Packrat Comics

Call for Art for Muppet Gallery

2011-09-26T04:32:00.001-07:00

The new Muppet Movie is being released this November. Join us in a celebration of all that is Jim Henson and his Muppet creations. The November theme for the Rouges Gallery will be the Muppets and we are calling for all local artists to submit a piece of original art. On Saturday afternoons starting at 1pm we will play old Muppet movies and the old TV series. On December 3, we will host and open house where fans of the work can come meet the artists behind the creations and have an opportunity to purchase the work. With this being a Muppet gallery, please don’t limit your submissions to simply paper work, feel free to even create your own puppet. All pieces should be submitted by November 4, 2011 for display beginning November 5 with the first movie being played on the 5th.

Darryl Banks Signing August 24, 2011

2011-08-13T13:18:00.002-07:00

Joining us for the release of the Retroactive 90's Green Lantern on August 24, 2011 will be Darryl Banks who had nearly a 100 issue run on Green Lantern in the 1990's. He's the co-creator of the ever iconic character Kyle Rayer and designer of Parallax, Grayven, Fatality, Dr. Polaris and Dr. Light costumes! Whew, that's a lot of stuff!

Darryl will be with us from 11:30am-1:30pm signing books and doing sketches.

Free Comic Book Day Review

2011-06-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

It was awesome. More details later, but overall, really was an awesome time. Thank you all for coming out, telling your friends and helping make this a success.

Update:
It was a wonderful afternoon of fun and free comics. Kids played games and with snakes and bounced in the jump house and many of you visited the artist alley to check out the local small press work. Billy West and Nicholas Brendon were both on hand to sign autographs and photos. The bands were amazing and entertained all who stayed late. And in the end we were honored to raise of $2000 for Josh Medors through the Help for Heroes Benefit. Thank you all who showed up and continue to support free comic book day, Packrat Comics and the original American art form of Comic Books! See you all next year!

Spam and Virus Alert

2011-05-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

Our web hosting and management service has recently been infected with some type of malicious virus and spam and will be down until further notice. You should still be able to access your comixology account by clicking on the connection above. Thank you for your understanding while the IT guys get this worked out.

Teresa

Free Comic Book Day Schedule of Events

2011-04-25T11:05:00.000-07:00

Schedule of Events

10:00am
Open
Artist Alley Open (Front Corner)
Bounce House, Carnival Games and Face Painting

11:00am Learn a new game & earn a free Heroclix Figure
Petting Zoo Open at Pet Salon

12:00-5:00pm Special Guest Autograph Session
Nick Brendon autograph session
Billy West autograph session
Nick Jones autograph session

2:00pm Costume Contest—hundreds of
dollars worth of prizes to be awarded

2:00pm Pride Wrestling Alliance Smack

5:00pm Nerd Night:
Live Concert, Stand Up Comics & Trivia Contest
Bands Include:

5:00pm Hubris

6:00pm The Out

7:00pm Texas Hold’em Charity Comic Book Poker Tournament (Proceeds for Josh)

7:00pm The Fritz

8:00pm Nerd Table

9:00pm Seven Book Trilogy

SPACE Drink & Draw Kick Off Party

2011-03-21T06:46:00.000-07:00

Friday night Packrat was proud to host the kick off party for S.P.A.C.E. and kick off party it was with lots of drinking and drawing and camaraderie. Between making pizza’s and restocking the beer cooler I was able to talk to a few artists and watch some great art being created. The jam panel that was created by all the artists turned out amazing. Special thanks to Rob Walker for taking some great pictures of the evening.

S.P.A.C.E. Kick Off Party Drink & Draw Panel Jam at Packrat

2011-03-09T20:27:00.000-08:00

SPACE kick off party for the 2011 Small Press Alternative Comic Expo going on March 19-20.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170140983036638

Free food & drinks and Artist Panel Jam Session Friday night. Watch some creative people do some amazing things with a pen and paper!

Free SPACE passes to the first 20 people through the door.

Drink & Draw responsibly!

10th Annual Free Comic Book Day

2011-02-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

2011 Free Comic Book Day Guest List

2011-02-26T08:52:00.000-08:00

Join us for our annual FCBD event. Here is a bio for all of our wonderful guests participating in the 10th annual Free Comic Book Day!

Nicholas Brendon - Nicholas Brendon was part of the scooby gang in the hit television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer created by Joss Whedon. None of his characters were more relatable then that of Xander Harris, a key team member without any notable powers. He was loyal and watchful, kind and courageous even when he was a bit clumsy. Nicholas Brendon currently has a recurring role in the hit CBS televisions series “Criminal Minds” and has starred in "Beach Party", "Celeste in the City" and "Kitchen Confidential".

Billy West-William Richard "Billy" West voice actor. Billy launched his career in the early 1980s performing daily comedic routines on Boston's WBCN. He left the radio station to work on the short-lived revival of Beany and Cecil. He was also a writer and castmember on The Howard Stern Show during the early to mid 1990s, where he gained nationwide fame with his impersonations of Larry Fine and late Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. West is best known for his voice-work on Ren & Stimpy, Doug and Futurama. His favorite characters are Philip J. Fry (Futurama) and Stimpy (Ren and Stimpy), both of which he originated. West's most notable film work was in Space Jam (1996) providing the voice of both Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. He has provided the same voices for other Looney Tunes films and video games. West has been very outspoken over his displeasure about the influx of movie star actors providing voice-over for films and major shows. As well as a voice artist, West is also a guitarist and singer-songwriter with a band called Billy West and The Grief Counselors.

Nick Jones: Nick Jones is featured in the upcoming sure to be blockbuster Green Lantern live action movie. An actor who developed his love for acting at an early age by the encouragement of his grandfather who recorded and urged him to watch many movies. Nick became intrigued in the way movies portray the world around him. Born in Voorhees, New Jersey, Nick moved to Alabama as a child and grew up in the south. He considers himself a true southerner at heart. He first became active in acting at his performing arts high school, Booker T. Washington Magnet High and later at Evangel Christian Academy in Alabama. He performed in many plays and went on to develop a love in theater while acting in college at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He would later answer the call of duty by joining the United States Marine Corps. Nick got his first big break in professional acting in October of 2009.

Steve Scott - Marvel and DC artist Steve Scott will be joining us this year. Steve's work has been featured on "Indiana Jones" at Dark Horse, on production art used onscreen for the "Smallville" television show, not to mention that Steve was also the only artist tapped to do any sequential art for "Dark Knight," for the Tostino promotional campaign in conjunction with DC Comics. More of Steve's recent sequential work includes "X-Men Forever," an exclusive Green Lantern project with DC Comics and Con Edison, and the highly touted "Batman Confidential." Steve was recently tapped to do a promotional comic as a cereal prize insert!

Christ Sprouse - Chris Sprouse launched his career in mainstream comics in 1989, his first credited work being a Chemical King story in an issue of DC Comics' Secret Origins. He then did a Two-Face story for Batman Annual #14 and then moved on to the limited series Hammerlocke. Sprouse then took on the sci-fi series Legionnaires, featuring teenaged versions of the characters in the Legion of Super-Heroes series, and eventually moved on to a number of one-shot and fill-in issues before illustrating a Star Wars mini-series, Splinter of the Mind's Eye, for Dark Horse Comics. He then worked for Extreme Studios as the regular penciller of New Men, and in 1997, Sprouse drew several issues of Supreme, scripted by Alan Moore for the same publisher. After Supreme ended, a year later he and Moore created Tom Strong for America's Best Comics, for which Sprouse won two Eisner Awards in 2000, for Best Single Issue and Best Serialized Story. Sprouse was also the penciller on the 2004 Ocean mini-series, written by Warren Ellis and published by DC Comics. In 2007, Ocean was optioned for film. In 2006, he began pencilling Wildstorm's Midnighter ongoing series, a spin-off of The Authority. He has also been announced as the artist on the first issue of Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne with Grant Morrison as writer.

