Episodes

  • Find THE NERD STORE

    https://www.nerdstoreutah.com/

    Instagram: @nerdstoreut

    https://www.facebook.com/Nerdstoreut/

    CHAPTERS:

    Introduction and Personal Connections

    Comic Industry Insights and Challenges

    The Impact of Distribution Changes

    San Diego Comic-Con Strategies

    Navigating Exclusives and Lottery Systems

    Business Costs and Profitability

    The Evolution of the Prowse Brothers' Retail Journey

    Discovering Comics: A Personal Journey

    The Freedom of Storytelling in Comics

    Growing Up in a Conservative Environment

    The Road to Opening a Comic Shop

    Building a Business from Scratch

    Memorable Moments with Comic Legends

    The Early Days of the Nerd Store

    Navigating Challenges and Growth

    Expanding the Business: New Locations

    Acquisition of Dr. Voltz Comics

    The Importance of In-Person Retail

    The Limitations of Algorithmic Recommendations

    The Resurgence of Niche Retail

    Embracing Speculation in Comics

    The Value of International Variants

    The Evolution of Comic Covers Across Cultures

    The Evolution of Collectibles

    The Impact of Distribution Changes

    Challenges in the Comic Industry

    Future Aspirations and Growth

    Bringing Comics to the People

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find TOM AKEL

    https://rocketshipent.com/

    Rocketship Kickstarter -

    Comic Pro Bootcamp - http://kck.st/3YOzcGp

    Eat Fighter: The Collected Edition - http://kck.st/3ClnbRo

    Angry Birds pre-launch page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rocketshipkids/angry-birds-graphic-novels?ref=discovery&term=angry%20birds&total_hits=18&category_id=252

    Trick 'r Treat: Witching Hours - http://kck.st/3YdUxbX

    Rocketship Entertainment, the 2021 Ringo Award Winner for Favorite Publisher, is a publishing, consumer product, and entertainment company with multiple Eisner-nominated and Ringo award-winning series.

    Twitter: @RocketshipEnt

    Instagram: @shortboxed

    https://www.facebook.com/RocketshipEnt/

    CHAPTERS:

    From Ringtones to Comics: Tom Akel's Journey

    The Digital Evolution of Comics with Tom Akel

    Stan Lee's Influence on the Comic Industry

    Webtoon: The Future of Digital Comics

    Behind the Scenes of Comic Industry with Tom Akel

    Navigating the Comic Landscape: Insights from Tom Akel

    The Rise of Webtoon: A Comic Revolution

    Tom Akel: Bridging Digital Entertainment and Comics

    Exploring the Comic Industry with Tom Akel

    The Legacy of Stan Lee in Modern Comics

    Navigating Intellectual Property in Comics

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

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  • Find GENE MIGUEL

    [email protected]

    Shortboxed is the easiest and safest way to buy and sell comics. We grew frustrated with the old way of buying and selling – scammers, expensive buyer’s premiums and commission fees, antiquated websites, comic cons without comics – the list goes on. We believe there’s a better way. Shortboxed is a modern, marketplace featuring a curated collection of comics from dealers and collectors all over the US, Canada, and the UK. Featuring a robust marketplace or raw and graded Books, Shortboxed is easily accessed from our mobile app or the web.

    https://www.shortboxed.com/

    Twitter: @shortboxed

    Instagram: @shortboxed

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find BRIAN HABERLIN

    Instagram: @brianhaberlinofficial

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.haberlin

    Twitter: @AnomalyWorld

    Instagram: @anomalyofficial

    Anomaly Productions is a cutting-edge media company launched by creators Brittenham and Haberlin. Anomaly Productions combines stunning artwork and rich stories to build deeply immersive worlds than can be experienced across multiple platforms and in a multitude of ways.

    https://experienceanomaly.com/

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find KRIS LONGO

    https://www.timetopanick.com

    PANICK ENTERTAINMENT - A genre publishing and entertainment company poised to modernize horror and sci-fi storytelling. We are PANICK. GET NERVOUS.

    Twitter: @krislongo

    Instagram: @kris_longo

    Never Never - https://shop.heavymetal.com/collections/comics/products/never-never-issue-01

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find BAT CITY (SHANNON & MATT LIVE)

    https://batcity.org/

    As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Bat City works to create educational opportunities and resources for students, parents, teachers, and life-long learners through Comics Education. Our team of volunteers features Reading Specialists, Behavioral Therapists, and Educators who work to develop curriculum, workshops, and resources that can be used to help with Reading, Writing, Emotional Development, and Imagination Skills.

    Instagram: @batcitycomicbooks

    https://www.facebook.com/batcitycomicbooks

    https://www.youtube.com/@batcitycomicbooks

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find JAMIE S. RICH

    Instagram: @jamie_s_rich

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find RICH JOHNSTON

    https://bleedingcool.com/

    https://richjohnston.substack.com/

    Twitter: @richjohnston

    TikTok: @thatrichjohnston

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find MARK IRWIN

    https://madcavestudios.com/

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find FILIP SABLIK

    Twitter: @FilipSablik

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find JEREMY AND CECILIA SHORR

    https://titancomics.com/

    Twitter: @TitanComics

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find A SOUND OF THUNDER

    https://www.asoundofthunderband.com/

    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/asoundofthunder/queen-of-hell

