My Comic Shop History

Host Anthony Desiato sits down with the enigmatic owner of Acme Comics, Jermaine Exum (aka Lord Retail), for an epic trilogy event. In Part I, Jermaine discusses the process of breaking the news to the Acme community that he had assumed ownership of the shop. Also, Anthony shares some updates on those people and shops who have been part of past seasons of the podcast. My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Joel Carroll and theme music by Basic Printer. Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at https://www.patreon.com/anthonydesiato (Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato). Join the conversation by becoming part of the https://www.facebook.com/groups/flatsquirrelpodcastnetwork (Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group), and follow the show on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mycomicshopcountrymovie/ (@mycomicshopcountrymovie)) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/mycomicshopdoc/ (@mycomicshopdoc)). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on https://www.amazon.com/Comic-Shop-Country-Jermaine-Exum/dp/B085GJXDST (Amazon), https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/my-comic-shop-country/id1501213240 (Apple TV), or https://curiositystream.com/video/3925 (CuriosityStream). Visit https://www.flatsquirrelproductions.com/ (FlatSquirrelProductions.com) for more film and podcast projects. Visit https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=flatsquirrel (BCW Supplies) and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

Host Anthony Desiato shines a light on NJ comic shop FAT MOOSE COMICS as it celebrates its milestone 40th year in operation. In Part IV, the finale, Anthony reunites with current Moose owner Shawn Hendricks to recap the 40th anniversary celebration and to ponder the future of the store. My Comic Shop History returns later in 2022 with another multi-part event: "The Once & Future Lord Retail," the definitive interview series with Acme Comics owner Jermaine "LORD RETAIL" Exum. My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Phil Maenza and theme music by Basic Printer. Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at https://www.patreon.com/anthonydesiato (Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato). Join the conversation by becoming part of the https://www.facebook.com/groups/flatsquirrelpodcastnetwork (Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group), and follow the show on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mycomicshopcountrymovie/ (@mycomicshopcountrymovie)) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/mycomicshopdoc/ (@mycomicshopdoc)). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on https://www.amazon.com/Comic-Shop-Country-Jermaine-Exum/dp/B085GJXDST (Amazon), https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/my-comic-shop-country/id1501213240 (Apple TV), or https://curiositystream.com/video/3925 (CuriosityStream). Visit https://www.flatsquirrelproductions.com/ (FlatSquirrelProductions.com) for more film and podcast projects. Visit https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=flatsquirrel (BCW Supplies) and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

Host Anthony Desiato shines a light on NJ comic shop FAT MOOSE COMICS as it celebrates its milestone 40th year in operation. In Part III, Anthony welcomes two members of the Fat Moose "Herd," longtime customers Gene Cahill and "Philtastic" Phil Maenza, to discuss their experiences in front of the counter. My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Phil Maenza and theme music by Basic Printer. Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at https://www.patreon.com/anthonydesiato (Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato). Join the conversation by becoming part of the https://www.facebook.com/groups/flatsquirrelpodcastnetwork (Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group), and follow the show on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mycomicshopcountrymovie/ (@mycomicshopcountrymovie)) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/mycomicshopdoc/ (@mycomicshopdoc)). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on https://www.amazon.com/Comic-Shop-Country-Jermaine-Exum/dp/B085GJXDST (Amazon), https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/my-comic-shop-country/id1501213240 (Apple TV), or https://curiositystream.com/video/3925 (CuriosityStream). Visit https://www.flatsquirrelproductions.com/ (FlatSquirrelProductions.com) for more film and podcast projects. Visit https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=flatsquirrel (BCW Supplies) and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

Host Anthony Desiato shines a light on NJ comic shop FAT MOOSE COMICS as it celebrates its milestone 40th year in operation. In Part II, Anthony welcomes Moose founder and former owner Ilan Strasser to discuss the shop's origin, evolution, and sale. My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Phil Maenza and theme music by Basic Printer. Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at https://www.patreon.com/anthonydesiato (Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato). Join the conversation by becoming part of the https://www.facebook.com/groups/flatsquirrelpodcastnetwork (Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group), and follow the show on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mycomicshopcountrymovie/ (@mycomicshopcountrymovie)) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/mycomicshopdoc/ (@mycomicshopdoc)). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on https://www.amazon.com/Comic-Shop-Country-Jermaine-Exum/dp/B085GJXDST (Amazon), https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/my-comic-shop-country/id1501213240 (Apple TV), or https://curiositystream.com/video/3925 (CuriosityStream). Visit https://www.flatsquirrelproductions.com/ (FlatSquirrelProductions.com) for more film and podcast projects. Visit https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=flatsquirrel (BCW Supplies) and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

