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Showing posts with label Fantom Comics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantom Comics. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Fantom Comics PR: A Message From The Comics Journeyman




I'm writing to invite each of you to connect with me via one of the social media options that I use to communicate with the world at large about the comic books that I love.
 
Dear Fan Of Fantom,

Who IS "The Comics Journeyman"?

For starters, I am the host of SubcultureForTheCultured.com, a companion site to Fantom Comics. "SFTC" is dedicated to bringing you original thoughts on our favorite comic books and graphic novels that tend to be slightly "off the beaten path". And by "off the beaten path", I mean (mostly) non-superhero properties.

As a Fantom Comics Subscriber, you are already connected to Fantom via the comiXology platform (and if not, you can easily sign up - just follow the link to the instructions for our COMIC BOOK RESERVATION SERVICE, powered by comiXology). Over the coming days, I will be reaching out to all of Fantom's subscribers with a "comiXology friend request". This will allow you to view my picks from each month's Previews catalog right on the comiXology website, and for me to view your picks as well. It's really an open invitation to read what I'm reading. Recognizing that not everyone has the same tastes, I've listed below the books that I subscribe to regularly, along with an indication of whether I read the comic or the trade paperback.
 
My goal is to use comiXology's features to their fullest to create an online community of comic book readers who share an enthusiasm for the stories and artwork in the pages of our favorite comics, and who can share recommendations for new comic book journeys to pursue.

 
Another way that you can connect with me is to follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/cmxjourneyman

I will use Twitter to post updates and share interesting articles from time to time.

Think of me as the Pied Piper of (mostly) non-superhero comics, inviting you to follow me on my journey through the best that comic books have to offer.

I look forward to getting to know you and your tastes in comic books!

Keep reading comics, may the journey never end.

The Comics Journeyman


Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com



Thursday, December 16, 2010

PR: Fantom Comics Holiday Recommendations


Fantom Comics - Where there is a comic book for everyone
We're just abouta week from Christmas and there's still plenty of time to do right by your favorite comics fan. So, put down The Chia Pet 'cause Fantom Comics is here to help with a handy-dandy list of recommendations for the comics fan or anyone looking for something new and exciting!
 
If you're a fan of The Walking Dead comic and TV series (Image Comics), you may like:
 
Chew Vol. 1 through 3 (Image Comics):
 
Vice cop Tony Chu lives in a world where, after a global epidemic of avian flu, all poultry is illegal. Chu also has a secret; he's a "cibopath," a person who gets psychic impressions from the things he eats. While investigating an illegal chicken smuggling operation, he tastes a bowl of chicken soup, finding himself on the trail of a serial killer.
 
If you're a fan of the current Batman series of movies, you may like:
 
Batman: Year One (DC Comics)
 
The skill of leaping from rooftop to rooftop while dodging bullets isn't something you learn overnight. No, there's a definite learning curve. This book explores the forging of a man into a hero. Batman: Year One is what many believe to be Batman: The Dark Knight Returns and Sin City writer/artist Frank Miller's stronger Batman work.
 
If you're a fan of Breaking Bad, you may like:
 
Scalped Vol. 1 through 6 (Vertigo):
 
Bearing nunchucks and an attitude, Dashiell Bad Horse returns to the Prairie Rose Reservation he left fifteen years ago. A lot's changed in the years, he's been gone, meth labs litter the area adding more misery to the already crushing poverty. Soon, a 97 million dollar casino will open on this land, headed up by Lincoln Red Crow, a man from Dash's past who'll also play a major hand in his future. With brilliant characterization and sharp dialogue, Scalped is simply of the best books being printed today.

If you're a fan of TV's Mad Men, you may like:
 
Richard Stark's Parker series by Darwyn Cooke (IDW Publishing):
 
Parker is neither hero nor villain. He knows exactly who he is. He's a thief, simply out for his next dollar. What makes him the character so interesting is that when it's all said and done, you'll respect the character's honesty. Adapting author Richard Stark's singular character is master storyteller Darwyn Cooke of DC: The New Frontier fame. Art-wise, Cooke builds a world reminiscent of the time in which Mad Men is set while maintaining the stylistic flourishes comics fans have come to appreciate within his work. Look for both The Hunter and the newly released, The Outfit.
 
