116 episodes

For nearly a decade, host Anthony Desiato explored the culture, business, and fandom of the comics retail industry on this podcast series. In 2015, New York’s Alternate Realities closed after 23 years in operation, a community united to say farewell, and a podcast was born. The series continued with deep dives into collecting, national comics retail, conventions, Westchester County’s lost shops, and more. The show signed off for good in 2023 with a quarterly farewell event entitled “For All Seasons” — but the AR community lasts forever.

My Comic Shop History Flat Squirrel Podcasts

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 49 Ratings

For nearly a decade, host Anthony Desiato explored the culture, business, and fandom of the comics retail industry on this podcast series. In 2015, New York’s Alternate Realities closed after 23 years in operation, a community united to say farewell, and a podcast was born. The series continued with deep dives into collecting, national comics retail, conventions, Westchester County’s lost shops, and more. The show signed off for good in 2023 with a quarterly farewell event entitled “For All Seasons” — but the AR community lasts forever.

    For All Seasons Chapter IV — Fall (SERIES FINALE)

    For All Seasons Chapter IV — Fall (SERIES FINALE)

    Host Anthony Desiato reunites with his Alternate Realities brethren Steve Oto, Rich Roney, and Bill Maio one last time in the SERIES FINALE of the My Comic Shop History podcast series. Almost a decade since the closing of The Store, where does the AR community go from here?
    In Act I of the podcast's farewell event, the gang relives their favorite AR stories, ponders their comic shop present & future, and gives some shout-outs. Then, in Act II, they hear from some old friends, compete in a "draft" of legendary AR customers, and share their gratitude before bidding the audience farewell.
    The song heard throughout the episode is "Evil Deaded" by Ralph Puma, which has been featured multiple times on this podcast and the films MY COMIC SHOP DOCUMENTARY & MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY.
    Thank you to ALL guests, listeners, and supporters over the years. Be sure to follow your host on his other podcast series (including DIGGING FOR KRYPTONITE), show your local comic shop some love, and above all else: Don't be a flat squirrel.
    My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Philtastic Phil Maenza and music by Ralph Puma.
    Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato.
    Join the conversation by becoming part of the Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group, and follow the show on Instagram (@mycomicshopcountrymovie) and Twitter (@mycomicshopdoc). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on Amazon, Apple TV, or Tubi. Visit FlatSquirrelProductions.com for more film and podcast projects.
    Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

    • 3 hr 4 min
    For All Seasons Chapter III — Summer

    For All Seasons Chapter III — Summer

    Host Anthony Desiato reunites with Alternate Realities elder statesman Rich Roney to discuss memories of The Store's dismantling, a small gathARing this past Memorial Day weekend, the state of Rich's comic book reading, a disappointing change of plans regarding an upcoming AR reunion, and—of course—friendship & fun. PLUS! The ongoing saga of Rich Roney vs. Technology reaches its most outrageous turn yet.
    This is penultimate episode of My Comic Shop History. The series finale arrives this Fall.
    My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Philtastic Phil Maenza and music by Ralph Puma.
    Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato.
    Join the conversation by becoming part of the Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group, and follow the show on Instagram (@mycomicshopcountrymovie) and Twitter (@mycomicshopdoc). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on Amazon, Apple TV, or Tubi. Visit FlatSquirrelProductions.com for more film and podcast projects.
    Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

    • 1 hr 45 min
    For All Seasons Chapter II — Spring

    For All Seasons Chapter II — Spring

    Host Anthony Desiato reunites with former Alternate Realities owner Steve Oto to discuss a recent comic shop resurrection in the Westchester area, a long-awaited update on a beloved AR figure, and the many changes in Steve's life, including the closing of his Diamond Comics account.
    This is the second of the final four episodes of My Comic Shop History. Chapter III arrives this Summer.
    More music by Ralph Puma: https://linktr.ee/RalphPuma
    My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Philtastic Phil Maenza and music by Ralph Puma.
    Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato.
    Join the conversation by becoming part of the Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group, and follow the show on Instagram (@mycomicshopcountrymovie) and Twitter (@mycomicshopdoc). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on Amazon, Apple TV, or Tubi. Visit FlatSquirrelProductions.com for more film and podcast projects.
    Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

