Heh. I think you all will get a kick out of

The newest MtG has been released (as of today) and we've got it in. Shards of Alara tournament and booster packs are here.

Descent Altar of Despair expansion is now out. I've already sold the one copy I picked up. If you want one, please let me know so I can be properly stocked.

And finally- Monty Python Fluxx should be here in the next 2 weeks! We will *so* have a bunch of games of it.

In other news, drop by to shop the Clearance section, which is currently priced at 75% off.

And my Fall Cleaning of Marvel, DC and the Indie section continues. Everything getting pulled off is on the big unpainted bookcase by the New Releases. All of those Trades and GN's are 25%.

Did you get your Halloween costume yet? The costume contest at our party should be pretty good.

w00t!

I'm putting together the latest Newsletter for the Shop, replete with the nice little Coupon and latest news. If you are interested in receiving the Newsletter (info about Sales, Parties, and Specials) drop me a private message or reply to this Blog with your email address.

K, so don't tell anyone but I'm doing a Fall Cleaning of our Graphic Novels and Trades to make space for all the titles shipping this Winter.

Starting today a whole ton of stuff is going to be be 25% off. I'll email out the latest Newsletter with this info in a day or so, but if you want in, pop on down and get some while the gettin' is good.

I'm working through DC right now and Marvel will be next, then the Indie Section.

Oh yeah, and all the clearance is 75% off for the next week.

Boo-ya!

Today we all decided the Staff's Halloween Costume theme for the Halloween Party-- characters from The Venture Brothers. (If you are unfamiliar with the show, reply with the next time you'll be in the shop and I'll be sure to have the disc from Season 1 or 2 to show you. Or you can check out Adult Swim or buy episodes off iTunes)

So!

Steve will go as Dr. Orpheus
Tim will be Dean
Erik will be Hank
Adam will be Brock

I just can't decide if I should go as Triana or Dr. Girlfriend (in the pink classic outfit). And I don't know who to have Rob go as.

Hopefully we can get Goodson from the Fanboy Planet Podcast to go as Dr. Venture, unless one of you is dying to fill that role.

I do encourage coming as part of the Team if you will be joining us for the Halloween Party (Oct. 31, from 7pm- 1am), if you have no other costume ideas.

Don't forget there will be a costume contest for a $25 gift certificate.

I'm re-posting this from Jim McLauchlin of the Hero Initiative.
(FYI: Ralph's Supermarkets are in Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Chicago-land.)

"Easy Money! (For the Hero Initiative)

I shop at Ralphs when I get groceries. Just do. Started eight years ago when I moved to sunny L.A., and I've been a loyalist ever since (okay, I do hit a Trader Joe's once in a while as well). But anyway:

One supercool thing about Ralphs is the Ralphs Rewards card. It's your standard grocery store "club card" that gets you discounts and whatnot. But you can ALSO register it with a Ralphs-approved charity, and EVERY time you shop and use the card, Ralphs will kick in a small percentage to the charity of your choice. It costs you, the consumer, NOTHING. It's just Ralphs kicking in a couple bucks to good causes. See where I'm going with this?

Yes, The Hero Initiative is one of those Ralphs-approved charities, and since Ralphs just switched over from Ralphs Club cards to Ralphs Rewards, we need YOU to re-register your card for Hero, which is easy as pie (tho not quite as tasty):

1) Hit the link at:

http://www5.kroger.com/EnterpriseLoyaltyWeb/crenrollment?divId=703

2) Enter our NPO # (non-profit organization #), which is 80680. It's under our corporate name, "A Commitment To Our Roots." It's okay, don't let that throw ya!

3) Fill out the rest of your info.

4) Now go get a pie.

Seriously, folks, if you do this once, we get a few nickels every time you shop, and multiplied by a San Diego Comic-Con full of people, it's the best, easiest way we've found to raise funds. Totally painless. And hot dammit, you need bologna and Q-Tips anyway!

That's that. You can do this anytime'. I suggest right now! but the official changeover from Ralphs Club to Ralphs Rewards happens Sep. 1, and the rolls get cleared, and we go back down to ZERO participants unless you sign up. You can do it now and it WILL be in effect for Sep. 1. So do it today, and enjoy that pie!

This applies to Ralphs, Foods Co. and Food 4 Less stores in Southern California, Nevada, Illinois, and Indiana. So if you're in those necks of those woods, hop to it. I thank you kindly.

Jim McLauchlin"

***
So, help out Hero Initiative and send this to all comic book people you know. Or just people that like to give to charity.

~Boss Lady
Illusive Comics & Games

Time to drive over to your favorite comic book store and pick up some good reads for the week. Here's what is shipping this week. To say it's a LARGE week is a bit of an understatement.

By the way, when you come in, check out the backstock area. We're cleaning up and doing better organizing of some of the sections. We also reorganized the Children's, Art and Independent Trades/Graphic Novel sections. Hopefully you'll be able to better find your books in these areas.

Sharks season is starting back up. Any Sharks goodies you want us to stock for you? Oh, and we have a cool promotion going on with our NHL trading cards. Do you collect 'em? Then come in and see about winning some cool cards and sports memorabilia.

See you later today!

Happy Wednesday Everybody,

It's been firmly decided that we *WILL* have a Halloween Party on Friday, October 31st, starting at 7:00pm.

PLUS! We'll have a $25 Gift Certificate for the Best Costume! Wanna know how good you need to look? Well, let's just say you need to outdo Tim's French Maid costumer from last year...

Here is the list of new releases for the week.

And by the way, no, we didn't get any of the *ucking All Star Batman and Robin comics. Darn it all...