If you're a fan of James Bond and The Jason Bourne series of books and movies, you may like:
 
Queen and Country Definitive Editions One through Four (Oni Press):
 
Tara Chace is an operative within The British Secret Service. The work is rarely glamorous and rarely involves traveling to exotic locations, sipping martinis. When the assignment does come, it usually involves being sent to some far off place with the express knowledge that you may be being sent off to die and knowing that if you live, you may need to drink to forget the things you've done. You'll never see the espionage thriller in the same way after reading this.
 
If you're a fan of Calvin and Hobbes, you may like:
 
Tiny Titans (DC Comics):
 
Full of good, simple fun and drawn in an art style accessible to young and old, The Tiny Titans are the child sidekicks of some of superherodom's most famous heroes. Robin, Superboy, a couple of Wonder Girls, a Kid Flash and few super-pets, among others, hang out in a clubhouse while keeping the world safe for whimsy.
 

If you're a fan of the Iron Man movie and comics series, you may like:
 
Secret Avengers (Marvel Comics):
 
 
Following the events of the Siege mini-series, Steve Rogers, the former Captain America, realizes a need for a more pro-active team of Avengers; one that takes the fight directly to any potential threat. Featuring Avengers mainstays such as Black Widow while utilizing mission specific and insanely clever additions such as Shang Chi, The Master of Kung Fu, Secret Avengers is what happens when childhood fave G.I. Joe meets the storied Avengers franchise.
 
If you like True Blood book and TV series, you may like:
 
American Vampire Volume One, co-written by Stephen King (Vertigo Comics):
 
Skinner Sweet is sick. Sick of aristocratic vampires trying to run the world. Sick of the romanticizing of what he is. Sick of vampires who seek the light. Skinner Sweet is an outlaw and vampire turned during the height of The Wild West. Skinner Sweet does not sparkle. Under the stellar writing of Stephen King and Scott Snyder, he shines.
 
If you're a fan of political thrillers, you may like:
 
Ex Machina Vol. 1 through 10 (DC/Wildstorm)
 
Following his actions during a pivotal moment in American history, Mitchell Hundred has become the first superhero ever to be elected Mayor of New York. Operating in real time, Ex Machina follows this man through his four years in office. One of comics' best series, Ex Machina opens with a first chapter that will leave you absolutely stunned and a final chapter that will leave you speechless

If you're a fan of the Harry Potter series of books, you may like:
 
The Books Of Magic (DC/Vertigo)
 
Tim Hunter, a bespectacled, young British orphan is taken on a tutorial through The Books of Magic by some of the world's greatest magicians. Will he reject or embrace his destiny to become the world's greatest magician? Released in 1990, a full seven years before the first Harry Potter novel, The Books Of Magic is written by Sandman and American Gods author Neil Gaiman.
 
If you're a fan of the recent Green Lantern trailer, you may like:
 
Green Lantern (DC Comics)
 
Hal Jordan is a test pilot, ne'er do well and possessor of the most powerful weapon in the universe, the Green Lantern Power Ring, a ring fueled by the only thing he has in spades: willpower. The only thing that can stop Hal Jordan is the one thing he's never known: fear. When the two meet, a battle of truly universal importance will take place and a legend will be born. To get your best look at just who Hal Jordan is; the trade paperback collections of Green Lantern: Secret Origin and Green Lantern: Rebirth are both highly recommended.
 
These and many other fine titles are in stock and ready to make a day. As always, feel free to come down and see us and we'll be more than happy to help out.
 
Best!


Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com


Monday, December 6, 2010

PR: Fantom Comics Hardcover Holiday Sale


Fantom Comics - Where there is a comic book for everyone

 
They called us crazy the first time we did. People looked at us with skepticism, "How can you sell these beautiful, pristine Marvel hardcovers at such low, low prices?"
 