Host Anthony Desiato shines a light on NJ comic shop FAT MOOSE COMICS as it celebrates its milestone 40th year in operation. In Part I, Anthony welcomes his pal and current Moose owner Shawn Hendricks, who took over the store in 2020...just in time for a pandemic. Now, Shawn reflects on his transition from clerk to owner as he prepares to celebrate the shop's 40th anniversary. My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Phil Maenza and theme music by Basic Printer. Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at https://www.patreon.com/anthonydesiato (Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato). Join the conversation by becoming part of the https://www.facebook.com/groups/flatsquirrelpodcastnetwork (Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group), and follow the show on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mycomicshopcountrymovie/ (@mycomicshopcountrymovie)) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/mycomicshopdoc/ (@mycomicshopdoc)). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on https://www.amazon.com/Comic-Shop-Country-Jermaine-Exum/dp/B085GJXDST (Amazon), https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/my-comic-shop-country/id1501213240 (Apple TV), or https://curiositystream.com/video/3925 (CuriosityStream). Visit https://www.flatsquirrelproductions.com/ (FlatSquirrelProductions.com) for more film and podcast projects. Visit https://www.bcwsupplies.com/?acc=flatsquirrel (BCW Supplies) and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Halloween once more with Alternate Realities legend Dr. Bill Maio in the finale of "The LongAR Halloween." My Comic Shop History will return in 2022. In the meantime, be sure to listen to Digging for Kryptonite: A Superman Fan Journey, available on all major podcast platforms. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Labor Day with former Alternate Realities customer and first-time podcast guest Pete Dwyer in Part XII of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates the August birthday of former Alternate Realities employee Steve Ryan in Part XI of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Independence Day with former Alternate Realities customer and onetime webmaster Caralyn Hylenski in Part X of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato offers a special presentation of his Superman podcast series DIGGING FOR KRYPTONITE, currently available on all major podcast platforms. In this episode, Anthony and fellow AR alum Mike Sangregorio debate whether television's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" Arrowverse crossover gave Tom Welling's Clark Kent (SMALLVILLE) a fitting end or betrayed the character's original journey. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates the 100th episode of My Comic Shop History with special guests. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Father's Day with former Alternate Realities owner (and June birthday) Steve Oto in Part IX of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Mother's Day with his mother, Lauren Moschella Desiato, in Part VIII of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates April Fool's Day with former Alternate Realities coworker and fellow April birthday Tom Darby in Part VII of "The LongAR Halloween." Crossover alert: Anthony and Tom discuss BATMAN: HUSH on the 4/7/21 episode of My Comic Shop Book Club! Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates St. Patrick's Day with former Alternate Realities customer, mixed martial artist, and Joker fan Brian O'Dea in Part VI of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Valentine's Day with former Alternate Realities co-owner, wedding officiant, and COVID survivor Drew Cheskin in Part V of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato offers a special presentation of his new podcast series MY COMIC SHOP BOOK CLUB (available on all major podcast platforms and in video form on YouTube). In this episode, Anthony and guest Shawn Hendricks of Fat Moose Comics revisit the controversial Frank Miller and Jim Lee tale ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates New Year's with art collector extraordinaire Nofiel Hussain, aka "Phil Insane," in Part IV of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato offers a special presentation of his new podcast series DIGGING FOR KRYPTONITE (available on all major podcast platforms). In this episode, Anthony and guest Rich Roney examine a late-20th Century relic: the "Superman 2000" proposal by Grant Morrison, Mark Waid, Mark Millar, and Tom Peyer to revamp the Super-titles. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Christmas with the Spirit of Friendship and Fun himself, Rich Roney, in Part III of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Thanksgiving with the wayward son of Alternate Realities, Nick "Robi" Robison, in Part II of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates Halloween with Alternate Realities legend Dr. Bill Maio in Part I of "The LongAR Halloween." Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato returns to the mic for a supersized conversation with Acme Comics manager Jermaine Exum (aka Lord Retail) about comics in the time of COVID. Following this coda to the podcast's coverage of comics retail, a new chapter of My Comic Shop History, "The LongAR Halloween," begins in the next episode. Support this podcast

Host Anthony Desiato provides an epilogue to MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY with guest Shawn Hendricks, who took over as owner of Fat Moose Comics since the filming of the documentary.

Host Anthony Desiato answers YOUR questions about My Comic Shop Country, My Comic Shop History, Alternate Realities, the comics industry, and more. Featuring Stephanie Desiato, Anthony's wife and fellow documentary producer.

Host Anthony Desiato celebrates the VOD release of his documentary film MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on Apple TV and Amazon with a special audio commentary track to accompany the movie. Featuring documentary cast member and Fat Moose Comics owner Shawn Hendricks.