Scott D. Simmons - Scott D Simmons is a comic book and sketch card artist and his work includes Star Wars, Voltron (Moonstone), Hack/Slash (Image), The Dead Cell (Arcana), Wannabez, Halloween Man and Mr. Jigsaw. Scott D. Simmons is the creator of Angelwolf Comics and Knights of P.O.W.E.R. In addition to his comic work, Scott works as a news and convention photo contributor for Comic Related.

Victor Dandridge - Victor Dandridge is a comic creator from Columbus, O-H(I-O), where he self-publishes through his Vantage:Inhouse Productions imprint. He briefly attended the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters, but ran away to join the circus, and ended up being trained by Batman.

Uko Smith - Uko Smith first gained recognition after graduating from the Columbus College of Art and Design for his distinctive use of line work and stylized realization as well as his erotic pin-up work and sensual style. Uko has appeared in Heavy Metal magazine as the Featured Artist of the Month and his work as been featured in Julie Strain's Nightmare on Pin-Up Street, Jade Magazine, Marquis, Aphrodisia, and many others. Other work of Uko's can be found in the world of sketchcards from DC Legacy, Marvel Masterpieces, The Complete Avengers, and The Women of Marvel. He also produces self-published works such as sketchbooks, prints, original works, and T-shirts, along with a steady load of freelance work for various companies such as Green Ronin. Look for Uko's latest work on IDW Publishing's FX 2: Lost Land and visit Uko online at ukosmith.com to read more about the artist and his work.

Sean Forney - Sean Forney is a professional illustrator and comic book artist who recently completed color work on My Adventures with Spider-Man by Marvel and Identity Direct. He created Star Wars promotional material including the official t-shirt and patch design for LucasFilm/Disney/Blue Planet Gear for the 2009 and 2010 Star Wars Weekends at Disney Hollywood Studios. Daily, he works with The Artifact Group coloring Bakugan illustrations for the national toy line. Sean co-created and illustrated Scarlet Huntress #1, Scarlet Huntress #2, and a children’s book tie-in called Little Red Riding Hood: Origins of a Huntress. He illustrated a pinup for Hanging Chad Entertainment’s Moos Miht: The Adventures of Mighty Moose #9 and colored various covers for Moos Miht issues. Sean’s early work was for Twisted Gate Entertainment which included drawing two short Scarlet Huntress stories for the anthology books The Portal #1 and #2, and covers for various titles. He has worked for various comic book companies including Sundragon Comics, Funky Ninja Comics, Stormchaser Comics, Camp Comics, Paper Dragon Ink, Fusion Studios, and more. He illustrated When the Cops Come Knockin’: An Illustrated Guide to the Law, character dossiers in G.I. Joe versus Cobra Fall Special: Rise of the Headhunters through Fun Publications, colored covers for Arrow Comics’ Wild Planet, and worked on comic strips for the Microsoft Developers’ program. See more of Sean’s work on the web at www.smcomics.com.

Joshua Peters - Josh returned to CCAD in 2005 and began his studies under the tutelage of many talented instructors including C.F. Payne, Andy Bawidamann and Dave Groff. While he was there, Josh was showcased in the 9th, 10th, and 11th Art of Illustration shows presented by CCAD. His incredibly cool “Over the Line” piece even brought home the C.F. Payne Judge’s Pick award at the 11th. Not only that, but Josh’s “Foo Fighters Poster” was exhibited in New York City at the annual Society of Illustrators Student Exhibition in the spring of 2008. His most recent release is the new child's book Matilda Turnips Endless Belly Button. See more of Josh's work at www.lunchboxunlimited.com

Lora Innes - Lora Innes graduated Suma Cum Laude in 2002 from the Columbus College of Art and Design with a Bachelors in Fine Art. She worked for several years at the Artifact Group, doing illustration for clients such as Fisher Price, Mattel, McGraw Hill, Nickelodeon, Scholastic and Simon & Schuster. Now she writes and draws The Dreamer and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Additional work can be found on her website www.thedreamercomic.com.

Joel Jackon & James Moore - They are 2 Headed Monster Comics, a small-self published comics label in Columbus, Ohio. Joel Jackson and James Moore met while Joel was clerking at Discount Paperback, where James would ramble incoherently for hours about comics. Now they make comics together. Our ongoing Radio Free Gahanna series was a finalist for the 2010 S.P.A.C.E. prize and The Toyetic Adventures of Coco Fiasco won 2010 Packrat Comic Mid-Ohio Con self-published comics contestt

Jamie Snell - Jamie Snell studied illustration and graduated from Columbus College of Art and Design. Jamie has been working on and off as a freelance illustrator for over 10 + years. Some of his credits include various sketch card sets from Topps (Star Wars: CW Movie and Seasons 1&2, Galaxy 4&5, ESB Widescreen, Terminator Salvation, Heroes Season 2, Indiana Jones Masterpieces & Crystal Skull, Lord of the Rings Masterpieces 2), 5finity: Voltron sketch cards, IDW Publishing: Beastwars Source book, Image Comics: Popgun Anthology Vol.1 , and various other inking projects. Last year Jamie had the privilege of producing two exclusive Star Wars posters for Lucas Films, Ltd, and Acme Archives: Celebrations V (Official Star Wars Convention) official print and the 30th Anniversary of Empire Strikes Back on http://www.facebook.com/l/457f6nyFknWSHstoqBVgnKp6nHw;Starwarshop.com (release date: 10/10). Jamie just finished 11 various covers for IDW's GODZILLA® #1. The covers are retailer incentive covers and they will have their very own cover - featuring Godzilla stomping their comic store. Samples of his portfolio can be referenced at http://www.facebook.com/l/457f6CmXwBRMXLfWFL8rGHcDd5A;www.Ragelion.com.

Dirk Manning - Dirk Manning is quickly becoming one of the hottest up-and-coming writers in comics. He's the writer/creator of horror series NIGHTMARE WORLD at Image/Shadowline Comics, the author of the popular inspirational column "WRITE OR WRONG" at www.Newsarama.com, the co-creator of the family-friendly fantasy series FARSEEKER at www.ACT-I-VATE.com and one of the premier creators at www.ComicsPipeline.com with full-length dark dramas about a zombie apocalypse (“Countdown to Extinction”) and professional wrestling (“A Rush of Blood to the Head”), respectively. To top it off he also has both a new “horror-noir” series (TALES OF MR. RHEE) and super-heroine drama (HOPE) debuting from Shadowline Comics online this Spring. He’s one of the most approachable and friendly creators you’ll ever meet, so be sure to swing by and say “Hi” and check out his work! Cthulhu is his homeboy.