The answer is simple; at Fantom Comics, we make the impossibe, happen.
 
And we're about to do it again. Over 50 select Marvel hardcovers will be on sale while supplies last.
 
These aren't damaged books or remainder copies. No, these are a special purchase and absolute things of beauty.
 
And a perfect opportunity to pick that perfect Christmas gift.
 
Let me give you the names of a few of the books included within this sale:
 
ASTONISHING X-MEN HC VOLUME ONE (Written by Buffy The Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon)
 
HULK VOLUME ONE: RED
 
ONSLAUGHT REBORN HC
 
ETERNALS BY NEIL GAIMAN HC
 
Hardcovers previously retailing $35, now priced at or below $12!
 
Are we crazy? Not at all. Just people who know a good bargain when we see one and more importantly, know how to pass it on to our awesome Fantom Comics customer.
 
Sale starts Wednesday, December 12th!





Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com


Friday, November 26, 2010

PR: Fantom Comics Thanksgiving Weekend Sale




Fantom Comics - Where there is a comic book for everyone
Perfect way to spend a holiday weekend?
 
Eating turkey.
 
Not working.
 
Reading comics.
 
And Fantom Comics is the perfect store to help you out with that. This weekend (including this Friday,) all hardcovers, trade paperbacks and t-shirts are 20% OFF!
 
That's right! Every single hardcover, trade paperback and tee: 20% OFF!
 
Our selection is, quite frankly, pretty awesome so please, stop by and check us out. BATMAN! BONE! SPIDER-MAN! THE WALKING DEAD! SUPERMAN/MUHAMMAD ALI! SUPERMAN:EARTH ONE!
 
All in stock, all on sale.
 
Yours to be had. So, come on in!
 
And, as a reminder, due to the Thanksgiving Day holiday, next week's new comics will be in-store Thursday instead of the normal Wednesday.
 
BEST!





Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com





Wednesday, November 3, 2010

PR: Fantom Comics Launches New Website: SubcultureForTheCultured.com

 
Fantom Comics - Where there is a comic book for everyone
 
 
It's Halloween, and Fantom Comics is officially celebrating our 5th anniversary by launching a brand new website:
 
 
This is the site that puts comic books at the center of the entertainment universe, and will provide our followers with all of the comic-related things that we at Fantom Comics are excited about ourselves.
 
The launch of the new site is timed to coincide with Halloween 2010, which brings something that we are very excited about: Tonight's premiere of The Walking Dead on AMC TV. At 10:00 PM tonight we will have the opportunity to experience the first true adaptation of a comic book to a TV series in recent memory - and possibly ever! We've been following this book since it was first published in 2003, and have been selling the monthly issues as well as the trade paperback collections like hotcakes since we opened Fantom Comics in 2005. Subculture for the Cultured is honoring this historic event by featuring 2 new columns dedicated to The Walking Dead. These columns are designed to enhance your appreciation of a series that is sure to be another hit for AMC. Could we see our first Eisner winner become an Emmy winner? Tune in or at least hit the record button on your DVR to find out.
 
Subculture for the Cultured  also provides an ongoing column for The Comics Journeyman, an imaginary-yet-well-traveled comic book character who will serve as the de facto host of Subculture for the Cultured. Check out The Comics Journeyman's post on the historical significance of tonight's The Walking Dead premiere, as well as a design contest inviting any artistically inclined folks to submit designs for exactly what The Comics Journeyman will look like. For a character who is as colorful as all of the comic books he has read in his life, the dude needs a visual representation....
 
We hope you like what you find at SubcultureForTheCultured.com and return often. To ensure that you don't miss anything, be sure to add each column to your RSS feed by subscribing to posts, or follow each column by using the Google Friend Connect link which can also be used to link in your Twitter account.
 
And as always, please share this email with your friends by forwarding or clicking the "Share This" link above. The more people we can connect with through our email list, the better.
 
