Get ready people, the Charlotte MiniCon is back! Shelton started the MiniCon waaaaay back in 1977 ( I was 5 but who’s counting ). We’re still talking to all our friendly nearby creators to see who can make it to the show but I wanted to let you know about a very special out-of-town guest who will be paying a visit to the Queen City just for this event! Cliff Chiang is going to be here to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the MiniCon! Cliff is currently turning out some of the best work of his career as the artist of DC’s Wonder Woman, but he’s also known for adding his distinctive style to books like Zatanna, Doctor 13, Neil Young’s Greendale, Human Target, and Green Arrow/Black Canary, among many others .  Meet Cliff Sunday, January 22, 2012 at this incredibly fun, family-friendly event! Mark your calendars and check back here for more details about the MiniCon or join our mailing list to make sure you hear about any events we have coming up.

Charlotte MiniCon
January 22, 2012
11 am to 5 pm
Admission is just $3!
Palmer Building at Fireman’s Hall
2601 E 7th St
Charlotte, NC 28204

It’s Christmas and we’ve all once again secured our spots on the “Good List” (except for Heroes’ own Phil Southern, but that’s a story for another day..).

There’s only one thing better than Christmas morning and that’s a Christmas with presents purchased from Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find.

But what to ask for? The ideal gift should be something you’d not readily purchase for yourself on any given Wednesday.

But what if you asked a family member or friend for that same comics-related item and…what if Heroes was having a HUGE SALE …what if that sale was THIS WEEKEND????

Well, this is the season of miracles and here are some items for you folks (to receive or give!) who have been pretty darn good this year (excluding of course the aforementioned Phil).

Parker Martini Edition by Darwyn Cooke

This edition contains both of the Parker Graphic Novels, The Hunter and The Outfit plus a new short story plus 70(!) pages of bonus material including bits by Ed Brubaker, Tom Spurgeon, and Abby Westlake! The Parker books are as good as you’ve heard–they are as good as it gets.You absolutely MUST read them and this gorgeous Martini Edition looks great on any bookshelf or coffee table.

Just take a gander inside:

Sadly, my copy is no longer in mint condition due to my excessive salivating.

The Walking Dead Omnibus

I know what you’re thinking–560 pages of Zombie Comics–no way. When we scheduled this book for the Discussion Group, I felt the same way UNTIL I READ the first 12 issues.
And the only thing better than reading a lot of The Walking Dead is reading the comic and then watching the AMC series as an accoutrement. Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard have created a horror masterpiece.

Literary note: If you purchase more than one omnibus, you are allowed (by law) to use the word omnibi even though it is not really a word, but hey, these are zombies we’re dealing with here.

Bone 20th Anniversary Full Color One Volume Collected Box Set

You know you want it. It is the complete collection one of the most fun, exciting comic-reading experiences around. Get it for the kids– it is a perfect starter comic for both boys and girls or use the kids as an excuse and get it for yourself. It is just a stunning piece of comic story telling. I envy any of you that have yet to read it and can experience it for the first time. And this Box Set is the perfect way to read it.

MAD Fold-In Collection

Every dang time (pardon my french!) I go into the store, I have a stare-down with this mammoth two volume set that contains every one of the great Al Jaffee’s fold-ins which ran on the back inside cover of every issue of MAD since LBJ was President. Each fold-in is presented in a before-and-after state so you can enjoy the book without having to trash it!.

You must buy this–you will buy this. (see? if you folded in that last sentence, it would say “You must buy this”)

Gahan Wilson 50 years of Playboy Cartoons

This is one of the best books of the past year (or so). Gahan Wilson is the true heir apparent to New Yorker comic weirdo Charles Addams. His comics are twisted, macabre, beautifully rendered and above all–laugh out loud funny. This 3 volume set belongs in every serious comic fan’s library. It contains over 1000 cartoons – here’s just one example of Wilson’s genius:

Rather smartly, I’m not going to try to make a joke after the master has spoken….

75 Years of DC Comics

Winner of the 2011 Eisner Comic Industry Award for Best Comics-Related Book of the Year!
We’ve all seen it in the back of the store; you know we all want it; and we all deserve it–even Phil!

Serving Suggestion: Author Paul Levitz not included

But wait….. there is still more!

STATUES! C’mon fess up– you know you want a statue, me too. And we all deserve a statue (Phil?–well, it’s a toss-up) and the statues will be discounted from 10 to 70 percent!!!! Shelton Drum (aka The Big Kahuna) loves to deal on these Sale weekends. Just don’t call him The Big Kahuna.These statues are priced to move — from the store shelf to under your tree.

If statues aren’t your thing (what –were you born in a barn??) howzabout Toon Tumblers. These terrific glasses will work for any potent (and non-potent) potables. Flavors include Superman,Teen Titans, Joker, Robin, Green Arrow, Green Lantern, Captain America, Flash, Spider-Man, Deadpool and a JLA Pitcher.

