DepartmentsOlympia Comics Festival Saturday, June 9th!
Posted by Dan
June 5th, 2007
We are excited and proud to be a sponsor of the Olympia Comics Festival! It all goes down Saturday. We'll be having two of the Guests of Honor, Ivan Brunetti and Ellen Forney at the shop for signings! And, if you want to see more of them, head over to the festival.
IT WILL BE THE BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO YOU ALL DAY! Take my word for it.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is May 5th!
Posted by Patrick
Yes, friends, this year’s FCBD is coming up fast! Saturday, May 5th is gonna hit us like a ton of leftover Easter chocolate! SO MANY COMICS! Did I mention the “free” part of Free Comic Book Day?
The festivities kick off at 11:00 AM and wrap up around 4:00 PM – maybe later. We’ll also be handing ‘em out at the downtown Timberland Library. There may be some special surprises in the store, so plan your day carefully... once they’re gone, they’re gone.
For a complete list of the free comics and further information about this Grand Day, you can visit us or go to the official FCBD website or learn about sponsors.
We’ll see ya soon!
-Patrick
New For 2007
Posted by Patrick
January 24, 2007
Don’t believe the hype
We just got done with a hellish weekend of reorganizing the shop! It’s beautiful and roomy and much more happy! And we’re not even done yet. We’re gonna paint the interior in a couple of weeks, then we’re getting new shelves and a new sink and new computers and jetpacks and chair massages and – wait, I made up some of those. Regardless, it is all very exciting! Please come on in and tell us what we did wrong.
Plans for the Danger Room’s annual Stubby Awards are going forward! Come in during the month of February and vote on the best comics of 2006 – we’ll even bribe you with a free comic, just for exercising your democratic muscles!
That’s all for now. I hope we see ya soon! Peace y’all!
-Patrick
Danger Room Birthday Party!
Posted by Patrick
November 28, 2006
Friday, December 1st – all day long – we’ll be celebrating the Twelve-Year Anniversary of the Danger Room! 12 Freakin’ Years!!! I can hardly believe it! I’m all misty.
We’ll be offering cake and other fun stuff all day long – AND we will likely have some kind of crazy, big-ass SALE! What kind? Who knows? We play fast-and-loose here. Mm-hm, just the way you like it!
Starting around 6:00 PM, we’ll “light the drinking lamp” and begin the real party. Beer and root beer will be served, as well as any snacky-snacks we have laying around. Think of it as a Beer Social – not so much about the beer as the company and conversation. If it goes well, we may just begin a regular event; a monthly “Beer Night”, so to speak.
Please join us in helping to make this a happy and memorable event. See ya there!
-Patrick
Dame Darcy comes to the Danger Room!
Posted by Pat
November 6, 2006
On a whirlwind, national tour, the majestic, graceful and multi-talented Dame Darcy will be making a brief visit to our lucky shop – this Friday, November 10th! She'll be gracing us with our presence from 4 – 6pm Having just released her illustrated version of JANE EYRE, as well as a new musical cd from her band DEATH BY DOLL, Dame Darcy's star is on the rise.
Please come join us! We will have a laid-back, Oly-style event, which will allow our guest the opportunity to hold court, answer questions and – of course – show off her stuff. Any questions? Give us a call, or drop us a line!
See ya there!
-Patrick
NEW! 2006 Danger Room Shirts!
posted by Patrick
June 15, 2006
The Mighty Danger Room is proud to unveil our new shirts. Fine, fly apparel, for all you groovy cats and kittens. Special thanks and kudos to Jessica Abel, for providing the artwork – an amusing ‘pulpy’ self-portrait, which she revamped just for us! Please, try not to swoon in the store – we’re not equipped for that kind of thing. They are beautiful, are they not?
As you can see, it’s available in a variety of styles. Classic black tees, ladies’ cap-sleeves, hoodies (!) and the crown jewel: ladies’ 3/4 sleeve – pink & brown. (there’s also a blue tee, but no picture) I think you’ll agree that the prices are rock-bottom and the printing is top notch. I don’t think we're printing any more of these babies, so get ‘em while you can!