Happy Zombie Watching!
 
Fantom Comics





Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com

 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

PR: Fantom Comics' 1st Annual Halloween Parade And Walking Dead Viewing Party




We've thought about it and thought about it, and at the end of the day we can't figure out why not to do it. So you've read it here first: YOU are invited to Fantom Comic's first annual Halloween parade at Union Station.

Come as your favorite... whatever!  All costumes are welcome, the brighter and more outrageous the better.
(Just not Sarah Palin, that's sooooooo 2008.)

Halloween is on a Sunday this year, and most of the parties we're hearing about in this town are going to be on Saturday night, meaning there is a black hole sized void for things to do to celebrate Halloween the proper way - on Halloween and we're doing it right!
 
Comics giveaways for trick-or-treaters! And candy.

Candy! Candy! Candy! Sweet, sweet CANDY!

Plus, Halloween also brings the television premiere of The Walking Dead on AMC TV, the first comic-book-turned-mainstream(ish)-TV-series that we can remember for quite some time. Possibly ever! Join us after the parade for a group viewing of The Walking Dead.
 
And for those of you who can't make it to the nighttime events, we will be hosting trick-or-treating and costume judging all day long. Store hours are noon 'til the 8:30 PM parade begins. Check out our website for the full details ( http://www.fantomcomics.com/home/blog/untitledpost).

Hope to see you there!

Fantom Comics





Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com






Tuesday, October 26, 2010

PR: Oct 31 - Fantom Comics Announces its 1st Annual Halloween Parade

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 21, 2010
 
CONTACT:
Matthew Klokel
949-278-3466
matt@fantomcomics.com
 
Fantom Comics announces 1st Annual Halloween Parade
 
Washington, DC- Retail comic book store Fantom Comics will host its first annual costumed Halloween parade on Sunday, October 31st beginning at 8pm.  The parade will begin in front of Fantom's store in the West Hall of Union Station and will finish at a nearby location where participants will gather to watch the premiere episode of The Walking Dead, AMC TV's new zombie series based on the popular comic book.
 
The parade is the brainchild of Fantom Comics co-owner David Bishop. "I've always felt that DC deserves a proper Halloween parade, and that any true Halloween Parade has to be on Halloween.  And  being an owner of DC's comic book store, combining dressing up in costume with a store event seemed like a natural fit," said Bishop, who along with his wife marched in his first NYC Halloween parade dressed as Super Friends sidekicks Zan and Jayna, The Wonder Twins. "It's going to be informal this year, marching around Columbus Circle outside Union Station. But hopefully we can continue this in future years and attract a large enough crowd to march through the streets of DC."
 
The event will gain further steam because AMC TV, home of hit TV shows Mad Men, Breaking Bad and Rubicon, scheduled the premiere of their new zombie holocaust series to fall on Halloween. "The Walking Dead is THE zombie story out there. It's a great comic book that's going to translate into a great TV show, and what better way to enjoy it than with a bunch of other people?" said Fantom co-owner Matthew Klokel.
 
Besides the thrill of parading around the city in your costume, and the camaraderie of watching the premiere of an event that is highly anticipated among comic book aficionados, Fantom Comics will also be offering prizes for creative costumes. When asked, Klokel said, "We've got some great prizes lined up. I can say the prize for best costume is going to be valued at over $150."
 
The parade will take place Sunday, October 31st, at 8pm. The Walking Dead premiere starts at 10pm. Those with questions about the Halloween Parade can visit http://www.fantomcomics.com/home/blog/untitledpost, call the store directly at 202-241-6498 or find the event on Facebook by searching for Fantom Comics 1st Annual Halloween Parade.
 
Fantom Comics was established in 2005 with twin goals: To offer a wide selection of comic books and graphic novels to comic book fans and to introduce this under-appreciated yet quintessentially American art form to the public at large. Fantom Comics is located in the heart of Washington, DC, just steps from the US Capitol and easily accessible by Metro's Red Line via the Union Station stop.





Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com


 

Monday, October 25, 2010

Oct 27: Fantom Comics' Hardcover Sale

 Fantom Comics' Horrendously Hardcore Hardcover Sale - One Day Only




Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 just got better.
 
For one day and one day only, Fantom Comics is bringing our customers a Horrendously Hardcore Hardcover Sale:
 
X-Force Vol. 1 in hardcover retails for $34.99 (BOO!!!) for and for one day only, Fantom Comics has it for $12! Yes. We're doing that.
 
Want to reconnect with your childhood? Get reacquainted with Power Pack Vol. 1 HC, normally retailing for $24.99, for $11!
 
This is just a small sampling of the hundreds of books that will be on sale this Wednesday only.
 
X-Men! The Avengers! Dardevil! Wolverine! Lovecraft! Power Pack! The Punisher! (Power Pack and Lovecraft? There's a grouping you don't see everyday) All hardcover, all on sale! Hardcovers as low as $5 with no book higher than $12!!!
 
These are all NEW books, not overstock sitting on our shelves. This is a special purchase in consideration to our valued customer in mind and is first come, first served.
 
Again, hundreds of hardcover books on sale for as low as $5. And seriously, there's not a loser in the bunch and once they're gone, they're gone!

We will not be taking special orders over the phone. We won't be able to hold them. This is special and trust me, it will be worth your time to see what we've got in store.
 
Seriously.
 
And as always, Wednesday brings new comics and this one looks spectacular with new releases including the eagerly awaited J. Michael Straczynski Superman: Earth One hardcover
 
Also from DC Comics, Death comes calling, in Action Comics #894 as one of comics' greatest creations, Vetigo's Death makes her way to The DC Universe. Co-written by her creator, New York Times best selling author, Neil Gaiman!
 
From Marvel, a double dose of Avengers with Secret Avenegers #6 and Avengers #6, along with Uncanny X-Men #529.
 
So, come see us as we continue to prove that every day is a great day to a Fantom Comics customer!





Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com





Tuesday, August 10, 2010

PR: Fantom's Got a New Website

 
 
Fantom Comics - Where there is a comic book for everyone
After nearly 5 years Fantom's decided it was time for a new site. So we got one. It's up now! Check out the following features:

Our brand new ONLINE STORE!! We're very excited to offer a world class selection of the best graphic novels, delivered to you anywhere in the United States.
 
Our MAIL-ORDER SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE is also brand spanking new! No longer will those out of driving/walking/metroing/segwaying distance from our store have to go without the newest in comics.
 
Plus our ever popular In-Store Subscription Service gets its own page, where we  lay out subscription rules for our in-store customers.
 
Our new Home Page showcases Fantom's twitter feed and a video tour of our Union Station location. And hey, don't be shy about following us on twitter to keep up with the latest comic book news that we deem "twitter-worthy"!

Our Announcements Page will be our spot for announcing upcoming store news and events. While you're checking it out, click on the subscribe to posts option.

And explore other old/new features such as our Geek Polls, our "New This Week" Cover Gallery, and Fantom's Favorite Sites.
 
We'll continue to tinker and improve this site for your enjoyment and convenience. If you have any comments or suggestions on the new layout you'd like to share with us, we'd love to hear from you. Shoot us an email at info@fantomcomics.com.
 


Happy browsing, from your friends at Fantom!





Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com




 

Monday, August 2, 2010

Aug 7: Ryan Claytor in town this weekend



Autobio minicomics creator Ryan Claytor is in town this weekend for his US tour at Union Station -

Ryan Claytor In-Store Signing
August 7th, 2010 from 4-7pm
at Fantom Comics
50 Mass Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002

I've bought all of Ryan's minicomics and recommend them.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Fantom Comics: Our Pentagon City Mall shop will be Closing

This just came across the e-transom from Fantom Comics-

Opening a shop in the Pentagon City Mall (PCM) was a fabulous opportunity to try a hand at a very high end mall. The one wrinkle in our short-term lease was that if another business wanted the spot for a full-term lease, we would have to match their offer or leave.

