(shining music)
(accomplished music)
(intimidating music)
(epic music)
(epic music continues)
(epic music continues)
(longing music)
(traffic murmurs)
(determined rock music)
(kids chattering)
- [Mike] Kid, watch the door.
Okay? Get your greasy
little fingers off my door.
- [kid] Open it.
- [Mike] Patience.
You think you'd make
it in a solo bar
Handle the comics with care.
So I guess old Joe from Jersey
didn't make it in
last week, huh?
- Nope. Haven't seen
him in a while, actually.
- Regulars haven't
really been as regular
since the pandemic, have they?
- Yeah, I know. That's 'cause
life is fully downloadable now.
Everything you need is online.
- "Fully downloadable" my a*s.
I haven't had a steady stream
of customers in three years.
I mean, seriously, Alex,
when are we gonna get back
to living life again?
You know, we just need
to remind everyone
that nothing beats
the experience
of browsing a store
full of comics.
- Seems like we've got a lot
more indie books this month.
- Ah, that's 'cause we did.
I wanna start catering to the
more artistic independent books,
you know, let people
see something new.
- Like "Techno Man."
- Yes! Like "Techno Man."
You know, you should
really check it out.
- I'm good.
- Mm, you know, when Jack
Kirby first started out,
he was the greatest
illustrator of his time.
You know, somewhere out
there is the next Jack Kirby.
- (chuckles) Okay.
So where are you going now?
To find the next Stan Lee?
- I'll, uh, be right back.
I'm just gonna
grab a bite to eat
while you finish
sorting the pull list.
- Pull list. You got it.
Um, we're not thinking of
drinking our lunch again
today, are we?
- Just, uh, keep an eye
on the kids, Mom.
- Mm.
(Alex sighs)
Okay.
- [Kurt] Hey, guys, when
you get down, straight back,
to the left, all the way back,
okay? Thank you.
(gentle music)
- Uh, careful with
those, please.
- Son, why don't you
make yourself useful
and help me with
some of those boxes?
Come on.
Thank you.
(Brandon groans)
(Brandon sniffles)
Well, maybe if you spent
more time playing sports
than reading comics,
you'd be stronger.
Come on.
- [Pamela] Kurt.
- (sighs) Once we
get settled in,
you and I can get into
some father-son activities.
It'll be fun. You'll see.
- Brandon, just
grab a smaller one.
(soft rock music)
- [Brandon] Not sure
how hitting a ball
and running in circles
is so fun.
- Hey, don't mind him.
He's just grumpy about the move.
- [Roscoe] Ha ha
ha, ha ha ha, sharp.
- You know, you've really
gotta raise the bar
on the, on the jokes.
- I'll raise the bar.
- I think I heard
that one last week.
- Smarty pants. Okay, last one.
What's the difference
between ignorance and apathy?
- Oh. I don't know.
(upbeat music)
Let it roll, baby roll
And I don't care.
- Ha ha ha.
Oh, and Mike.
- (scoffs) Yeah.
Sorry 'bout that.
- Thank you, buddy.
- Keep the change.
- [Roscoe] Thank you,
Sir. Appreciate it.
A feeling down
deep in my soul
You telling...
(rock music)
(door opens)
- Hey, Superbike Mike.
Oh, uh, uh, I am sorry.
I gotta take this off.
I, uh, got terrible asthma.
Can't be in there too long.
Hey, Mike, (clears throat)
I've got a serious problem.
I was looking for the
Invisible Man series,
but I didn't see any.
- That's 'cause
they're invisible.
- (laughs) Yes,
yeah they are.
- [Mike] Did you find everything
you're looking for, Sean?
- I sure did.
- That is so great.
Thank you so much for coming in.
Really appreciate the business.
- Of course, now I'm on my way
to a super sexy blind date.
Maybe together, we
can see the light.
(chuckles) It's a joke, right?
'Cause "blind" date.
(Mike sighs)
Stay clean, and
stay healthy, citizen.
(Sean swishes and whistles)
Hey, Mike, I'm sorry--
- Thanks for coming in, buddy.
- Point taken. I guess...
Okay, all right, just trying
to look out for my boy.
Yeah, no harm, no foul, right?
- [Alex] Bye, Sean.
- [Sean] Bye.
- [Alex] See you next time.
- [Sean] Yes.
(door opens)
- [Alex] Well, that was
mildly entertaining.
How was lunch?
- Usual.
(door closes)
- Yeah, I can tell.
- [Mike] Hey, uh, you send
those promotional emails
to the regulars?
- Yeah. Yeah, every
month, just like you said.
Honestly, Mike, I think you
need some new customers.
- Tell me something
I don't know.
Advertising costs money.
I mean, you understand
that concept, right?
- I do.
- Look, Alex, you don't
need to stick around.
Just flip the sign, and lock
the door on your way out.
- Okay, cool.
You sure?
I can stay and help out
if you need anything.
- Nah, I just got some
numbers to crunch. I'm good.
- Okay, yeah. Goodnight.
(brooding music)
(door opens, closes)
(Mike inhales deeply)
(laptop clunks)
(Mike sighs)
(microwave beeps)
(microwave hums)
- [woman on TV] He's coming
to get you, Barbra.
And I laughed at him and
said, "Johnny, stop it."
(g*n pops)
- [man 1 on TV ] He's
dead. Get up here.
Nick, Tony, Steve,
ya wanna get out in that
field and build me a bonfire.
You, drag that out of here
and throw it on the fire.
- [man 2 on TV] I'll
be down here.
- [man 1 on TV] All right, go
ahead down and give him a hand.
- [Mike] Dad?
I'm right here.
(dazzling music)
Stay with me, Dad.
- [Mike's dad] I'm
right here, Son.
I've always been here,
and I always will be.
- [Mike] I love you, Dad.
(keys jangle)
(traffic buzzes)
(lock clicks)
(door opens)
(Mike groans)
Oh. (grunts)
(rock music)
As I reach the end
(Mike sighs)
I'm sitting on the corner
meeting friends
- Mike, check this out.
- Can it wait?
Kinda just woke up.
- No, it can't wait.
You know that comic book
store we been talking about?
- Yeah.
- Well, they just opened
up down the street.
Wild Imagination Comics.
Have you seen it?
It's freaking huge.
(door opens)
- Who reads the freaking paper?
- I don't know.
Customers, maybe?
(Mike chuckles)
...count up to five
The half-empty promises
that turned into lies
- I'm gonna go across the
street for a little bit.
- Okay.
- Okay.
(door opens, closes)
- Hey, kid, you, uh,
into the indie comics
or more of a
DC-Marvel kinda guy?
- I like 'em all,
but yeah, I guess I prefer
indie, offbeat comics.
- See that, Alex?
- You ever read "Techno Man"?
- No.
- Mm, "Techno Man"
is, is a blast.
I mean, it's, it's, it's genius.
You know, it's about
a guy who can teleport
using any tech device
with a digital footprint.
- Looks like it's already
on issue 37, though.
- Oh, I think we have
some old issues
in the, in the back,
if you wanna see 'em.
- Yeah, yeah, that,
that'd be great.
- Cool.
- [Brandon] Thanks.
- Yeah. (sniffles)
So, it's over now
Your day's turned
into nights
And you're feeling so afraid
- What are those?
Those are really
good. Concept art?
- Yeah, well, you know,
I was an illustrator
for about five minutes.
Another life, you know?
(door opens)
- Hey.
- [Pamela] Hey.
- Got a few things.
- (gasps) That's a
big stack, Brandon.
Okay, but you have
to unpack your room
before you read any of these.
Deal?
(Brandon chuckles)
- You guys just move here?
- Yeah, last week from Idaho.
- Idaho.
- [Pamela] Yeah.
- Cool.
Well, welcome to
the store. I'm Mike.
This is Alex,
and this, uh, finely
curated comic boutique
that you are inhabiting
is Mike's World.
- Thank you. I'm
Pamela, by the way.
What do you say, young man?
- I say destroy the cosmos,
ask questions later.
- Enjoy. Thanks for coming in.
- Thanks.
- See you guys soon.
- "Spawn."
- Wow.
- Yeah.