Molly Durst - Molly Durst is a professional, award winning graphic and web designer. She is a lifetime learner who is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in web development, and has earned a scholarship from the Print Industry of Northern Kentucky and Ohio to pursue this goal. Molly's love of books began early (both of her parents are teachers). This passion for book arts drives her to self-publish her own stories. Her love of indie media and subculture attracts her to the bizarre world of small press comic books.

Todd Beistel/Doug Hufford - While still in high school, Todd self published Eye of the Probe, a comic anthology. He then went on to study illustration and graduate from CCAD. While in college, Todd wrote and illustrated Lost Souls, a graphic short story. Lost Souls was published by Hunter Productions.As years passed, Todd’s interests evolved into fine art and graphic design. As a dedicated artist, he has been featured in venues throughout Ohio. On several occasions, he has contributed illustrations to accompany columnists such as Dave Barry and Click and Clack. Doug also studied at CCAD, but strangely evolved into a writer as time passed. He became known for his outlandish movie reviews during the late 90's. He made his home at Bumscorner.com, and often got picked up nationally by IMdB and Ain't It Cool News. Currently they are collaborating on the webcomic sensation, Yuri the Gypsy Hunter. Yuri the Gypsy Hunter is a decades spanning epic concerning an orphan, a rock band, and lots of teenage angst.

Eric Adams - Eric is best known as the creator of LACKLUSTER WORLD, a dark satire comic series about an albino man using vandalism and his job as a newspaper journalist to change the world at large before it changes him. In 2006, he illustrated STUART, a short story penned by Chris Arrant which ran in NEGATIVE BURN. Eric is also a contributor to Newsarama.com, writing SEQUENTIAL SMARTS, a thorough series of articles about marketing comics from the perspective of a small press / self-publisher (currently on hiatus). Eric is also a foolish man that tries to make a living by running a web/graphic design agency.He has a couple of blogs, but doesn't write in them much: http://ericadams.net/
http://ericadams.livejournal.com/ He exists in Cincinnati, OH.

Max Ink - Creator of Blink, the story of three characters: the blond haired cartoonist who lends the piece her name. She is the hopeful one, the thoughtful one and in many ways the one that is most like her creator. Sam is the acerbic one, quick to grumble, in disbelief of the world around her, a definite Johnny Raincloud who hides an incredibly sweet heart and Hank, the would-be musician who claims to have never heard the blues. See more of Max's work athttp://blinkcomic.wordpress.com/

Seth Lyons - Seth Lyons is a professional graphic artist Absolute Impressions Inc., a Lewis Center based print shop. He's also illustrated comics for a local publishing company, working on Stiletto Heights and Johnnie Zombie. After sitting in front of computers all day, designing for companies like Verizon, WCOL, and others, he decided it was time to return to basics. Painting the characters he loved in his youth and still today; Seth creates and sells highly detailed paintings of beloved comic, movie, and television characters. Also known for his love of insane collage pieces featuring hundreds of characters, Seth enjoys the time spent with his now growing family. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/album.php?aid=280649&id=638229573

Matthew Swift - Mathew Swift is the art director of SwiftGraphics providing illustration, design, fine art and comic art commissions. SwiftGraphics has provided design and illustration services to American Fortune 100 and international... businesses. Including work in the Entertainment industry for clients such as Nintendo of America, Microsoft, Sony Computer Entertainment America, and Image Comics. Works have been seen on G4TV, FoxNews, CNN, and more.

Bob Corby - Bob Corby runs the Small Press & Alternative Comics Expo (SPACE) in Columbus OH and self publish comics under the Back Porch Comics banner as a hobby. The next SPACE is March 19 & 20, 2011 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Columbus. Go to www.backporchcomics.com

Stephanie Forney - Stephanie Forney is a local art teacher, comic book writer and artist, who draws and paints professionally in her free time. She gets to travel around the country with her husband Sean Forney as he does guest spots at comic conventions selling the must have superhero pigs.

New Year's Eve Party and Shipping Updates

2010-12-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

The Christmas and New Year Holidays will not affect shipping. Comics will arrive on Wednesday both this week and next!Also Packrat New Year's Eve Party is a go! We'll be open from 11am on that Friday and will stay open until the party is over. Food and drinks will be provided for the evening. We'd going to have board games, card games, rpg games(need a suggestion or someone to run), video games, and of course a lantern drop! See you al...l on the 31st of December to ring out 2010 with some great green prizes!

Black Friday

2010-11-23T13:40:00.001-08:00

Ethan Van Sciver performed at Packrat Comics' pre-Mid-Ohio-Con party

2010-11-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

Pre Mid-Ohio Comic Con Party

2010-10-18T10:09:00.000-07:00

Comics for Canned Goods

2010-10-11T11:46:00.000-07:00

2010-09-27T17:19:00.000-07:00

Kendall & Kyle's Comic Book Review

2010-08-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

Packrat Comics at Comic Con

2010-08-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hi All

Life is an adventure and if things went according to plan we’d have nothing interesting to say. At least that’s what I tell myself whenever William does just about anything. Our trip to Comic Con was no different. Luggage was packed, the kids were off to spend a weekend with friends and we remembered to find someone to take care of Hulk, the ugly pug, at the last minute. Rushing to the airport Thursday afternoon, we made it thru security and I was lucky enough to have to endure the embarrassment of the full body scanner and full body pat down as a result of the pacemaker. And I know it’s been a while since I flew, but they threw out my shampoo and conditioner. What could I possibly do with such a cheap brand of hair care products to warrant those being tossed in the garbage? Making it with 20 minutes before the scheduled boarding time, we were in the clear and ready to collect our award at Comic Con.

However, other plans were made on our behalf. Weather delays and mechanical problems forced us to change our flight from a Thursday afternoon departure to a 6am Friday morning flight. Retailer programming was commencing at 9am on Friday morning and our rescheduled flight got us in to San Diego at almost 10. That sucks, but we’ll make due. We head home for a night of rest before our flight, setting the alarm for 3 to give us plenty of time to catch our flight. And could Jamie sit for a few hours? No, he mows the lawn when we get home, really, take a break man.

But for this trip 3am turned to 3pm and the alarm did not go off. Jamie bolted up out of bed at 4am; we showered and were out the door in 20 minutes. But half way to the airport I remembered I pulled out all our paperwork to call the hotel to check in so we wouldn’t lose our reservation and included in that pile of paperwork were our Comic Con tickets. We had to turn around and go back home. Boarding the flight was to start at 5:25am…rushing to the security check point again, with only 5 minutes before boarding, the security agent slowly checked our boarding passes and laughed saying something to the effect how we like to run a bit close on time. No we do not! It was like a scene from a movie, Jamie and I are running down the long corridor to our gate, except I had to stop and catch my breath telling Jamie don’t wait for me, I’d catch up with him in a minute. By the time we boarded the plane I think the excitement of leaving for San Diego was met with more of an exhausted and fatigued feeling.

Finally landing in San Diego we must have caught the only taxi with a driver that was as in much of a hurry to get to Comic Con as we were. We make it to most of the retailer programming we wanted to participate in and around 2 o’clock began our first trek to the main convention floor. This place was huge. Three full levels of programming and vendors, multiple hotel conference rooms full of programming even a bookstore down the street had some programming.

I felt like a little kid with ADD who comes to Packrat for the first time, senses completely overwhelmed by everything in view and then learning there’s more in the basement. Oh look Brian Michael Bendis, Oh look, Stan Lee, Oh Look J. Scott Campbell. We were trying to locate Sean and Steph Forney from the time we entered the hall until probably around 5pm. I had to set the map on the ground and step into it figure out where we were and had to go. But finally found them and their table.

