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This week's episode is the direct result of a simple conversation at a convention almost 7 years ago.

Flash back to 2012 to the Hynes Convention Center at a show formerly known as "The Boston Comic Con". While wandering around looking for excuses to spend money I didn't have, I noticed Alex chatting with an artist and decided I'd go over and partake in some not-so-subtle eavesdropping. About 30 minutes later we walked away from this table, both with pages of original art in our hands and both of our wallets a little bit lighter. And both with huge smiles on our faces. 

We didn't quite know it at the time, but the two of us had just experienced one of the most memorable moments we'd ever have at a convention. And it was all because of this week's guest: the incredibly talented Jim Calafiore.

For those unaware, Jim is an artist who has worked on books like Leaving Megalopolis/Surviving Megalopolis, Secret Six, Red Lanterns, Exiles, and many more. A true veteran of the industry, Jim is as humble as he is talented and is always a welcome sight whenever we spot him and his ever-growing splatter-print collection at conventions.

Be sure to check out his website HERE and stop by his table sometime if you see him at a show. With convention season gearing up there's a very good chance you'll have your own opportunity to create some memorable moments you'll recall for years to come.

Enjoy!

-Jr.

Direct download: 3.15.2019_Episode_365.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 12:29pm EDT
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If you follow us on any of the various social mediums you probably noticed we were spamming you pretty hard with links a few days ago. We apologize for the spam. Just know that it was justified in the fact that we got to try something new with a good friend of ours. If you happened to click on any of those links you'll know what I'm talking about but for those still in the dark here's a rundown:

Three years ago we first talked with artist Tony Moy after tabling a few spots down from him at Boston Comic Con. He came on the show, fun was had, much rejoicing. Seeing as it had been some time since we last talked we thought it would be neat to catch up. Tony agreed and also had the idea of streaming the interview live on his fancy Twitch channel so we figured what the hell. What's the worst that could happen? We say something stupid? Embarrass ourselves live in front of a bunch of people? No way. We've been doing this for too long to make rookie mistakes like that!

Famous last words, amirite?

Nah we kid. We had a blast and we can't thank Tony and his fans enough for the opportunity to entertain in a live environment. Be sure to check out his Twitch channel HERE and maybe toss a follow/sub his way. Until then, check out our talk with Tony as we catch up and find out what he's been up to these last 3 years.

Enjoy!

-Jr.

Direct download: 9.27.2018_Episode_341.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 10:23pm EDT
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I don't own the largest collection of convention sketches by any means and in recent years getting sketches by artists at conventions has taken a backseat to other "more important" things like "food" and "a mortgage". And after buying a house I had to make some decisions as to what sketches will go up on the walls and what sketches will be archived in my portfolio. Some decisions were harder than others; but one of the easiest ones was the sketch Tom Raney drew for me from Boston Comic Con a few years back. I mean look at this thing:

Logan

It's beautiful. And it deserves to be displayed. 

With all that said we have some exciting stuff for you this week because Tom Raney himself gave us some time out of his busy schedule and let us do what we do best: Ask weird questions and gush over his talents.

You can check out Tom and his work on the various social mediums and even better there's a good chance you'll be able to see him at a convention near you (Hint: He's going to be at NYCC in a few weeks). Don't miss out!

Enjoy!

-Jr.

Direct download: 9.13.2018_Episode_339.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 8:42pm EDT
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In what could be considered one of the largest upsets of the last decade the unthinkable has happened. For the first time since 2010 we failed to make an appearance at the Boston Comic Con. We know. This is both extremely shocking and upsetting. But we're working through it and we're moving on.

Since we weren't going to be able to partake in the annual Boston festivities we decided to make it a learning opportunity. A few weeks ago our friend and OMV veteran Colen ventured down to Virginia to attend the 2nd edition of Blerdcon. Being two old men who rarely venture outside of the New England area for conventions Alex and I were eager to hear about Colen's experiences at a show that runs for 72 straight hours without stopping for rest.

If listening to us ramble for the next hour has you interested in the show, be sure to check out their site for updates or even take a look at this video made by our old pal Micah for a more visual representation of Blerdcon to go along with Colen's review.

Enjoy!

-Jr.

Direct download: 8.12.2018_Episode_334.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 7:33pm EDT
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Among his many talents, our pal Joe has a knack for spotting truly remarkable creators while walking the aisles in Artist Alley. And among my many talents, I have a knack for listening to him when he tells me he thinks he found someone I should check out. A prime example of this would be this week's guest Nooligan. During one of our ventures to Boston Comic Con a few years ago Joe pointed me in the direction of Nooligan's table and since then the entire OMV gang has amassed a trove of prints, books, sketches, and pins. I think it's safe to say Joe was right again.

Join us this week as we learn more about the artist behind the name and how he found success with a unique style, a chill mentality, and some Chuck Taylors.

Enjoy!

-Jr.

