It’s that time of year again! While we’re furiously getting our Spirit of Retail packet together, I took a few minutes to reflect on the year in comics.

For me, this year will be remembered for two indie titles: DROME and ASSORTED CRISIS EVENTS. But don’t let that fool you into thinking that I didn’t heap praise on some other titles as well.

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Thanks to our friends at WJCL in Savannah for this morning’s feature on Comic Currents.

Read and Watch

Drawn to the Sea takes place THIS SUNDAY in Savannah from 1-5PM. Learn more at https://comiccurrents.com.

I often joke, “When I quit drinking, I just replaced one addiction for another.” That addiction? Magic the Gathering.

I learned how to play Magic only this past October during the release of Marvel’s Spider-Man. Longtime Neighborhood shoppers might recognize this as the beginning of Magic at Neighborhood. I will always refer to this as my 2001: A Space Odyssey “Dawn of Man” moment. In introducing the product to staff and having to learn about it, I also wanted to learn how to play it. So one Sunday afternoon, Corbin led a Magic Academy: Learn to Play event and I, 33, sat across Sal, 15, and learned … and lost. A lot. Very humbly. Very awkwardly.

Six months later, I’m still losing - but now I’m holding my own against some of the more veteran players of the shop. It’s what I look forward to every week! Researching cards and plotting decks is my new glass of wine at the end of a long day. Simply put, Magic has brought so much joy into my life. It has been the hobby I needed to carry me through hard times - something I could both ground myself in and lose myself in at the same time. Within it, I found a community at Neighborhood that not only supported and encouraged me, but consistently challenged me to do and be better. To grow.

And that’s what the Strixhaven pre-release was all about: Growth. April’s Secrets of Strixhaven prerelease was hands down the most fun I’ve had hosting yet. I hadn’t seen or felt the shop so alive before. What started six months ago as just a table of three playing in the shop turning into Corbin setting up tables on the sidewalk because we’re at capacity inside is wild growth. New faces sitting down with regulars. All ages. For many, it was their first prerelease event. That nervousness and excitement was palpable. It was loud, a little chaotic, and, at times, overstimulating. But it was absolutely perfect. Seeing everyone leaned in, smiling, laughing, I felt so honored to be a part of it all. While the world at times can feel so bleak and burning, here was a safe space for everyone to express themselves.

By the end of the night, it didn’t matter who came in experienced or not. We were all present. A reminder of what community feels like at its best. And that’s the thing about Magic at Neighborhood: you don’t have to be a specific type of player or experience level to belong. You don’t need to know every rule or card. You just have to show up.

Neighborhood Comics hosts open-play Magic the Gathering Commander nights every Monday and Friday at 1205 Bull St in Savannah, GA. Find out about pre-releases, tournaments and academy sessions at https://events.neighborhoodcomics.com.

Welp, it looks like this might be the year Free Comic Book Day coincides with a monsoon. Let’s hope not, but we’re planning for the worst. Here’s the lowdown:

Lineup Starts at 10AM

Please don’t line up earlier. We want to cause as little disturbance as possible for our neighbors. The line will start at our store door, in front of our large window. The line will extend down Bull St. south past White Whale Craft Ales to the corner, then wrap to the alley. We will have tents out to keep as many of you dry as possible while waiting. Please leave a large space for entry into White Whale. Maybe make a purchase inside while someone holds your space? Or, stop in after the event to gush over your hauls.

Store Opens at 11AM

When the store opens, we’ll let you in a few at a time. The Free books will be marked and on the new releases wall. There is a limit of 5 Free Comic Book Day books per person. No duplicates, please. We will continue to limit the number of people in the store throughout the morning to ensure everyone has a positive experience.

Want More? Bring donations for Second Harvest

Bring a canned food donation and get up to 10 free books. Maximum of 10 unique books per person if bringing a donation. A volunteer will give you a wristband at the door in exchange for your donation items.