This happened the week before Free Comic Book Day. Unfortunately, the cost of matching would have meant doubling our monthly rent, which, at this early point in our tenure at PCM would have been impossible.

Thus, it is with very much regret that we announce our last day at PCM will be May 31st.

To all of our PCM customers, we at Fantom want to thank you for your patronage. We love the spot, had a lot of fun, and had hoped to serve you there for many years to come.

I would also like to point out that our Union Station store is still open and running strong, and we hope to see you there!

best,
Matt Klokel

Pentagon City Mall - 1100 South Hayes Street | Arlington, VA 22202 | 703-415-2094
Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478

Friday, April 23, 2010

PR: Fantom's Free Comic Book Day

I'm not familiar with Jeff Howe, and haven't mentioned him here yet, so if anyone could pick up a comic of his comic for me, it would be appreciated.

Fantom Comics - Where there is a comic book for everyone
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY REMINDER
Just a note before we get into the April Previews that Free Comic Book Day is next Saturday! Both Fantom Comics stores will be carrying the full run of free comics, but our flagship FCBD store will be at our Pentagon City Mall location. Please check our website for more details, which will be forthcoming over the next few days. But here's a brief summary of what's going on:
 
-Free comics!
-Tons of $1 comics (almost literally true)
-Local creator Jeff Howe signing and giving away the first issue of his to-be-released comic: Polis
-Around a dozen Star Wars characters courtesy of the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion (with a photo op mid-day)
-Prize wheel running at least once an hour, from 11-8
-2 classes on making your own comic book (including actually making one on the spot) by Marvel editor and sequential art guru Mike O'Sullivan
 
See you there!


Pentagon City Mall - 1100 South Hayes Street | Arlington, VA 22202 | 703-415-2094
Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com


Sunday, April 11, 2010

Fantom's First Monthly Happy Hour This Tuesday


Fantom Comics - Where there is a comic book for everyone
JOIN FANTOM COMICS FOR ITS 1ST MONTHLY HAPPY HOUR!

Fantom Comics would like to invite you to its first Comic Book Happy Hour, to be held from 6-8pm at The Laughing Man Tavern (just off Metro Center) on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. (Those under 21 are allowed! They have a system for keeping you away from the booze).

April 13th will be our first event, featuring a panel of three policy wonks and a Marvel Comics editor (see their bios below) discussing "Politics in Comics". They'll answer questions like who was right in Marvel's Civil War, and just how good of a president was Lex Luthor? After a 20-30 minute panel and Q&A session (so have your questions ready), be set to mingle in typical happy hour fashion and meet fellow comic book geeks from across the DC metro area.

Spencer Ackerman, Washington Independent
spac.jpg
Spencer Ackerman learned to read with the aid of an issue of the Incredible Hulk circa 1982, the touchstone of a life spent with Marvel Comics. Since then, he's reported on national security as a staff correspondent for The New Republic, Talking Points Memo and currently The Washington Independent. He's reported from Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay and can explain to you all the ways in which the Air Force tried to use 'Iron Man' to protect beloved defense projects from budget cuts. He maintains a blog called Attackerman on the Firedoglake constellation of blogs and may or may not lurk on Millar World and Brian Michael Bendis' message board.

Tom McClusky, FRCAction
Tom_worse_ScreenCap.jpg
As Senior Vice President of FRCAction, Tom McClusky represents the organization before Congress on a variety of family oriented issues. His work has gotten him recognized by The Hill newspaper as one of the leading grassroots lobbyist in Washington, D.C. And last year MSNBC commentator Kieth Olbermann declared Mr. McClusky as one of the "Worst People in the World." Mr. McClusky has a long history of both local and national campaign experience. His first job in Washington, D.C. was with the Republican National Committee as a political analyst. Following the 1992 elections, Mr. McClusky worked as a legislative/legal analyst for the multi-billion dollar Coastal Corporation in its Washington, D.C. office. In 1998 Mr. McClusky became Senior Policy Analyst for National Taxpayers Union and National Taxpayers Union Foundation (NTU/NTUF). Mr. McClusky has been reading comics since he was eleven years old, and actually financed his move to Washington, D.C. by selling off his collection of X-Men comics from the late 1970's to the mid 1980's.