Everyone who ordered a comic con exclusive needs to thank Stephanie, she spent Thursday hunting down what was left and getting tickets to stand in line for other items on Friday. THANKS STEPH! We would not have been able to get so much if it wasn’t for her!

The main exhibit hall was huge, crowded and awesome. From talented creators Jim Lee, Brian Michael Bendis to Dan Jurgens and Robert Kirkman. We had the opportunity meet and talk to all we could in the few short hours we had. And it took a trip to San Diego for us to meet and talk to our homegrown talent Jeff Smith. Meeting Robert Kirkman was a bit odd after all of our emails, we were pleasantly surprised at his recognition of Packrat Comics and the polite attitude he displayed towards us.

But the real reason we were there was for our award. So at 8:30pm (11:30 here in Columbus ) we sat down for the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Awards. It started a bit late but that didn’t matter, I was too nervous. As much as I couldn’t wait to hear the winner, I also didn’t want to find out that it wasn’t us. So the longer it was delayed before an announcement the longer I knew I hadn’t lost yet. The competition for the award was tough. And at that point, I really could say, with a straight face and everything, it was an honor to be nominated and sit with some great comic shops from around the country. One such gentleman we met said “I hope you win, but I also hope I win”. Fun guy.

Around 11pm (2am here in Columbus ) we found out we were not the winners…and not having much of a chance to eat, we decided it would be best to head out and get some dinner. But not having actually checked into the hotel, we still had our luggage we decided to head there and order something from room service. There was no room service, but several pizza shops who were kind enough to stuff their flyers under our door. So we picked one and ordered, a large pepperoni pizza and a 2 litter of diet coke. Simple order, somehow it ended up a meat lovers with a coke. When I called back they said they ‘upgraded my order’ and were out of diet coke. The guy hung up on me. I called back. He hung up again. I called back, just trying to get what I ordered, he said they were closed but I could order from the Mexican restaurant part of their menu. Yeah, that place sucked. So we eat our pizza and it’s off to bed…because Saturday was a full day at Comic Con that even crappy pizza couldn’t ruin.

We catch the shuttle service and bright and early Saturday morning and head out for our second day. That’s when we discovered the true price of Comic Con food…$4.00 for a bottle of water and $3.25 for a can of soda and $8.00 for a slice of pizza. Man the water fountain was refreshing this time of year. We were able to participate in a few panel sessions, one with Gerard Way, writer of Umbrella Academy and My Chemical Romance band member (don’t ask me what he does in the band, you all know I won’t know). Even hung-over, he was a great panelist, but not nearly as great as our next panelist.

Sitting in the Boom panel we listened to Mark Waid introduce a few new books they are launching in the fall with one being written by Paul Cornell, writer of some great Doctor Who episodes “Human Nature” and “The Family of Blood”. We were polite and listened intently as one panelist was missing. Only 2 hours earlier his tooth broke and had to find a dentist at 11am Saturday morning, but I’m sure any dentist would be thrilled to be the superhero to the father of most modern day superheroes, Stan Lee. Still on Novocain but full of energy that he may have figured out how to bottle from William, Stan Lee was amazing, he was entertaining and charming, witty and brilliant. He couldn’t have been a nicer gentleman. Truly the highlight of my trip. He was in and out and it went so quick, but still time well spent. So we head back to the convention hall.

Great costumes, polite attendees and long lines, the rest of the day flew by in a blur of wonder. There were giant Megatron and Bubblebee transformer statues, a platform with life size Star Wars statues you could pose with, a life size Lego figures, Tron Cycle statue, a life size Star Wars action figure case where you could step inside and become a figure and so much more. The main hall was so large that the DC booth alone was larger then our comic shop. One sad note was that the comic dealers that have been with the convention and really make a comic convention were an after thought at the show.

Even with all there was to experience, I was homesick and missed Bobby and William more then I thought I would for only being away for a few days so Sunday morning couldn’t come fast enough. Not wanting to get stranded in San Diego with another 6am departure, I had the hotel provide us with a wake up call at 3AM. With plenty of time to spare we were at the airport and getting ready to go threw security. One question I have to ask, almost hate to ask, but where were the full body scanners? Are there that many more dangerous people leaving Columbus, Ohio that could cause harm to a plane full of passengers then those leaving San Diego? Just a thought.

The first leg of our flight was very smooth and we land in Atlanta around 2pm. Oh my goodness, the Atlanta airport is huge, we had to take a shuttle to our concourse. Worried we’d miss the flight because we only had 30 minutes from the time the plane laded to board the connection to Columbus there was a bit of a panic trying to find the light-speed train running thru the airport. But we made and then we waited. And waited. And waited a bit longer finally boarding only about 40 minutes late. But hey we’re on our way home so it’s all good. Sitting in our seat and the plane fully loaded with passengers ready to take off the pilot announces over the PA “I’m just going to let you know what’s going on. A passenger on the last flight got off the plane and took with them the luggage that belonged to one of the flight attendants and left their luggage on the plane. The good news is they found the flight attendants luggage in the hall, but not the passengers luggage left on the plane.” So the flight attendants had to look in every overhead compartment and match up each piece of luggage with its owner. I’m thinking they left a bomb on the plane, totally freaking out, but glad they are looking before we take off. Later Jamie tells me his thoughts were they took the flight attendants luggage to copy schedules and id’s and such. Great. Good news is they found the luggage, scary news was it was in the overhead compartment above our head.

We figured since we’d been gone from the boys for so long and we survived the trip, we’d better make sure we spend some quality time with them Sunday evening. Figured we’d get some KFC and take them to the park and enjoy the balance of the afternoon. Well they did want KFC, but were just as happy to go home and watch a movie. I won’t share Greg’s comic shop adventures, he’ll tell you that one. But we couldn’t have done it without the help of both Jeff and Greg watching our third baby, the comic shop while we were out. Our quality afternoon turned into an early bed time with William calling his uncle late Sunday evening to have him bring back the ugly pug. And I’m still living off the hotel shampoo, gotta fix that soon.

Until next time true believers. (Oh and there will be a next time, I still want that dang award!)

Excelsior!

LOCAL COMIC SHOP NOMINATED FOR INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRY AWARD

2010-07-19T12:33:00.000-07:00

July 17, 2010 – Out of the thousands of comic books stores across the country and around the world, Columbus, Ohio’s own Packrat Comics has been nominated for the 2010 Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailing Award, an award given to comic book retailers similar to that of the Oscars Life Time Achievement Award. They says it’s just an honor to be nominated and as hard as that can be to digest, to see the requirements of a nomination and the standards established by past recipients, this truly is one of those rare moments that the phrase applies.