FCBD Preorders

If you preordered a tote, tell the volunteer at the front of the line. They will provide your tote and you can choose to wait in line for signatures and shopping (plus additional free books) or leave with your tote.

Special Guests

Jorge Corona and Morgan Beem will be signing in store. You can bring one pre-purchased item per creator. We have additional items for sale (all at cover price) and available for signing, up to 5 items per creator. The artists will not be able to do remarques or sketches, just signatures. There will not be a CGC rep at this event. Signatures are FREE.

Check out some of Morgan’s original art that will be available!

Checkout

We will have two check out lines. One for free books only, and one for those also making purchases.

Whew!

Thanks for reading. We appreciate the support and look forward to an amazing (if possibly wet) day!

Waco O’Guin and I have a history. And luckily for me, we also have a present and a future.

I’ve known animation tycoon/show runner/comedy writer/entrepreneur/serial day trader Waco O’Guin since junior high school. I’m extremely proud of all he’s accomplished. From winning a Butterfinger art contest to crashing the Music Video Awards, he was always the coolest guy in my rotation. These days we don’t see each other as often as I’d like, but when we do, we’re right back in the thick of things.

In this episode of Neighborhood Comics Convo, we talk about Waco’s animation career, getting blackout in Savannah for his 21st birthday and his new Kickstarter graphic novel project.

Paradise PD & Farzar: The Final Season Graphic Novel

As a television creator, you don’t always get to end a show on your own terms. This graphic novel project allows Waco and his partner Roger the chance to tell one last story. If you’ve enjoyed their shows on Netflix, this is the (not so?) happy ending you’ve been waiting to enjoy. The campaign ends on April 2 and is fully funded.

Check Out the Kickstarter

Damn Show Plus

We also discussed the underground phenomenon the Damn! Show and its second life on a custom streaming platform. If you want to see where Waco and Roger started, this is just for you.

Those Scruggs

You can check out Waco’s latest creation, Those Scruggs wherever you watch videos online. Facebook

If you’re listening to the audio version, be sure to visit our website to see vintage photos of me and Waco in high school. We were very, very cool guys.

And no, you can’t hear our rap album.

Rocketeer artist Jacob Edgar is in the shop on Saturday to sign copies of his new book Rocketeer: The Island from noon to 2 PM. We will also have exclusive ComicsPro variants of the book with a Dave Stevens cover available.

Watch the wall!

We also put out the Terminal ComicsPro preview with an amazing 4-part Andy Kubert cover. We only have one set of this exciting new Robert Kirkman project.

This month’s screening is Wednesday, February 25 at 8PM. Details are provided for paid subscribers.

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What was your first exposure to Magic the Gathering?

I was first introduced to Magic: the Gathering back in 1997 during Tempest block (back in the day, sets were released in groupings of 3, with the titular anchor set and two follow-up expansions). My next door neighbor played, and he would let me look at his cards. I remember being both enchanted and a little frightened by the artwork (Soltari Champion in particular has always stuck in my mind). But I didn’t start playing until around 2002 during the Judgement / Onslaught blocks. The game wasn’t even 10 years old yet, and there were only two main forms of play: Constructed, which consisted of 60 card decks that stuck to certain guidelines - Type I (now Vintage), Type II (the most recent blocks, now called Standard), Type 1.X (Extended, now defunct, included the last 4 block), or Type 1.5 (all available cards except for the banned list, now called Legacy), and Limited, which consisted of two formats: Sealed, where you opened a tournament pack or 6 booster packs and built a 40 card deck on the spot, or Draft, where a group of 6-8 each open a pack, select a card, and pass the remaining cards to the person next to them (continuing until everyone has selected a packs worth of cards... Then you do it 2 more times!).

Why do you think there is so much crossover between comic readers and MTG players?

