Contest of Challengers

PLUSSING THE EVENTA look back to Free Comic Book Day 2025. A full debrief of Free Comic Book Day 2026! Thanks, Patrons!---------- Contest of Challengers #779 This episode is dedicated to every Challenger that made FCBD a smooth day/huge success! Jeanna, Lizzy, Andrew, Kate, Stella, George & Parker! Thank you all! 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.com

OUR 1ST INDIE BOOKSTORE DAYWhat started out as an immediate debrief of our first Independent Bookstore Day event quickly spiraled out into an entire episode. Being so, no notes were taken! This is basically a full episode running down how our day went, what our expectations were, and suggestions for next year's event (spoiler: we'll do it again!). This episode is also a look ahead to FREE COMIC BOOK Day, including an on-the-spot layout alteration suggested by Dal that we're going to try and implement (because Patrick had an additional idea later that night that we're also planning to implement). We say it here and wind up doing it less than a week later!---------- Contest of Challengers #778 This episode is dedicated to the Chicagoland Independent Bookstore Alliance. 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.com

THE ONLY THING WE'RE OFFERING YOU•The sunsetting of current technology is costing is money and a LOT of time. •Welcome to Logistified. •Canva vs Publisher. •"Big" books with low pre-orders. •The impending Independent Bookstore Day and all it entails. •The recent Marvel layoffs hit a little closer to home. •Comics talked about in this episode:      DESTINATION KILL #1      ODIN #1      TERMINAL #1 ---------- Contest of Challengers #777 This episode is dedicated to Gib Bickel, co-founder of Laughing Ogre Comics. 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

STEER THE DISCUSSION •The biggest comic news story of 2026! •Disney layoffs. •Queen in Black Blind Bags (and box). •Dungeon Crawler Carl in comics! •What other comic industry departures would have as big of an impact? •Kind words from Jonathan Baylis •Andy (in da) Bookstore Day KFC Chicken Shortage: https://www.wired.com/story/kfc-chicken-crisis-shortage-supply-chain-logistics-experts/ ---------- Contest of Challengers #776 This episode is dedicated to Adam Hughes. 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.com

LET'S ALL GO TO THE MALL•Happy Taskmaster Series 21 to us all! •Our day out at the mall. •Blind box unboxing from Toys-R-Us and Miniso. •A (hopeful) replacement for Stocky, and how Shopify is making it harder to implement. •Prime Healthcare (possibly?) ditching Blue Cross Blue Shield and why we can't change our coverage. •Visiting Atlas Comics on Harlem! ---------- Contest of Challengers #775 This episode is dedicated to Amy Gledhill, Armando Iannucci, Joanna Page, Joel Dommett, and Kumail Nanjiani. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen) "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.com

SEE YOU AGAIN NEXT YEAR…?•The start of Year 19 (thanks Mike Gold!). •5 Big Event Saturdays in a row! •C2E2 2026. •Patrick's hunt for Paris Cullins. •3 days between PRH weekly shipments? •Daredevil #1 ---------- Contest of Challengers #774 This episode is dedicated to Paris Cullins. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen) "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 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

SUCH A WARNING SIGN•A Challengers love letter to Silver Sprocket. •This week Challengers turns 18! Yikes. This shop is now nothing but attitude and angst. •Still having an impact. •One-star Yelp reviews. •R.I.P. Sam Kieth •Thanks, Patrons! ---------- Contest of Challengers #773 This episode is dedicated to Sam Kieth. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen) "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 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.com

PART OF THE JOB•Dal's C2E2 expectations. •The war in Iran's impact on Fantagraphics. •Delayed Lunar shipping again this week. •Latest hire Kate learns how to check-in new books. •Where Were You When? •Talking about DEAD TEENAGERS #1. ---------- Contest of Challengers #772 This episode is dedicated to Kat Abughazaleh. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen) "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 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.com

TRASH CULTURE•Patrick will never get the hang of the Manage Comics Reporting functions. •Dal's statues. •Ordering from 100% Soft. •The experience of using Content360 for social posts. •Lunar box depth: The pros and cons. •Storing next week's comics. •Spine creases on comics is TOTALLY NORMAL. ---------- Contest of Challengers #771 This episode is dedicated to Davey Bang and Auggie Matthews. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen and Chris Jericho) Outro: James VanOsdol (with Danhausen) "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 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.com

