Mini Board

EMPTY AISLES

I’m a big fan of the Major Wrestling Figure podcast. Listening to Matt Cardona, Brian Myers, and Mark Sterling talk about hunting for figures and what their collections look like brings me weekly enjoyment. This past weekend they started sharing what it’s like at their local Walmarts—empty shelves in three different states. Since then, their show account has been full of photos of various toy aisles. I legit haven’t seen a toy aisle since March (my CVS doesn’t even have one!), so this peek told me what my wife keeps saying every time she won’t FaceTime from a grocery run: The shelves are empty, you aren’t missing anything. Then someone in the warehouse confirmed her theory: Toys aren’t a priority. They posted a picture with palettes of figures way up high because the store isn’t restocking shelves. So I understand, but I am also envious of people taking pics in an “empty” aisle with Miss Elizabeth peeking out from behind AJ.

Toys still on pallets

ROBSERVATIONS

My favorite new podcast to listen to is Robservations with Rob Liefeld. He does a deep dive on his history with comics, and it we learn how much of what was created in the infancy of his fandom is so relevant to the modern day—literally every major Marvel and DC film is rooted in books created from the late ’70s to the late ’80s. The best part of it all is that Rob doesn’t approach the material with a holier than thou approach, but as the ultimate fan. He truly lets his inner geek flag fly, and we get to hear about the books and runs that influenced a young Rob. It’s easy to see how such a passionate fan would be able to turn said fandom into a 30+ year career of top-selling comics. If you are a comics fan, give this podcast a listen. In the comics space, there is no single better podcast.

Brooklyn Library keeps changing the return date

RECOVERY

I forgot one book the last time I returned library books. The due date has moved automatically from March to July to November. The library doesn’t plan to open for returns until at least November...

COMIC CON @ HOME

With the pandemic affecting businesses worldwide, one of the industries that I think will have the hardest time returning is the convention scene. I’m a huge fan of comic conventions, but I’d be hard pressed to be talked into spending time with strangers in an overcrowded convention center to see comics, creators, costumes, and figures. While NYCC20 has not officially been canceled, this past weekend saw Comic Con International (San Diego) go the completely virtual route with Comic-Con@Home.

While not nearly the same, I was incredibly excited for some of the reveals from the show. Specifically the DC Comics Tom King penned Rorschach book launching in October. Of the dozens of figures Mattel revealed from their WWE Elite collection the best (IMO) was Rhea Ripley who I’m a huge fan of (the attached image is of Rhea, who was one of the hosts of the event getting a first look at her figure). Special kudos go out to Entertainment Weekly for running a piece on their site where they interviewed major cosplayers to learn what they would have worn to the show. This weekend might have given us a peek at just what the convention scene will look like for the foreseeable future.

FAN FRIENDLY

Wonder Woman verifies COVID 19 facts in a new DC house ad while Henry Cavill wears a tank top rebuilds a PC for a new video Luis has not watched.