I think a lot of it comes from the love and appreciation of the art on the cards, the design process, and the logic puzzles built into deck building and game mechanics. There are many Comic artists who find themselves doing illustrations for magic cards as well (Tracey Yardley, Ron Spears, and BROM are just a few local examples). Brandon Sanderson just wrote a great essay in his blog on January 30th where he discusses the disappointing and alarming rise of AI art, ultimately asking “What actually is art?” (the read is very much worth your time). He takes a somewhat lazy statement made by Roger Ebert 15 years ago, claiming that video games can never be art because the true use of gaming is “victory-focused” and therefore a commercial product “like a toaster”. By extension, I imagine he would not consider a card game like MTG art. I digress, I love being at the shop when someone who doesn’t normally come on Monday or Friday Night (our two weekly play evenings that start at 4), and exclaims “Wait, we can play Magic here now?” Another favorite is “I used to play 30 years ago!” Well, come on back and play. Or sell us your cards so you can buy more comics!

What made you want to teach others how to play MTG?

I actually get way more joy out of talking about and teaching the game than playing it. We’ve hosted 4 Magic Academy classes at the shop, where new players get to learn how to play through specially constructed decks that are meant for teaching. We go over the story behind the game, what winning looks like, the card layout, the different colors and types of cards, and how turns work. At the end, players get two special Jumpstart booster packs, specifically made to open and shuffle together to create a unique deck, and play their first, full game. They receive card sleeves and deck boxes to hold and protect their new cards as well. The fun for me is getting to see it on people’s faces when things start to click, when they the make their first cool play, or when they see a new ability that gets them excited to play their next game.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about MTG?

This is a tough one, because a lot of the misconceptions are about the players themselves and not so much about the game (though you can insert your grandmother’s opinion about Satanism here I suppose). There is a certain intensity that comes with being passionate about any hobby, and it can sometimes manifest itself in less than desirable ways - screaming, flipping tables, abusive language or name calling with the intent to hurt, the list could go on. I would say, especially within our community, that is way more the exception than the rule (as I have never actually seen any of those things happen). Which leads nicely into the next question!

What makes MTG play at NBRHD different?

It is all about Community building. Lee and the team have done such an extraordinary job creating and supporting this “new wave” of Comic Shop experience in Savannah: a specific focus on the customer experience, intricately curating every aspect of the business, and reaching out to the overarching Sequa Community in the Savannah area to see what they need. So when Lee approached me about starting this up at NBRHD, there was a question that needed to be answered so we could continue to live up to the Neighborhood Culture: How does this support and improve our Community? The only reason we started playing at the shop was because you, dear reader, asked for it. We try to end every invitation to play with “New Players and New Faces Welcome!” In the last 4 months we’ve grown from me, Kevin, and Damani playing a 3 person Commander game, to a sold out, 24 person Prerelease event for the newest release, Lorwyn Eclipsed. I tell everyone who comes to play with us, at the end of the day, we’re here to have fun. Everyone mostly plays casual commander in pods of four, with a few standard players here and there. We do Limited events like Booster Drafts a few Friday’s a month. And we try to support every event that Wizards of the Coast throws our way so there is something for everyone. A lot of our players can walk or ride their bike to the store and many of them are first time players. We’ve got a store library of decks that people can borrow to play with, and we just started selling singles to support players and their deck building. Whenever I see a new player, I ask their name and write it down so I will remember (and dear goodness I try, so forgive me if I ever make a mistake!). At the end of the day, I really do think its our community that makes a difference. A lot of our players play at some of the other local stores, and I think that is great too. But I think we’ve got something a little special at NBRHD. And its not just the fact that we can someone fit 24 players in our little shop. The real Magic is the friends we ma- Jk. I’ve been told to stop saying that. But its true. This whole experience has been incredible for me, and I truly thank everyone who has come out to play this silly little card game with me. Hopefully I’ll see you at the next set release on February 27th - Universes Beyond: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

I’m so excited to share the conversation that I had with comics superstar Deanna Soukiasian earlier this month. I hate the microphone that I used, but hey, you come for the yap, not the tech. And the yap with Dee is always stellar.