IS THE LINE GOING UP OR DOWN?•When your job interrupts your job. •Our furnace. •Replica editions. •The return of Diamond? •Getting NARCO #1 into readers hands. •Ryan North is taking over writing duties on THE FLASH later this month, and it's GOOD! ---------- Contest of Challengers #770 This episode is dedicated to Team Guido! Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 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.com

MR. COMICS MANAGERWe tried to film this one, and as a result it chopped off a tiny bit at the start. There are some other… unexpected… elements to this episode, but it was meant to be a deep dive into our use of Manage Comics and what we hope to get from it. The episode starts and ends, as they usually do, with Patrick and Dal, but in the middle… well, you'll just have to listen for yourself…   ---------- Contest of Challengers #769 This episode is dedicated to Rob Grant. Smoke us a kipper, we'll be back for breakfast. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 Dal and Patrick Artwork: Bella Spagnuolo https://bellaspagnuoloart.myportfolio.com/ This episode was recorded with Zencaster. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

OUR HERO LIVES FOREVER•R.I.P. Miguel. •Shopify 11.0 launched this week. •ChallengersComics.com overhaul! •Being a part of subscribers' lives. •Upcoming changes to our subscription delinquency policy. •Feb 25 New Releases = 186 different single issue covers. •PRH Split Notices. •Pokemon pre-allocation. •DC Announcements: DC Silver Age Covers & Stories Artists Edition; Barbara Gorgon Breakout; The Deadman; Teen Titans.   ---------- Contest of Challengers #768 This episode is dedicated to the "The Angel" Miguel Fajardo. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 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.com

AN ABSOLUTE CLUSTER•This year's Sale is already a success(ish). •The rising prices of tote bags. •Action figure shipping costs! •UPS will hopefully stop f-ing up our weeks! •Like! Subscribe! Patreon…? •35 DC Absolute reprints to be released on the SAME DAY! •The Superman/Spider-Man vs Spider-Man/Superman Final Order nonsense. •You should subscribe to NARCO #1! •Shout out to BOOM! Studios' Bryce Carlson!   ---------- Contest of Challengers #767 This episode is dedicated to the Baddest Man in AEW, Brody King. Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 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.com

WORTH INVESTIGATING•DSTLRY is taking a publishing break. •Displaying vinyl records like displaying back issues.  •ONI Press is changing distributors! •Another disappointing round of Magic the Gathering allocations. •Our beloved Stocky app is being sunset by Shopify.   This episode is dedicated to Jason Ladanye's boot zipper. ---------- Contest of Challengers #766 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 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.com

7-ELEVEN (TO-7-FROM-11)•Ordering higher on new books than 2025. •IRON MAN #1 is a good comic! •7-11!  •Consignment issues. •Collecting comic art we're on. •Thanks, Patrons! •Standardized comic data. •Hirayasumi is a delightful manga!   This episode is dedicated to Our Pal Sal, Sal Buscema. Thank you, Sal. Tell John we miss him. ---------- Contest of Challengers #765 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 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.com

ALEX ROSS-ING•Challengers 2026 Field Trip #2 to the Dunn Museum in Libertyville to see the Alex Ross Heroes & Villains exhibit! •We also stopped at Comic Buying Center and, well, bought comics! •UPS screws up our Thursday and Friday AGAIN. •We're selling C2E2 tickets this year (for the first time since 2022). •Patrick caught up on 17 issues of Moon Knight last Sunday! They were so fun! •We've got a bunch of fun events planned thru May! •Abandoned Sale t-shirts.   This episode is dedicated to Renée Good.---------- Contest of Challengers #764 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 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.com

DEEP INTO IT•2 more DC Next Level titles announced. •How many Marvel and DC titles from July 2021 are still being published today? •Avengers #800's middle pages. •MSN's "15 Best Comic Shops…" •PLEASE read your emails. We said please. •USPS and UPS accountability changes (actually, I think we only talk about UPS; I think we never got to USPS) •MSI's Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing exhibit.   This episode is dedicated to the Museum of Science + Industry.---------- Contest of Challengers #763 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 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.com