Kid knew his
stuff. (chuckles)
- So do you.
- Thank you.
(blues music)
There's really nothing
you can do for me?
(scoffs) All right.
All right. Oh yeah, sure.
I'll, I'll see ya
at the convention.
Thanks for nothing.
- Business?
- Just trying to keep the
lights on, as they say.
- (chuckles) I hear ya.
You know, common sense
is like deodorant, Mike.
People who need it the most
don't ever seem to use it.
- Huh.
- Like my ex-wife.
(Mike sniffs)
(Mike blows and sighs)
(Alex mumbles)
- Alex. (sighs)
I think we should go check
out that other comic shop,
see how the other half lives.
What do you say?
- Hell yes. Let's
go case the joint.
- Mm!
(resolute music)
This is definitely
your kinda place, Alex,
nothing but Marvel and DC here.
- [Alex] Oh my God, they
have Star Wars stuff here, too?
- "Oh my God, they have Star
Wars stuff here, too?" Really?
- So, I see you're a
Star Wars fan.
How does Darth Vader
like his toast?
- On the dark side, of course.
Who doesn't like Star Wars?
- I'm Chad. My dad
owns the company.
- Ah.
- We have a few stores
back East, and now
we're expanding West.
You know, we're hiring too,
if you know anybody
who's interested.
We're kinda like the Willy Wonka
of comic shops around here,
the only store in town.
- Is that right? What
about Mike's World?
- Mike's World. (chuckles)
Yeah, I've seen it.
Uh, not much to see though,
unless you're Mike.
(Mike laughs)
(Chad laughs)
Look, all I'm saying is I
hear the owner's a deadbeat.
Hangs out at the bar across
the street all the time.
- Is that right?
Where'd you hear that?
- Around--
- Hi, hi, excuse me.
Do you have any of those
new "Techno Man" comics?
- "'Techno Man'"? What
the hell is "Techno Man"?
No, we have something
much better than that.
Excuse me for a sec.
You're gonna love this.
- Yeah, cool. Thanks
for your help, Chad.
- Yep. (sighs)
Oh wow, they even have fancy
tablets at the counter.
This is like the Apple Store.
- Okay, I've seen enough.
Let's get outta here
before I throw up.
(entranced music)
(pencil scribbles)
(footsteps approaching)
- Time for dinner.
Close that up. Come
on, time to eat.
(Brandon sighs)
- How was your day, Son?
- It was good.
Mom and I found a really
cool comic book store.
It's really close, too.
- Hmm.
You know what's closer?
The backyard.
- It's like 110 degrees out.
- Kurt, do we really have
to start this right now?
- [Kurt] He needs
to make friends.
He needs to play ball,
like other kids his age.
- He will, uh, when
school starts.
What's he supposed to do,
go knocking on doors
around the neighborhood?
- Hello, I'm right here.
- I just don't understand
why you keep encouraging
this comic book thing.
- I told you I
wanna be an artist.
- Look, I am not gonna spend
all that money for college
until you pick a real
major, all right?
Otherwise, you can go into
the military like I did
and do some real growing up.
- I don't wanna do either
of those things, so.
- Oh yeah? (chuckles)
Well, guess what.
Those are your only two
options, like it or not.
Where are you going?
(door slams)
- Kurt, just be nice.
(keyboard clacks)
(exalted music)
(tense music)
(Mike chuckles)
(Mike sighs)
(rock music)
Desire
I'm on fire
- You sure you wanna
give these away so cheap?
- Gotta at least try
and compete, right?
Move inventory?
Room for the new indie titles?
Wild Imagination
might be bigger.
We gotta be better.
- Just looking
out for you, Mike.
I'm on fire
Hey, good to see
you again. Brandon, right?
- [Brandon] Yeah.
- I'll be back
before you know it.
- [Alex] Yeah, see you later.
(Mike sighs)
Desire
I'm on fire
- So, kid, how'd you
like "Techno Man"?
- I, I really like
his superpower.
And great drawings too.
I actually, uh...
I drew this to thank you.
- Good. Glad you liked it.
Oh, did you know
that the lead penciller used
to work on Captain America?
- Uh, no, I didn't.
- FYI.
- I hear they're making a bunch
of action figures
and collectibles too.
- Yeah, we don't carry a
lotta figures, mainly comics.
Wow, kid.
Where'd you learn how
to draw like this?
- I've just been
drawing my whole life.
Yeah, took a couple classes.
- Hey, careful with those.
This ain't the public library.
- Uh, speaking of libraries,
what's the tallest
building in the world?
- Okay, I'll bite.
Uh, that
building in Dubai.
- Libraries.
'Cause they have
so many stories.
(Alex laughs)
- [Mike] Good one, kid.
- That was pretty good.
- Yeah. You told him
to say that, right?
- [Alex] No.
- [Mike] Put him up to it?
(rock music)
- Hey, Brandon, you
ready to go home?
- He'd stay here and read
comics all night if you let him.
- [Pamela] (chuckles)
Isn't that the truth?
- Wow.
- I really appreciate you guys
letting me stick around today.
- Of course, no problem.
- Uh, thank you, guys.
- Any time kid.
- Okay, uh, how 'bout tomorrow?
- Um, okay, I'm probably
gonna have to put you to work
because I can't have ya
loitering around the shop,
reading all the comics for free.
- Deal.
- (laughs) Bye.
- Bye.
(persevering music)
(birds chirping)
(children shouting)
- [Mike's dad] It's not the
drawing that's your superpower.
It's your imagination.
(pencil scribbles)
(Mike inhales deeply)
(children shouting)
- [Alex] Open? Okay.
Whoa, Mike, you're actually
here before me today?
What's the occasion?
Looks great in here.
- Um, we need to talk.
- Uh, oh, okay, what's up?
- Look, you've
been really great,
um, like, so helpful,
over the last couple of years,
and I, um...
(Mike laughs)
I don't really know
how to say this.
- Mike, are you proposing to me?
(Mike chuckles)
(Alex laughs)
- Uh, actually, I was, uh,
I was working the numbers,
you know, kinda going
over and over it,
trying to figure out
how to make it work.
And I just, I just
can't compete, you know?
I, I, I need to refocus the
store. I need to survive.
- Huh.
- I gotta let you go.
(somber music)
- I guess your lunch
breaks will have to be
a bit shorter now, huh?
No, uh, I can't stand
to watch you drink yourself
to oblivion anymore anyway.
Thought we were building
something here, something real.
Guess I'm just another
employee to you.
Good luck, kid.
(door closes)
(Mike sighs)
- Where'd Alex go?
- Business is kinda
tight at the moment.
Didn't have a choice.
Had to let her go.
(gentle rock music)
Ooh
You're just waiting
for the...
- [Brandon] Wow.
Next connection
Totally digging these new
sketches, Mike.
Think you could teach
me to draw like that?
- (sighs) Uh, I have
emails, customers.
I have lotta work to do,
and I'm not a teacher.
- Got it.
Higher vibrations
That let you fly
Into the sky
Graceful as a butterfly
(Mike sighs)
- Hey, kid, you know
anything about websites?
- Why? Did you talk to
my mom or something?
- T-talk to your mom? Uh, no.
Why would I talk to
your mom about websites?
- Nothing. Um.
Yeah, I, um, built a website
for a comic book club
a few months ago.
I could show it to
you if you want.
- Yeah.
Here.
(keyboard clacks)
For you to fly
Thank you so
Okay. Yeah, I think this
is great, kid.
- Yeah, I could, uh, totally
build you a real website
way better than that
Wild Imagination crap
they just put up. (laughs)
- Tell you what, you build
me a kick-a*s website.
I'll help ya learn to draw.
How's that sound?
- Yes! Yeah, uh, deal.
Yeah, I, I won't let you down.
- All right.
Oh, sh-
(phone buzzes)
(phone taps)
Yeah.
- [Brandon] Hey,
Mike, can I come by?
And we can work on the website.
- Brandon. Sure.
Um, what time is it anyway?
Okay, kid, why don't
you come by in an hour?
- [Brandon] Okay, cool.
- Yeah.
- See you then.
(phone taps)
(Mike blows and sighs)
- Crap.