Mike O'Sullivan, Marvel Comics
mikeosullivan.jpg
Mike O'Sullivan served as Senior Editor for Devil's Due Publishing for five years, editing titles such as G.I. Joe, Family Guy, the Dungeons & Dragons titles, Voltron, Hack/Slash and more. During that time, he wrote numerous stories for G.I. Joe, and wrote most of the character entries in the G.I. Joe Data Desk encyclopedia series. Currently, Mike writes for Marvel's Special Projects department, specifically for the Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe series, and also serve as a book management editor for Marvel's trade paperback and collection department. Mike also teaches classes in animation, drawing, cartooning and scriptwriting at both the Art Institute of Washington and the Art League in Alexandria, as well as owns and operates a custom cartooning and caricature company. He holds his Masters in sequential art from the Savannah College of Art & Design.

Julian Sanchez, Cato Institute
julian2.JPG
Julian Sanchez is a research fellow at the Cato Institute, a contributing editor for Reason magazine, and a writer for entirely too many blogs. Though he primarily writes about technology, privacy, and government surveillance, he occasionally finds an excuse to wed one or more of these with his love of comics, as in his 2007 American Prospect cover story "The Revolt of the Comics." Julian once shaved his head just to dress as Spider Jerusalem for Halloween.





Pentagon City Mall - 1100 South Hayes Street | Arlington, VA 22202 | 703-415-2094
Union Station - 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE | Washington, DC 20002 | 202-216-9478
www.fantomcomics.com




Sunday, March 21, 2010

April 13: Fantom Comics 1st Comic Book Happy Hour

From their March newsletter...

Fantom Comics would like to invite you to our first Comic Book Happy Hour, to be held from 6-8pm at The Laughing Man Tavern (just off Metro Center) on the 2nd Tuesday of every month.

April 13th will be our first event, featuring a panel of three policy wonks and a Marvel Comics editor discussing "Politics in Comics". Come for the 20 minute discussion and Q&A, stay for the fun of meeting other comic book nerds in the area! More details will be posted on the website in a couple of weeks, but remember to save that date: Tuesday, April 13th!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Fantom Comics 'settled' at Pentagon City

Fantom Comics' belated October newsletter says they've "settled into the Pentagon City Mall" which sounds good. I still haven't visited yet - anyone made it?

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Fantom Comics' message about closing Tenleytown store

Dear Tenleytown Fantom Comics Customers,

As many of you know, the Fantom Comics Tenleytown location is closing its doors for good this coming Sunday, May 31st. (Please note that this week’s new comics will arrive at Tenleytown tomorrow per usual.

Tenleytown isn’t closing for bad reasons, but for good ones. As anyone who has been in the store during rainy days knows, the ceiling leaks like a sieve, and the space is awkward and somewhat off the beaten track. The Fantom crew has grown quite fond of our odd little first store and will always remember it fondly, but we’re growing up and our goal is to lease a larger, better space.

Unfortunately, negotiations are dragging on for said space and rather than compromise with a less than ideal location management has decided to wait it out until the perfect spot comes along. As valued customrs and friends we are offering you a couple of options:

Option 1: Union Station. Transfer your subscriptions to our Union Station store. We’ll have you up and running over there by next Wednesday.