Jamie Colegrove, owner of Packrat Comics said “When we received a letter in the mail on May 3, 2010 we could not believe that we had been noticed and nominated.” The letter included a request for documentation showing how Packrat Comics met these qualifications and they spent the next two months putting together what had been requested. Colegrove continued “We’re excited to have made it this far in the process, being one out of the twenty selected. And equally eager to go to San Diego Comic Con this week to learn about the other stores that have been nominated as well as bringing those ideas back to and improving Packrat”

Established in 1993, the award is presented to "an individual retailer performing an outstanding job of supporting the comics art medium both in the community and within the industry at large." Nominees are judged based on the following criteria:

* Support of a wide variety of innovative material: Providing opportunities for creators’ material to reach buyers; stocking a diverse inventory.
* Knowledge: Working to stay informed on retailing as well as on the comics field.
* Community activity: Promoting comics to the community; maintaining relationships with schools and libraries; keeping active in social, business, and arts community organizations.
* Quality of store image: Innovative display approaches; using store design creatively.
* Adherence to standard ethical business practices.

The winner will be announced during the Eisner Awards presentation on Friday at Comic-Con International in San Diego and can be watched on G4.

For additional information contact Jamie Colegrove at (614) 527-8450 or via email at packratcomics@sbcglobal.net.
Established in 1993, Packrat Comics is a premier full service comic book store family owned and operated by Jamie & Teresa Colegrove serving all of central Ohio .

Jamie Colegrove
Packrat Comics
3872 Lattimer Street
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
614-527-8450
packratcomics@sbcglobal.net
www.packratcomics.com

An Afternoon with Nicky

2010-05-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

So it’s Friday, April 30, twenty-four hours before the kick off of Free Comic Book Day 2010 at Packrat Comics with a special guest appearance by Nicholas Brendon. I’ve prepared for months, working behind the scenes making arrangements for his visit, working with over 15 artists that will participate in our ‘artist alley’ section, traveling to promote the day in several states. Organizing the store to make sure we had plenty of merchandise and basically freaking out because Xander Harris is coming to my comic shop. I don’t want to meet the guy who played my favorite BTVS character and find out he’s a total jerk. Nicky’s character in BTVS was fun to watch, but what of the man.

At this point, 24 hours before kick off, I think to myself, what’s the worst thing that could happen now? Thinking an afternoon of autographs without photos would be about the worst thing possible, I contact Nicky’s agent to verify the photos were on their way. Sure enough Nicky had picked them up Thursday afternoon and the agent said they looked great! I’d been nervous for weeks, couldn’t sleep well, stressed out thinking, what have I gotten myself into. I’d spent a lot of time, money and energy preparing for what I thought would be a once in a lifetime opportunity for Nicky’s fans in Ohio. But what if no one showed up? Twenty-four hours before the arrival, there is no turning back now.

Twenty-hours before the event and only ten hours before Nicky is supposed to land in Columbus I get a call from his office, his flight out of LA had ‘mechanical’ problems, they’re not sure if there is another flight for him to Columbus. AGH! We all know those Hollywood types are dying to get to Ohio, that’s why there’s no direct flight here. An hour later they call back, Nicky found a flight, but it’s a red eye and he’ll be in Ohio at 9:00am the next morning, with his meet and greet scheduled at 10:30 that didn’t give him much time for any other delays or disasters.

Eighteen hours before the event, I spend the next 4 hours rescheduling cars, hotels and flights. Eight hours before the event, we still have an 80% chance of thunderstorms throughout the day. But at that point, rain was the least of my problems. I grabbed a few quick hours of rest before it was back to the comic shop for final preparations, signage, line control, lights, etc.

I’m off to the hotel to meet Nicky at 9:30. That’s when I get a call on my cell phone, never in my life did I think I’d have a celebrity calling me on my cell phone. Very weird moment passed as I thought about it for a second. He needs something, Nicholas Brendon is calling me because he needs me for something. The something he called for was not something I wanted to hear. He’s in Columbus, but his luggage is in Philadelphia he tells me. But I said, “You’ve got the pictures, right?” No, they were in his luggage. He proceeds to tell me how he verified with the airline that his luggage was headed to Columbus at the same time he was at 7:30 before he boarded, even receiving the ‘thumbs’ up from the baggage handlers.

But, they didn’t arrive when he did. So now my concern from the day before has really happened. Nicky assured me that the airline guaranteed his luggage on the next flight in at 11am, but he needed clean under-ware and was headed off to the mall before meeting us at the hotel. Not wanting to be without photos, I had a plan. His agent had already sent me a digital photo of Nicky a while back for promotional material, so I called the comic shop and sent someone out to get copies. Thank goodness Office Max was open! We’d have something if the luggage didn’t show.

It’s 10:00am and the beautiful banner I’d made was not fitting in the stand, we struggled for a bit until finally agreeing that tape was our only solution. Guests for the meet and greet were starting to come in and the ‘brunch’ wasn’t a brunch after all. There was fruit, yogurt, doughnuts, coffee and water. What kind of breakfast was that? But it was too late for anything to be done about that now. I head to the check in desk at the hotel to get Nicky’s room key and inquire about the breakfast, when he strides thru the door. Nicky was here and he made it. I handed him the room key and he was off for a quick shower before meeting his guests. At this point Nicky had been up for over 24 hours and looked a bit tired, but enthusiastically looking forward to the afternoon of events. After a quick shower and change of, well you know, Nicky comes down stairs and assures me things will be fine, I think he could tell I was beyond stressed. We headed outside for a quick smoke and discussed a few financial matters in private and returned to the ‘brunch’.

Fifteen gracious fans enjoyed over an hour of talk from Nicky. He was surprised that no one discussed his recent legal issues, but shared a bit anyway. His recent trouble didn’t detract from his fans at the meet and greet and didn’t detract from the fans at the shop. After the Q & A and photos, Nicky and I were headed to the shop, with a quick detour to a local Starbucks. He was surprised that Ohio had a Starbucks. I don’t recall what he got to drink other then there were multiple shots of espresso, that may have really been the only thing in there with the ice.

By 1pm we’re at the comic shop and the line is around the building with fans eagerly anticipating his arrival. For the next 4 hours Nicky tells fans stories, signs autographs, gets his picture taken, hugs and kisses to all and was nothing but a pleasure to have as a guest. Finally grabbing a quick bite to eat during the autograph session he autographed his sandwich, we tried to sell it for charity but no takers. There was a quick panel session where questions were asked and the snoopy dance was performed. At this point I was ready to pass out from exhaustion so I wasn’t really paying much attention to what happened here. I’m sure video of it will be on youtube soon.

He was originally scheduled to leave Columbus at 7pm Saturday night and participate in our charity poker game for a bit, but with the delay the day before it was changed to Sunday morning. So with a quick see you all later, I took Nicky back to the hotel for a few hours of rest before he returned to play poker during our charity poker tournament.

Returning to the comic shop at 8pm and with a stack of comics as poker chips, Nicky played ‘comic poker’ for the next hour and a half. I missed a bit of it, but did catch the ‘that’s a pussy bet’ remark he made to one of our good friends. He was a great sport during the game and did take someone’s pizza. After realizing there was chicken pizza available he had me order it for dinner, loved it but complained about the lack of cilantro. Okay it wasn’t a complaint so much as a suggestion that’s what the pizza needed. So we agreed that since it wasn’t in his contract this time around, we’ll definitely include it on his next.

I was not prepared to be his ‘driver’ for the event, but that’s just how it turned out. Again, I was very nervous during each of the long drives as here is a guy who played my favorite character from BTVS, I didn’t want him to ruin it for me. But he was like a big kid, a big kid with ADHD. He was funny and sweet and amazingly thoughtful. I was completely surprised.

He treated all of his fans with the most gratitude and appreciation we couldn’t have dreamed for. Thank you Nicky. It would be a pleasure to host an appearance by you again. I was not disappointed in the man we brought from Hollywood.