(high-spirited music)
Thanks for coming in, Sean.
- You might wanna
get that fixed.
- Yeah.
Thanks for the advice.
- Can't be good for your
brain cells, you know, so...
Yep. Brandon, right?
- Uh, okay.
(door closes)
Hey.
- Oh, Brandon, you know,
I decided to cut down
on the mainstream back issues,
make room for more indie books.
Gotta refocus the store.
- That's cool.
- Yeah.
- And maybe we could put that
in the site.
- Maybe, yeah, you know,
like a, like a tagline,
"Largest indie comic
selection in Las Vegas."
- Yeah, that's it.
That's perfect. Um...
- [Mike] Cool.
- When are you
really gonna teach me
how to, how to illustrate?
- Hmm.
When you master the basics.
You can keep this.
Lemme know when you're
done looking it over,
and we can start.
- All right. (clears throat)
(entranced music)
(Brandon sniffles)
(pencil scribbles)
Why are we sitting in
a parking lot to draw?
- Well, I asked you to name
the most boring place you
could imagine, didn't I?
- And you took me there?
- I wanted to show you
that inspiration can
come from anywhere.
Yeah, that book I gave you
just showed basic
drawing principles.
What it didn't show you
was how to use your imagination.
(gentle music)
(Mike laughs)
- Where do you get
all your ideas from?
- You just look at the world,
see it in a different way,
add a twist.
Here, take that spotted...
Is that a horse, or?
No, no, just take
that dog, okay?
To you that's, just a really,
really big dog, right?
But say it's collar...
is a shield generator,
and the dog is an alien beast
with venomous teeth,
and its leash
is a whip
(alien beast roars)
that it uses in combat.
(momentous music)
- Wow!
That's dope.
- Thanks.
You know, if you just rely
on whatever comes to mind,
you'll run out of ideas.
You know, but if
you sit and observe,
you'll always find inspiration.
- Right.
(pencil taps)
(walker clacks)
That walker, um, (clears throat)
hmm, I'm thinking it's, like,
it's, like, a quad cannon,
which she wields.
- There you go.
- She's got these,
like, evil ears.
(Mike laughs)
See, she can, like, hear
up to, like, a mile away, and
(quad cannon hums)
like, near-invincible shell
for a back. (chuckles)
- You see?
(Brandon chuckles)
You're getting it.
- Okay.
- Wow, she's ugly.
- Yeah, it's, it's kinda mean.
(intrepid music)
- He's actually a
really good guy.
He'll probably drink himself
outta business soon, but.
- Okay, and what I want is
to help speed that along.
The sooner I can
absorb his customers
the sooner I can grow profits
and show Dad how well
the store is doing,
and you're going to help me.
- Help you how? What
does that mean exactly?
- Look, Alex, you're not just
the hottest girl in the store,
but you also know
the competition
and the local market.
Whether you like it or not,
your job depends on knowing
Mike's strengths and weaknesses.
- So that's why you offered
me the money. Got it.
All right, well, first,
we should add an indie section
to the back of the store,
you know, and get a solid
selection of the bigger indies,
like "Techno Man."
- What, are you hanging
around Mike too long or what?
I told you I don't give a
sh*t about "Techno Man."
- You know, Chad,
sometimes, talking to you
is like trying to
use a broken pencil.
Look, we both know Marvel
and DC sell the most, right?
But if we were a
one-stop shop, then-
- Then he'd have no
customer base at all.
- Mm.
- Right, gotcha.
You know, Alex,
think I'm going to like
you in more ways than one.
- How you doing?
(Mike sighs)
(Mike grumbles)
(phone buzzes and jingles)
- [Mike] Yeah,
Mike's World comics.
- Mike DiAngelo? Is this you?
Dude, it's me, Dan.
- Dan-from-college Dan?
- The one and only, baby.
- You still at Image?
- Yeah, I'm actually in
town for a short convention
and thought maybe
we can catch up,
you know, talk about old times.
- That, that sounds great.
The road to success is kind of
under construction right now.
- You still eat, don't you?
So listen, why
don't we meet tomorrow
at the Mobster Bisque
at like 8:00 p.m.?
I promise you,
you won't regret it.
- All right, what the hell,
I could use a good laugh.
- Are you still
illustrating, or?
- I... (sighs)
Sketching a bit.
- [Dan] Mm.
- Mostly just torturing
myself when business is slow,
which is more often than not.
- But dude, I remember
your sketches,
and with all that
talent, I just...
I don't understand why you
didn't take it further.
- Well, (sighs) mainly
because I like to eat,
(Dan laughs)
you know, food, shelter.
- Necessary stuff.
- Kinda my thing.
- [Dan] Yeah, got it.
- Honestly, though,
anyone who was interested
wanted me to work on spec.
- I get it. I get it.
So, the reason why
I invited you here
was to let you know that
Jimmy Farlane and a few others
are starting their
own publishing company
and I am helping them with
their business affairs
on the side.
- Wow, like, um, like they did
with Image back in the day?
- Exactly but bigger.
- Huh.
- They're calling
it Top Guys Comics.
- Sounds pretty
interesting to me, (sighs)
but um, pretty short on
space and cash.
- Brother, Brother, Brother,
let me stop you right there.
Now, I am giving
you valuable intel
that'll pop that lock
and skyrocket your sales.
Come on, Mike.
Have I ever led you astray?
- Well, a-a-actually,
Danno, yeah. Yeah, you have.
- No!
- Remember old
"Eddie Forty Hands"?
(Dan snickers)
Remember that one?
That didn't turn out so
well, did it? (laughs)
- Listen, this is gonna
be huge for all of us.
- Well, uh, I'll think about it.
Hey, Dan, what's the opposite
of artificial intelligence?
- What?
- Making a lotta naturally
stupid decisions,
something I tend to do. (laughs)
Can't really afford
to make another one.
- (claps) Mr. DiAngelo,
how is business today?
- Already sent out the rent
this month, Mr. Hamford.
Check's in the mail.
- I'm just making sure you
received that notice I sent you.
- What notice?
- Your lease is up next month,
and next year's lease is
increasing by 700 bucks a month.
- $700 a month?
I mean, that's, that's
f*cking ridiculous.
- New owner. They demanded it.
Besides, your rent
hasn't increased
in some seven odd years.
- Yeah, but I mean
that's, that's, like...
- Inflation. Whoo!
Stores like yours are
becoming obsolete.
Remember Blockbuster?
(chuckles) Course you do,
all those late fees.
Anyway, they're talking
about turning this
into a parking lot
for electric cars,
setting up charging
stations, what have you.
- Can't you just get 'em
to hold off a bit longer?
- How long? (sighs)
- Say, like, six years?
- Ha ha ha ha, ha ha ha ha, ha!
(gasps) Ah, nah.
I'm just a messenger, Mike.
My advice to you, cut
expenses, reinvent yourself.
Everything is fully
downloadable now.
Everything you need
is a keystroke away.
- Yeah, that's what
they keep telling me.
- That's pretty much
my only advice I can...
Wow, look at these
drawings on your wall.
Wow, these are amazing.
Who drew these?
- Ha ha ha, right, sure.
Let the artist know
that I'm a fan. Wow.
Huh, anyway, gotta run,
Mike. See ya later.
(Mr. Hamford chuckles)
- Yeah, thanks for
stopping by, Mr. Hamford.
- [Mr. Hamford]
Any time, any time.
(door opens, closes)
(brooding music)
(bottle sloshes)
(brooding music swells)
- [Mike's dad] Trust your
heart. You'll know what to do.
(bottle thuds)
(rock music)
- So, um, how much stuff
is this new company
releasing, anyway?
- It's a fair amount.
Not many actual comics.
You know, it's the volume that
makes it a risky investment.
- So then why not start small?
- Publisher incentives.
You gotta buy in bulk in order
to get the variant covers.
It's their way of driving sales,
but I can't compete
without those rare covers.
- Right?
(Mike groans)
When you need
to order them by?
- Well, before Comic
Con, so in a few weeks.
- I've always wanted
to go to Comic Con.
Parents say it's too expensive.