Thanks for reading Neighborhood Comics! This episode is public so feel free to share it.

In this episode, we discuss the state of comics, focusing on conventions, the rise of zines, the importance of libraries, and what’s next for indie comics. Deanna shares her experiences at MICE and CXC, her role in editing and teaching, and her passion for promoting young artists.

Subscribe to the Convo and never miss an episode or update!

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This week’s comic highlights include new printings for Absolute Batman #1 and last year’s Daniel Warren Johnson Abs Bats Annual. The Gotham by Gaslight Compact edition from DC is out today, as is Altamont, a graphic novel about the horrible concert disaster that ended the summer of love. X-Men Psylocke and Rogue get new number ones plus recurring Spider-man, Wolverine and more titles from your favorite writers, artists, publishers and characters. Watch the new this week wall below.

Go Shopping

New comics this week include DC KO’s continuation, Cyberpunk 2077: Chrome, Dungeons of Doom (Marvel), Godzilla Heist TPB, Megaman Legends, Tomb Raider and the graphic novel PIG WIFE. See ya at the comic shop!

Introducing The Batman ‘66 Film Series

For local subscribers, we’ll host screenings and discussion at my home or at one of our shop locations depending on the number of RSVPs. For out-of-towners, I’ll provide a screening link and notes so you can follow along.

Schedule

January 17: RSVP NOW (Password: bifbampow)

Hi Diddle Riddle/Smack in the Middle

The 2-part pilot for the original series where the lore gets laid on thick.

February 25

The Purr-fect Crime/Better Luck Next Time

Julie Newmar, one of three Catwomen cast during the show’s tenure, introduces a new wrinkle in the Batman mythos.

March 22

Enter Batgirl, Exit Penguin/Batgirl Pilot Episode

Season 3 saw the debut of Barbara Gordon and sexism gets wild. Plus, the 7 minute pilot episode of the Batgirl stand-alone show that never was.

April 17

Alyas Batman en Robin

1991 Filipino “musical/comedy” Batman parody film.

May 17

La Mujer Murcielago

Mexican Batwoman film where she fights in a bikini, teaches wrestling, shoots guns and does a lot of scuba diving. Also there’s a fish-man.

June 10

Legends of the Superheroes: The Challenge

Made-for-TV live-action slapstick from 1979 reuniting a much older Adam West and Burt Ward.

Summer Break

Prior to a break for summer travel, we’ll discuss options for the second half of the series.

Want to watch the films with us? Become a subscriber to the newsletter to get your invitations. Paid subscribers will also receive screening links and exclusive posts with more information on the films.

New Team Member

Gabby joined our team this year, first in the Clubhouse coordinating shipping and now in the Bull St. store as a clerk and bookseller. Our team doesn’t change very often, so this is a big deal in our world. Welcome, Gabby!

Artist-in-Residence Program

This was an eclectic year in terms of style, age and experience for our artist-in-residence program. It was a great mix and every artist brought something different to the table. In particular, I’m grateful to the artists that led weekend workshops, spoke to visiting classes and hosted demonstrations. Midway through the year we rearranged the setup, giving the visiting artist more room to merchandise in the center of the store.

• Taylor Hughes

• Elliot Hirschi

• Kelsey Wolfe

• Deanna Soukiasian

• Karen Buchanan

• Kit Micillo

• Junwei Huang

• Wesley Martin

• Grace Wisdom

• Allison Watt

• Carson McKinney

Creator Appearances

As with our AIRs, we hosted an incredible range of creators this year for signings and celebrations of their work. They included:

• Michael Lee Harris (Motherfu*kin Monsters)

• Edwin Galmon (Superwoman / Stitch)

• Joey Weiser (The Littlest Fighter)

• Andrew MacLean (Special guest, Free Comic Book Day)

• Caroline and Katherine Shuda (Monster High)

• Sarah Davidson (Jackson’s Wilder Adventures Vol 2)

• Keith Browning (Blink and You’ll Miss It)

• Dan Mazur (Will Eisner: A Comics Biography)

• Rashad Doucet and Amar Shah (Wish I Was a Baller)

We also had many creators pop in throughout the year to sign books or speak with our team. We also hosted comedians for two sessions with Don’t Tell Comedy Savannah.

