Contest of Challengers

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!

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

Saint sauces

I will give this a shot but

While I do enjoy seeing how the sausage is made from time to time. I was hoping this would be more of a weekly review of new issues pod. I got to visit the store very briefly Wednesday when you had Daniel Warren Johnson in and it’s definitely worth a extended visit
College Student Loves This App

Spoilers and Complaining

I really think they should retire, they clearly hate their customers and their life choices in owning a comic store. I couldn’t imagine giving a penny to these whiny crybabies. These two wouldn’t survive one day doing a real job. They keep blocking this review to boost their show. Bad show AND corrupt!
Joseph Coco

Interesting for creators too

I don't run a comicbook shop, but I am involved in making comics. It's interesting to hear a shop's perspective on things and helps me understand marketing a bit better. Plus Pat and Dal are my kind of people.
LaughingSombrero

Informative and entertaining!

I’ve gotten a better appreciation on how comic book shops work through Contest of Challengers. I’m never going to take my comic shops for granted now.
Snbw34

Talking Shop

I enjoy hearing the perspective of comic shop retailers and how they’re dealing with the evolution of the comic book industry.
Mike_TeeVee

Challengers is the best!

Not only do Pat and Dal run the best comic shop I have been to, but they put together a pretty entertaing podcast. Give this a listen if you are at all interested in the industry side of comics, or even if you don't care about the industry, these guys make it pretty entertainng!
Derek Adnams

Awesome Show!

Not only a great comic industry podcast, but also fantastic for anyone running a “small” business!
Klaudandus_Feathermoon

Inside Baseball

There are too many podcasts that talk comics reviews -- not many podcasts are, however, about the business side of things, which is why I love this podcast. I think they might come across a bit angry or cynical at times, but it doesn't detract from the business conversation.
constant constant stinkd

a very informative podcast

very informative stuff about how a modern comic shop works and what goes into running a business full time. I would only like to know how come food doesn't sell better in your shop, I remember when you sold italian beef cgc slabbed sandwiches and bagged and boarded baloney not too long ago
ChadGSO

A Great Comics Business Podcast

Terrific podcast about the inner workings of running a comics business, as well as a look into the broader comics publication and distribution industry. I was referred by Acme Comics and have been listening for over a year now.
Shawnbowers

Smart, realistic and business-minded

There are lots of podcasts about reading comics or making comics, but not so much about the business of selling comics. I'm not a retailer, but I like playing "what if" and listening to this podcast every week is my way weird way of living vicariously through them. Patrick and Dal are some of the best in the game and run such a warm, welcoming shop. If you're going to trust anyone for advice on how to run a store, they're the ones.
The MacTutor

Timely, Informative, & Funny

Great insight from two titans of the comic retail industry. Not only does this podcast cover current comics and comics-industry happenings, but also the intiricacies related to running the best comic shop in Chicago.
Jacobott28

Best comics business retail podcast from the greater Chicago area

Contest of challengers call is a must listen to podcast for me! I never miss a week. I dream of opening a comic shop one day, but I let my pals at challengers talk me out of it every week. If you want to get an idea of what it’s like to run your own comic shop, this is the perfect podcast even if you’ve never been to their store. Merry Christmas dale and Patrick
Chicawgo

Great comic show

I really like this podcast; it’s casual and chatty and accessible, and I learn a lot about how comic publishing works as well as small businesses.
luckysipe

My favorite part of Monday

Entertaining and informative podcast on Comics retailing and the Comics industry. It could be really dry subject matter presented in an real inside baseball-type way but Patrick and Dal are incredibly entertaining to listen to. I don’t live in the Chicago area but the podcast has given me more so much appreciation for my LCS.
Browitzer

Noise Yums for My Earholes!

"Noise Yums for Your Earholes" I always wanted that to be a catchphrase for this podcast.
LassKicker28

Talking Shop

Love hearing the perspective of comic retailers on the comics industry. Pat and Dal run the best comic shop, hands down.
MattOK151

Super informative, super fun

If you want to become a retailer, are a comic creator or just want to learn more about the industry you have to listen to this.
Donald C

Great Show!

Besides being a Fantastic shop, Challengers is providing an entertaining and thought provoking look inside comic retailing. Keep it up Gents!