This week, we crossed the 20,000 subscriber mark on the Comics Are Dope YouTube channel. As I said on Threads, I don't think I've met 20 thousand people over my lifetime. The idea of that many people clicking the subscribe button after seeing me talk about fictional heroes in capes and tights is crazy to me. While I think every YouTuber (including me) dreams at least a tiny bit about having one of those 100,000 subscriber plaques; every subscriber on this journey feels like a gift I couldn't earn if I wanted to. Thank you for watching. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for recommending me to your friends. And most importantly, thank you for being here!

Your Questions, Answered... Finally!

To celebrate this awesome milestone, I FINALLY recorded the long-teased Q&A video! If you've ever wanted to know my thoughts on balancing family life and YouTube, my Mount Rushmore of superheroes, or my take on Peter Parker's favorite Rap album; this video will be a treat.

Kickster Act II: Back in the Habit

Round Two of the Equipment Fundraiser Sale (I've GOTTA come up with a better name for that) is finally underway. Having to put our minivan in the shop took my head out of the game last week, but we're back on track. I've added quite a few merch items (including a cool throw pillow), and more books from my personal collection (including a signed set of Bitter Root trade paperbacks and two Thor omnis). As time goes on, I imagine the needle will be moving a lot slower, but I'm still grateful for every ounce of support.

Sweetening the Pot

Thanks to our friends at Panel Bound Comics, everyone who supports the Fundraiser will have a chance at a weekly drawing for a $50 gift card to put toward brand new collected editions of their choice! Whether you make a one time donation, subscribe to the Patreon, or purchase a merchandise item -- every form of support is an entry! New winners will be selected every Monday for the next 10 weeks. HUGE thanks to JP and the team for putting this on! Also, PBC is running a 50% off sale on Vertigo titles that ends really soon, so you should jump on that!

A VERY SPECIAL Final Order Cutoff Shoutout

Once upon a time, I filmed a weekly show called F.O.C., where I shouted out comics with an upcoming pre-order deadline. It was too much to turn around on top of the weekly Pull List, but I still like to keep an eye on things. This weekend, a very special book is up for order.

A while back, I did a spotlight on a book called All-Negro Comics #1 - the first comic with an all Black creative team and publisher, released way back in 1947. Former Marvel Editor Chris Robinson spearheaded an effort to restore the book and bring it back to print for its 75th anniversary, and that collection won the 2024 Eisner Award for Best Archival Comic. Now, you can get your hands on a copy! Image Comics is publishing a trade paperback of the 75th anniversary collection for just $12.99!

The book would be special to me just as a piece of Black Comics history. But to make it even more awesome -- this book marks the first time I've had a Pull Quote on a cover! I'm on the back cover, with such great company as Stephanie Williams and Rob Markman! I couldn't be more honored to be one of the voices convincing people to buy this book, and I can't thank Chris enough for the inclusion. I get to tell my mom I'm on a Black History book! Go ahead and call your shop, as Monday is your last chance to pre-order.

Read Something Dope Today,

BJ KICKS