Host Anthony Desiato goes guest-less for a special solo episode in which he recounts the secret origin of his mentor and old boss, Steve Oto, by reading the 2008 profile he wrote for a college journalism class. Note: "The Homecoming" miniseries is on hiatus and will resume later in 2020 or 2021.

Host Anthony Desiato reunites with frequent guest Chris Wilcock (Undiscovered Realm co-owner) to recount their experiences becoming fathers, Chris' reaction to Alternate Realities signing up as a vendor at June 2020's Undiscovered Realm Comic Con, and MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY's 2019 screening highlights.

Host Anthony Desiato presents the podcast's first-ever "minisode," a special edition in which he: announces that the long-awaited documentary film MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY is available NOW on Apple TV/iTunes (Amazon release to follow on 4.7.20); addresses the dire situation currently facing comic shops; shares his vision for the rest of "The Homecoming" in light of real-world events; and includes a short conversation with documentary cast member Shawn Hendricks (owner of Fat Moose Comics in Whippany, NJ).

Host Anthony Desiato returns to action with Alternate Realities brethren Steve Oto and Rich Roney for the start of the 8-part miniseries "The Homecoming," a surprising new chapter in the AR Saga.

Host Anthony Desiato reaches the end of the road--for now--as this era of My Comic Shop History draws to a close. Together with Alternate Realities legends Bill Maio, Rich Roney, and Steve Oto, Anthony reveals long-held secrets, ponders a rebirth, and looks to the future. Finale.

Host Anthony Desiato returns to the present to survey the Westchester comic shop scene of today. In this penultimate episode, Anthony and guest Sandro Prosperino (former Alternate Realities customer and the one-time co-owner of Near Mint Comics in Valhalla, NY) recount their post-AR experiences at The Spider's Web, Aw Yeah Comics, Newbury Comics, New York Hardcore Comics, and more as they wrestle with what it would take for a new store to truly replace AR.

Host Anthony Desiato shines a light on the Cross County (Yonkers) location of DRAGON'S DEN with former customer & employee Chris Wilcock, painting a picture of a diversified hobby store, camaraderie-building (and often dangerous) hijinks, and some less-than-scrupulous business practices.

Host Anthony Desiato recalls everyone's favorite curmudgeon, Jay Meisel, and his decades-long tenure operating a booth at the Empire State Flea Market in Port Chester, with longtime JAY'S COMICS customer Jonathan Baylis.

Host Anthony Desiato finally comes face-to-face with another ALTERNATE REALITIES legend, former co-owner Prem Itharat, to mine stories about the eBay and Pokémon years, Prem's formal (and informal) business education, and long-forgotten pranks at 700 Central Park Ave. in Scarsdale.

Host Anthony Desiato takes a ride to the Scarsdale/Yonkers border for an on-location recording at American Legends--formerly known as ONE IF BY CARDS, TWO IF BY COMICS--with co-owner Mark Rubin (wife & co-owner Donna tags in for Mark on the After Show, available on Patreon). Mark recounts opening across the street from Dragon's Den, selecting the shop's original name, navigating the sports card market, rebranding in 2002, and seeing most of the other shops in the area fall away.

Host Anthony Desiato revisits another former White Plains institution, COMIC BOOK HEAVEN, with longtime employee & customer Saad Siddiqui. They reminisce about the store's owners (the husband & wife team of Morris & Irene), eccentric manager ("Bishop"), renowned back issue selection, various moves, and ultimate demise.

Host Anthony Desiato brings everything full-circle in Season 5 with a look back at the lost comic shops of Westchester County, capturing a microcosm of the comics industry during the pivotal 1990s. Up first is the White Plains, NY, location of distributor and retail chain HEROES WORLD, the site of Anthony's first-ever comic book purchase. Along for the ride is legendary returning guest Steve Oto, who--years before he would co-found Alternate Realities--shopped and worked at Heroes World.

Be part of the journey as host Anthony Desiato takes you behind the scenes of his upcoming feature-length documentary film, MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY! In this special bonus episode of My Comic Shop History—which also marks the podcast's four-year anniversary—Anthony and his wife/producing partner, Stephanie, share road trip stories, off-camera anecdotes, and insights into the creative process. Music featured in episode: "Too Bad" (acoustic version) by Rosewood Rebels.

Host Anthony Desiato takes one last lap around the convention floor with Undiscovered Realm owner Chris Wilcock in the Season 4 finale. Anthony asks Chris about the life of a vendor on the road at three dozen conventions a year. My Comic Shop History returns with Season 5 in 2019. Additional podcast content (including a Season 4 epilogue with Archie Comics President Mike Pellerito on 12/12/18) is available year-round exclusively on the My Comic Shop History Patreon page.