Studio Days

A new addition to the schedule in 2025 was studio days. This started with Neighborhood Sundays, a relaxed open studio time. Then, artists-in-residence like Kit and Deanna used that time to test out their own programming creating mini-comics and developing storytelling skills. By May, the Sunday open studio was being led by the team behind SAVage FST self-publishing expo, Kate Sherron and Meredith Laxton, hence the change to SAVage Sundays. I even got in on the fun hosting a couple of kit-bashing sessions using repurposed action figures.

Comic Readings and Networking

To give our locals more time to shine and share, we hosted a few reading sessions. The first was “Right to Read Day” where sections of banned comics were read from our community. Donations were taken up for the American Library Association.

In August, our friend Dani Chuatico, backed by the Utot Komiks Collective, started the Open (co)Mic Night series, formalizing self-published comic readings in an open mic-style format.

And we can’t forget the always-amazing Neighborhood Drink N Draw at White Whale hosted by our pal Anthony.

The Clubhouse Moved and Expanded

Our outlet location, the Neighborhood Comics Clubhouse, moved from its south side location to midtown on Derenne Ave. Still helmed by Fuzzy Needle record store owner Chris with the same great vibe.

We Took Trips

I traveled to Glendale California for the ComicsPro convention of comic shop owners. It’s an exhilarating few days being surrounded by the best minds in the business. We also coordinated a road trip to Connecticut for Indie Comics Creator Con with some of our local comic makers where we tabled and hosted a panel.

Special Events

I mean, what’s the point in being a neighborhood spot if you’re not throwing parties?

• Superman Day

• Batman Day

• Superstar Comic Con Exhibitor (x2)

• Organized and curated the Pantone Art Show

• Free Comic Book Day (6th Anniversary Party)

• Monster High Halloween-in-May

• Claudia Celebration

• Volunteer Day

• Local Comic Shop Day

• Comic Trivia

• SavageFST Sponsor

• Wag-O-Ween

• Halloween Trick or Read

• Toy Donations for Migrant Equity Southeast

• SCAD Mini-Comics Expo

Magic the Gathering

September was the start of Magic the Gathering Mondays. In October these open Commander-play nights extended to Fridays as well. Corbin and Kevin also hosted draft nights and academy classes for new players.

Community Outreach

In the store we hosted six SCAD classes, two Rising Stars high school groups and one middle school field trip. I visited elementary school career fairs and guested on some cool podcasts.

Everything Else

Honestly, we’re missing a ton of things here. We published the latest printing of Kevin’s book Tempo. We hosted a student film premiere. It SNOWED. I chatted up Jim Lee. Archer Jaxx did some great social media shorts. Amazing cosplayers dropped in. We were on TV a couple of times. I don’t know where to stop, so we’re going to draw the line in my preferred format, saying THANK YOU. We wouldn’t exist without you. Here’s to an exciting 2026.

2025 was the Year of Batman (and it wasn’t even close)

Our sales numbers from 2025 reaffirmed what every one of our staff members guessed at our end-of-year party: Batman moved units.

Top Selling Single Issue: Batman #1

2025 saw the relaunch of the flagship title Batman, helmed by Matt Fraction and Jorge Jimenez. All number ones sell to some degree, but Batman #11 exceeded our expectations. What I thought would be six months of inventory lasted two weeks.

