TAO for A-Holes

Episode 4, From Ink to Inventory: Dark Tide Comics Chronicles

Robert "Bob" Pena and Chris Berry Season 1 Episode 4

In this marathon three-hour episode of "TAO for A-Holes," hosts Bob Pena and Chris Berry take us on an exhilarating ride through the colorful world of Dark Tide Comics. Buckle up as they share their rollercoaster experience—from indie comic creation to the unexpected takeover of a struggling comicbook shop.

🎙️  Episode Highlights:

 1. Origins Unveiled: Discover how Bob and Chris transitioned from crafting indie comic universes and RPG games to becoming proprietors of **Dark Tide Comics**. Their mission? To network within the comicbook industry while pushing their own creative endeavors.

2. Brick by Brick: Dive into the challenges of running a brick-and-mortar store. What started as a modest venture in a few hundred square feet soon ballooned into a sprawling multi-thousand-square-foot haven for nerds in their tight-knit community.

3. Regulations and Revelations: Learn about the unexpected hurdles—local and state government regulations—that tested their mettle. Balancing comicbook passion with business acumen became a high-stakes juggling act.

4. Conventions on Wheels: The duo took Dark Tide Comics on the road, hitting up major comic conventions. Along the way, they rubbed shoulders with retired comic artists, exchanged war stories, and navigated the ever-evolving industry landscape.

5. Indie Insights: Bob and Chris spill the beans on indie comicbook artists they consulted with at the outset. Plus, they dissect the challenges faced by the comicbook, trading card game, and comic movie industries—how decisions at the top rippled down to Mom and Pop stores like theirs.

So grab your favorite graphic novel, settle in, and join us for an epic exploration of passion, perseverance, and the quirky world of Dark Tide Comics. Whether you're a seasoned comic aficionado or a curious newbie, this episode promises laughs, insights, and a dash of nerd camaraderie.

A Note from Bob and Chris:

Despite the physical store for Dark Tide Comics meeting its end during the Covid lockdowns, our passion for all things nerdy remains unwavering. We’ve shifted gears, adapting to the digital realm, and now run RPG games online and in person locally. If you’re itching for an epic adventure, whether in the virtual or physical world, reach out to us—we’d love to run an RPG campaign for you and your friends.

Calling All Creatives! If you’re embarking on your own comicbook journey, consider us your friendly neighborhood mentors. We’re here to share insights, brainstorm, and help you navigate the wild seas of creativity.

🎙️ New Episodes Every Fortnight: Keep your ears peeled for fresh content! We’re cooking up exciting episodes that delve into the heart of nerd culture, business, and beyond.

🌐 Stay Connected: Soon, we’ll be launching a brand-new Facebook page and a Discord server. Join us there to chat, share memes, and geek out together. Let’s build a community that celebrates the quirky, the imaginative, and the downright nerdy.

👉 Follow the Old Dark Tide Comics Kingsville FB Page: Catch our latest episodes of “Tao for A-Holes” whenever we hit the publish button.

Thanks for being part of our nerdy journey!
- Bob and Chris

Dark Tide Comics Kingsville - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DarkTideComicsKingsville