The comic back issue market, December 2019, tech and speculators

Comic back issues are UP in 2019, driven by keys, collectors, key collectors and speculators. Confused? Read THIS, and you won't be any longer!

Jim McLauchlin

Funko comes to Hollywod

Photo: Getty Images for Funko

How do you top a 17,000 square foot Funko-only store? With a 40,000 square foot store.

And that's just what Funko has done, with its new Hollywood Boulevard superstore. For the full scoop and so, so many pics, check out icv2.com.

Jim McLauchlin

Paul Levitz and things that amuse him

Paul Levitz, courtesy Paul Levitz

Paul Levitz spent 35+ years at DC Comics, a good chunk of that running the joint as the company's president and publisher. Now YOU can find out what he's learned (and what amuses him) here at icv2.

Jim McLauchlin

Bad speller, good businessman

Photos courtesy Bret Parks, Ssalefish Comics

Bret Parks of Ssalefish Comics (for the millionth time, yes, that's spelled right) gave up the sure thing job as a college professor and rolled the dice on a comic store. Now he has three stores, and his learned a lot along the way. You can too, HERE.

Jim McLauchlin

The Origins of the Origins of Marvel Comics

Starting in 1974, Stan Lee started chronicling the history of the Marvel Universe in a series of bestselling paperbacks beginning with Origins of Marvel Comics. For a look at why the work is STILL foundational (with nice remembrances from Kevin Smith and Joe Quesada), bop on over to Newsarama.

Jim McLauchlin

Gift cards, the comic shop MUST

Comic stores are gift destinations, and as retail moves into the Christmas season, gift cards are a MUST. You can do paper, swipe cards, and even fully electronic. Check out all the upsides over at icv2.

Jim McLauchlin

Runaways Season 3 is dark, with guest stars

Marvel's Runaways is queued up for its third season, where the Dark Dimension and Morgan le Fay will play a major role, and Cloak & Dagger make a guest appearance. Read all about it over at Newsarama.com.

Jim McLauchlin