- Back in my day, I'd go
to the shop with a dollar,
come back with a bag of
chips and a comic book.
Now they've all got cameras.
(Brandon chuckles)
(door opens)
- Very funny, Mike.
Is this what you've
been teaching my kid?
- That and many
other valuable skills.
- (chuckles) Are you
ready to hit the road?
- Yeah.
- You know the kid's
fun to have around.
He's really making an
impact around here.
- Well, I've been thinking.
We would love to have you
over for dinner this week.
Meet Brandon's dad.
- Well, that is awfully
sweet of you, Pamela, but--
- He's heard so much about you.
He'd be so excited to meet you.
- I wouldn't wanna be a burden.
- [Pamela] Oh God.
No, no burden. I insist,
and please, bring Alex.
You guys have been such
good friends to Brandon,
and I'm guessing you could
use a good home-cooked meal.
- Well, who could say no
to a home-cooked meal?
Right? (laughs)
I'll let Alex know.
- [Pamela] Wonderful.
- [Jerry] How much
you wanting to borrow?
- I was looking for 20,000
to make a large order.
It's a new line of
comics, collectibles.
(playful music)
- Any existing debts, liens?
Bankruptcy filings?
- No, nothing like that.
(keyboard thuds)
(Jerry sighs)
- Mike, I mean, your net
income the last few years
has been pretty dismal, huh?
(Mike scoffs)
- Yeah, I mean, maybe you heard.
There was a, there
was a pandemic.
- (scoffs) And your
collateral, as well.
- My back issues are
worth quite a lot. I--
- The most I could offer
you is 10,000 at 22%
with an ACH debit every week.
The loan matures
in three months.
Honestly, (tuts) that's
the best I can do.
- Ya ever heard the term usury?
- Hmm.
Take some time to
think it over, huh?
(persevering music)
(children shouting)
(birds chirping)
(phone rings)
- Alex, what's going on?
I was just thinking about you.
- Mm-hmm, yep, sure you were.
- So, heard you
went to work for the enemy.
How's it going with Chad?
- I don't know what it is,
but he really creeps me out.
- That's because he's a d*uche.
You know, he thinks
he can buy the world
with his daddy's
money, and he's wrong.
- Yep, I suppose.
So how's the store? How are you?
- Ugh (sighs), well, other
than the unexpected rent hike,
you know, Sean coming in every
week dressed like Captain Q,
and the daycare center
I'm running on the side,
life's been a real dream.
So, when you coming back?
- I don't know. Do
you want me back?
- Actually, that's
why I was calling.
Uh, Pamela and Brandon invited
the two of us to dinner,
you know, to meet Brandon's dad,
and I kind of accepted
on our behalf.
- For them, I'll
go but not for you.
- (laughs) Okay, great.
I'll, uh, pick ya
up tomorrow at 7:30.
- Great, whatever.
(phone beeps)
(Mike chuckles)
(gentle music)
- So, what brought you two
into the fun world
of comic book sales?
- Ooh, issues, (laughs)
so many issues.
(Mike laughs)
(Pamela laughs)
(Brandon laughs)
No, um, I grew up in
a house full of boys.
I was the only girl,
so superheroes and Star Wars
is pretty much all I know.
- [Kurt] Mike?
- Well, uh, ironically,
opening the shop was
me being practical.
You know, it's the
path I decided to take
when my father died and...
Illustrating career
didn't quite take off
the way I'd planned.
- [Kurt] Really?
Brandon, he, um, heh,
he keeps insisting he
wants to be an artist.
- Well, illustrating is
a great career, Brandon,
if you can make it work.
- Seems like a bit
of a pipe dream to me.
- [Pamela] Kurt's the
practical one.
Brandon got his
daydreaming from me.
- Dreams don't pay the bills.
- I, I think each person needs
to follow their own unique path,
otherwise, you'll just
be wondering, "What if."
- And of course, there are
easier ways to make money
than selling comics,
but if you're doing it,
it's because you have a
real passion for the art.
- So, Mike, have any
big plans for the summer?
- I'm going to Comic
Con in a few weeks.
Gonna unload some
inventory, make some room
for this, uh, exciting new
comic line I just picked up.
- Awesome.
- Wish I was going with you.
- Yeah, me too, Brandon.
- You know, if, if, if
Brandon were to come--
- Absolutely not.
- [Brandon] Why not?
I'm not even in school.
It's, like, a summer job.
- [Mike] I could pay him
as an assistant.
I mean, I have a lotta
inventory to move,
so could use the help.
- If you wouldn't mind
him coming along, I--
- I, I don't think
this is a good idea.
- [Brandon] No.
Dad, you're always
telling me to get a job,
start a savings, make bank.
What's the difference?
(fork scraping)
(gentle music continues)
- (sighs) Okay, all
right, you can go.
This is specifically
about work.
Deal?
- Yes, yes, thank you.
- Look, I promise I'll
look after him, all right?
And this will be a
learning experience,
and he'll make a few
bucks, so it's a win-win.
(Brandon chuckles)
I mean, it's, it's, it's
gonna be a lotta work,
so you know, y-you're not
gonna miss anything, Alex.
- Says the man
going to Comic Con.
(Pamela laughs)
(touching music)
(dog barks)
- Hey, kid.
- Hey.
- Uh, sorry
'bout the early start.
We got a long drive ahead of us.
You excited for your
first Comic Con?
- Hell yeah.
- All right.
- It's a dream.
Hey, uh, you know what you get
when you put the Hulk in
Captain America's clothes?
- Ah, a star-spangled Banner?
(Brandon chuckles)
Come on, kid.
- Hey.
- Gotta do better than that.
- You know your stuff.
(persevering rock music)
This farewell
cuts like a knife
It's always hurting
because I can stand her
She was the love of my life
[Brandon] You know, my
dad's still not a big fan
of me coming with you.
He thinks drawing
is for children.
- (laughs) Yeah, kinda
picked up on that.
- All he talks about is
throwing a football, sports.
- Sports can be cool.
I actually played
hockey in high school.
Wasn't half bad either.
- I don't get the appeal.
- I mean, hockey's
really fun to watch.
It's, like, super exciting.
I mean, you got speed and puck
handling, checking, fighting.
It's like UFC on ice.
- I guess. I don't know.
I don't see how a
bunch of sweaty men
hitting each other
with sticks is fun,
and I just wish my dad
understood how I feel
and why comics are
important to me.
Instead, he just brushes
it aside, talking about...
Like, "plan B is,
plan B, plan B."
I don't need a f*cking plan B.
- I get you.
You know, I think what
you're really saying
is you want your dad to support
you, to accept you, right?
- Yeah, I guess.
I don't even think
he, he likes me.
- (sighs) I, I
can't answer that,
and honestly, I wouldn't
even want to try.
But what I can tell you
is that, maybe, if
you take an interest
in something that he likes,
he might start trying
to understand you
and your passion for art.
You know, we all have dreams,
even our parents.
Find his. Open that door.
Maybe he'll surprise you.
- You really think so?
- I don't know.
(Brandon chuckles)
Yeah, it'll work.
- [radio host] It's the day
before Comic Con weekend
in San Diego.
Are you ready?
This is The K*llers
on WX 97.7 FM.
- [Mike] All right.
- Did you see the display
Wild Imagination has?
- It's the size of the
fricking Death Star?
How could I miss it? (laughs)
- Are you nervous?
- Who? Me? Nervous?
Not on your life.
No, we just need to
sell as much as we can.
I already put in
the Top Guys order,
so there's no turning back now.
- Hey, look, it's Mike
from Mike's World.
Going-outta-business
sale here, Mike?
- Only the back issues, Chad.
Not to worry. We're
not going anywhere.
- Hey, I see child labor's
making a nice comeback.
- (laughs) Very funny.
Brandon, this is Chad,
the owner of that Wild
Imagination monstrosity.
Chad, this is
Brandon, my assistant.
- [Chad] It's nice to meet you.
If you ever wanna see
a real comic shop,
feel free to stop on by.
You know, Alex is
running a tight ship.
You know what I mean.
Good luck. You'll need it.
- How did you stay so calm?
I wanna punch him in the face.