THE PERFECT STORE•New Comic release day and time. •The return of Christmas Crisis in 2026…? •The Chicago Bag Tax increases again this year. •MS Office changes; higher price! Less features! It's the way of the world today! •Shelving GN's. •Oh, to have a bigger store… •Fill-in creators vs skip months. •Single issues + collections vs original graphic novels. •If every distributor had every publisher, who would we buy from?   This episode is dedicated to Hiroshi Tanahashi. Thank you, Ace.---------- Contest of Challengers #762 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro: James VanOsdol (with 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 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.com

99.6% ACCURATE•Dal immediately wants to talk about AEW's World's End pay-per-view, but Patrick gets him back on-track after 2 minutes… •The words are just garbage. •How Dal is collating our end-of-2025 best-sellers data. •The Shopify Apps we add-on to our service. •Thanks, Patrons! •Patrick attempts to close the chapter on our secret window art artist, but Dal throws him a curveball.   This episode is dedicated to watching football with Ryan & Carrie Browne?---------- Contest of Challengers #761 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh 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.com

PREMIUM READING EXPERIENCE•ARUNE SINGH returns to CoC almost exactly 5 years after his last appearance! •Action figures? Wrestling? COMICS? Yup, we talk about ALL OF THEM! •Chasing the Shiny Penny! •Strap in, this one is hefty! •Bonus holiday song "Unwrapped You" by The Divorce Gun!   This episode is dedicated to Rob Reiner and all the joy he brought to our lives.---------- Contest of Challengers #760 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ---------- Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

HILARIOUSLY MISGUIDED•Chicago's weather is not helping our Holiday sales… •The rise and rise of Absolute Batman. •Shopify sales channel issues. •Thanks, Patrons! •BS email marketing (with examples!!). •AI 'upgrades' to Shopify. •Our utility bills are skyrocketing. •Superman/Spider-Man, March 25, 2026!   This episode is dedicated to working together.---------- Contest of Challengers #759 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

IT'S ON THE BAG•It's a Thanksgiving miracle! •Minor distribution issues, per usual. •Our Corpse Tour re-cap. •The 2026 Angoulême International Comics Festival is on hold! •Would you want a video component to this podcast? •Daily (Wednesday) average transaction total. •Spending money on branded bags, boxes, and tape. •We'll miss you, Linda Pine. •Holiday gift suggestions!   This episode is dedicated to Linda Pine.---------- Contest of Challengers #758 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

We're taking a break from the podcast after this episode. We will be back later in 2025, but we're not sure when, or how often. Thanks for your patience and for sticking with us! WHAT'S THE SCAM?•We do a lot of movie promotion for just about everybody that asks. •New Ennis/Epting graphic novel, PARTISAN! •We still don't really back Kickstarter projects. •Special orders from long ago that will never fill. •Shipping issues abound in the real world. •Why Priority Mail shipping is hardly worth it. •An increase in fraudulent web orders! •Comic news featuring Scarlet Witch and the Amazing Spider-Man.   This episode is dedicated to the badlands.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #757 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT•Halloween is just an excuse to talk about the Monster Cereal Mascots! •Corpse Tour guy deserves more than YOU! •Thanks, Patrons! •Funding offers. •The cost of store exclusive covers. •A new printing of an old Patrick comic book project. •When we used to exhaust ourselves hosting events.   This episode is dedicated to giving everyone the same experience.---------- This episode was not digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #756 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

DAY 6,417It's Exhausting to Exist in That Space (alternate episode title) •Going to cons as kids vs going now. •The 6,417th day of Challengers and what that means for Patrick! •The earlier days of Challengers. •The end of Diamond Previews. •We are locked out of our Diamond account (for all that matters). •DC Comics is currently more additive to the industry than any other publisher. •James Tynnion IV is coming to Challengers in less than 2 weeks!   This episode is dedicated to all 6,416 previous days!---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #755 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