Free Comic Book Day Schedule

2010-04-18T17:09:00.000-07:00

FCBD is only a few days away. Below is the schedule for the day! See you May 1!

10:00AM - OPEN - Get your Free Comics face painted & jump around in the bouncy castle. Visit our artist alley section to meet the following great creators: Darryl Banks, Chris Sprouse, Josh Medors (in at 11am), Uko Smith, Dan Davis, Victor Dandridge, Mike Watson, Sean Forney, JD Larabee, Molly Durst, Joel Jackson, Stratos, Scott DM Simmons, Eric Adams, and Joshua Peters!

10:30AM - Join us for some free play Mario Brothers video games in the Annex! Fun for all!

10:30AM-11:30AM - Meet & Greet brunch with Nicholas Brendon. Limited to 20 participants and tickets can be purchased from either this blog or our facebook page via paypal. Tickets are $80 ea. (direction will be emailed to ticket holders)

11:00AM - Meet the Stormtroopers from Darth Vaders 501st

11:00-2:00PM - Gaming Demos - get a free War Machine Heroclix by visiting the annex and giving an RPG a try. Learn to play Magic the Gathering, Heroclix or D&D!

12:00-5:00PM - Nicholas Brendon Autograph Session (Time permitting we will host a pannel session with Nicholas from 4:30-5pm)

1:00PM - Costume Contest - Kids & Adults

2:00-4:00PM - Live Ammeture Wrestling!

5:00 Nerd Night Kick Off

5:00- Video Game Play/Tournament (depending on turnout)

5:00PM - First round of our Charity Comic Book Poker Tournament (Texas Hold'Em) - buy in is $25, that gets you 25 comic from the annex to use as poker chips and to keep what you win. Have your books ready for the first hand at 5pm, as Nicholas Brendon will be an honorary player.

6:00 - Magic the Gathering Booster Draft Tournmant

5:00-10pPM- Free Concert - Comic Book Trivia between bands!
5:00- The Out
6:00 - Huge Euge
7:00 - Nerd Table
8:00 - Seven Book Trilogy
9:00 - Moto Virus

7:00PM - Second round of Charity Comic Book Poker Tournament (Texas Hold'Em) - buy in is $25, that gets you 25 comics from the annex to use as chips, you keep what you win!

FCBD Update

2010-04-06T18:51:00.001-07:00

Taking a breather from his work on The Return of Bruce Wayne, Chris Sprouse makes his inaugural visit to Packrat Comics on Free Comic Book Day. In addition, a live wrestling event added for Free Comic Book Day. From 2-4 enjoy some head smashing, bone crushing, smack down fun ending with a complete Battle Royal!

Packrat Comics
3864 Lattimer Street
Hilliard, Ohio 43026
www.packratcomics.com
http://sprousenet.blogspot.com/
myspace.com/pwaofficial

Free Comic Book Day May 1, 2010

2010-03-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

Free Comic Book Day
Saturday May 1, 2010 beginning at 10am

Industry Professionals - Darryl Banks, Josh Medors, Uko Smith and more!

Bouncy Castle for the kiddies!

Video Game Tournament

Costume Contest

Nerd Night begins at 5pm

Free Concert

Stand Up Comics

Comic Book Trivia Contest

Charity Comic Book Poker

And Much More!

Join us for an afternoon of Free Fun for All Ages!

http://tinypic.com/player.php?v=2bbktg&s=5

Pre party for Mid-Ohio Con at Pack Rat Comics

2010-02-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Fun at Packrat Comics

2010-02-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

2009-12-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

About ICBW

Indy Comic Book Week is not only an event, but also a call to action.
Diamond Comic Distributors announced they will not ship any new comics for the last week of December. This company is the primary distributor of comic books in North America. What some would call a sad week without our favorite mainstream titles, we are calling an opportunity. This vacancy allows independent and small press comic book creators to claim this week as their own.
We challenge writers and artists to self publish new material for this week, and offer it to their local stores. We ask for retailers to take this as an opportunity to showcase local independent talent on the new release shelves. We encourage fans to break from their buying habits and try something new.
Raise your fist and proudly declare that comic books are more than an industry, more than a handful of corporations – it is a creative outlet for independent-minded artists and storytellers. This last week of 2009 belongs to you. Power to the people. Right on.

Support our Troops this Holiday Season

2009-11-24T19:27:00.002-08:00

From now until December 18 we are collecting items needed like personal hygiene, games, books, snacks, entertainment items and cards for our troops over seas. Each of the two units we are sending are from Ohio. Help us help them and give them what they need this holiday season.

Have a happy holiday from your friends at Packrat!
- packratcomics.com

Black Friday Sale November 27 starts at 9am

2009-11-22T21:30:00.002-08:00

4th Annual October Free Comic Book Day

2009-10-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

COMICS FOR CANNED GOODS

October 24 from 11AM-7PM

3872 Lattimer Street, Hilliard , Ohio 43026

(614) 527-8450 www.packratcomics.com

Comics for Canned Goods, get free comics &

buy select comics for canned goods

Free food, candy & hot apple cider!All non-perishable food items to be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

So far we have raised over 1500lbs of canned goods for local churches and food banks! Thank you all for your continued generous support!

Pre Mid-Ohio Comic Con Party

2009-09-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Pre Mid-Ohio Comic Con Party at Packrat Comics

October 2, 2009 @7:00pm

The 29th annual Mid Ohio Con really begins on Friday night with the House of Power party hosted by and at Packrat Comics, Hilliard' finest and most indy friendly comic book shop. The guys at the HOP not only will have FREE FOOD AND DRINKS , but also has the rock band Seven Book Trilogy. Open to fans and pros alike. 4,000 square foot of comic paradise!

GUEST UPDATE****Marv Wolfman, Joe Jusko and more!

Free Food,Drinks & Free Transportation from the Convention Center
Comic Book Poker Tournament Buy In 35 dollar back issues for only $25.00.
And don't forget the Annex with over 200,000 comic books for only a dollar each!

Reserve your exclusive Mid-Ohio/Packrat ComicsTales Of Awesome #1 Variant Cover by Columbus Ohio's local Mutant Cactus Comics. With the amazing pencils, inks and colors by our very own Robert Gant and final touches by Danny Cooper. There is only one way to get a copy of this snazzy book. How is that you ask? All VIP Weekend Pass holders for this years Mid-Ohio-Con will receive this book for FREE!!! That's right, FREE!!! It is limited to only 100 copies so order your VIP Pass NOW!!!

3872 Lattimer Street, Hilliard , Ohio 43026
www.packratcomics.com
(614) 527-8450

Blackest Night Party

2009-07-13T08:56:00.000-07:00

Blackest Night Party at Packrat Comics

July 18, 2009 5-10pm

Special Guest former Green Lantern Artist Darryl Banks, Teen Titans writer, Sean McKeever, Sean Forney, Uko Smith, and more!

5-10pmLive Bands starting at 6PM

First Annual Comic Book Poker Tournament Buy In 35 dollar back issues for only $25.00
And maybe a comedian that doesn't suck this time!

And don't forget the Annex with over 125,000 comic books for only a dollar each!

Print out this flyer for instore coupons for Saturday!