- He's just trying
to stir the pot, kid.
Best to take the high road.
Here, uh, help me.
Tear me off some tape.
(keyboard clacks)
- Mike, you ever wish you
could illustrate again?
- [Mike] Sure I do,
but you gotta play the
hand you're dealt, right?
Make the best of it.
- What if you were
given another chance?
- You don't always
get a second chance.
- I think you could do it.
(gentle music)
- [Mike] Hmm.
- (sighs) I would do anything
to get a chance
like that one day.
- Well, stick with it.
You know, work
hard. Stay focused.
Keep honing your craft.
You'll get your chance.
(pencil scribbles)
- What about Alex?
You know she's into you, right?
- All right, it's getting
kinda late for me.
I'm gonna turn in.
Ugh, we got a big day tomorrow.
I need you on your game.
- Okay.
(ecstatic music)
(shutter snaps)
- [Mike] Let's make it
an even fifty.
What have you got?
60? Okay.
There you go, and
here's your comics.
We'll be here all weekend
if you need anything else.
Don't be a stranger.
Ha ha ha.
- (laughs) Whoa.
- Hey.
- Yeah.
- I was wondering if I could
maybe walk around a bit now
and explore, you
know, more of the...
- That's five bucks.
We're here on official
Mike's World business.
It's not playtime.
- I, I know. It's
my first time here.
I just wanted to check out
more of the stuff here.
- All right, go ahead. Go on.
- Thank you.
- Look, I'm gonna check
in with you in an hour,
in case I need your help.
- Yep.
- Hi.
- Mikey D!
- Excuse me. Hey, Danno!
- What's going on, brother?
- How you doing, man?
Good to see ya.
- Good to see you, too.
How's every thing?
- Yeah, I'm just working
the booth, you know?
- Looks great, it looks great.
- Thank you, thank you.
- Listen, you wanna join me
for dinner tonight?
- Oh, you know, I, I'd love to,
but I'm trying to move
some of these issues,
make room for the
new Top Guys stuff.
You know, I sure hope
this thing pans out.
All in on this, you know.
- Us too, buddy.
Trust me.
Meanwhile, I am promoting a new
series this weekend.
- [Mike] Oh really?
- Mm-hmm.
- Anything interesting?
- Tell y'all about it at dinner.
Grey and Johnny's. Nine o'clock.
Come on, you can do it.
(Mike chuckles)
(enthusiastic music)
(Mike sighs)
(phone taps)
- What, are you, like,
playing a game, or?
Dan!
- What's up, buddy?
- Hey, man.
- How are you?
- Good. Thanks so much
for, uh, for coming.
I really appreciate it.
- Of course, of course.
Sorry. Business
meetings went long.
- Nah, I get it.
Oh, this is Brandon.
- Oh, how do you
two know each other?
- Uh, he's a
regular at the shop.
You know, he wanted to
come along, help out,
check out his first Comic Con.
- Nice. And what do you
think so far, young man?
- Mike barely let me
go anywhere. (chuckles)
- Come on, Mike, let
the kid have some fun.
- He lies. He lies.
He's got, like, the
smallest bladder
of any, any human
known to man.
- Ha ha ha.
- So I mean, he took
plenty of breaks.
More importantly, what
are you here promoting?
- Oh, "Alien Ants."
- [Mike] Sounds cool.
- Oh, it is great.
It's a parody comic
full of social commentary,
top illustrations, sharp,
and I am talking about
sharp writing, Mike.
It's amazing.
- Huh.
Dan, you...
Do you happen to know anyone
that works at "Techno Man"?
- Yeah, I know the writer.
Big "Techno Man" fan, huh?
- [Brandon] Yeah.
- Maybe you two can meet.
- Really?
Yeah, that would be awesome.
- [Dan] Yeah.
(upbeat rock music)
Excuse me. So sorry.
Brandon, meet Alan Jackson.
He's a top writer
at "Techno Man."
Alan, meet Brandon.
He's a big fan and a
future illustrator.
- So what drew you
to "Techno Man"?
- Uh, everything, I guess.
I moved around a lot,
so I wish I could travel
wherever I wanted,
(chuckles) you know?
- Guys like Stan
Lee built empires
on creating memorable
characters, you know?
- Yeah, but someone
has to draw 'em.
- (laughs) Yeah, but
if you threw a penny,
it would hit someone that
thinks they can draw.
- Like Jack Kirby?
(Dan scoffs)
How do you two know
each other again?
- We called Dan the fun police.
(Brandon laughs)
Oh, we worked on a
title a while ago.
Guys, I need to get back,
but uh Brandon, before I go,
you want me to sign
something for you?
- Yeah, that would be amazing.
Here you go.
(marker scribbles)
- It was nice
meeting you, Brandon.
- Thank you so much.
- Alan, always a pleasure.
- Likewise.
- [Dan] Let's go, pal.
- [Royce] Yeah, how's
traction been at your booth?
- [Max] Actually, very good.
- Awesome.
- Hey, I wasn't able to
place a big order
for the Top Guys stuff.
- [Royce] Yeah,
buzz has been crazy.
They sent reps nationwide
to build up hype,
least from what I hear.
- [Max] Ah, well,
hopefully for them,
the quality matches the hype.
- Hey, are you guys talking
about that new publisher?
- Yeah, you got a order in?
- Huge order, actually.
- Aren't you nervous it'll flop?
- Nervous? Nah.
They got too many
talented people to fail.
Like, look at Image.
It's still here decades later.
- Well, Image had
Todd McFarlane.
That's why they
overprinted everything.
(audacious music)
- Yeah.
(Mike sighs)
- So, do you feel good
about what we sold?
- I'd rather be driving
an empty truck home,
but yeah, it's a start.
You did good. Come on,
let's hit the road.
(engine cranks)
(gentle music)
10,000 roads to take
And once you choose a path,
there's no turning back
(lever clanks)
(keys jangle)
Here we are, home sweet home.
- Yeah.
- Here's your chance, Brandon.
- What chance?
- Now's your chance to
connect with your dad,
to understand each other
for who you both really are.
Oh, and uh, what
about my website?
- Yeah, I'm gonna have
that up and running
really, really soon.
- Thanks, kid.
- No problem.
Uh, I'll see you, Mike.
- [Mike] Get some shut-eye.
- [Brandon] I
will. Thanks, Mike.
(door closes)
(keys jangle)
(engine cranks)
(punk music)
- Oh, hey, um,
I really appreciate the indie
selection you guys carry,
oh, and these new
"Techno Man" issues.
Super cool.
- You know, I try to keep
stock in of the
small-publisher titles.
It's kind of our specialty here.
- Yeah, I was at, uh,
Wild Imagination earlier,
and their indie
section is so small.
- (scoffs) They, uh, they
have an indie section now?
- Yeah, but nobody really
seems to know much about it.
- (tuts) Really?
(Mike laughs)
Hey, you interested in the
new line from Top Guys?
- Oh, yeah, for sure.
Yeah, I love Jimmy Farlane.
- Well, in the next week,
I'm gonna have
everything from Top Guys,
the biggest and best
selection in town.
You know I'm gonna be there
(Mike sighs)
You know I'm gonna
bring it home
Huh.
Hey, Dan, uh, y-you know how
you set up that meeting
with Brandon and Alan?
(chuckles) I need another favor.
(vigorous rock music)
Whoo
My Uber ride dropped me off
Fairfax and Beverly
The sneakerheads, walking up
They try to talk to me
They say do I wanna fight
They say do I wanna go
Whoo
I say I'm feeling too high
I say, come on
and let's dance
More fly
I don't try
Whoo
Deep breath
Uh-huh
I won't die
Let's dance
More fly
What?
I don't try
Whoo
Let's dance
Deep breath
I won't die
Whoo
(singer sings in
Jamaican Patois)
(text pops)
(emoticons squelch)
Let's dance
(singer sings in
Jamaican Patois)
Whoo
(door opens)
- Oh, Mikey, Mikey, Mikey,
Mikey, the man. (snaps fingers)
- Hey.
- What's up, man?
- Scotty.
- What's up? Right?
- Oh, I got your stuff.
- Okay.
- Got your stuff right here.