    • 1 hr 28 min
    For All Seasons Chapter I — Winter

    For All Seasons Chapter I — Winter

    Host Anthony Desiato reunites with Alternate Realities legend Bill Maio for the beginning of the podcast's final run of episodes. They discuss hopes for an upcoming reunion of the AR gang, the state of the comics industry, and the recent closing of Westchester comic shop The Spider's Web.
    This is the first of the final four episodes of My Comic Shop History. Chapter II arrives this Spring.
    Visit CinemaArtsCentre.org for tickets to the 2/20/23 My Comic Shop Country screening!
    My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Philtastic Phil Maenza and music by Ralph Puma.
    Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato.
    Join the conversation by becoming part of the Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group, and follow the show on Instagram (@mycomicshopcountrymovie) and Twitter (@mycomicshopdoc). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on Amazon, Apple TV, or Tubi. Visit FlatSquirrelProductions.com for more film and podcast projects.
    Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

    • 1 hr 39 min
    The Once and Future Lord Retail Part III of III

    The Once and Future Lord Retail Part III of III

    Host Anthony Desiato sits down with the enigmatic owner of Acme Comics, Jermaine Exum (aka Lord Retail), for an epic trilogy event. In the finale, Jermaine reveals customer confusion over the "Death of Superman" 30th anniversary special, shares what's on (or rather what's NOT on) his dating profile, and tees up the future of the Lord Retail brand.
    The podcast returns with "For All Seasons," a quarterly farewell event, in 2023. My Comic Shop History concludes next year!
    My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Joel Carroll and theme music by Basic Printer.
    Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato.
    Join the conversation by becoming part of the Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group, and follow the show on Instagram (@mycomicshopcountrymovie) and Twitter (@mycomicshopdoc). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on Amazon, Apple TV, or CuriosityStream. Visit FlatSquirrelProductions.com for more film and podcast projects.
    Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

    • 1 hr 44 min
    The Once and Future Lord Retail Part II of III

    The Once and Future Lord Retail Part II of III

    Host Anthony Desiato sits down with the enigmatic owner of Acme Comics, Jermaine Exum (aka Lord Retail), for an epic trilogy event. In Part II, Jermaine discusses Superman comic recommendations, digital comics, distribution struggles, and choosing his words carefully.
    My Comic Shop History is a Flat Squirrel Production. Key art by Joel Carroll and theme music by Basic Printer.
    Support the show and receive exclusive podcast content at Patreon.com/AnthonyDesiato.
    Join the conversation by becoming part of the Flat Squirrel Podcast Network Facebook Group, and follow the show on Instagram (@mycomicshopcountrymovie) and Twitter (@mycomicshopdoc). Watch MY COMIC SHOP COUNTRY on Amazon, Apple TV, or CuriosityStream. Visit FlatSquirrelProductions.com for more film and podcast projects.
    Visit BCW Supplies and use promo code FSP to save 10% on your next order of comics supplies.

    • 1 hr 21 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
49 Ratings

49 Ratings

That Old Comic Smell ,

Awesome Show!

I’ve been with this podcast since the very beginning and absolutely love the deep conversations on the often less discussed business side of comics. Anthony finds a way to reinvent the show every season, making this a can’t miss podcast!

jimmydoindeals ,

Great show

Anthony is a great interviewer and moves the show along wonderfully. I would love to hear a bit more how the shop owners utilize net profits against pulling a salary/reinvesting in inventory. Always a great selection of guests and shop owners.

The only episode I couldn’t stand was the couple from Delaware. The lady’s liberal lunacy vibrates through the whole episode podcast. It was truly nauseating. The husband detesting people who haggle was also a trip. They are meant for each other. Wonder who they voted for? #MAGA!

On a lighter note, I stop by the Spiders Web ever other month as work brings me past it. Having heard both shows w its owner I am looking forward to my next visit. I actually feel compelled to spend some cash now and help the cause rather than doing a one off window shop.

Dan Heaton ,

Great for Diehard and Casual Comics Fans!

I'm not a expert on comics or comic shops, and I still really enjoy this podcast. It's interesting to hear what it's like to run a comic shop and deal with customers. This show is also really well produced, and the interviews flow really well. Anthony does a great job putting this together and bringing interesting guests onto the show.

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