In the top 10 single issues of 2025, Batman starred in or was featured in 7 of the books. Chief among them, Synder and Derrington’s Absolute Batman. Eight of the top 10 were from DC Comics.

2. Absolute Batman #1 (Batman Day Edition)

3. Absolute Batman #8

4. Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #32

5. Absolute Batman #9

6. Absolute Green Lantern #1

7. DC x Sonic the Hedgehog #2 (features Batman)

8. Immortal Legend Batman #1

9. Invincible #1 (Image Firsts Edition)

10. Absolute Batman #12

Top Selling Graphic Novel: Absolute Batman Volume 1: The Zoo

While the super-buff, axe-wielding Absolute Batman didn’t come in at number one for the single issues, he more than made up for it in graphic novel sales with a large margin between it and second place. Even with strong single issue sales, the paperback3 and hardcover were consistent sell-throughs.

Without Batman in the picture, 2025 was the year of Invincible. Which is weird, because the issues collected here4 debuted in 2003. The impact of the animated series continues to drive readers to comic shops. The successful new Invincible: Battle Beast limited series only missed the top 10 because of that pesky Absolute Batman.

But it wasn’t just Invincible back from the dead. Catalog titles made up a large part of our 2025 graphic novel sales. One of the factors on that front was the debut of “compact” editions, bound in 5.5” x 8.5” standard trim sizes more akin to manga than traditional comics.

2. Invincible Vol 1 (Compact Edition)

3. TIE: Head Lopper Vol 15, Tempo Book One6

4. Ain’t No Grave7

5. Batman: Hush (Compact Edition)

6. Absolute Superman Vol 1

7. Ultramega Vol 1

8. Something is Killing the Children Vol 18

9. Invincible Vol 2 (Compact Edition)

10. Little Bird Vol 19

Some notes and asides

Apart from the odd Star Wars title (sigh), Marvel was shut out of the top 10 in both categories and only appeared a few times in the top 50 for each (almost exclusively Ultimate Spider-man, Ultimate Wolverine and Rivals-fueled It’s Jeff). Our top selling manga titles were Death Note Black Edition 1 and One Piece 3-in-1 Vol 1. The continuing success of Snotgirl is still amazing to me, with the first volume only one spot out of the top 10 graphic novels.

Predictions

For 2026, compact editions will continue to multiply across publishers and genres. While they won’t completely overtake the traditional comic-trim volumes, we’ll see more in the end-of-year lists. Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow will claim a place in the top graphic novels category thanks to the film. The new Marvel/DC crossover Superman/Spider-Man will meet sales of Deadpool/Batman and just maybe crack the top 10 single issues chart. For indies? I can’t wait to be surprised.

If you’re keeping score at home, here’s a handy print-out with the rankings.10

Neighborhood Comics supports human authorship, human creativity and human wellness.

We do not use Artificial Intelligence platforms, software or tools in any creative works and do not sell A.I.-generated comics, art or products.

Telling stories is humanity’s domain

We have time, data and experience to prove that social media, addictive apps and technological screens doesn’t improve intelligence, stimulate positive mood or increase empathy. We have no confidence that A.I. will yield a different result.

Conversely, experiencing art, the sensation of tactile interaction and finding inspiration in creative endeavors can be transformative to the human spirit. This is the world we want to foster.

Leading by example

We would like to thank our publishing partners DC Comics and President Jim Lee for leading by example with their public statements concerning A.I. art and storytelling.

Caveats and considerations

We are not luddites, and do believe that emerging technology, including A.I. in specific fields and circumstances, has the capability to positively impact our world. Creative works are decidedly not one of those areas. Unfortunately, industry-standard tools such as the Adobe Suite, Shopify, Google Workspace and Microsoft’s document editors have integrated A.I. into the core of their products. It is impossible to avoid any interactions with artificial intelligence in the modern world. Whenever possible, we de-activate or ignore these “features” and use suitable alternatives.