Here's your stuff.
- My God,
this is great.
This is great.
- You happy?
- Dude (wheezes)!
- Yeah?
- Dude, I'm beyond happy.
Score, Brother.
- Score. Hey, I'm gonna
bag this up for you.
- Okay, let's do it.
- I don't want you get
jacked in the parking lot.
- That wouldn't be good.
Thanks again, Mike.
(Mike blows)
- Thank you so
much. I owe you.
- [Mike] Oh yeah.
- Thank you, Brother.
- You got it.
- "The Flaming Carrot."
- [Mike] "Flaming Carrot,"
I'm on the hunt.
- That's great.
- It's gonna be expensive.
- (snaps fingers) I'm Carrot
Top, b*tch. Come on, now!
- Yeah, it's true.
- [Carrot Top] All right.
- [Mike] Wow.
- Is Farlane really coming here?
- Yeah, he's coming.
He's doing a signing for us.
- How did you make that happen?
I agreed to pay for
his airfare, hotel,
and give him a signing fee.
- Just like that.
- (tuts) He's a bit of
a gambler. Loves Vegas.
(Mike huffs)
- You gotta let me
read those new issues.
- You know I can't
let you read 'em
until the launch.
Sorry.
- Uh.
(Mike laughs)
(rock music)
(phone taps)
(phone dings)
(phone buzzes)
- [Mike] Hmm.
(phone squeaks)
(phone pops)
(knocking)
- Who is it?
- [Alex] It's Alex.
- Come in.
- Hey, we have another customer
asking about signed
Farlane comics.
- Well, just tell 'em to
come back tomorrow, okay?
I am working on it.
I mean, they'll
be here tomorrow.
Look, babe, we'll just
keep this between us, huh?
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah?
- Yep.
- All right, okay,
so, drawing has a
certain technique, right?
There's certain things
you have to do correctly.
- Yeah, I mean, it's different.
Like, I can't even throw
the ball at all, so.
- Well, you couldn't draw
once at all either, huh?
All right, now look.
You grab the football
with your thumb and your
middle finger, okay?
And then you clasp your
other fingers around it,
and when you first
wind up to throw, okay,
you keep your elbow above
your armpit at first.
And then when you
go to release it,
the last finger
that leaves the ball
is your index finger, okay?
Got it?
Brandon, go along.
- Okay.
(momentous music)
(Brandon chuckles)
(Kurt laughs)
- Hey, look at that.
- It's kinda fun.
- [Kurt] Huh?
- Yeah.
- Just remember,
whatever you do in life,
it's gonna be a
struggle at first,
but if you learn the
proper techniques
and you practice,
it'll get much easier.
But you gotta practice
and never quit.
- Dad, are you bothered
that I'm not athletic?
- (sighs) Not at all, Son.
Most of us won't do anything
but watch sports as adults,
but healthy body, healthy mind.
Life is all about balance, okay?
Now, go long.
It's all you.
There it is. Come on.
Awesome. Come on, one more.
- Okay.
You wanna feel
my Achilles heel
The boy inside who
bends to every word
But if he up
and left one day
Do you think you'd find a
way to get to the beginning
I wouldn't hold my breath
(tool scrapes)
- [Kurt] Oh, my God.
Hmm.
(Kurt grunts)
(case latch rattles)
(Kurt grunts)
(Kurt sighs)
(guitar twangs)
(bouncy acoustic guitar music)
(Kurt chuckles)
- What are you doing?
- I'm just, uh, sorting
things in the garage. (sighs)
- I didn't even
know you could play.
- Well, I told you I was in
a rock band in high school.
- Why'd you stop?
- We made a few CDs. We
tried to get them out.
I joined the military.
Life happened.
I really haven't
played it since then.
- You should.
Mom would probably
love to hear you play.
- (chuckles) Yeah.
I guess so.
We should go help your
mom get dinner ready.
- Okay.
(lively rock music)
- It's time!
- Really?
(Mike laughs)
Okay.
- Yeah, let's see if this
Top Guys stuff lives up
to the hype, shall we?
Here, uh, one for you,
one for me,
another one for me,
three for me.
Just kidding, one for you.
Ah (sighs).
- [Brandon] Yes.
(Mike sighs)
(expectant drum music)
(jarring music)
- Wow.
(Mike sniffles)
(Mike clears throat)
(dignified music)
Hmm.
That's more like it.
- (sighs) Pff.
- Wow.
- What did you think?
- (sighs) I think Dan
screwed me good.
These are terrible.
Ugh.
- The, the Farlane
one was fun, I think,
though the rest-
- Garbage? Awful?
They suck. They suck.
- The fans,
they're gonna wanna find
out for themselves anyway.
- Yeah, let's hope
you're right, kid. Pff.
God, so stupid.
- I might have something
that could cheer you up.
(keyboard clacks)
- This is fantastic, Brandon.
I mean, wow, I, I, I love it.
This is great work. (sighs)
Just name it. Anything in
the store you want, just ask.
It's yours. Anything.
- Uh, okay. (laughs)
(intimidating music)
(text pops)
(vigorous music)
(emoticons squelch)
- [Mike] Brandon, you got this.
Okay, you built me
a kick-a*s website.
I think you can
use the register.
All right, just remember,
any questions, ask.
I'll be over here,
managing Jimmy's signing.
You ring the people up, okay?
- [Brandon] Yeah.
- [Mike] Cool?
Ah, Jimmy.
- Yo.
- You know, I bought
like 500 of these things.
Help me move 'em, will ya?
- Yeah, we'll move
them all, man.
- Okay, cool.
- Yeah.
Hey, thank you for your support.
Thank you.
- Yeah, of course.
- Oh.
(taps window)
- Got a little water.
It's always good to
stay hydrated, Jimmy.
- What do you say we
fire this baby up?
- Uh, yeah, why not?
It's a, it's a little
early. If you don't mind.
- I'm here, man, let's roll.
Okay, yeah, you know,
you're the, uh, guest of honor.
Please, have a seat.
You comfortable?
- Um, yeah.
- All right, ow.
- [Jimmy] Mmm.
- There you go. (chuckles)
You need anything?
- (laughs) No.
- Okay.
- No, one more of these
and we'll be real good.
(Mike sighs)
(door knocks)
- Oh, gee, okay,
can you back up?
- Back up! Back up, everyone!
- Bunch of savages! All right?
Listen, I'm gonna bring you
guys in five at a time, okay?
- Hey, hey, hey, don't
forget the hot girl.
- Uh, you.
- [Jimmy] Yep, both of 'em,
both of 'em, both of 'em!
- Show a little respect, okay?
Let's go. One,
two.
- Thank you.
- Three, four,
excuse me sir, five.
- [Jimmy] Hey, what's
up, my brother?
How you doing?
- How's it going, man?
- [Jimmy] All right.
Ooh.
- Outside books are 20, okay?
Now, you can get "Tales
of Zargus" signed for free
if you buy the issue.
- Yeah, yeah, that's,
that's fine, whatever.
- Okay, great, you'll take one,
wonderful.
- Yeah, but uh, Jimmy,
w-why'd you quit "Dead
and Lycan It," bro?
- Oh man, I wanted to create
my own stories, buddy-
original material.
- Hmm, like "Tales of Zargus"?
- That's exactly what
I'm talking about.
I guarantee you will like this.
Just take it.
- Yeah?
- I guarantee.
- I take three of 'em.
- Oh, hey!
- There we go. My man!
- Big baller!
- My man!
- That's what we're
talking about.
- My man. All right.
- Appreciate you, man.
- Pay with Brandon,
over at the register.
- All right.
- Brandon'll ring you out.
- All right.
(rock music)
(shutter snaps)
(cash register pings)
Take a feel
Make a deal
I'll hold
Oh, no
Nice, new attitude
And I'll hold
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, no
Oh, ow
- [Jimmy] Later,
bro, have a good one.
- Thanks.
- All right.
- That is the last
of 'em, Jimmy.
Well done, my friend.
- Ha ha, good,
'cause I am ready to
get my gamble on, baby.
- Thanks for coming out, man.
- Yeah, aw, man, my pleasure.