Option 2: Home Delivery. Fantom Comics has wanted to experiment with home delivery for quite some time, but we’ve never gotten around to it. Until now! This struck us as the perfect time to introduce our comic book store at your front door program. Here’s how it works:

*
Call the Fantom Comics phone number (unchanged at 202-362-5051), or email us at subscriptions@fantomcomics.com at any point in the week and give us your name and address and we’ll send someone there right away (assuming it’s during delivery hours) or at a future open slot of your choosing.
*
Deliveries will take place every Wednesday (11am-7pm) and Saturday (noon-6pm).
*
We will deliver to any home or office within the following zip codes: 20007, 20008, 20015, 20016, 20815 and 20816.
*
Subscribers have no minimum purchase requirements. For non-subscribers the minimum is $15.
*
We will still accept credit cards.
*
There is no service charge and our people will not be allowed to accept gratuity. Comic book store at your front door will cost you nothing extra!
*
We will bring along your subscribed books, already sorted, as well as the entire stock of new books for the week, which you can browse and purchase to your heart’s content. We can also do special requests on older material, but we need a week’s heads-up on that.

If you are a current subscriber, please confirm with us by Sunday, May 31st at subscriptions@fantomcomics.com as to how you’d like us to deal with your subscription. If you're not a subscriber, here's a good chance to try it out!

And of course, if neither of these options appeals to you, please keep up with our website and/or email list so you’ll find out where the next Fantom Comics NW DC is setting up shop as soon as we do.

Thanks for 4 great years, Tenleytown. There’ll be many more locations, but you’ll always be our first!

Yours,

Management

Monday, May 4, 2009

Free Comic Book Day in Washington

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The crowd at Big Planet Comics Bethesda.

FCBD seemed to be a success in the area. I went to three stores, along with my daughter, a neighbor, and his daughter.

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Big Planet Comics Bethsda, with Lee screaming behind the counter (I guess someone started changing without using the phone booth).

We began with Big Planet Comics Bethesda which was as crowded as I'd ever seen it. Already by 11:30 they had run out of adult packs of comics, even though they only opened at 11. Many of the people coming in had children with them and appeared to be coming in solely due to FCBD.

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Jim Dougan and Molly Lawless and their comics.

We next went to Fantom Comics in Tenleytown which had three cartoonists appearing - writer Jim Dougan (see his new strip on Act-I-Vate), Molly Lawless and Arvid "Rex Mundi" Nelson. Molly had 3 comics books for sale, 2 of which were minis. I bought a complete set (and one for Michigan State's Comic Art Collection). Jim had 4 comics, all of which I had already. You should buy them though, right Jim? Arvid Nelson had a stack of his 5 Rex Mundi collections so I bought one of each and hope to start reading them this week (along with the preview comic Jim gave me). I wasn't wearing my reporter hat, so all I can report is that Hollywood's interested in a Rex Mundi movie (duh) and he's happy with his publisher, Dark Horse. Actually I cut in front of a guy with dozens of comics he was having signed (with his permission) and then some other people were buying trades so I didn't linger at the table.

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Unfortunately, Fantom is having a 50%-off moving sale so I also bought a stack of comics 3 feet high so... However, my friend Chris has already started on his stack of five AND has been able to tell a co-worker that he saw her spouse's favorite comic book writer while he had to stay home to try to sell his house - a ridiculous excuse (my wife has been harping on seeing Stan Lee when I didn't for over 20 years now).

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Arvid Nelson and Rex Mundi.

We ended up checking in with Big Planet Comics Georgetown where they said they'd had steady foot traffic, although not as crazy as Bethesda. They still had a few packs of children's comics and gladly contributed one set for the Library of Congress (although Sara Duke may have gotten her own set in which case another library will get them).

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Discerning consumers.

There are more pictures in this photo set on Flickr.

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The band at Fantom Comics.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Fantom Comics moving sale

I stopped by Fantom Comics today to get the 5 trade paperbacks of Arvid Nelson's Rex Mundi - you can still do that for another couple of hours and he does a nice signature and quote in each - and found out that they'll be moving at the end of this month to an undetermined location. In the meantime, they're having a 50% off sale of a lot of good stuff - I bought a bunch. If I hadn't been going to Big Planet since 1986, Fantom would be my store of choice because they've got a lot of stuff beyond superheroes.