So for goodness sake,visit Heroes this weekend–Saturday and Sunday December 3rd and 4th and if you buy a Toon Tumbler, for God’s sake use a coaster (unless you really were born in a barn, then, never mind!)

And have the decency not to mention coal around Phil Southern.

Be there…..

Celebrate the holidays with us THIS WEEKEND on December 3rd from 10 am to 9 pm and December 4th from 1 to 6 pm at our Annual Holiday Sale! Shelton has pulled out all the stops! We will have crazy discounts on back-issues, trades, manga and statues. In addition to that, Seth has been building a massive $1 stock of awesome comics. Plus, all new comics and trades will be at least 10% off! Shelley and the rest of the crew have been tirelessly cleaning and decorating in preparation for our big event and we will be ready to answer questions, help you locate items and give you recommendations. Be sure to stop by the store this weekend to stock up on presents for friends, family and yourself. You are not going to want to miss this sale!

Still not sure what to get that certain someone for Christmas? The holiday sale is a perfect time to pick up your 3-day pass for HeroesCon 2012! Still only $30, it makes a great gift for that hard-to-shop-for comics fan. We will be giving away an exclusive Neal Adams Green Lantern/ Green Arrow print with the purchase of a 3-day pass. We can’t wait to see you Saturday and Sunday!

Also, new comics will arrive Wednesday as usual this week with no holiday delay! Check the new releases list here.

It was a brisk and clear Charlotte Autumn afternoon and a group of eleven met to discuss the comic work of Jaime Hernandez in general and The Girl From Hoppers collection in specific. We were lucky enough to have three local artists along with Craig Fischer from (the recently disbanded) The Panelists amongst our number of LOCAS enthusiasts. The biggest challenge with moderating is that you are always looking for a follow-up question and it is nigh impossible to take any kind of notes that could result in a coherent recap.

But here is the “10,000 Feet Above the Discussion Group” view:

• We took advantage of the artists in residence and discussed Jaime’s drawing technique and how he is able to use all of his skills to enhance the mise-en-scene (see Mom, that 20K you spent on my college education was a good investment!) of each panel.
• We deftly danced around the major events of the most recent L&R story since many in attendance had not read it yet. That was a real drag, but–as per our charter: We focused on how The Death of Speedy affected all subsequent stories in the collection.
• We delved into Jaime’s storytelling and how he is able to jump cut and change narrative focus throughout each story without using any kind of establishing shot and still provide solid, clear storytelling.
• We looked at the absence of Hopey from the Speedy story and how her presence may have altered the events that transpired (transpired!–see previous college note).
• We pondered how Speedy died and whether the ‘How’ was more important than the after-affects of his demise.
• We closely examined the 4 page Tear It Up, Terry Downe and how Jaime said volumes with what he chose to ignore or omit.
• We disagreed strongly on Jaime’s uses of genre trappings– super-heroes, Science fiction and pro-wrestling; were they integral parts of the LOCAS world or were they devices that Jaime outgrew as his talents matured?

In the same light, we discussed Maggie and Hopey’s relationship and sexuality, and how they changed over time as characters.
The conversation was exciting, intelligent and impassioned. I came away from the discussion feeling as though I were a bettter reader; I hope my fellow discussioneers felt the same way.
Regardless, I can’t wait to re-read Wig Wam Bam and the LOCAS II Hardcover.
My thanks to all in attendance; you guys are a joy to talk to.
For December– we are going to kick back and have some super-hero fun by discussing all four volumes of Ellis/Cassaday’s Planetary. We’ll announce a definite date after Thanksgiving and hope to see you there!

photographs provided by Heather Mobley

We’re wishing everyone an early Happy Thanksgiving and letting you know that new books will be shipping on schedule this Wednesday. So make sure to drop by the store for your pre-Thanksgiving comic book shopping needs! Check out the New Releases page to see what we’ll have for you (Fantastic Four #600! Wolverine and the X-Men #2!).

We will be closed on Thursday, November 24th for the holiday and the store will open at it’s normal time on Friday at 10 am, and observe its regular hours for the duration of the holiday weekend. If you have some out-of-town family visiting and need to get out of the house, bring them over, we’d love to meet them!

Keep an eye out for details concerning our great BIG holiday sale in December! Seth has been working hard on a brand new dollar stock and more to debut at the sale. We’ll be posting full details here on the blog for you soon!

In 2000, The Comics Journal published a list of the Top 100 American Comics of the 20^th Century.  Coming in at # 24, 22 and 17 are three works by Jaime Hernandez.  Originally published in the Comic Magazine Love and Rockets in tandem with the comics of his superbly talented brother Gilbert, these three selections, Flies on the Ceiling, The Death of Speedy and Wig Wam Bam represent some of the most influential and critically lauded comics of the past few decades.