Hey, did you see that? Yeah, we made hoodies again. Yeah, we bad. Uh huh. So, how did we do? Like ‘em? Hate ‘em? Tell us what you think!
Things To Look Forward To!
posted by Pat
March 1, 2006
We’re just about to wrap up the balloting for our Annual Stubby Awards – the best comics of 2005! If you’re sitting on a ballot, you’d better bring it in soon, or it won’t get counted. Unlike the real world, your vote does count here... Just like in years past, we’ll hand out prizes! Some at random, but the good prizes go to those who gave us the best ?extra credit? answers. And, there’s a special, super-secret crappy Conan prize! Ooh.
Free Comic Book Day is coming up fast! On May 6th, you can swing into our shop (or any participating store in the nation) and pick up a few, special FREE COMICS! W00T? yes, w00t. Since we rock so much, we’ll be doing a better job than anybody else. You can come here, or to the Olympia Library to get the loot AND we’ve got other, EXTRA free comic stuff. ‘Cuz we’ve been stockpiling. Oh yes, such comics... such freedom...
This year’s Olympia Comics Festival is also coming up in May! May 20th to be exact. We’re still trying to nail down the details, but much more information is forthcoming. Can’t wait for new developments? Does your life revolve around this event that much? Well, I understand. Do what I do: bug Frank. He loves the attention... Hell, I guess I could even bug him for ya, if you like. I’ll let you know if I extract anything of importance.
More! Soon! I hope! Yay!
Patrick
March 1, 2006
Olympia
“It’s Gonna Be The Future Soon...”
Eleven years ago, Kendra and I bought the store. What else was I going to do? The opportunity was there, we had no good reason not to – and it seemed like a fun challenge. It was remarkable, watching the shop improve, directly because of decisions we made. At times, we didn’t know if we’d “make it”, but from here everything looks rosey. We never took out a bank loan, or a line of credit. Maybe that was a mistake, but we don’t owe a dime to anybody. This venture is ours and ours alone.
There have been so many wonderful people that have made this possible, it would be impossible to thank them all by name. Every customer that ever bought anything, everyone who has ever worked or volunteered or interned here – they have all left an indelible mark, have had a cumulative impression. Olympia is such a great town, I can’t believe how lucky we have been.
Ya see, I have the greatest job in the world! My “job”, mostly, is to stand around and talk to people. This place is more like a book store than anything else, and the joy of my work is knowing that people are finding works that are good and make them happy. And when I have to work “hard”, I’m not digging ditches, or breaking rocks – I’m missing sleep to do paperwork. Not. Too. Bad.
Eleven years ago – today – is a day I will always treasure. It has redeemed me, gained me friends I will forever hold dear and made a man outta me. Well, sort of. I’m not getting rich in this gig – this is not the kind of business you get into for that. I know it sounds cliche, but I’ll say it anyway: What I have is worth more than gold.
So, thank you. Even if I’ve never met you – you’re part of the world. And today, I’m feeling kinda sentimental and mushy about this place. Thanks.
Patrick
December 1st, 2005
Olympia
Underground cartoonist Kim Deitch visiting Olympia on Saturday, December 3rd!
posted by Frank
November 25th
Deitch will be presenting a slide-show retrospective of his work and showing a short film titled, “Dial M For Monster”:
Dial M For Monster is an eighteen minute film that I and my best friend, Tony Eastman, made on 16 millimeter film as kids back in 1960. We had been making animated cartoons both together and separately for about three years prior to that. Dial M, predominantly a live action movie with some animation and stop motion, was our magnum opus and it is still good for some chuckles. It is silent but I will provide ad hoc commentary..
He’ll also be participating in an interview along with audience Q&A. Deitch was a core member of the underground comics movement of the late 60’s and early 70’s. He's most well known for the character of Waldo the cat, and The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, published by Pantheon in 2002. I’ve met Kim and he is a real character. We’re looking forward to lots of anecdotes about Robert Crumb, Art Spiegelman, and getting really, really stoned.
Deitch’s father was an early animator and Deitch is an expert on animation history. Anyone interested in classic animation should catch this event.
