Wacko sketch from Michael Borkowski.

Captain America was a big hit with the kids, he took the time to get the kids to strike a superhero posse. Super Wyatt and Princess Pesto had my son star struck. Overall, the Museum put on a good show and I look forward to going next year to see what they do.

A special thanks goes out to the creators that participated: Michael Borkowski, Chris Pallace, Will Perkins, Ken Wheaton, Stephen Lindsay, and everyone else that made this a great day for the kids and adults alike.

Show Off What You Geek

Americans are using their public library more than ever before, but in many cases, overall funding is down. And some libraries have been forced to cut hours, programs and staff, and even close their doors. You can help.

Comic Book Shop Owners Documentary

State Flag Variants?

I understand comic book publishers need a gimmick to sell books but this is just silly?

Back in November, we let you know that JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 would boast a whopping 52 variant covers, featuring the individual flags of all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Currently, all the variant covers are available for ordering - but time is running out! Monday's the last day comic retailers can up their orders – and your last chance to make sure you get a copy of your state's cover.

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