- Don't spend it
all in one place.
- Uh, you know I will.
(Mike laughs)
Thanks, buddy.
- You got it.
- Yeah, man.
- Thank you.
- Appreciate you.
Who drew those?
- Those are mine.
- Man, those are good,
like next-level good.
We still on for dinner?
You're still buying, right?
- Yeah, why not?
- Yeah, time to go make
some real money, baby.
Those high rollers
better watch out! Whoo!
(door opens)
- (sighs) He'll lose it
all before dinner.
(door closes)
They built a strip
on guys like Jimmy.
Good job today.
- Thanks.
"Tales of Zargus" definitely
rang up the most sales,
thanks to your quick thinking.
- And the fact that it's the
only one that doesn't suck.
- Hmm.
(Mike snickers)
Hey, you never, like,
told me the real reason
why you quit illustrating.
- It's because there's
not much to tell.
You know, I got laid off,
couldn't find another job.
- So just like
that, you gave up?
- Look, Brandon, uh, uh,
the adult world is full
of stress and
responsibilities and bills.
It's not all superheroes
and rainbows.
- I don't think I
could do something
that I'm not happy
doing, y-you know?
Uh, and honestly, you just
really deserve better, Mike.
- Yeah, well, we all
deserve better, buddy.
Welcome to adulthood.
- All right, so I'm at
the Bellagio, right?
And I'm sitting next to
this little honey, man.
She is so fine.
She's so fine. Gah!
I'm trying to impress
her a little bit,
so I doubled down.
The dealer hits 21. There
goes the last of it.
- Oof, sorry to
hear that, Jimmy.
Yeah, maybe you're up
for another signing, then.
- (laughs) No.
- Let's make this
a monthly deal.
- No, man, no, no, no.
All right, I'd just
give it all back to 'em.
- [Mike] Oh yeah.
- So, um, Danno tells me you
were a rockstar illustrator
back in the day.
- He exaggerates.
- Mmm.
Aw, come on, now,
I've seen your work.
I mean, I know you're probably
k*lling it at the comic shop.
But I mean, don't you
ever wonder what if?
- Yeah, of course, you know.
It's not like I
lost the passion.
It's just, didn't
pay the bills.
- Hmm, I don't know, Mikey.
Looks to me like the artist
inside you never left.
(Mike chuckles)
(labeler clacks)
(door closes)
(labeler clacks)
(cellophane rustles)
(Mike inhales deeply)
- Hey there. Can I
help you find anything?
- Nah, just browsing.
Thanks, though, man.
- Have you seen the
new Top Guys stuff?
- Just, uh, "Zargus."
It was all right.
- Oh, uh, ha-have you
actually read any of them?
- Just heard they sucked.
- You know, issue
number one, signed?
Could be pretty
collectible. Just saying.
(Mike sighs)
(phone rings)
(phone buzzes and jingles)
- Hey, Mike, what's up?
Eight o'clock?
Yeah, yeah, I can do that.
See you then.
It is kinda your fault though.
- Yeah, I know it is.
(Alex laughs)
Look, y-you, you mean more
to me than any employee.
(soft jazz music)
Just didn't wanna
bring you down with me.
(Alex scoffs)
- Mike, why couldn't you
let me decide for myself?
I mean, after working together
and being so close for so long,
thought we were a team.
- Yeah.
- You and me, Alex and Mike,
fist bumps,
(Mike chuckles)
high fives,
against all odds, you know?
- Yeah.
It's kind of
embarrassing to say, but,
but once I realized you
weren't there anymore,
started to miss you.
- And?
- And I realized
how much I need you.
- Mm! Don't know what you
got till it's gone, huh?
- And I definitely missed
your fortune cookie wisdom.
- Mm-hmm.
- Charming sarcasm,
and, uh, biting wit.
- There's that. (laughs)
- Beautiful eyes.
- Well, I'm not your
employee anymore, so.
- Check, please.
Yeah, thanks.
(lips smack)
(keys jangle)
(door opens)
(ominous music)
(Mike groans)
(Mike sighs)
(Mike grumbles)
(bewitching music)
(lock scrapes)
(door opens)
(keys jangle)
(jittery music)
(door closes)
(liquid splatters)
(lighter chirps)
(flames whoosh)
(fire crackles)
(tense music)
(engine cranks)
(engine growls)
(siren wails)
(gloomy music)
(horn squawks)
(door thuds)
(doorframe cracks)
(respirator hisses)
- [fireman] Wake up!
Up!
(Mike coughs)
(emergency radio chattering)
- Why would I burn
down my own shop?
I don't even have insurance.
- We're just trying to get the
facts straight, Mr. DiAngelo.
- Would you, uh, like to
come down to the station?
- Do I really have a choice?
(siren wails)
(bird chirps)
(timid music)
Hey.
- Hey.
- Uh, thanks
for picking me up.
- Yeah, no problem.
(Mike sighs)
- Just when I thought things
couldn't get any worse, huh?
- You know, you can stay with me
until you figure things out.
- Thanks.
But, I just wanna get back
to the shop, see what's left.
- All right.
(phone buzzes)
- (scoffs) It's my mother.
(Mike sighs)
You know, I feel kinda guilty.
My parents are the ones
who gave me the money
to open the shop.
- It's not your fault, Mike.
You didn't burn the place down.
- But I'm happy it
went up in flames.
You know, being a small business
owner was never my passion.
It was my plan B,
and maybe that was part of the
reason I was such a as*h*le.
Took you for granted.
I didn't appreciate myself,
and I didn't want you to
figure out what a loser I am.
- You are not a loser, Mike.
- Let's get outta here.
- Yeah, all right.
(engine cranks)
(dramatic music)
- Thanks.
(engine rumbles)
(blues music)
- Oh my God,
I thought you were dead.
- Probably should be.
If it wasn't for the North
Vegas Fire Department, I,
I would've slept
through the whole thing.
- What a disaster.
Do you even know how
it started? Y-...
That don't even matter, Brother.
Is there anything that you need?
Anything at all, you name it.
- Yeah, uh, take
a shot of bourbon.
- Here you are, my friend.
This one is on the house.
You, uh, mind if I give
you a little advice?
(Mike scoffs)
- You know, that's what
got me to this place,
so with all due respect, I
think I'm done with advice.
See, a man's got to know
What's in his
beloved's heart
'Cause if he pushes too far
They might end up apart
(brooding music)
(door closes)
(debris crunches)
(debris rattles and scrapes)
(Mike sighs)
- [Mike's dad] Your
mother and I love you.
We believe in you.
Now, we want you
to take this money.
Just start your own business.
(mystical music)
- [Brandon] Mike?
Mike?
Mike?
Mike.
Mike.
Mike.
What the hell?
Wake up.
- Go away, kid. Leave me alone.
(somber music)
Go back home to your
parents where you belong.
- I belong right here.
I'm...
Come on. We've got
more work to do.
Come on, get up.
- You know, I keep telling
myself to give up the booze.
Then again, who's
gonna believe it?
Who's gonna believe a
drunk who talks to himself?
(Mike laughs)
- I do.
Mike, I do.
Just, just look at
all these drawings,
and think of all the people
who would come just to,
just to hear you talk
or, or sign some comics.
You have it.
(somber music continues)
This is who you are.
That's what you're supposed
to be doing, not,
not lying here like this.
Come on, get up.
- You know, I used to be
just like you, kid, so young,
full of hopes and dreams.
- So, what? Now you're
old and cynical?
- Hey, don't you call
me old. (chuckles)
(Mike sniffles and cries)
(somber music continues)
- This has gotta go.
(bottle scrapes)
(bottle clacks)
(uplifting music)
(Kurt groans)
(proud music)
(Kurt sighs)
(knocking)
- Is this me?
- Yeah.
- This could be a
recruiting poster.
- Thought I'd draw a
real hero for once.
- It's a great piece, Son.
- Thanks, Dad.
- Look, (sighs)
I know you and I don't
always see eye to eye,
but I want you to know, whatever
you choose to do in life,
you're gonna be
really great at it.
- I just don't wanna end up
stuck doing something
I don't love, you know?
- Son, life is about compromise.
