Shows
Comic Industry InsidersTomorrow's Market: How Data Drives the Stories We SellMEET THE PANELISTS:
Moni Barrette, Librarypass
Morgan Perry, Square Enix Manga & Books
Django Bohren, The Comics Place
Jeff Figley, The Comics Place
Atom! Freeman, Prana Direct Market Solutions
KEEP TRACK OF PRANA and sign up for our free, weekly newsletter!
https://pranadm.com/
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Steph Gerk and Blake Morgan @blakesbuzz
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the show at: info@pranadm.com
2025-11-061h 10Comic Industry InsidersThe Metadata Problem: Can New Tools Save Comic Retail?PRODUCER’S NOTE:
This week, there were some visual aids provided via screen shares that our audio-only listeners won’t be able to experience, and for those watching the video, there was a screenshare mishap at 31:11:00 that lasted for a few minutes.
FIND DJANGO BOHREN AND JEFF FIGLEY
https://comicshopassistant.com/
https://shop.thecomicsplace.com/
Follow Atom! Freeman on Twitter: @AtomBangFreeman
Producer: Steph Gerk and Blake Morgan @blakesbuzz
Research: Anthony Militano
Have something to tell us? Email the sh...
2025-08-151h 06
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Free Comic Book Day TakeB.R.O.ver EditionIn this special crossover episode, we’re hijacking a totally different show for a TakeB.R.O.ver of the Comics Industry Insiders Live live show!Join Django, Jeff, and Brian for the first 30 minutes of the show as they dive deep into the whirlwind that was Free Comic Book Day. Hear how The Comics Place in Bellingham, WA and Earth 519 in London, ON tackled the biggest day in comics in their own unique (and occasionally chaotic) ways.💥 What went right? 💭 What would we do differently next time? 🍎 And how did Murphy’s Apple Juice keep us refre...
2025-05-2532 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Oops, I Shopped Myself!Join Django and Jeff from The Comics Place in Bellingham, Washington, as they welcome rookie comic shop owner Brian Garside of Earth 519 Collectibles in London, Ontario, in Season 2, Episode 23 of The Data B.R.O.S.—aptly titled "Oops, I Shopped Myself"!In this fun and insightful episode, Brian shares his unexpected journey into comic retail, detailing how a series of happy accidents and spontaneous decisions led him to owning his very own comic store. Listen in as Django and Jeff dive into Brian’s experiences, challenges, and surprises as he navigates the comic retail world for the...
2025-05-1733 minComic Industry InsidersWalking the Beat with Shannon Merrit - the Comics Industry Insiders TakeB.R.O.verSurprise! We got our B.R.O.S. in your Comics Industry Insiders as the Data B.R.O.S. (Django Bohren, Jeff Figley, and Brian Garside) talk to their friend and fellow retailer Shannon Merrit of 901 Games.
You'll learn about his amazing Memphis store 901 Comics, as well as the other SEVEN businesses he has a hand in. You'll hear how this former Memphis Police Officer decided to turn in his badge and gun and walk a very different beat.
901 Comics - https://901-comics.com/
The Data Bros - https://databrosinc.com/
2025-05-141h 19
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.I'm on a (Toy) Boat!Get ready to set sail with Django and Jeff as regale Brian* with tales of their unforgettable voyage in Season 2, Episode 22 of The Data B.R.O.S.—aptly titled "Toy Boat"!In this exciting instalment, the crew dives deep into their recent adventure aboard Toy Boat, a unique and fun-filled gathering that mixes the thrill of toy retailing with the refreshing sea breeze. From networking with fellow retailers to navigating the waves of industry trends, Django and Jeff share their firsthand experiences, highlight key takeaways, and recount amusing anecdotes from their time on the high seas....
2025-04-2530 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.What to do about Fifth Weeks in your Comic Shop?***Please note, as pointed out in the intro, after recording the episode we realized we said "Skip Week" when we meant "Fifth Week", in your head please replace "Skip Week" with "5th Week".The dreaded 5th week, what is it, why does it exist, how can we plan for it, and what do we do about it as retailers?We'll dive deep into the 5th week and what can be done to mitigate its impact on your shop.Episode Sponsor Shout-Outs:This week, our episode is brought to you by Comico...
2024-11-0831 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Atom! Freeman of Prana: Direct Market Solutions presents The Fan Confidence RatingThis week, on a very special Data B.R.O.S. - Jeff and Django are knee deep in The Comics Place hijinks so we're simulcasting an interview with Atom! Freeman about the Fan Confidence Rating that was recorded on Brian's Meanwhile...at Manage Comics podcast.RETURN to the past exploits of Adam.Look on in WONDER at the awesomeness that is the Fan Confidence RatingBe AMAZED at the revolutionary view into the comics industry that this provides.THRILL at two bald dudes talking data the way only bald dudes...