Holding us accountable

If you know or suspect any creative product produced by us or being sold by us as using A.I. for creative purposes, please let us know. We’ll work to remedy the situation and make sure that we have a clearer path going forward.

Why we are making this statement

Codifying our stance on A.I. supports our creative community and unequivocally backs our commitment to being a resource and center for humanity’s greatest gift: Storytelling. Further, the environmental concerns with AI power and water usage, data centers infringing on low-income neighborhoods and the existential threat of non-human decision-making in our most critical systems is a horrific trade-off for any perceived benefit.

• Last updated: 12/22/25

Comics in stock from Marvel, DC and more that were released today, December 17, 2025.

Join us on January 17 for a signing event to celebrate New Space Age #1 creators Mike Becker and Kevin Betou.

I’ve just returned from the 10th annual celebration known as Massive Nights: Four days of reveling in the sounds of The Hold Steady.

How I Found The Hold Steady

The Hold Steady came on my radar during the peak of hipster music blogs. I was on the verge of my 30s and sites like Pitchfork provided a map of what was cool. Coming out of a vibrant NYC scene with The Strokes and Interpol, The Hold Steady fit that bill.

From the spoken-word introduction of Almost Killed Me, I felt invigorated, excited, amped to jump into this world of ne’er do-wells, sad sacks and the scenes that might save them. The perfect gnarled Zep guitar tone, shout-singing vocals, rolling pianos (and horns!) the music sounded like a garage band blowing out the amps on the world’s biggest stage. Each album grew my fandom as THS stretched and morphed, exploring more complex themes as its lyrical cast of characters became adults, although never quite responsible ones. Then I started seeing them live. One show turned into two and then, seemingly overnight, dozens. The concerts were a blur of lost earplugs, dancing and hugs - arms raised to the sky and shouting along with every word.

After a few decades the band realized that the grind of touring wasn’t paying off the way they’d hoped. But instead of giving up the rock and roll dream, they re-envisioned the concept entirely.

Redefining the Rock N Roll Dream

The band doesn’t go off on epic tours so much these days. Instead of half the year or more in a tour bus, they spend their days with their families, outside business interests or working on other musical projects. Now when they reconvene, THS brings the world to them in multi-day celebrations in cities like London, Chicago, Atlanta and their home base of Brooklyn. BK’s Massive Nights, and the subsequent Weekenders series, is like a convention, with multiple concerts and related activities that have included pub trivia, bowling and guitar workshops.

2025 was my second time attending Massive Nights and the 10th anniversary of the series. This fanbase is passionate. They love the music - of course - but they also genuinely care about the band members, their success and their happiness. Honestly, the vibe between concertgoer and musician sometimes felt more like co-workers than the typical groupie/hanger-on mentality. The band members shake hands, answer questions and intently listen. There’s a two-way respect that seems far too rare.

How Does The Hold Steady Make Their Magic?

The cool thing about magic is that it’s mysterious. And there’s definitely an element of surprise and delight in what THS does. But there are a couple of specific things that I can point to and I try to bring these same elements into what we do at Neighborhood Comics.

“We Are All”

Lead singer makes it obvious throughout the show that the give-and-take between on and off-stage is the fuel that powers the experience. In the song “Stay Positive”, the line “we couldn’t’ve even done this if it wasn’t for you” gets extended as Craig points to members in the audience, repeating the word “you” over and over again. The chant of “We Are All” at the end-of-show band introductions has become a staple of the concert. Each band member gets a name check and then Craig exhorts that the band isn’t just a few members, it’s a whole scene. I scoured through my personal videos to find that after dozens of shows, I have no footage of the “We Are All” chant. I was far too busy joining in.

Embedding your customers, clients, “fans” into the experiences you create is the single most important thing you can do to build community. Take down the wall between you. Step out from behind the counter. You succeed together.