SEVERAL POINTS OF ALIGNMENT•Airport chat! But only the first part; we're back in the Podcastitorium ™ for most of the episode. •No name calling. •Digital marketing mail. •NYCC purchases •DC Next Level   This episode is dedicated to NO KINGS!---------- This episode was partially digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #754 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

CCC @ NYCC•Recorded entirely in New York City! •Very long car rides. •The Speech! •The rest of our New York Comic Con experiences. Mostly.    This episode is dedicated to the oldest and dearest of friends.---------- This episode was NOT digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #753 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

A SPEECH IS JUST TALKING•Barry Mindster and the bonkers emails we get. •Who is Laura Lympus? •We're getting closer to having an actual plan for our New Your Comic Con •AEW + DC Comics = Our worlds colliding!! •Superman/Spiderman from DC and Marvel in 2026!   This episode is dedicated to always standing up for those that cannot stan up for themselves.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #752 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

ALL-MALE REVIEW•Droning on about the same topics! All deliveries all the time! •We're heading to the New York Comic Con in 2 weeks! •It was a tiring Batman Day! •A 1-star review for not at all unrealistic entitled reasons! •We'll be getting Image books 27 days before bookstores! •Comics talked about in this episode:      LUCKY DEVILS #5     SLEEP #5      VOYEUR #1   This episode is dedicated to playing the hits.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #750 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

IT'S JUST COMIC BOOKS•No podcasting backlash from last week. •Patrick was on WGN's Spotlight Chicago this week for Batman Day! https://wgntv.com/news/celebrate-batman-day-with-challengers-comics/ •How DC Comics is hindering our Batman Day. •Deadpool/Batman! •Our (lack o)f Local Comic Shop Day plans. •An unsent email. •20 New #1's for October 1st! •Having to drop a very delinquent subscriber.   This episode is dedicated to owning up to your mistakes.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #750 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

PUBLIC DISCOURSE•Hypothetical employee situations. •When our opinion doesn't matter. •Red Hood #1. •Another celebrity drop-by!   This episode is dedicated to not using your words to hurt others.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #749 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

IT'S BEEN KNOWN FOR YEARS•DC KENNY OMEGA #1. •Challengers Blue. What If it survived? •The Jonas Brothers. •Thanks, Patrons! •Japanese Manga vs American Comics, via The Beat. •IDW Classics. •Fran's Kitchen cookbook is in-stock! Support the Alzheimer's Association! You can buy the cookbook on the Challengers website here: https://challengerscomics.com/products/frans-kitchen-cookbook And you can donate directly at https://act.alz.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20117b?px=10851299&fr_id=18580&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=0C147D8B6AF658D9B4FA0012D177141A  This episode is dedicated to dilated pupils.---------- This episode was not digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #748 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

35 - 0•Lucy Knisley's latest signing! •35 years. •Social media app changes. •Rethinking FOC's. •Fran's Kitchen cookbook is in-stock! Support the Alzheimer's Association! You can buy the cookbook on the Challengers website here: https://challengerscomics.com/products/frans-kitchen-cookbook And you can donate directly at https://act.alz.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20117b?px=10851299&fr_id=18580&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=0C147D8B6AF658D9B4FA0012D177141A  This episode is dedicated to what would have been GWB III's 88th.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #747 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Bryce Remsberg, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

Show less This episode was erroneously not posted last week! SORRY!! That means there will be TWO episodes posted within 24 hours! (Thanks for the heads up, Andrew!) BLIND AS A BAG•Last week's Yelp review is gone. •Bags of Blindness! INVINCIBLE UNIVERSE PRESENTS BATTLE BEAST #1, BATMAN #1 Blind as a Bat, DC K.O. #1 Lights Out, ULTIMATE ENDGAME #1 True Believers. •Bar codes on covers. •Compact Comics on fire! •Black Ninja comics! •Celebrity interaction in the comic shop. •Fran's Kitchen cookbook is in-stock! Support the Alzheimer's Association! You can buy the cookbook on the Challengers website here: https://challengerscomics.com/products/frans-kitchen-cookbook And you can donate directly at https://act.alz.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20117b?px=10851299&fr_id=18580&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=0C147D8B6AF658D9B4FA0012D177141A  This episode is dedicated to polypropylene.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #746 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ---------- Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