The event begins at 1:00 pm in The Red Room at The Mark (just down Columbia from Danger Room) where Deitch will be showing slides and screening his movie. At roughly 3:00 pm we will be switching venues to Danger Room Comics where Deitch will be signing and sketching. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet this salty character from the heydey of the undergrounds.
The Mark is co-hosting this event with Danger Room Comics. I expect there will be lots of colorful language and images so you might not want to bring the tots.
Danger Room graphic novel sale lasts until the end of November!
posted by Frank
November 25th
We have just increased the discount to 75% on the stock remaining in our graphic novel sale. There are a few gems on those racks – especially for that cheap! Wednesday, November 30th will be the final day of the sale.
DANGER ROOM 2005 SHIRTS ARE HERE!
Art By Craig Thompson Causes Cheer, Swooning
Posted by Pat
June 28th
I know you've been waiting for awhile, but the highly-anticipated shirts are finally here! They look freakin’ bee-yoo-tee-ful, and they come in about a gazillion different styles/sizes. T-shirts, ladies' fitted tees, jerseys and even HOODIES! Homina, homina, homina...
We are extremely grateful to Craig, for providing the art, and Ozzy (the guy who makes the shirts) for putting up with our crazy demands. Thank especially to YOU, our fantastic customers and friends, for being the coolest cats & kittens we could hope to know. Oh yeah, WE rock too. Uh huh.
FREE COMIC BOOK DAY is coming!
Posted by Pat
April 6th
This year’s Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is scheduled for Saturday, May 7th. This is the third year of this incredibly popular event, and the Danger Room is proud to be a part of it. The idea behind FCBD is simple: show up, get a free comic book. That’s it – no deals, gimmicks or tricks. We will be coordinating with the Olympia Timberland Library, and giving away comics there as well.
The event officially runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and there will be around twenty (20!) different titles to choose from. This year’s FCBD selection includes all-ages titles, super hero fare, alternative and independent titles and several other cool genre comics. Our goal is to offer something that backs up our motto: “There's a comic for every reader – even you, slick.”
More information and/or confusion can be attained by contacting the Danger Room directly, or by checking out the FCBD official website. Be there, or be square!
Manga Sale!
Posted by Frank
January 31st
Through February Danger Room will be selling selected manga at 50% off. Our sale shelf is bulging with over 40 volumes of manga. Stop in before other customers have cleaned us out.
The Danger Room Stubby Awards!
Posted by Frank
January 31st
Every year we recognise the best comics through our own local comics awards. Every customer is encouraged to vote and we’ll even give each voter a free comic! Yes, bribes equal democracy in action. The ballot is split into several categories so that every customer will be familiar with at least some of the categories. Voting will last through February.
Danger Room will soon be carrying magazines!
Posted by Frank
January 31st
Beginning in March, Danger Room will start carrying 30 – 45 different titles. Of course, we’re going to concentrate on cool niche magazines like Adbusters and Scoot. You can find Modern Bride in any grocery store if you really must have it. Olympia is desperate for a decent magazine seller in the downtown area and we aims to do what we can. Please let us know what you think of our selection.
We want to here from you!
January 17th
posted by Dan
Check out Casey Bruce’s article, Get Your Girlfriend to Read Comics. It’s up at that page you’d never thought we would change, the Comics you should read page.
We are also trying to get some feedback on what you think of the site and what you would liek to see. Please drop by the store or send us some email!
Danger Room Celebrates It’s Ten Year Anniversary!
December 3rd
posted by Pat
Wednesday, December 1st was a very special day for us at the Danger Room. Bucking all the odds, and every trend in an industry hell-bent on devouring itself, we have somehow managed to do better and better every year. And we did it without being evil – how cool is that?
Patrick, Kendra, Frank and the rest of the D.R. crew want to offer our heartfelt thanks to all our customers and friends. The last ten years would not have been possible without your support. If Olympia wasn’t such a great town, none of us would have even wanted to keep at it. Thanks to all, from the bottoms of our hearts! Here’s to another ten!