2024-11-0133 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.The B.R.O.S. descend on New York Comicon 2024Hey everyone, welcome back to Data B.R.O.S., your go-to 30-minute weekly podcast where we dive into the comic book industry, explore comic book data, and discuss what it really takes to run a modern comic shop! I’m Brian, your host, joined as always by Jeff and Django.Episode Sponsor Shout-Outs:This week, our episode is brought to you by Comico Comics and cash-houses-gold.com.Episode Highlights:New York Comic Con Recap We just got back from NYCC! We spent time with retailers, publishers, and creators, checking out al...
2024-10-2630 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Spicy Comics, how to identify, rack and sell adult material in a Comic ShopRunning a modern comic shop poses a myriad of problems and among them is how do you identify, rack, and sell adult material in your comic shop in 2024?In this episode of The Data B.R.O.S., we'll look at adult comics, how do you identify adult material? What makes something adult, is it violence, nudity, "adult situations", or is it something more?We'll talk about this and so much more in this week's episode of The Data B.R.O.S..---Special thanks to our Season Two title...
2024-10-1135 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.All New Locations Locations LocationsYOU GUYS! It's an all new Data B.R.O.S. and we're back to follow up the final issue from Season 1, Locations Locations Locations. In this dynamic SEASON TWO premiere, we talk about the all new The Comics Place location, what went into finding it, how Django and Jeff negotiated for the new location, what they'll do with their old location, and how the Data B.R.O.S. are going to come together - PHYSICALLY, to make their magic!You'll find this and so much more on an all new Data B.R.O.S.
2024-10-0441 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Location, Location, LocationIT CAME FROM THE VAULT!!! As we were blowing the dust off the Data B.R.O.S. after an extended leave of absence, we found this one last episode which we cleverly titled Location, Location, Location.What makes a good location? What should you look for when finding the perfect place for your comic shop? What's the trade-off on lower rent vs higher foot traffic? Is a location a marketing expense? What ARE the differences between Gross, Net, and triple Net? How does a lease length affect your rent total? What should you be...
2024-08-2347 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Shannon Live of Bat City Comics Professionals and Books are Magic!This week's Data B.R.O.S. shines the spotlight on Shannon Live of Bat City Comics Professionals who has an amazing program to encourage kids to read.We talk about Shannon's secret origin, discuss the origins of Bat City Comics Professionals, their move from Austin, Texas to Bradenton, Florida, and the amazing thing that is BAM! Books Are Magic.Shannon is passionate about both sequential storytelling AND getting kids to read, and she's got an amazing amount of stats, studys, and citations about the benefits of getting kids to read comics. Some might say...
2024-05-1045 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.C2E2 Day 1 and the Future of Comics RetailThis week Brian and Django are Jeffless, and spending time in the Windy City checking out comic shops and attending C2E2.They talk about C2E2, the Future of Comics Retail panel. Their thoughts on artist commissions, and various fun they've had in Chicago.---Thanks to our sponsor Murphy's Apple Juice, It's the shape, not the taste, but it's also the taste, which is pretty dang good.Thank you for listening to the latest issue of Data B.R.O.S. please like, rate and subscribe to the DataB...
2024-04-2735 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Inflation vs Comics: The Battle for the Bottom LineThis week we’re going to talk about the impacts of Inflation on the comics industry. We’ll look at rising prices and the pressures of inflation, rising rents, labor costs, and everything else in between and how “Holding the line at $2.99” is a total fantasy that simply doesn’t match up with economic realities.We’ll talk about the challenges of the industry, and the strategies for surviving in an industry where cover prices are under pressure to remain low despite rising costs.This week and every week try to break our topics down into three s...
2024-04-2040 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Unlocking the Superpower of Email Marketing for Your Comic Shop!Join us this week as we dive deep into the world of email marketing—a vital tool for any business owner looking to enhance their outreach. In this episode, we'll uncover why an email list is not just a tool but a valuable asset. We'll guide you through the best practices for managing and growing your list, navigate the tricky waters of compliance and permissions, and share the effective tools in use at The Comics Place, and some tips and tricks from our friends at Manage Comics.Tune in for a 30-minute journey that promises to...
2024-04-1240 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Murphy's Apple Juice - The Story So Far...In this very special episode of the Data B.R.O.S. we dive into the Murphy's Apple Juice drama, what exactly is going on at Murphy's Apple juice? When you look back on all 10 episodes thus far, it is an interesting story of an organization that may be experiencing growing pains.We'll be back with a regular episode next week, but in the meantime please enjoy this special episode of Data B.R.O.S.. Inc.EDIT: As this issue was being given a final polish, Brian got an unexpected text message from a 209...