WE'VE COMPLETELY FAILED•Changes to the Patreon website (and declined pledges). •App interaction. •A completely insane Yelp review. •Card game allocations. •The American Joshi + the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! •Batman Deadpool looks so fun!! •Fran's Kitchen cookbook is in-stock! Support the Alzheimer's Association! You can buy the cookbook on the Challengers website or you can donate directly at rememberingfrances.com  This episode is dedicated to Frances.---------- This episode was not digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #745 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF EXISTENCE•Welcome back to us! •Don't skip reading Supergirl! It's so fun! •Customer outreach (via emails). •Where Monsters Lie vol 3 Dead End, and how you can get it! •Shopify's email interface is… lacking… •Some big events are coming to Challengers this Fall! •Our non-existent Diamond orders. •Thanks, Patrons! •Opening new accounts at new-to-us distributors. •More like NO-kemon cards, amirite??  This episode is dedicated to all the cyborbs.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #744 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

"MITCHELL!"•Patrick is joined by Mitchell Davies of All Star Comics in Melbourne, Australia! •How can 2 stores 15,570 kilometers apart have the exact same experiences selling comics? •2 Will Eisner "Spirit of Comics" Retailer Award recipients! •Which store has the better All-Ages section? •How GHOSTBUSTERS brought the stores together. •All Star predominantly sells American comics, so how do they get them? •Working with the same distributors from very different distances.  This episode is dedicated to 9,675.05 miles.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #743 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

YOU HAVE MORE VALUE THAN THIS•The 200th Anniversary of the first comic book? •Marvel's 616 Day. •The Golden Biscuit of Adventure Comics #210. •Problems for IDW. •Zenescope leaves Diamond. •What we've never received from Diamond. •Comics talked about in this episode:      SUPERMAN TREASURY EDITION 2025     NEW HISTORY OF THE DCU #1      GOTHAM CITY SIRENS UNFIT FOR ORBIT #1      EXQUSITE CORPSES #3  This episode is dedicated to The Glasgow Looking Glass.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #742 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

HOW TO MEET THE MOST AMOUNT OF NEEDS•Magic the Gathering: Final Fantasy and the wave of unmeetable collector demand. •Prioritizing the in-store experience. •Back issue bundles! •Gehenna Naked Aggression's printing issue. •No more Marvel Masterworks? •How the 1999 manga "The Future I Saw" is currently effecting Japanese tourism. •Getting a credit line from a comic distributor. •Sourcing comic supplies from Lunar. •Warner Bros Discovery splits in 2!  This episode is dedicated to a 45+ year-old office desk that lived a very full life.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #741 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

DIAMONDS AREN'T FOREVER•Childhood toy line nostalgia into today's comic publishing. •Literally half of this episode is about action figures. Be warned. •An "important" Diamond update!  This episode is dedicated to Mark & Jasmine.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #740 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

HOW DEEP OF A WELL•We press "record" in the middle of a conversation about just-announced Marvel Legends figures from a Hasbro livestream.   •Morgan Perry is the BEST! •A duct-cleaning coincidence. •Thanks, Patrons! •Deadpool/Batman! •The strength of the market for the late summer. •Thank you, Peter David.  This episode is dedicated to a little Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo! ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #739 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

THINK OF THINGS TO THINK OF•A week of repairs for the Podcastitorium! •July's Lunar orders are due when?!? •Ad Populum officially owns Diamond. •BLADES OF FURRY signing recap. •Mission Impossible Final Reckoning giveaway swag!  This episode is dedicated to doing your own stunts ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #738 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

A CODEFIED STRUCTURE•Paper vs PDF •Using physical catalogs when ordering. •Receiving stock from Scholastic. •Comics talked about in this episode:      GHOST PEPPER #1      SIXTH GUN ROAD TO THE SIXTH #0      OUT OF ALCATRAZ #3      ROBIN & BATMAN JASON TODD #1      JL VS GODZILLA VS KONG II #1      GODDAMN TRAGEDY #1      MOMMY BLOG  This episode is dedicated to Dal's mom's 80th birthday!---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #737 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

