Contest of Challengers

Hosted by CHALLENGERS Comics + Conversation

Business Entrepreneurship Arts BooksInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

786

Latest episode

Jun 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

June 15, 2026Episode 7841 hr 7 min

KEEP ESCAPING IT

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 • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

June 8, 2026Episode 7831 hr 0 min

THE SAND IN OUR STARS

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 Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

June 1, 2026Episode 7821 hr 6 min

"OUR PODCAST IS GREAT"

"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

May 25, 2026Episode 7811 hr 4 min

WALL-TO-NEW RELEASE WALL

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.com

May 18, 2026Episode 7801 hr 8 min

BTE MAILBAG

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 Western Ave • Chicago, IL 60647 773.278.0155 • ChallengersComics.com

May 11, 2026Episode 7791 hr 9 min

PLUSSING THE EVENT

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

May 4, 2026Episode 77855 min

OUR 1ST INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY

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

April 27, 2026Episode 7771 hr 0 min

THE ONLY THING WE'RE OFFERING YOU

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

April 20, 2026Episode 7761 hr 2 min

STEER THE DISCUSSION

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

April 13, 2026Episode 7751 hr 11 min

LET'S ALL GO TO THE MALL

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