2024-04-0619 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.The Incredible Autonomous EmployeeOn a previous episode we spoke a bit about employee autonomy, this episode we break down what Employee Autonomy means, how it helps with employee growth, and how it benefits the business overall.In this episode we talk about:Hiring for AutonomyDealing with failureChecking in on autonomous employeesSuccess stories for autonomous employeesRewarding autonomous employeesWhat makes a Manga a perpetual seller?---Thanks to our sponsor Murphy's Apple Juice, It's the shape, not the taste, but it's also the taste, which is pretty dang good.Thank you for listening to the latest...
2024-03-3140 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.All New Uncanny B.R.O.S.This week we dive into the recent X-Office announcements, and the X-Men relaunch that was made at SXSW recently, and how that affects comic shops, what could be done to make announcements like that actionable, and how to improve overall overdering.We also talk about marketing concepts like earned vs paid media, calls to action, and closing loops.We'll also dive deep into "Auto-Subs" (from Comic Shop Assistant), or "Cloning Subscriptions" (with Manage Comics), and how stores will subscribe people to this line-wide relaunch.We'll also talk about line-wide burnout, how readers
2024-03-2436 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.The Future of the COMET Standard, and where we go next (Part 2)WE COME FROM THE FUTURE WITH WARNINGS FROM THE PAST!!!With the COMET Presentation at the ComicsPRO presentation in Pittsburgh in February 2023 in the books, the metadata working group moves into its next phase, implementation and iteration.Jeff, Django and Brian are joined by Katie Pryde of Books with Pictures, and Jessica Wells of Penguin Radom House to discuss what the next steps are for COMET as a standard, and the Metadata Working Group as an entity.Check out the COMET Standard at: https://cometstandard.com---Thanks to...
2024-03-1637 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.The Secret Origin of the ComicsPRO Metadata Working Group (Part 1)SECRET NO MORE!!! The Origin of the ComicsPRO Metadata Working Group is revealed!!!Before there was a COMET, there was the ComicsPRO Metadata Working Group, who had worked together informally for a year before meeting for the first time face-to-face in Pittsburgh in the winter of 2023. These brave men and women set out to redefine data for the comics direct market in a way that hadn't been attempted in more than two decades.This is their secret origin, their individual stories, and the tale of the team coming together for the first time and setting...
2024-03-0936 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.ComicsPRO recap, and COMET Standard OverviewThis week in a very special BONUS issue of the Data B.R.O.S. podcast, Brian is flying solo, but Django and Jeff are here in virtual spirit. In place of a normal issue, we're replaying Brian's overview of ComicsPRO and the COMET Standard from his Meanwhile...at Manage Comics podcast (with a couple of tiny bonuses thrown in for good measure).Segment 1:The ComicsPRO OverviewSegment 2:COMET Standard overviewGet more information about the COMET Standard at https://cometstandard.comGet involved with the COMET...
2024-03-0135 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.The Comet Standard Preview PLUS - Back Issue Time Machine, Facsimile Editions, and more!INVERTING THE INVERTED PYRAMID!!!In this exciting episode we flip the entire episode on its head, starting with Shop Talk, moving in to Industry Yammer, and finishing off with Data Bro-Ification!We want to hear YOUR thoughts on the DataB.R.O.S.? We would love to hear from you, send us an email, or a voice mail to podcast@databrosinc.com and we’ll feature you in an upcoming issue!Shop TalkThe Back Issue Time MachineShout out to Collected Comics and Games for inspiring the Back Issue Time MachineEmpowering employees...
2024-02-1636 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.What's exciting for 2024? What goes into data hygiene? What's an Autosub?LOOK INTO THE FUTURE AND GASP IN DELIGHT!!!In this issue, we discuss the unpredictability of comics deliveries, and how the store being physically closed affects deliveries, how data comes into a system, what we’re looking forward to in 2024, and finally some talk about autosubbing (not a Transformer).We want to hear YOUR thoughts on the DataB.R.O.S.? We would love to hear from you, send us an email, or a voice mail to podcast@databrosinc.com and we’ll feature you in an upcoming issue!Data Bro-IficationHow prod...
2024-02-0936 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.One Last Look at 2023THEY WARNED US THIS COULD HAPPEN!!!In this issue, we say goodbye to 2023, mourn some of the stores who closed, and celebrate some of the new openings.What do YOU think about the DataB.R.O.S.? We would love to hear from you, send us an email, or a voice mail to podcast@databrosinc.com and we’ll feature you in an upcoming issue!Data Bro-IficationSaying good-bye to some shops, and hello to some new shops in 2023How legacy comic shops are handed downWe’ll also hear the late...
