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From Challengers Comics + Conversation in Chicago, this is CONTEST OF CHALLENGERS, a comics industry business podcast about the businees of running a comic book shop.
Hosted by Challengers' owners Patrick Brower and W. Dal Bush.
1845 N Western Ave | Chicago, IL 60647 | 773.278.0155
ChallengersComics.com
Will Eisner "Spirit of Comics" Retailer Award Recipient 

Jun 8, 2026

THE SAND IN OUR STARS
•Why was “Miles Morales” written in the show notes for 5 episodes ago?
•Paul Chadwick and CONCRETE are back!
•Are super-hero comics prime summer reading?
•The unionization of Dark Horse workers.
•The DC Blackout boycott.
•Are YOU excited for the Supergirl movie?
•Please don’t...


Jun 1, 2026

“OUR PODCAST IS GREAT”
The human touch has value.
Not saving time.
We do not ship comic boxes or bulk comic supplies.
Absolute Batman reprints.
Packing up mail-order subscriptions.
Using/not using Discord.
Non-copy over subscription books.
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Contest of Challengers #782
This episode is dedicated to Darby Allin.


May 25, 2026

WALL-TO-NEW RELEASE WALL
What comics industry news has Patrick missed?
Coordinating what’s on sale this week with what’s coming out next week and what we’re getting shipped for the week after next.
How you can see what our weekly best-selling single issues are.
I really, really love the look of our NEW THIS WEEK...


May 18, 2026

BTE MAILBAG
Here are the topics Patrick tackles in this episode, but not necessarily in this order:

Can you explain the Absolute Batman #20 printing issue?
What is Ablestar?
What Dal tasks are you doing?
What was the process behind the new box display?
Why do you guys wear suits?
What changes are you itching to make?


May 11, 2026

PLUSSING THE EVENT
A look back to Free Comic Book Day 2025.
A full debrief of Free Comic Book Day 2026!
Thanks, Patrons!
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Contest of Challengers #779
This episode is dedicated to every Challenger that made FCBD a smooth day/huge success! Jeanna, Lizzy, Andrew, Kate, Stella, George & Parker! Thank you all!

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