It's about finding ways to
protect what's important.
I loved playing guitar,
but I love you and Mom more.
- Mm, I love drawing,
so much that, like, I couldn't
imagine doing anything else.
- I will support you in
whatever major you choose,
(tender music)
but you gotta promise
me to keep an open mind.
- Uh, n-, uh,
yeah, I will, yeah.
You know, I was thinking,
someday, maybe we could do,
like, a father-son activity or,
uh, I don't know, something.
- You okay, Son?
- Yes, yeah.
Yeah, Mike was telling me,
like, how fun sports can be.
- Oh, Mike was
telling you that, huh?
I think I told you
that years ago.
- Yeah, but um-
- But I'm your father, so...
I get it.
Okay, well, how
'bout we go bowling?
- Bowling?
- Bowling.
You, me, and Mike.
- Okay.
- All right?
- Yeah, let's do it.
- All right.
- Oh, okay.
(imperious music)
- Alex.
- Yes.
- Make yourself
useful, will you?
There's a shipment of back
issues that need placement.
- Anywhere specific?
- Some indie,
some mainstream.
You'll figure it out.
- Okay, cool.
Hey, Chad, um,
I actually forgot I have
to call my doctor back.
- You could call in here while
we sort through some stuff.
- (sighs) It's kind
of a woman's issue,
if you know what I mean.
- Oh, never mind.
Take it outside.
- Great, thanks.
(phone jingles and buzzes)
(dramatic music)
- Hey, what's up?
When?
He must be the one who
burned down my store.
That son of a b*tch.
Stay where you are, Alex.
I'll be right there.
- Mike, sorry about the--
- "Techno Man" rules.
- Ah, your stuff's
in the back. Come on.
- What the hell?
- He must've grabbed
my key. It's not here.
Hey, by the way, I
quit, you pathetic f*ck.
- What?
- Yeah, b*tch.
- What is this?
- Chad Bryant, you're
under arrest for arson-
- What?
- and forgery
and attempted m*rder.
- [Chad] I didn't
do any of that.
- You have the right
to remain silent.
- This is crazy.
- Anything you say
can and will be used against
you in a court of law.
- It's no invisible jet,
but she's got a hemi.
(intrepid music)
- Sorry, man. I got
a little bogged down.
Thanks for coming
by to pick these up.
- No worries,
Superbike Mike.
- Oh yeah.
You know, you really
saved the day, Sean.
I guess you're actually
a superhero after all.
- Whoo.
(deflated music)
Wait. Wait a second.
You, you really meant
that, didn't you?
- Most definitely.
(intrepid music)
- Stay clean, and
stay healthy, citizen.
- Will do. (laughs)
Hey, Jerry, 10,000
paid in full.
(tender music)
What do you think?
- [Brandon] These are amazing.
- Yeah. I'm really
happy with 'em.
- You're really doing it.
- Couldn't have done
it without ya, kid.
- I knew you could do it.
You know, you, you
taught me so much.
Um, I kinda feel bad. I...
You know, you don't need
the website anymore.
- Are you kidding?
You've given me so much more
than a website. Seriously.
- Actually, um, my dad
and I wanted to invite you
to go bowling.
- Really? Bowling?
- It is his idea.
He wants me to,
you know, be active
and get into sports.
- Bowling's not a sport.
I'm just kidding.
Love bowling.
(Brandon chuckles)
(pop music)
- [Kurt] Come on, Brandon!
- Oh.
Hey, you know, maybe we
should put up the bumpers.
(Mike laughs)
You'll get the hang of it kid.
- That's okay, come on.
All right, Mike, show
us how it's done. Come on.
(phone buzzes)
- Dan's calling. I
wonder what he wants.
Excuse me.
- [Kurt] No worries.
- [Dan] Mike, my man!
Thanks for getting these
over here so quickly, buddy.
- Yeah, Dan. Uh,
what, what's going on?
I'm kinda with friends right
now. Can I call you back?
- No problem. Listen, I
will make this really quick.
Jimmy jumped ship, and
now he's writing for me.
- He left Top Guys.
- He did. He did.
We're actually
launching a series,
and that's why I wanted you to
send me over the illustrations.
Listen, pal, we want
you on the team.
(touching music)
You are the man.
- I mean, there
are, there are a ton
of great artists out there, Dan.
Why choose me?
- Honestly, aside from
your extreme talent, Mike,
Jimmy said you'd be
hungry and affordable.
(Mike laughs)
- Well, tell him he's not wrong.
I'd love the chance.
Thanks for thinking
of me, Danno.
- You got it, buddy.
Hey, congratulations.
I'll talk to you soon.
Go out and celebrate!
- Will do.
- So, who was it?
- Jimmy and Dan want me
to illustrate for 'em.
- [Brandon] What?
- Yeah.
- I told you.
Oh my God, that's so badass.
- [Kurt] Strike! Ha ha!
- [Mike] Yeah, Kurt!
- Ha! Ha ha, hey!
- [Mike] Boom!
- Yes!
- Dad, Mike just got
offered a job
illustrating for a comic series.
- Wow, Mike, hey,
that's incredible news.
- Thank you.
Thanks.
- Huh? Awesome.
I think a celebration
is in order.
- I, I think it is.
- Huh?
- Yeah.
Hey, don't be sad, kid.
You'll find another
store to hang out at.
- [Kurt] Yeah.
- But just remember,
it's all about the
owner, not the store.
- [Kurt] That's right.
That's right.
But more importantly,
it's about the strike!
- It's about the strike!
- Whoo!
- Boom!
- Show us how it's done, Mike.
- All right.
I'm calling my shot.
Strike, baby.
- [Kurt] Strike, Mike.
(touching music swells)
- Oh!
- There it is! There it is!
Did ya see that?
(Brandon laughs)
(gentle music)
- What's up, Kyle?
Okay.
(pencil scribbles)
(knocking)
- Hey, buddy.
- Hey.
- I really need those panels
by the end of the day.
- Yeah, of course.
Not a problem.
Just needed some caffeine.
- Keep working hard.
- Love you, buddy.
- [Dan] Love you back.
(blissful music)
- [Brandon] Mike. Guess what.
I got in! I did it.
- (laughs) That's
great. Congratulations.
- Looks like the kid's following
in your footsteps, Mike.
- I knew you had it in
you, Brandon. All right?
You just work hard, and
you'll get your chance,
just like I did.
Thanks to you, kid.
- Thanks to us.
- Oh, and Brandon, don't forget.
When you graduate,
Mike and I get first dibs on
your illustrating contract.
- [Mike] Oh yeah.
- [Alex] Okay?
- No doubt.
- First dibs.
- Okay. Deal. (laughs)
- Awesome.
- I miss you guys.
- Yeah, we miss you, too.
- Miss you, too.
- [young fan] I'm a
huge fan, Mr. DiAngelo.
Your art and characters
are so amazing.
They say you're
the next Stan Lee.
- Thanks, man. I
appreciate that.
The next Stan Lee is currently
a freshman in college.
- [young fan] Any advice
for an aspiring artist?
- Yeah.
Never have a plan B.
(vigorous rock music)
Whoo
My Uber ride dropped me off
Fairfax and Beverly
The sneakerheads, walking up
They try to talk to me
They say do I wanna fight
They say do I wanna go
Whoo
I say I'm feeling too high
I say, come on
and let's dance
More fly
I don't try
Whoo
Deep breath
Uh-huh
I won't die
Let's dance
More fly
What?
I don't try
Whoo
Let's dance
Deep breath
I won't die
Whoo
We stop at Bodega Lou's
I get my favorite drink
Whoo
The sweetest one I can find
That mango saccharine
She ask what else do I want
I say you don't wanna know
Whoo
She say, I really do
So I say, come
on, let's dance
(vigorous rock music continues)
Whoo
Yeah
Whoo-oh
Fairfax and Beverly,
Fairfax and Beverly
Whoo
Come on and dance with me
I speak so cleverly
I'll step with anyone
From one to 70
Whoo
I got this bug in
me, so come on, baby
Baby, let's dance
(vigorous rock music continues)
(questing music)
(questing music continues)
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Comic Shop, The (2025)
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