2024-02-0242 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.The best selling Trades/Hardcovers of 2023, Book Series Codes, and New Adventures in Shelf Racking!IT CAME FROM…VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3!DataB.R.O.S. has hit the “Terrible Threes”, and in this all chromium covered issue, we feature our FIRST TWO viewer emails, and so much more awesomeness.YOU should tell us how we’re doing, send us an email, or a voice mail to podcast@databrosinc.com and we’ll feature you in an upcoming issue!In this episode the Data B.R.O.S. continue to talk comics, data, and the business of comics.Data Bro-IficationThe top 5 most sold trade paperbacks and hardcovers...
2024-01-2643 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Discoverability in modern comics, the Top 5 Most Sold of 2023, and a crazy idea to promote The Magic OrderSUDDENLY IT’S VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2!It's a “Second Issue Spectacular", and for this issue we’ve got 52 variant covers, including three very special ratio covers which you’ll need a PHD in math to figure out how you qualify!!!Think that’s too stiff? WELL TELL US ABOUT IT!!! Write to us at podcast@databrosinc.comIn this episode the Data B.R.O.S. continue to talk comics, data, and the business of comics.Data Bro-IficationThe top 5 most sold single issues at the Comics Place, and the top 5 most recei...
2024-01-1938 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Loyalty, appreciation, and the top 5 most pulled of 2023VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1!It's a fabulous "First Issue Collector's Item" complete with the requisite 106 variant covers (including a special embossed cover with smell-o-vision with authentic "Data B.R.O.S. scratch and sniff area).WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Write to us at podcast@databrosinc.comIn this episode you'll be introduced to the B.R.O.S. and listen in as they talk about Comic Book Retail, Comic Book Data, and some other silliness.Data Bro-Ification:Top 5 most subscribed comics of 2023 according to Manage ComicsAD BREAK:...
2024-01-1237 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.The Sausegening Part 2In this still very special part two "Zero Issue" episode of "DataB.R.O.S.," you'll hear more from the terrific trio behind the podcast as they continue figuring out just what this show is.You'll hear more of them trying to figure out what the unique intersection of comics and technology is, what challenges and opportunities running a modern comic store in an increasingly digital world bring, and how technology can make the shop experience better and ulitmately more profitable.Your hosts Brian, Django and Jeff continue figuring segments and the interestng things that...
2024-01-0131 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.The Sausegening Part 1In this very special part one "Zero Issue" episode of "DataB.R.O.S.," listeners are introduced to the dynamic trio behind the podcast, who are not only avid comic book enthusiasts but also savvy in the latest technological trends. As they embark on this new auditory journey, they delve into what the show will encompass, focusing on the unique intersection of comics and technology. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of running a modern comic store in an increasingly digital world, exploring how technology can enhance the comic reading experience and streamline store operations. ...
2023-12-2531 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Data B.R.O.S. Voice Assistant Promo as recorded by JeffAfter disasterous attempts by Brian and Django, Jeff steps up to the plate to get a resident "lady in the tube" to record a promo for the Data B.R.O.S.Of course, hilarity ensues.
2023-12-1401 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Generative AI Data B.R.O.S. promo test - Django versionDjango attempts to use an AI assistant to create his own promo for the Data B.R.O.S. podcast.What could possibly go wrong?
2023-12-1102 min
Data B.R.O.S. Inc.Data B.R.O.S. Generative AI Data Bros intro test take oneWe caught Brian working with a generative AI named Barry to do a test intro for the DataB.R.O.S. podcast (podcast coming soon).
2023-12-0802 min
Comics Place presents... (formerly Perfectly Acceptable Podcast by Comics Place)The Secret Sauce AKA Figley JuiceWith Jeff gone this week, the podcast has the chance to go off the rails... and you really gotta prepare yourself for the amount of sheer hilarity that's about to come at ya. So hop on the speeding train and join us for the wild ride!Also! The Comics Place is having a 40th Anniversary Party on October 1st and October 2nd - stop in for some awesomeness!0:04:02 - Well Welcome Wellmer!0:10:14 - Creep Show #10:19:38 - Nightwing #960:27:53 - Shirtless Bear Fighter 2 #20:33:31 - Ice Cream Man #320:40:29...
2022-09-291h 23
Comics Place presents... (formerly Perfectly Acceptable Podcast by Comics Place)Ep. 206: Quick! Blindfold Jeff!Django drives! Django arranged for a special guest this week, and he surprised Jeff with it. Which is fantastic, but Jeff being very Type A was struggling with a loss of control! That alright though, because his buddies always catch him when he falls.00:04:35 - Death Metal: Last tories of the DC Universe #100:19:48 - Crossover #2 + Special Guest!00:46:23 - SWORD #100:56:34 - Batman Black White #101:04:10 - Roman’s Merry Marvel Minute! Star Wars #9 Guardians of the Galaxy #9 Cimmerian: The Frost Giants Daughter #101:10:40 - Fi...
2020-12-151h 25