-The Danger Room
Patrick, Kendra, Frank, Kate, Casey & Ashley
Jason graces the Danger Room with his presence
November 22nd
posted by Dan
Hopefully you were able to come see Jason at the Danger Room! He regaled us with his wit and soft spoken manner. We are extremely greatful to Jason for taking the time to come visit the shop. He was charming and took great care in sketching and signing for all. We recorded his interview, conducted by world renowned comics afficianado Frank Hussey, and hopefully we'll have transcriptions up soon (and Ted Rall too...come on Pat!).
Norway's Jason coming to the Danger Room!
November 1st
posted by Patrick
Hot on the heels of Ted Rall, Norwegian cartoonist Jason is coming! He's destined to show up on November 20th from 1-4pm! He is the author of such books as Hey Wait, The Iron Wagon, Sssh!, and You Can't get There from Here. Check out the events page for more info!
Stay tuned for transcription of Ted Rall!
October 31st
posted by Dan
We have some video from Ted Rall's visit! We haven't decided what we're going to do with it yet...maybe we'll post it in quicktime. Or have a transcription. Anyway, it's coming soon! Tell your friends!
Ted Rall to visit Danger Room Comics!
September 20th
posted by Frank
Ted Rall is coming to the Danger Room! Rall is an acerbic political cartoonist and writer whose newest books are Generalisimo El Busho: Essays & Cartoons on the Bush Years and Wake Up, You're Liberal!. For complete details including date and time please visit the events page.
Change yer Contrast!
September 16th
posted by Dan
I have gotten some requests to make the text a little more readable by increasing the contrast. Personally, I like it the way it is (wounded ego talking). But it is hard to read on laptops, etc. So, all you need to do is click on either the Normal ( for default ) or Darker ( high contrast ) button on the left. Also, it'll set a li'l cookie on yer browser so that it'll remember what style you like! Of course, if you have cookies turned off you're going to have to do it every page. But it's only available on this page! So HA!
Thanks for the feedback on the web site ( Okay, it was just Curtis, Pat, and Frank...but I appreciate it! ). If ya want something changed, email me.
Many thanks to Jeffrey Zeldman, I pulled the Contrast-o-meter from his his web site.
Bumbershoot Goodness with Pekar, Abel, Bagge, Hernandez, and Groth
September 6th
posted by Dan
Sunday, September 5th, some members of the Danger Room team: Frank, Sara (she does our fabulous illos on the New Comics board, also Frank's main squeeze), and Dan (our web and graphics guy) attended a panel containing some of the cartoonist world's greats at Seattle's annual Arts Festival, Bumbershoot.
Moderated by fantagraphics Co-Founder and Publisher Gary Groth, the panel included Harvey Pekar (American Splendor), Jessica Abel (ArtBabe and La Perdida), Peter Bagge (Hate, The Bradleys), and Gilbert Hernandez (Love & Rockets). Noticeably absent: Craig Thompson (Blankets, Carnet de Voyage), who may or may not have been scheduled to appear that day, but disappointed me extremely by his absence.
Some of the topics discussed included the state of Graphic Novels today, the origin of the term, and histories of the cartoonists present. The panel was punctuated with humor, insight, and only a few bad questions, with a small sigining held afterwards. Hopefully the panel will see some reprint time in The Comics Journal.
Frank got to schmooze with the cartoonists after the panel as they all went out on the town, hopefully we'll have some dirt to report a little later (after he finally recovers from his hangover).
For more info on the members of the panel, here's some interweb spots!
- Jessica Abel -- artbabe.com
- Peter Bagge -- peterbagge.com
- Gilbert Hernandez -- Gilbert's page at fantagraphics.com
- Harvey Pekar -- harveypekar.com
- Gary Groth -- you probably don't wanna know, but you can go to fantagraphics or The Comics Journal
Danger Room Redesign!
September 6th
posted by Dan
We have redesigned the Danger Room Comics web site. We're trying to make it easier in a lot of ways; easier on the eyes, easier on the brain, and more informative to the patrons of the Danger Room as well as fans of the medium.
Some of it isn't quite done -- we've got the look down but some of the content is still being produced! It will be 100% soon!
We would like to know what you think! Please email us and let us know what you would like to see on the site as well as feedback on the changes we've made.