Store Review: BRAINSTORM COMICS- Wicker Park, Chicago

I wrote this review back in April 2013 before I had the blog up. I've updated it at the end.

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Store Review: BRAINSTORM COMICS- Wicker Park, Chicago 04.20.13

I took a trip to Wicker Park's BRAINSTORM COMICS this past week. What I found was a pleasant comic buying experience in a solid shop.

It's a nice size, and features the usual racks of current issues. I don't really buy a lot of that stuff, but if that's what you're looking for it's there.

As for the things I like, it goes a little something like this:

They had nice-sized stacks (6-12 issue) of many BRONZE AGE titles, reading copies mostly. The prices were good. I generally expect to pay $2-5 per issue (unless it's something special), and that's about what they had. Picked up CONAN 53, 54, 83, 99- they had at least another 10 issues for sale. Picked up SGT. FURY 110, 126- they had an above average stack of SGT FURY issues, including some early ones.

A big score for me was a beater copy of MONSTERS ON THE PROWL #27 from 1973 (reprinting a Jack Kirby monster story from 1963). I've started collecting a lot of Marvel's Bronze-Age horror and monster comics, which can be hard to find these days.

I'm one step closer to my goal of getting every Marvel NEW UNIVERSE comic,
picking up NIGHTMASK #6.

And finally, and this is huge, I picked up 5 back issues of NATIONAL LAMPOON comedy magazine! Aug 1971, Sep 1971, Dec 1971, Nov 1977, April 1978. $1 each!

I had always heard about this magazine, which was responsible for spawning such comedy classics as ANIMAL HOUSE and VACATION. The comedy is purely demented 70's! There's a sort-of Playboyish overtone to the magazine, but also mixed with some real oddball shit. Too cool! And I true find, as I am beginning to venture into the world of comedy writing myself.

They had some late 90's back issues of 2000AD. A mouth-watering stack of KAMANDI, which I may raid if it's there on a future expedition. Some back issues of DOCTOR WHO magazine that looked good. A pretty cool video section, and they offer rentals.

Anyway, I purchased about a quarter of the stuff I wanted, which is a good, solid ratio. This seems like a place I am definitely gonna hit 2 or 3 times a year. I walked out with a nice stack of things I wanted...all for $17!

Brainstormmcg.Com 
BRAINSTORM MOVIES, COMICS & GAMING

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UPDATE: BRAINSTORM has moved a few blocks up to the Flat Iron Fine Arts Building 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. They traded their street level location for a third floor suite (#321). The new space seems spacious, light and airy.

The selection remains good. This trip I scored back issue reading copies of KAMANDI (yum!), Don McGregor's KILLRAVEN and SGT FURY, all off the wall for $2-3 bucks an issue.

I just took a quick glance at their DVD rental section, and they have a nice amount of racks. Based upon the rest of the store I'm sure they've got a lot of  good and obscure titles. Their flier boasts of having hundreds and hundreds of horror films.

The counter guy is very amiable and helpful. If you're a real comics head you'll enjoy this store!

Recommended film: TREK NATION (2011)

If you're a fan of the STAR TREK universe, it's worth giving the film TREK NATION a viewing. I caught it streaming on Netflix.

To the extent that I've cared, I've been mildly dissatisfied with most documentaries about and media portrayals of STAR TREK fandom. While at times funny, they often come across as juvenile and rarely focus on the deeper philosophical appeal of STAR TREK. This documentary does the subject matter justice.

It follows STAR TREK creator Gene Roddenberry's son Rod as he attempts to learn more about his father by speaking with those affected by the show: writers, actors and the fans.

Roddenberry passed away at age 70 when his son was just 17 and going through a rebellious stage. The two never had that period of reconciliation and deeper bonding that likely would have occurred with time.

I learned a lot of behind-the-scenes information by watching this film. Of course, the brief interview with STAR WARS creator George Lucas speaking about the influence of STAR TREK on him also stands out.

This film will remind you of why we all fell in love with this iconic series in the first place.

http://treknationmovie.com/ 

And if you're looking for the stand out film on STAR TREK fandom (and sci-fi fandom in general) it's always worth giving this classic a whirl!

I didn't know Tim Allen had it in him! I thought this film was very well cast.