    Instagram: @asotband

    Twitter: @asotband

    TikTok: @asoundofthunder

    YouTube: @ASoundofThunderBand

    FIND RAFER ROBERTS

    https://plasticfarm.com/

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on

    Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find SAM KUSEK:

    kickstarter.com

    Instagram: @slamkusek

    Twitter: @slamkusek

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find GLYNNES SPEAK

    https://www.comicbookhideout.com/

    Instagram: @comicbookhideout

    TikTok: @comicbookhideout

    Podcast: Pre-Order Power Hour

    https://preorderpowerhour.castos.com/

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find DARREN DAVIS

    https://tidalwavecomics.com/

    Twitter: @TidalWaveProd

    Instagram: @TidalwaveProd

    Facebook: TidalWaveProd

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find EITAN MANHOFF

    https://www.capeandcowlcomics.com/

    Twitter: @capecowlcomics

    https://www.facebook.com/CapeCowlComics

    Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-RGmFoIxAw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

    @wearecomicspro

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find SHAWN HUDACHKO

    https://comicselitecomics.com/

    Instagram: @comicselitestore/

    https://tidalwavecomicpublishing.com/

    Patreon: /shawnscomics2/collections

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawn.hudachko

    Instagram: @shawnhudachko

    https://shawnscomics.com/

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find AVI EHRLICH

    https://www.silversprocket.net/

    Twitter: @silversprocket_

    Instagram: @silversprocket

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find MIKE MARTS

    madcavestudios.com

    Twitter: @mikemarts

    Instagram: @mikejmarts

    The Ninja 9: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/the-ninja-9/1542486988

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov

  • Find MORGAN PERRY

    Instagram: @geauxta

    Twitter: @geauxta

    TikTok: @geauxta

    Square Enix: square-enix-books.com

    Official Twitter @SquareEnixBooks

    Official Instagram @squareenixbooks

    Comic Shop Manga Starter List (provided by Morgan Perry

    All Ages

    Yotsuba& (Yen Press)A Man and His Cat (Square Enix Manga & Books)Chi’s Sweet Home (Kodanasha)

    Cat Comics

    A Man and His Cat (Square Enix Manga & Books – All Ages)Chi’s Sweet Home (Kodansha – All Ages)Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon & Mu (Kodansha – Teen)The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today (Seven Seas – Teen)Cat + Gamer (Dark Horse)

    Horror

    Junji Ito (Multiple Works – All One Shots or Short Story Anthology – all through VIZ)o Tomieo Gyoo Uzumakio Shivero Smashedo Tombso SoichiThe Summer Hikaru Died (Yen Press – Teen – also LBGTQIA leaning)Happiness (Kodansha – Older Teen)Blood on the Tracks (Kodansha – Older Teen)PTSD Radio (Kodansha – Older Teen)

    LGBTQIA +

    Is Love the Answer? (Kodansha – Teen)I Think Our Son is Gay (Square Enix Manga & Books - Teen)Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You A Wizard?! (Square Enix

    Manga & Books – Mature)

    Just Like Mona Lisa (Square Enix Manga & Books – Older Teen)Sasaki and Miyano (Yen Press)

    Anime Tie-In

    Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Viz Media – Fantasy – Teen)The Apothecary Diaries (Square Enix Manga & Books – Mystery Fantasy – Teen)Kaiju No. 8 (Viz Media –Action – Older Teen)Windbreakers (Kodansha –Action– Older Teen)Blue Lock (Kodansha –Sports – Teen)Oshi no Ko (Yen Press – Mystery – Teen)Delicious in Dungeon (Yen Press – Fantasy Adventure – Teen )A Sign of Affection (Kodansha – Romance -- Teen)Magilumiere: Magical Girls Inc (Viz – Magical Girls – Teen)Sakamoto Days (Viz – Teen)Dandadan (Viz – Older Teen/Mature)

    US Comic Cross-Over Appeal

    Berserk (Dark Horse – Mature – If you’re selling DWJ books, you can sell Berserk)Go Go Loser Ranger (Kodansha – Teen) – Reverse Power RangersMy Hero Academia (Viz Media – Teen) – SuperheroesShy (Yen Press – Teen) - SuperheroesGoodbye Eri (Viz – Older Teen – One Shot) – Zoe Thoroughgood compLook Back (Viz – Teen – One Shot) – Making ComicsBlue Period (Kodansha – Older Teen) – Becoming an ArtistJoker One: Operation Joker (DC Manga - Teen)Superman Meshi (DC Manga - Teen)

    Popular Titles for Older Readers or New Adult Manga Fans

    Smoking Behind the Supermarket with You (Square Enix Manga & Books – Older Teen)The Way of the House Husband (Viz – Teen)Wotakoi: Love is Hard for Otaku (Kodansha – Older Teen)Mr. Villain’s Day Off (Square Enix Manga & Books – Teen)

    Titles You Should Be Ordering (because Morgan thinks they’ll blow up – or they

    have)

    The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn’t a Guy at All (Yen Press – Teen - LGBTQIA+)Daemons of the Shadow Realm (Square Enix Manga & Books – Older Teen - Supernatural Action)Love in the Palm of his Hand (Square Enix Manga & Books – Older Teen –

    LGBTQIA+)

    On and Off: Work-Life Imbalance (Square Enix Manga & Books – Teen – LGBTQIA+)Gachiakuta (Kodansha – Teen – Supernatural Action)Gokurakugai (Viz – Teen – Supernatural Action)

    Follow Comic Industry Insiders on Twitter: @pranadms

    Instagram: @pranadms

    LinkedIn: /prana-direct-market-solutions/

    Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman

    Producer: Stephanie Gerk

    Research: Anthony Militano

    Have something to tell us? Email the show at: [email protected]

    Comic Industry Insiders: where our goal is to get to know the people behind the scenes in the comic book industry and uncover the secrets that will help you understand and grow your own business or career in comics. Every episode, join host Atom! Freeman as he sits down with industry guests to unravel those secrets.

    Theme Song: Modern Technology Theme by Tim Murov