NOT A PATH TO FOLLOW•Website tweaks and notifications. •Searching PRH for "I Am a Hero." •Details of our Career Day at a local elementary school. •Free Comic Book Day wrap-up. •The Chillin' Like a Villain Art Show opening! •Comic talked about in this episode:      EXQUISITE CORPSES #1  This episode is dedicated to the darker seid of love. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #736 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Sebastian Bach, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

A WEEK IN THE DAY•No more "Charles" at the bank! •Forgetting subscribers' names. •A mystery box of comics from Lunar! •MORE shortages from Lunar this week!! •Thanks, Patrons! •The FCBD Comic Shop Crawl. •Career Day! •Diamond has finally been sold! Probably.  This episode is dedicated to teachers and their infinite patience. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #735 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

THIS IS DUMB, JUST, PERIOD.•Free Comic Book Day week prep. •Upcoming events! •Now that BOOM! Is distributed by Penguin Random House… •New Comic Book Day constant shipping woes. •Every month keeps getting bigger for Godzilla! •Scholastic, one more publisher Diamond has just stopped supplying. •Comics talked about in this episode:      SUPERGIRL #1      ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN INCURSION #1 This episode is dedicated to both Michael B. Jordans. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #734 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

IS THIS WHAT RESPECT FEELS LIKE?•Dal already has thoughts for next year's C2E2! •It's our C2E2 2025 recap episode! It was a pretty great show and got us more excited to be doing what we do. •Who we met/talked to! •Dal's Dan Mora story! •Patrick's first-ever CGC grading experience. •Diamond Comic Distributors has an official, legal buyer. •Our cloudy front window. This episode is dedicated to Hiroshi Tanahashi's last match in the United States. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #733 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

ABSOLUTE UNITS OF DESTRUCTION•Patrick is joined by MORGAN PERRY, Marketing Manager at Square Enix, Inc. •Square Enix has a new program for comic shops, Comic Partner, and Morgan is here to tell us about it! •Getting manga into the hands of manga fans new and old! •Upcoming manga series you cannot miss! •Morgan's email: [email protected] (for retailers who want to join Comic Partner and/or just learn more about Square Enix) •Morgan's previous CoC appearance: https://challengers.libsyn.com/i-literally-do-not-live-in-a-world-without-comics This episode is dedicated to the Square Enix Comic Partner program.---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound?Contest of Challengers #732Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill)Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol (with an assist from Google Translate)Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon HamptonPhoto of Morgan and Patrick (outside of Club Lago): Patrick---------- Challengers Comics + Conversation1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com  

IT'S NOT LIKE YOU'RE CONFUSING THE CHILDREN•Tariffs in comics. •Dal's take on Lost Fantasy #1. •Cover designs. •The closure of ThingsFromAnotherWorld .com. •Thanks, Patrons! •Publishers missing from Diamond. •Updating Sidekicks! This episode is dedicated to IKEA Kallax shelving. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #731 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

APOLOGIZING FOR THINGS NOT OUR FAULT•Trying to buy a Will Ospreay print by Rob Schamberger. •MORE problems with Lunar shipments! •MORE problems with Diamond shipments! •2 annoying online transactions (one eBay, one Challengers). •Alliance Entertainment enters into an agreement to purchase Diamond Comic Distributors! What do we know about Alliance? •We're 17!! This episode is dedicated to the 22% of small businesses that make it to 17 years. ---------- This episode was digitally edited by Cleanvoice. How'd it sound? Contest of Challengers #730 Theme: Adam WarRock (with Mikal kHill) Intro/Outro: James VanOsdol "Patrick" Voices: Richie Kotzen, Christopher Daniels, James Acaster, Sue (Trent's Mom), RJ City, Arune Singh, James VanOsdol "Dal" Voices: James VanOsdol, RJ City, Dalton Castle, Sue (Trent's Mom), Kevin Conroy, Kris Statlander, Skye Blue, Arune Singh Dal and Patrick Artwork: Daimon Hampton ----------Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com