“So Much Joy”

People ask all the time if it’s fun to work in a comic shop. And the truth is, not always. Work is work. But we sell a different reality - escape, freedom and joy - not that different from rock and roll. The exulting chant that Craig leads during “Killer Parties” with “So Much Joy” getting the biggest pop stays with me long after the band calls it a night.

It isn’t the grind (working on cost spreadsheets or hauling hundred pound boxes around town) that makes the job. It’s the togetherness. The camaraderie. Sharing the things that make us happy. You have to make the joy happen. It doesn’t happen by itself. You have to open the door, host the event and get on stage. Be in the room with people - present and excited.

A Unified Scene

It’s ultimately their community, what The Hold Steady refers to as the Unified Scene, that makes the band special and worth every penny of travel, merch and tickets. The band created the initial experience, the songs on the album, but they allowed the songs to grow and change and be something bigger with the help of their patrons.

Likewise, Neighborhood Comics provides the space, the staff and the inventory. But all of that changes once the customer is introduced into the store. It’s their interactions, questions and enthusiasm that expand the experience into something new, exciting and ever-changing. So while I don’t have the confidence to leap onto the check-out counter and shout “WE ARE ALL NEIGHBORHOOD COMICS", know that’s what is in my heart. And I’m thankful for The Hold Steady for being such amazing role models, setting the standard for healthy community building.

2025 Gift Guide

In-Person Shopping or Store Pickup

11AM - 7PM, 7 Days a Week

Exceptions:

• 12/24: Closing at 3PM

• 12/25: Closed All Day

• 12/31: Closing at 3PM

• 1/1: Opening at 3PM

Shipping

If shipping your gifts, know that the postal service will be stretched very thin this year. Rates are more expensive than ever and we’re already seeing delays. We are a small team and only ship out twice a week. We always try to do more during the holidays, but caveat emptor. We recommend paying for expedited shipping at checkout or using UPS.

Gift Cards

Buy Gift Cards

You can get physical gift cards that never expire in-store. Or, you can purchase digital gift cards for yourself or as a gift that are sent immediately via email. This is an awesome way to support the shop and make sure your recipient gets exactly what they want. Digital and physical cards can be used both online and in-person.

Don’t Know What to Buy?

Ask us! We’d love to help you find the perfect gift for the special people in your life. You can start with our 2025 Superhero Gift Guide.

Sales don’t work in our store.

It’s a weird thing. Comic readers and fans do love a good deal. But over the last 6.5 years, we’ve put a lot of work into sales events, only to have a couple of people participate. We’ve done themed sales, BOGO events, clearances tied to movie releases and holidays. We’ve tried online sales, door busters and referral events. Nothing matches the sales on an average Wednesday.

Offering discounts is still a good way to move stale inventory. And folks that find us online are happy to get something they can’t find locally at a below-market price. But one-day or weekend events don’t move the needle.

The Black Friday Anti-Sale

So this year, we’re trying something different. Instead of offering discounts on comics, graphic novels, toys and games, we’re keeping prices consistent, happy for your ongoing support - but we’re also asking for gifts.

We’re not a charity. It definitely feels like running an indie book store in 2025 qualifies as such, but our goal is to make a profit. From month-to-month, that’s not always the case. There are things we’d like to do that we have to put on the back burner. Whether it’s advertising, offering new services or expanding our team’s knowledge, if it’s not classified inventory, wages or rent/utilities, it gets left behind.

Welcome to the Comic Shop Wishlist

Want to support the store? Buy comics. Pick up your subscriptions. Order gifts for friends and family. Maybe some gift cards or merch. Subscribe to the Substack. If you want to do more, here are some things you can pick up for us.

Neighborhood Wish List

Thanks as always for the support. Even if it’s as simple as liking an Instagram story or reading this email to the end. We hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving, Black Friday (whatever that means to you) and Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or personal time of celebration, friends and family. We’r’e so very thankful.

Huge thanks to Carson for sharing his knowledge and time with our comic book reading and creating family.