Direct download: 3.13.2018_Episode_313.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 2:25pm EDT
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The Boston Comic Con (or Fan Expo Boston?) was this past weekend and for the first time in 3 years we were finally at full power again. Our time at the BCC is always a positive experience but as we get older and our schedules line up less and less it can be difficult to get the whole metaphorical "gang" together at the same time for more than a few hours. And let's face it: When we can get the whole group together that "positive experience" turns into an amazing experience that legitimately resonates for weeks after it's over. Sadly the past couple years one or two of us couldn't make the trip due to schedule conflicts and while we still manage to enjoy the show there's definitely a noticeable void left by our missing crew member. But this year? The stars aligned. The schedules were free. And it was good.

In fact, it was more than good. Because not only did the Core 5 manage to sync up once again, but we had a 6th member join us on our annual trip to our favorite city to the north. Someone who had to fly over an entire ocean to get here. Someone who, despite having met some of us only hours beforehand fit right into the group with almost no effort at all and even though it was her first comic con ever she handled it like a damn champ and is already looking for more.

Tune in this week as we're joined by the lovely Sinéad Spelman as we recap our experiences from this past weekend at the Boston Comic Con!

Enjoy!

-Jr.

Direct download: 8.17.2017_Episode_283.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 3:08pm EDT
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"Hey man, did you see that?"

A common phrase muttered among us and our friends when we make the annual excursion out to the bay for the Boston Comic Con. With all of the incredible talent literally lined up in front of us every year, ensuring your friends witness that amazing thing you saw a minute ago is a top priority.

Last year, a prime example of "Hey man, did you see that?" was LA based artist Kris Kehasukjaren aka Kehasuk. His use of color and detail combined with his ability to tell a detailed story within a single image had all of us blown away. A quick visit to his website will show you exactly what I'm talking about as both fans of Japanese animation and nostalgic characters should have no trouble finding a piece they can relate to.

After having the opportunity to meet him last year at BCC and spending the better part of the ensuing months admiring his work on Instagram, Kris was kind enough to join us this week so we could dive a bit deeper into his creative process and get to know the man behind the works of Kehasuk. Check out his website linked above, find him on Instagram and keep your eyes peeled for those 24 hour sales; outside of catching Kris at a show it's the best chance you'll have to snag a piece of his work.

Enjoy!

-Jr.

Direct download: 8.10.2017_Episode_282.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 4:43pm EDT
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I can't remember if it was Bob Ross who coined the term "happy accident" but for now I'm gonna go ahead and say it was.

This episode could be considered one of those happy accidents. In the best way...because a few times now we've seen this great Tony Stark cosplayer tearing through Boston Comic Con. His outfit consists of maybe some boots, maybe some gauntlets, some sunglasses, and that sweet case of armor from Iron Man 2. To put it bluntly, it's awesome. The handful of times we've been able to talk to him were great and it was evident he was a rad dude so obviously we were going to try to get him on the show.

Cut to Alex doing his thing and hunting the internet for contact info when he stumbles upon his Facebook page and what does he see? It turns out this guy is HUGE into the haunt life and has been working at various haunts for more years than I can count. So initially we sent out to have him on the show because of his spot-on Tony Stark...and found out that we could potentially have a new guest for our month of Spooky.

You see? Happy accidents.

-Jr.

Direct download: 10.4.2016_Episode_239.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 4:29pm EDT
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While wandering around the aisles of the Boston Comic Con last month I saw my partner in podcasting crime engaged in what looked to be a hearty conversation full of wonder and laughs. As I made my approach Alex noticed me and eagerly invited me to join in. I believe his exact words were something like "HEY. LOOK WHO IT IS!"

It was our pal Israel from Skelton Crew Studios. After exchanging the usual pleasantries Israel started to hint that there were big things on the horizon for him and The Crew. This resulted in the exchanging of the usual obscenities (all from me) and desperate attempts to coax out whatever secrets he was hiding. But alas. His resolve proved to be unmatched.

But that was last month. Time has passed. Contracts have been signed. New collectibles are coming. And Israel joined us this week to give us the 4-1-1 on some of them.

My wallet is already aching in the best way.

-Jr.

Direct download: 9.22.2016_Episode_236.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 3:05pm EDT
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My computer was determined to stop this episode from happening. First I was almost late getting to Alex's place because of an update that held up my laptop from shutting down. Then during setup it had to then install said update.

Which took over an hour.

It even gave me the fantastic message of "Do not turn off your computer. This will take a while." Thanks for the heads up, laptop.

Lucky for us our guest this week was super patient and had no problem engaging in some casual bullshitting while we waited for my computer to finish pooping its metaphorical pants. We've mentioned our pal Kirby a few times in the past. He's another employee of the Boston Comic Con and while that's rad he's also a journeyman who loves to travel to conventions all over the country.

So we talked about that. And it was good.

-Jr.

Direct download: 9.17.2016_Episode_235.mp3
Category:Comics Movies & Videogames -- posted at: 11:32pm EDT
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