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Downtown Frederick's Only Comic Shop

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Why Aren't You Reading?

Did You Know….?

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Brainstorm Comics and Gaming loves reminding or introducing lovers of the medium to stories they may have forgotten over the years or perhaps were never introduced to.  As a result of that, we’ve decided to do an (infrequent) post here and there dredging up some great pieces that aren’t mentioned as much as they probably should be.

Up first in this line of articles is Supreme by Alan Moore.  Rob Liefeld, creator of the character, realized it needed a facelift and called in one of the biggest, if not THE biggest, writer in the industry and Moore worked magic on the title.  This was a love letter to everything the writer loved about comics and the Silver Age in particular.

Yes, Supreme is an analog for Superman which causes the mind to instantly go to words like “ripoff” or “knockoff,” not flattering words at all, but that would be selling the title and what was accomplished short.  Besides, sometimes the knockoff is better than the original–just ask Oreo.  It was a critique on the industry, where it had gone, and an apology of sorts for his own influence on that state of affairs.  More than two decades prior to Doomsday Clock, Alan Moore was already questioning the impact of Watchmen and V for Vendetta.

Moore has a reputation for writing dark stories, but that isn’t the full scope of his writing.  Supreme showcases his true love of the industry, not just some small corner of it.  After this he followed it up with the ABC (America’s Best Comics) line which also demonstrated the full scale of his writing abilities–darker aspects with League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Top Ten and lighter tones with Tomorrow Stories and Tom Strong.

And Joe Bennett, the artist on Immortal Hulk, kicked it off with issue 41.  So if you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia, mixed with a critique on the industry, along with a self-evalution of the impact Alan Moore had on the industry, and finally with a dash of comic book history, definitely check this out.  It’ll require some digging as the trade paperbacks are currently out of stock, but it’s worth the hunt.  In the meantime, check out this excellent blog about the series — http://forgottenawesome.blogspot.com/2017/07/moore-on-supreme-41-46.html

As always, thank you for reading.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Here at Brainstorm Comics and Gaming, we have much to be thankful for. We are fortunate to have a great staff that helps us further our reputation as a very friendly and helpful hobby store. Each and everyone of you who support the store makes it worthwhile for all of the effort we put into it. Calling you customers feels like a slight because it doesn’t encompass everything you mean to us. We know how invested you are in the Brainstorm name. You show it every day and it means more to us than you’ll ever truly know. The opening of our second store was a result of that loyalty and investment you have. All of you helped us build it as much as any of us as owners or employees. As we continue to build on that reputation, on that name, on that foundation, we hope you enjoy what we add. Thank all of you. Have a happy Thanksgiving.

Thank You

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Last night during Halloween we saw some great costumes but we also saw something more important–the foundation of the community we are building at our Walkersville location. It wasn’t those who showed for the dice purification or Halloween themed board game night–but that is part of it. The part that drove it home for John and Eva were the trick or treaters who not only braved the elements but offered us candy from their bags. Selflessness helps communities grow stronger. To show our appreciation, we are putting on a sale from November 1st through the 3rd.

30% off Graphic Novels

25% off back issue comics

15% off board games and roleplaying games

10% off dice and rpg miniatures

Thank you. Let’s continue building a community that welcomes everyone.

It’s Finally Here……SEPTEMBER 27TH, 2019

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Friday September 27th will be the opening day for the Walkersville location for Brainstorm Comics and Gaming.  It is a soft opening with the Grand Opening scheduled for November 25th.  We will have lots of events going on for the opening, so keep an eye out during the course of this week for announcements!

Our first major event will be the Pre-Release for Magic The Gathering’s Throne of Eldraine.  Friday and Saturday will be held at the Walkersville location (with seating up to 44 players) and Sunday being held at The Historic Haven.  The cost of the events are $25 each with pizza being provided for the Friday and Saturday ones.

FRIDAY begins at 7 pm, SATURDAY and SUNDAY both start at noon.

In addition, with a new location means new opportunities for employment. We are looking to hire 2 new employees.  Ideally I’m looking for more comic oriented people but am open to hearing from everybody as we are always eager to talk to those enthusiastic about the hobbies we love.

For those positions, it is important that you can work at either location depending on the needs of the store.  Whoever is hired may be working some shifts at the downtown Frederick location as well as the Walkersville one.  It is important that who we hire has flexibility in that regard.

The work requirements for the position are as follows:

  1. assisting customers
  2. previous retail experience
  3. a knowledge base of the products we carry
  4. outgoing/friendly
  5. stocking shelves
  6. receiving products
  7. alphabetizing comics and games
  8. ability to carry 50 pounds
  9. ability to work independently
  10. bagging and boarding comics
  11. cleaning–mopping and sweeping
  12. ability to travel to Baltimore occasionally
  13. ability to work 20 to 30 hours
  14. must be 18+

If you are interested in being a member of the Brainstorm Comics and Gaming family, either email us at [email protected], call us at 301-304-2407 or stop by the next location Monday, Wednesday or Thursday. 

Special First Saturday Weekend Sale!

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We realize we haven’t done a sale in a while and we wanted to thank you for your patience as we are preparing our massive 4200 square foot location in Walkersville (you guys and gals are going to love it).

So as a thank you, we are offering board games and roleplaying games (no Games Workshop related products or card games) at 15% off and graphic novels at 25% off.

Grab a game and/or a graphic novel, then hit one of the many other great stores or restaurants to grab a bite to eat in downtown Frederick. You can’t go wrong.

In the meantime, remember to vote for us in the Best of the Best voting.  Let Frederick know. Your vote is very important!

https://fnp.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-the-Best-2019-Voting-Final-Round/gallery?group=329362

Thank you for your continued support of the store.

Why Aren’t You Reading…..Gideon Falls?

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Why Aren’t You Reading…? is a series of videos where we pick up stories we think you would enjoy and give you our take on why we feel comic fans would feel it’s worth a read.  Some are old, some are new, all are entertaining.

Sorry for not having updated the website as we have been posting the videos on YouTube.  If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe to our channel over there so you don’t miss out on Brainstorm Comics and Gaming’s reviews of various stories we think you’d enjoy.

This review is for Gideon Falls.

In this story, we have two interconnecting stories.  If you enjoy conspiracy driven books with a dash of suspense and a hint of terror, this is going to be your type of book.  Secret societies!  A dark and mysterious past!  Murder!  It’s all here.

We follow two characters–a mentally unstable man with a penchant for collecting odds and ends from around the city; in addition to him, we have a priest who is sent to a town who lost their previous minister under mysterious circumstances.  How are they connected?  What is the larger story?  Watch the video below to get more information.

Gideon Falls is written by Jeff Lemire with art by Andrea Sorrentino.

Don’t miss out on this.