Plan to join the Heroes Discussion Group on Saturday November 19^th at 1:00pm as we tackle the second Jaime Hernández trade paperback The Girls from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. We will discuss the entire collection but we will concentrate onDeath of Speedy and Flies on the Ceiling. (Wig Wam Bam is in the following volume and we will just have to tackle it another day!)

For those of you who have read Jaime’s work, you know what to expect—wonderful art and rich rewarding story-telling.  In other words, it is sequential art at its best.  For those of you who are reading for the first time, I envy you.  One suggestion—read it slowly.  The fresh, clean line art and simple page construction makes it easy for the reader to fly through each page.  When you catch yourself sailing through, take a step back (or look again), as there is a lot there.  The fact that Jaime makes it seem effortless is part of the comic’s charm.

The Girls from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. is available from Heroes for $14.95 and don’t forget the Heroes Discussion Group 10% Discount—you must notify the clerk about the discount when you check out.

Note:  for anyone reading the stories in the LOCAS HC collection, start with House of Raging Women and continue on through Below My Window Lurks My Head.

See you tomorrow!

Heroes will be in two places at once this weekend!

We will be at the at the NC Comicon at the Morrisville Outlet Mall on Saturday and Sunday. We will be bringing great Modern and Silver Age books to this show along with some other surprises. This show has a great guest list, check it out on their site. Make sure to stop by and say hello to Shelton and the gang!

And on Sunday, Phil and Seth will be at the Atlanta Comic Convention with longboxes full of $1 comics and other great bargains culled from untouched, newly acquired collections!  This show is at the Marriott, Century Center, 2000 Century Blvd, Atlanta.

See you there!

In 2000, The Comics Journal published a list of the Top 100 American Comics of the 20^th Century.  Coming in at # 24, 22 and 17 are three works by Jaime Hernandez.  Originally published in the Comic Magazine Love and Rockets in tandem with the comics of his superbly talented brother Gilbert, these three selections, Flies on the Ceiling, The Death of Speedy and Wig Wam Bam represent some of the most influential and critically lauded comics of the past few decades.

Plan to join the Heroes Discussion Group on Saturday November 19^th at 1:00pm as we tackle the second Jaime Hernández trade paperback The Girls from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. We will discuss the entire collection but we will concentrate on Death of Speedy and Flies on the Ceiling. (Wig Wam Bam is in the following volume and we will just have to tackle it another day!)

For those of you who have read Jaime’s work, you know what to expect—wonderful art and rich rewarding story-telling.  In other words, it is sequential art at its best.  For those of you who are reading for the first time, I envy you.  One suggestion—read it slowly.  The fresh, clean line art and simple page construction makes it easy for the reader to fly through each page.  When you catch yourself sailing through, take a step back (or look again), as there is a lot there.  The fact that Jaime makes it seem effortless is part of the comic’s charm.

The Girls from H.O.P.P.E.R.S. is available from Heroes for $14.95 and don’t forget the Heroes Discussion Group 10% Discount—you must notify the clerk about the discount when you check out.

Note:  for anyone reading the stories in the LOCAS HC collection, start with House of Raging Women and continue on through Below My Window Lurks My Head.

Enjoy! And we will see you on the 19^th!

Image by Alex Kropinak, text by Sean T. Collins, originally posted on Robot6

This Saturday local artists and collectors of all sorts of cool things will gather at our store for the Heroes Pop Swap. There will be all sorts of buying, selling and trading going on! Kids can come out and give their Halloween costumes a test drive and pick up a free comics. There may even be homemade baked goods for sale! Come by anytime from 10AM to 4PM.

If you were thinking about getting your own space to sell things and haven’t done so, load your up car with your stuff and bring it down on Saturday, we will try to accommodate you! No swapper left behind!

Dan Willner will be bringing his Spandex Splinters, hand carved characters and superheroes, to the Heroes Pop Swap this Saturday!

From Dan’s website:

Being a mild-mannered husband/father/toilet plunger can be enough for some people, but when one is married to an insanely creative spouse, there is a need to branch out. Dan Willner had tried many things. Bonsai, failed. Learn guitar, failed. Gardening, mild success. Growing a beard, major success! Still it wasn’t enough. He was more into destroying than building, but was given a task to build a piece of furniture. The task was successfully completed and he actually enjoyed it! This lead to picking up a block of wood and a carving knife and he hasn’t put it down yet.

There was one passion that Dan had that has never left him, comic books. Superheroes have been at the fore front of his life since he was ten years old. Soon he had gotten the idea to mash his two passions together. He would take over the world by carving superhero heads! Since the inception of Spandex Splinters, Dan has been carving for hours every evening experimenting with what heroes translate well to wood.