Contest of Challengers

Hosted by CHALLENGERS Comics + Conversation

Business Entrepreneurship Arts BooksInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

803

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

About the show

From Challengers Comics + Conversation in Chicago, this is Contest of Challengers, a podcast about the business of running a comics shop. From publishers to distributors to the sales floor itself, each episode deals with the issues of the week and how they affect the way Challengers conducts business, and that includes the actual comic book issues themselves. Hosted by Patrick Brower and W. Dal Bush. Thanks for listening. Keep Reading Comics!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 12, 2026Episode 8011 hr 21 min

…AND THE KITTIES ARE SLEEPING

...AND THE KITTIES ARE SLEEPING •Patrick tells Dal 2 quick stories from Fri, Sep 25. •PAC on the mic. •Patrick chats with ANDREA BELL from Sat, Sep 26. •New York Comic Con news as it happens! •Our Marvel Midnite Midnight launch! •AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #1000 ordering and sales. •A quick recap of our RAFAEL ALBUQUERQUE signing event! •Notes for our upcoming DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON event. (the title of this episode goes back to a David Letterman bit from 1985) ---------- Contest of Challengers #801 This episode is dedicated to the Bastard PAC. T heme: 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/ Parts of this episode were digitally edited by Cleanvoice. ---------- Challengers Comics + Conversation 1845 N Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

October 5, 2026Episode 8001 hr 30 min

100 + 700

100 + 700 •This is a sequel to Episode #100! •Thomas Negovan returns to CoC to interview us all over again! •This episode had to be stitched together from 6 separate audio files of varying noise levels, and thus heavy digital clean-up was necessary. •Tom has a wonderfully infectious laugh that Cleanvoice unfortunately deleted while processing this episode. Which is too bad because there was a lot of laughter. • https://centuryguild.net/ ---------- Contest of Challengers #800 This episode is dedicated to Century Guild. T heme: 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

September 28, 2026Episode 7991 hr 7 min

THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES

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. T heme: 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

September 21, 2026Episode 7981 hr 6 min

A +ZERO CHANCE

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. T heme: 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

September 14, 2026Episode 8031 hr 2 min

LOGIC DICTATED

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. T heme: 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

September 7, 2026Episode 7961 hr 8 min

THE END OF READING

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. T heme: 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

August 31, 2026Episode 7951 hr 7 min

SIGNS OF THE TIME

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. T heme: 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

August 24, 2026Episode 7941 hr 5 min

SAME-DAY LOCAL DELIVERY!!

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. T heme: 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

August 17, 2026Episode 7931 hr 7 min

MY NORMAL STATE IS "F" THOSE GUYS

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. T heme: 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

August 10, 2026Episode 7921 hr 4 min

PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE IS MY DEFAULT

PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE IS MY DEFAULT •We do not ship comic storage boxes. •A long Yelp review story. •Pokemon bros. •Contest of Challengers passed our 17 th Podcastiversary!! •Marvel Compact Comics?!? ---------- Contest of Challengers #792 This episode is dedicated to Matt Kindt and Brian Hurtt. T heme: 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