Happy Birthday to the Wonderful Vita Ayala

Archer: Hey, isn't that Vita Ayala, writer of the Livewire series?
Faith: Yes it is. Isn't she wonderful?
Archer: I loved all the mythology that informed her stories.
Faith: Yes, that was neat. Isn't she wonderful?
Archer: Hey, isn't it her birthday today?
Faith: Yes, it is. Isn't that wonderful?
Archer: Well, she certainly is.
Faith: Hey, watch it, Bub. You're with me!

Happy Ash Wednesday

Giving up something for Lent is a good idea.

Just remember to pace yourself.

And keep this one simple guideline in mind:

Never give up Valiant Comics for Lent!

More Valiant Goodness at Knowhere Games & Comics

If you thought that was all the Valiant goodness to be found at Knowhere Games & Comics, you weren't alone. On a return visit last weekend, I discovered another room in this modest sized shop filled with more Valiant goodness.
 

Next to a bookshelf advertising the popular Divinity series, I found a standee/bookshelf from a prior Bloodshot series displaying more Valiant titles.
 

I even found this powerful standee from the Livewire series that finished late last year.  

Out on the main shop floor, I found the new Quantum & Woody #1 highlighted. Alongside it was a variant cover that shop owner Mathias flew in especially from the east coast just because he liked it so much. (Or because his regulars demanded it?)
 

I've never purchased a travel case to transport my comics to signings before. But I found this Store-Folio sporting the beautiful cover of X-O Manowar Volume 4 #1, and had to pick it up. Now I can safely take ten or twelve comics with me somewhere if I want to get them signed. Maybe someday I can get writer Matt Kindt to sign it for me. 

Oh, and this collectible pin for my man Bloodshot somehow found its way into my bag too.

Best of all, store owner Mathias even hooked me up with this variant cover for X-O Manowar Vol. 4 #1. Not only is this cover beautifully drawn, but including my original, and the two Collectors' Paradise editions, I now have at least four different versions of this debut issue!

I'm beginning to wonder if Knowhere Games & Comics isn't dimensionally transcendental like the Doctor's TARDIS. One thing's for sure: if I discover even more amazing Valiant goodness on a future store visit, I'll let you know!

Dragon Dave

Related Links:
Knowhere Games & Comics

Archer And Faith Talk Cosplay With Joshua Dysart

Archer: Do you think we'll see someone cosplaying Bloodshot, like in Bloodshot #5?
Faith: That was a pretty fun moment, wasn't it?

Faith: Say, is that Valiant writer Joshua Dysart?
Archer: Where?
Faith: Over there!

Archer: Oh, in that booth. Yes, I think it is!
Faith: Let's ask him if he's seen anyone cosplaying Bloodshot.

Archer: What did he mean, "No, but I've seen some cute knitted figures?"
Faith: Not a clue.
Archer: He couldn't have been referring to us, could he?
Faith: Not a chance. We're totally badass.

Of Clams And Trials

What?

No new issues out from Valiant this week?

What kinda crazy clambake is that?

Wow.

That Impeachment business affects everything.

A Visit to Knowhere Games and Comics

I don't often write about a visit to a comic book shop, but Knowhere Games and Comics really impressed me. First, I saw this life-size picture of Aric of Dacia, aka X-O Manowar, on the front window. 

Inside, I found a large standee announcing Aric's new series, coming later this year.
 

A banner of favorite character Ninjak hung overhead, too large to capture easily in one photo, but oh-so-beautiful to look at. 

The signage didn't stop there. Each Valiant title had a little shelf sign, to tempt readers to explore beyond their normal Marvel and DC favorites.
 

Even Livewire, who many retailers seemed reluctant to stock or promote, had a prominent place on the shelves.
 

Naturally, Aric's presence was trumpeted as well.
 

I especially liked this book display for Bloodshot. With the major motion picture starring Vin Diesel arriving in cinemas in March, and a new series by writer Tim Seeley currently rocking the shelves, there's never been a better time to learn more about this super-soldier hero aided by microscopic robots.
 

I even discovered a few Valiant gems in the $1 bins. Sweet!

If you live in San Diego, or travel to the region for business or pleasure, you won't find a shop that displays more Valiant love than Knowhere Games and Comics. If you're looking for exclusive store variants, or wish to attend an author or artist signing, contact the store for more information. You can reach them at:

744 Grand Ave., Suite 102
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 891-8333

Or check out their website: www.knowheregamesandcomics.com

Tell 'em X-O Manowar sent ya!

Dragon Dave

Children's Hour With Bloodshot

"Once upon a time, there was a soldier called Bloodshot.

He had these really small machines in his body.

These teeny, tiny robots were called Nanites, and--

Oh, that's the Nanites in action.

See, they're healing him so he can fight on.

I'm sure it is painful, but that's what makes Bloodshot great.

He fights on despite the pain, and never gives up.

Now, let me see. Where was I?

Oh yes. One day, Bloodshot..."