Host Anthony Desiato goes old school with Jeff Beck (owner of East Side Mags in Montclair, NJ) to dig through long boxes at the Clifton Comic Book Expo, a traditional convention focused squarely on comics. They also unpack Jeff's experiences as a retailer at conventions generally, from choosing shows and setting up a booth to interacting with guests and other dealers.

Host Anthony Desiato wades into the cosplay waters with his wife, Stephanie, and seasoned cosplayer Peggy Pincurls, who has appeared at comic conventions across the country as Agent Carter, Winter Soldier, Black Widow, and more. As they explore this fascinating aspect of con life, Anthony, Stephanie, and Peggy address the power of cosplay to connect & inspire, important issues of gatekeeping & consent, and the practical realities & physical toll of donning a costume on the convention floor.

Host Anthony Desiato pulls back the curtain on the Diamond Retailer Appreciation Breakfast at New York Comic Con 2018. Anthony and former Alternate Realities owner Steve Oto recount their entire NYCC experience, from powdered eggs and retailer presentations to convention floor farewells and an impromptu back issue hunt.

Host Anthony Desiato pulls up a chair next to two New Jersey comic book artists, Len Danovich and Nick Justus, to talk about the convention grind from the perspective of a creator. They discuss cost-benefit analysis (in deciding which shows to attend), fan interactions, and networking at shows.

Host Anthony Desiato kicks off the second half of "Con Season" with industry veteran Vincent Zurzolo, COO of the famed Metropolis Collectibles. Anthony and Vincent view decades' worth of convention history through the lens of Vincent's extensive experience on the con floor.

Host Anthony Desiato concludes his four-episode deep dive into the extensive back issue buying and selling practices of Zapp! Comics founder and co-owner Ben Lichtenstein. In the finale of this "Beyond My Comic Shop" miniseries, Anthony and Ben discuss who Ben looks up to in the dealer world, how collections are a record of someone's fandom and life, and what Ben's road trips are like. Bonus: This episode contains a free preview of the series premiere of MY SUPER FAN HISTORY, available now at the My Comic Shop History Patreon page. Tune in for the midseason premiere of My Comic Shop History (aka Season 4B of "Con Season") in two weeks!

Host Anthony Desiato continues his four-episode deep dive into the extensive back issue buying and selling practices of Zapp! Comics founder and co-owner Ben Lichtenstein. In Part 3 of this "Beyond My Comic Shop" miniseries, Anthony and Ben talk about the legacy and teachability of the Zapp! buying method, the books that still excite Ben, and some of the biggest collections Ben has dealt.

Host Anthony Desiato continues his four-episode deep dive into the extensive back issue buying and selling practices of Zapp! Comics founder and co-owner Ben Lichtenstein. In Part 2 of this "Beyond My Comic Shop" miniseries, Anthony and Ben talk about navigating potential conflicts, the art of negotiation, price guides, and the grading & restoration of books.

Host Anthony Desiato begins a four-episode deep dive into the extensive back issue buying and selling practices of Zapp! Comics founder and co-owner Ben Lichtenstein. In Part 1 of this "Beyond My Comic Shop" miniseries, Anthony and Ben examine the building blocks that shaped Ben's work ethic and business philosophy. Stops along Ben's "secret origin" include his first exposure to comic books at Bernie's Smoke Shop and Jan's Lollipop, part-time job at Häagen-Dazs, and earliest convention experiences at the Creation and Fred Greenberg shows of the 1980s.

Host Anthony Desiato takes to the skies once more with 13th Dimension's Dan Greenfield, this time to discuss the 2018 MAN OF STEEL miniseries by Marvel-turned-DC writer Brian Michael Bendis. SPOILER WARNING. Part 2 of a two-part book club event. If you missed the previous installment, in which Anthony and Dan tackled the five major post-Crisis tellings of Superman's origin, download it now!

Host Anthony Desiato journeys to Krypton, Smallville, and Metropolis with guest Dan Greenfield (13th Dimension) as they discuss the five major post-Crisis tellings of Superman's origin story: MAN OF STEEL (1986) by John Byrne, FOR ALL SEASONS by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, BIRTHRIGHT by Mark Waid and Leinil Yu, SECRET ORIGIN by Geoff Johns and Gary Frank, and AMERICAN ALIEN by Max Landis. Part 1 of a two-part book club event. Anthony and Dan will be back in two weeks for Part 2, which will tackle MAN OF STEEL (2018) by Brian Michael Bendis.