3872 Lattimer Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026
www.packratcomics.com
(614) 527-8450

New in Annex

2009-04-23T11:03:00.001-07:00

100,000 New Back Issues, FCBD & Nerd Day

Annex Update
Over 100,000 books added to the annex, I guess since we weren't planning on sorting the books down there anytime soon, Jamie thought it'd be a good idea to add a few more. We just purchased over 250 long boxes and many of them are full of silver and bronze age books. All these are in the annex and only $1.00.

After popping the lid on a few of the boxes I saw stuff like Frank Miller's Sin City, 300, Original Watchmen, Garth Ennis Punisher, 12 & 25 cent Batman, Flash, Superman, X-Men, and Miracleman from Alan Moore, and tons of other great stuff. So get on down there and get it before Jamie gets a chance to pull it out. It's all open and ready to go.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
Saturday May 2, 2009 our doors open at 10am for Free Comic Book Day. A special guest appearance from Mickey Mouse, Kung Fu Panda, Spiderman and who ever else wants to show up in costume.

Stay late on free comic book day for the first annual Nerd Night Saturday May 2, from 6-9 for more free comic books, live music, stand up comedians, pizza, Super Smash Brothers Brawl tournament and much much more. (okay not sure how much more, but I'm sure we'll think of something, oh yes I remember....Watchmen French Fries, does it get any more nerdy, I think not!).

Free Comic Book Day May 2nd at Packrat Comics

2009-04-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

3872 Lattimer
Street, Hilliard,
Ohio 43026

(614) 527-8450

www.packratcomics.com

-
Starts at 10am and ends after Nerd
Night

-
Special Guest Appearance from Mickey
Mouse, Kung Fu Panda and Spiderman – Bring your camera

-
Nerd Night starts at 6pm –
join us for live bands, stand up comedians and a Super Smash Brothers Brawl
tournament

-
Annex will be open for tens of
thousands of comics that are on sale for only $1.00 each

-
Sales too good to be announced

-
Check back for more details

-
Artists interested in setting up let
us know, we’ve got a few spaces to accommodate you

-
This years charity is for
Make-A-Wish, a local second grader with cystic fibrosis, whose wish is to go to
Broadway, help us and Mickey make her dream come true!

New at Annex

2009-02-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

5000 new $1.00 book will be added Friday + Added to silver back issues now! Amazing Spiderman 13,14,100,129,300,Hulk 102,141,Giant Size X Men 1,Conan 1,X Men 94,Ghost Rider 1,1966 and so much more.See you soon.

Annex Grand Opening!

2009-01-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday, February 7, 2009

10am-7pm

Over 2500 SQ FT of Space added to Packrat,

thousands of comics only $1.00 each!

Great Comics at

Bargain Basement Prices!

Supply Sale

Buy 1 Save 10%

Buy 2 Save 15%

Buy 3 Save 20%

Buy 4 Save 25%

Special Case Prices -too cheap tp publish

Www.PackratComics.com

3872 Lattimer Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026

(614) 527-8450

Black Friday Sale!

2008-11-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Four Hours Only!
November 28, 2008 3:00pm - 7:00pm

3pm-4pm 50% OFF
4pm-5pm 40% OFF
5pm-6pm 30% OFF 6pm-7pm 20% OFF

Sale does not apply to new arrival comics and trade paperbacks, subscriptions, special orders or gift certificates. Subscribers must be in good standing to receive sale discount.( No Books in pull ) Sale discount is not cumulative with subscriber discount.

Packrat Comics
3872 Lattimer Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026 (614) 527-8450
http://www.packratcomics.com/

Midnight Madness Sale

2008-10-26T09:07:00.001-07:00

Join us this November 01, 2008 from 11 pm to 1 am for our MIDNIGHT MADNESS SALE where we will have over 25,000 comics on sale for only $1.00 each , 30% off Selected Trade paperbacks. And much,much more!

Free Comic Book Day in October

2008-10-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

COMICS FOR CANNED GOODS

October 25 from 10AM-7PM

3872 Lattimer Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026

(614) 527-8450 www.packratcomics.com

Comics for Canned Goods, get free comics & buy select comics for canned goods

Costume Contest (0-12 from 12pm-1pm, 13 & up 2pm-3pm) prizes awarded, entry fee canned good item

Free food, candy & hot apple cider!

All non-perishable food items to be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

Marysville Shop Closing

2008-07-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

Due to the record gas prices and a sharp decline in economic growth and shutdown of serval Honda facilities, it is with great remorse that I will be closing my Marysville store and the last day of business there will be July 31.

Please note that the Hilliard store is still very very strong and continues to grow, so rest assured that I plan on being in business for the long haul. Getting through the rough economic times will ensure the future success of expansion as I do plan on returning to Marysville.

In addition, I am in the process of revamping the website for even more convienent online ordering from www.packratcomics.com so please check it out soon.

I want to thank you for your support and I look forward to continuing my serivece to you in the future.

Sincerely,

Jamie

PS -
With gas prices at an all time high and slow econmic growth, we are sad to announce that our Marysville store will be closing July 31. And since we hate packing...from now until we close, take 40% off all items in stock (excluding trade paperbacks, new comics shipping this week and next). All comics on the wall other than new issues will only be $1.00! THIS SALE IS IN MARYSVILLE ONLY

Summer Sizzler Sale Continues to July 3

2008-06-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

Due to the many requests received today we will continue the sale until next Thursday. So all comics under $10 are only $1.00, Over $10 are half off, in addition all Silver Age comics are 50% off as well.

Books purchased for $1.00 today:

Amazing Spiderman #22

Amazing Spiderman #124

Amazing Spiderman #130

Amazing Spiderman #133

Batman #106Batman #115

Showcase Presents #67

Superman #109

Superman #106

Action Comics #276

Action Comics #290

Green Lantern #14

Green Lantern #57

Various autographed comics, variant covers and other cool stuff!!

So stop by this week and check out these amazing comics and find some treasure for your collection!!!

Summer Sizzler Summer Sizzler Sale

2008-06-20T09:02:00.003-07:00

After buying collections all year, join us June 28 for our first look
through these amazing collections. All back issues are only $1.00 each!

Write an Ad & Win!!!

2008-06-13T10:47:00.001-07:00

Write an Ad & Win!!!
So if you haven't heard it by now, we'll tell you...we've been advertising on CD101 for the past several months with an ad Jamie wrote. We'd like to update the ad and thought 'Hey, let's make a contest out of it'. So here we are... your mission, submit a commerical to us by June 30th and the winner gets to go to CD101 and watch it being produced or if you want to do the voice over work you can do that as well and have it played on CD101.
Simply, write a sixty second ad for Packrat where our name must be mentioned at least 8 times.
Submit either a script or audio copy to us along with your choice of radio personality and background music by June 30.
We pick the winner by July 1 and you go to CD101 to get your ad produced.
Feel free to ask us if you have any questions via the myspace or email to packratcomics@sbcglobal.net.
Thanks for playing.

Spring Sale

2008-04-26T13:36:00.002-07:00

MONDAY / TUESDAY SPRING CLEANING SALE

It’s a once in a lifetime sale at both packrat comics locations. Monday in Marysville and Tuesday in Hilliard save 40% off select new comic books! Don’t miss this amazing sale!

