Data B.R.O.S. Inc.

Checking In on the B.R.O.S.

Ooooooeeee you guys! 2025 was a DOOZY! From a complete meltdown of the formerly largest distributor in the industry, to the highest sales in years, and with all sorts of crazyness thrown in between, the B.R.O.S. check in on each other, their stores, and the state of the comics industry in this incredible episode. This episode and every episode of the Data B.R.O.S. is sponsored by Murphy's Apple Juice. Murphy's Apple Juice, it's the shape, not the taste, but it's also the taste...which is pretty danged good. The Data B.R.O.S. is also sponsored by The Comics Place in Bellingham Washington and Earth 519 Collectibles in London, Ontario, Canada (Universe 519). The Data B.R.O.S. are Django Bohren, Jeff Figley, and Brian Garside. The Data B.R.O.S. love you, but in a wholesome and respectful way that your mom would approve of, and which isn't at all creepy. Okay, the uninterrupted eye contact MAY be a little bit creepy, but you know what's not creepy? The hugs. It has come to our attention recently that the hugs ARE indeed creepy, and it's not so much the hugs, but the way the B.R.O. hands wander up your back and rest under your hoodie. Just typing this is actually making me a little heebied (of the Heebies and Jeebies).

Free Comic Book Day TakeB.R.O.ver Edition

In 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 refreshed through it all? From long lines to last-minute surprises, it's a behind-the-scenes look at the logistics, lessons, and laughter of FCBD at two very different shops. Whether you're a retailer, a fan, or just here for the data, there’s a juicy nugget in here for everyone.

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 first time. From valuable tips for new and aspiring comic shop owners to humorous anecdotes that highlight the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with relatable moments and practical advice. Discover how Brian's adventures with Earth 519 Collectibles are shaping his perspective on the industry, and pick up some handy insights along the way! Tune in to find out what happens when comic fandom and retail collide in the most delightful ways! Links from this episode: * Earth 519 [https://earth519.com] * The Comics Place [https://www.thecomicsplace.com/] * Comic Shop Assistant [https://comicshopassistant.com/] * Manage Comics [https://managecomics.com]

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. Whether you're curious about what makes Toy Boat such a special event or you're looking for insights to enhance your comic shop’s operations, this episode delivers engaging stories, actionable business tips, and plenty of laughs along the way. Set your course, hoist the sails, and tune in—this episode is one podcast voyage you don't want to miss! *Apologies for Brian's audio this episode, his regular microphone was being difficult and he had to use a backup. Links from this episode: * Toy Boat Highlights [https://astra.glueup.com/event/toy-boat-sales-again-88387/highlights.html] * Comicon The Cruise [https://comicconthecruise.com/] Episode Sponsor Shout-Outs: This week, our episode is brought to you by The Data B.R.O.S. Thanks for listening to Data B.R.O.S., and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and join us next week as we keep exploring all things comics, data, and the retail world! --- Thank you for listening to the latest issue of Data B.R.O.S. please like, rate and subscribe to the DataB.R.O.S. on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Visit Brian and Manage Comics at @managecomics on Facebook [https://facebook.com/managecomics], Instagram [https://instagram.com/managecomics], and YouTube [https://youtube.com/@managecomics], as well as at managecomics.com [http://managecomics.com] Visit Jeff, Django and Comic Shop Assistant at @comicshopassistant on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ComicShopAssistant] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/comicshopassistant] or visit their website at comicshopassistant.com [http://comicshopassistant.com] You can also visit The Comics Place in Bellingham Washington on their website [https://www.thecomicsplace.com/], or visit them on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thecomicsplace/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/comicsplacebham], or listen to their podcast - The Comics Place Presents on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comics-place-presents-formerly-perfectly-acceptable/id1180857321] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2JbFgHqrGAShIU68bcb3sc]

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 Comics, get Elementals #1 from Comico Comics from rising comics star Bill Willingham in better comic shops near you right now! Thanks for listening to Data B.R.O.S., and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and join us next week as we keep exploring all things comics, data, and the retail world! --- Thank you for listening to the latest issue of Data B.R.O.S. please like, rate and subscribe to the DataB.R.O.S. on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. Visit Brian and Manage Comics at @managecomics on Facebook [https://facebook.com/managecomics], Instagram [https://instagram.com/managecomics], and YouTube [https://youtube.com/@managecomics], as well as at managecomics.com [http://managecomics.com] Visit Jeff, Django and Comic Shop Assistant at @comicshopassistant on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ComicShopAssistant] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/comicshopassistant] or visit their website at comicshopassistant.com [http://comicshopassistant.com] You can also visit The Comics Place in Bellingham Washington on their website [https://www.thecomicsplace.com/], or visit them on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thecomicsplace/] and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/comicsplacebham], or listen to their podcast - The Comics Place Presents on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comics-place-presents-formerly-perfectly-acceptable/id1180857321] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/2JbFgHqrGAShIU68bcb3sc]