Marysville—109 E. 5th Street, Marysville, Ohio 43040/(937) 642-0492
Hilliard—3872 Lattimer Street, Hilliard, Ohio 43026/(614) 527-8450

Free Comic Book Day

2008-04-26T13:36:00.001-07:00

REAL SUPERHERO HONORED BY LOCAL COMIC BOOK SHOPS ON SATURDAY MAY 3rd

The first Saturday in May represents a holiday for comic fans across the world know as Free Comic Book Day, where participating comic store retailers distribute free comics to anyone with no strings attached. A day where anyone can read about and dream of becoming superheroes, introducing millions to the unique art form and storytelling method that has delighted and inspired millions more.

This year however, Free Comic Book Day has a new meaning in the eyes of the local comic stores in Columbus, as they will all be honoring a very special local hero. On April 10, 2008 Diane Sharp, a crossing guard at Scioto Darby Elementary school in Hilliard, was killed saving the life of Christian Engle, a second grader. Sharp was very heroic and tried to protect the child with her own body and in the end, sacrificed her life to save another.

Jamie Colegrove, owner of Packrat Comics located near Scioto Darby Creek Elementary, said “It truly was amazing how quickly Diane reacted to protect Christian we wanted to honor her sacrifice and heroism.” Colegrove continued “Free Comic Book Day seemed like an excellent opportunity to acknowledge her as our own superhero.”

All comic retailers in the community whole heartedly agreed. Each of the participating stores in Columbus will be accepting donations on behalf of the Sharp and Engle families for both the Key Bank and Fifth Third Funds recently established. In addition, many of the stores will be contributing and offering other opportunities for all patrons to enjoy.

So on Saturday, May 3rd, stop by your local comic shop, get a free comic and support this true superhero and those she left behind.

Super Sunday Supply Sale

2008-01-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

Join us in Hilliard or Marysville for this Super Sunday Supply Sale this Sunday, February 3, 2008 from 12-5pm!

An over stock at our suppliers warehouse means huge savings for you. While supplies last Comics Bags & Boards, Short Boxes, Long Boxes, Drawer Boxes on sale—save up to 25%.

And while we're at we might as well have a sale on back issues. Check out our back issue sale & get 30 back issues for only $25, 60 for only $50 and an amazing 120 back issues for only $100!*

Supply Sale
Buy 1 save 10%
Buy 2 save 15%
Buy 3 save 20%
Buy 4 or more save 25%

Special Case Prices—too cheap to publish

Be sure to stop by for even more unadvertised sales too good to miss!

*Sale does not apply to Silver Age comics

Thank you for you generosity...

2007-10-28T10:29:00.001-07:00

We'd like to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who came out yesterday in support of the food drive we hosted yesterday. We filled 6 large boxes full with canned goods and other non-perishable food items that will be headed out to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank later this week. Thanks to Uko and M.a.d., Zone Troopers and Sean Fornery for thier time and sharing their art work with us. A speical thanks goes out to Matt & James for teaching all the kids how to play D&D and Heroclix during our demos. I'm sure we've begun to create several future gamers from the fun they all had Saturday. Also, thanks goes out to Donna and Chris for bringing in food for our after hours party and Chris W. for the Guitar Hero fun had by all (even though nobody wanted to play against him due to his skill.)

Again, thanks for all of your generousity, you have made hungry people happy, artists egos inflated and shop keepers satisfied with another wonderful party where fun was had by all.

And if you didn't get your free comics or superhero buttons, stop by Chick-fill-a on Monday, Oct. 29 when we will be there during the school spirit night spreading the joy of collecting and reading comics.

Marysville Store Now Open

2007-10-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

The permits with the city have been approved, vendor's license has been posted and comics are on the wall. Packrat Comics at 109 E. Fifth Street in Marysville will be officially open for business on October 17 at 1pm. The normal hours will be from 11am-7pm Monday-Saturday and 12-5pm on Sundays. On Wednesday we will be opening at 1pm as the new comics will be sorted at the Hilliard location until further notice.

It just so happens that the 17th is Bobby's birthday so he has already claimed ownership to this store once we retire or should some horrific accident befalls both Jamie and I. So be nice to the 12 year old.

Hope to see you all there soon!

2nd Store for Packrat!!

2007-10-08T03:42:00.000-07:00

Marysville Ohio Here We Come 2nd Store for Packrat

That's right, we are opening another store in Marysville, Ohio. The new location should be officially open by November 1, 2007, however we may be ready as early as next Monday. The location of the store is 109 East Fifth Street in the heart of downtown Marysville.

So all to our fans out in the Marysville and the surrounding area, "There's no need to fear, Packrat Comics will soon be there!"

Halloween Party at Studio 35

2007-09-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

This sounds like it's going to be a fun party. Hope you get a chance to check it out.

October 14th - 12pm-6pm Studio 353055 Indianola Avenue

Movies
Night of the Hell Hamsters (Feature Length Indie Horror flick)
A Thousand Word: Bloodline (by popular demand Tempered Zealot's award winning horror short - Won Best Horror Short and Best Music)
W.O.R.M. - Horror short out of Chicago by Anthony Sumner
The Cleaner - Horror Short by Chopping Block Films out of Kansas
We will also have J.D. doing caricatures of people (in horror style) and he'll be selling some of his art.
We will have a Costume Contest
Studio 35 has concessions like Pizza and Beer and subs and stuff like that.
----------------------
Contact Justin at justin@temperedzealot.com with any questions.

What are you playing?

2007-09-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

So, what is it you'd like to see us carry for our gaming line, Warhammer 40k, Heroescape, Card Games, Board Games, etc? Help us stock the items, factions, teams and supplies you want. Use this blog to post what you want us to carry - you post it here it's at the shop.

TEN HOUR TENT SALE SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 22

2007-09-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Join us this Saturday, September 22 from 10am-8pm for our first annual tent sale.
*Select action figures and stautes will be discounted from 10-50% off
*Back issues on sale for $1.00 (under $10 are only $1.00, over $10 are half off)
*Loose action figures starting at only $1.00
*Free Kung-Fu lessons throughout the day from our friends at Columbus Martial Arts Center
And much more.

Come Game with Us

2007-09-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

Come Game with Us

Established in 1993, Packrat Comics is a full service comic book shop on the Northwest of Columbus, in Hilliard, Ohio. As we've continued to grow our core product line of comics, toys, graphic novels and other pop culture related merchandise, we've realized there is a need for a family friendly gaming environment in Columbus. To that end, we are pleased to announce that effective October 1, 2007 we will be expanding our selection to include role playing games, from Warhammer to D&D and Heroclix to Magic the Gathering and more. The full line of games should be in stock just in time for our Free Comic Book Day Halloween Style scheduled for October 27 where we will be trading comics for canned goods. With the holiday season upon us we are working to help stock the local food pantry by collecting canned goods, the donation is not mandatory, but is appreciated. During the October 27 FCBD event we will be hosting a costume contest, gaming & demos (game entry fees will also be canned goods) along with a huge sale on comics, toys and statues. So mark your calendar for October 27 and come game with us!

Would you like to see a certain game demo or tournament, just let us know. The final schedule of events will be up by October 20, so get your requests in early.

In the mean time, join us September 22 from 10am to 8pm, for our TEN HOUR TENT SALE with action figures, statues and games up to 50% off and comics starting at $1.00 each. For additional information on this event and other fun stuff, check us out on line at www.packratcomics.com.
Packrat Comics, helping you let your inner geek run wild!!!