If you didn't make it by the Shop on Saturday, yes you missed a GREAT party. 2 sets of Rock Band. 1 Big Game of Descent. A blast was had by all, including Birthday Boy, Tim.

For the record, yes, we'll be having a Halloween party. Come in Wednesday and argue with us over which day we should have it and if Tim, Steve, Rob and I should go in the Wizard of Oz theme or as the Presidential contenders (since I, apparently look enough like Palin to have fun with it).

Question: What are you doing today?

Answer: Going by Illusive Comics to buy some comics and then either sticking around or going back for the party tonight.

Reason for the party? Teh Tim turns 25 tomorrow. Not that we really need a reason other than the fact we haven't had a shindig in a couple of months. It starts at 7p and goes until I kick everyone out. Tim is hosting the bar tonight. Feel free to bring food or more drink. It'll be quite a good time. Store Parties always are.

See you tonight!

I'm really excited to share that we are *FINALLY* in the Diamond Daily "From The Road". Let me explain what that means--

Diamond: THE comic book distributor for North America and many parts of Europe (as many of you know)
Diamond Daily: The Newsletter they send out every day to all comic book retailers and publishers
From The Road: The section of the newsletter that features 1 comic book store per day, complete with photos and info taken by my Regional Rep.

This is what it looks like:

From the Road Photo Report: Santa Clara, CA’s Illusive Comics & Game
Retail Beat, Diamond Daily, 9/10/2008 by DAVE HAWKSWORTH

Turning the spotlight on Santa Clara, CA’s Illusive Comics & Games!

VITAL STATS

Owner: Anna Warren

Number of Locations: 1

Years in Business: 1 1/4

Store Size: 2,000 sq. ft.

Website: www.illusivecomics.com

Product Lines: New Comics, Back Issues,Import Comics, Magazines, Graphic Novels & Trade Paperbacks, Toys, DVD & Video, Apparel, Models & Statues, Trading Cards, Games

Special Events: In-Store Gaming, WizKids venue, Saturday all day gaming and Carcassone Universal tournaments.

Community Involvement: Work with some local libraries.

Comic Shop Locator Service Participant: Yes

Favorite Recent Comic Book, Manga or Graphic Novel: Marvel Comics’ Kick Ass & Iron Man, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and DC Comics/Vertigo’s Fables.

Of what aspect of your store are you most proud? Expansion of the store which I could not have without my great staff.

What do you do that is innovative within your store? Our 6 p.m. Wednesday night Fanboy Planet podcast live from the store.

What changes have you made in the store over the last six months? Added more T-Shirts (zombie shirts have been a hit.) Brought in new cash wrap fixtures.

What are your plans for the next twelve months? Add DVDs such as traditional comic movies and comedy series for example Red Dwarf. More outreach to local schools. Dedicate a section of the store to be an art gallery.

How did you choose your store name? I asked fans of Illusive Arts to name the store. Held a poll on the Dorothy website and Illusive won hands down.

A close up of outside showing Illusive's window display highlighting new release books



Trades displayed in plexi display holders garnish the ends of these trade racks and focus shoppers on recommended books



Candies, game supplies and other pop culture merchandise entice customers to spend a few dollars more once they reach the cash wrap



The addition of the variant comic display above the new release wall has generated increased sales



Owner Anna Warren and staff employee Tim Watson makes sure Xena behaves herself while giving Spidey a piggyback ride



***

I gave him a ton more info, but evidently they have to cut it down to practically nothing. Like how I got the mention of Dorothy in there? hee hee.

Like how Spidey and Xena are in there?

We're Almost Famous, kids!

Howdy Kids,

Well, I'm just back from the Diamond Summit in Vegas and it was a wonderfully informative trip. I'll post pics some pics soon.

I have a whole ton of new ideas for the store, including ideas for Singles Nights. (Hint: If you know of any *Good* bands that are looking for gigs, please have them contact me.)

So, while at the Summit, I met Terry Moore, Ben Templesmith and Jim Palmiotti (all of whom are THE NICEST GUYS!). Got autographed items from each of them. Actually, I got a ton and a half of comics, trades, manga, DVD's, t-shirts and games at the Summit. We'll work to have it all out for you enjoyment and purchase-ability tomorrow.

I have a bunch of info on upcoming Marvel and DC releases, news about the Watchmen movie release as well as news about the Wolverine and Spirit movie. Come in for the good gossip. :)

If you haven't heard- Saturday night we're having a Big Ol' Shindig for Tim's 25th Birthday. We'll have a 25% off sale that day. (Normal store hours will be 11-6, then things will be quiet between 6-7 while we set up). The Party will be 7pm until 1am-ish. You all are invited. As well as your friends.

I'll see most of you tomorrow, since it's New Comic Book Day, otherwise, we'll see you Saturday, most likely.

And now, for your weekly convenience, here's the link to this week's New Releases.

Ok Party People,

We have a new and unusual task before us: this little kitten that was handed to me last night is now being fostered by a kind woman until she (we think it's a she) is old enough for a home (about 2 more weeks we think). All black. Photos to be posted soon.

If you or anyone you know is looking for a kitten, please let me know. She can't go to the Humane Society, because they are over-full.

She seems quite healthy and is able to eat cat food.

So let's help this little one find a home!

Call the shop or drop me a line if you or someone else wants her anna@illusivecomics.com

A customer just brought in a kitten he almost ran into in the parkinglot. It's about 6 weeks old. She ate some canned cat food. No one here can take her. Anyone want a kitten? Call or come by ASAP. 408-985-7481.

Here is your extremely handy reminder for the day: COME GET YOUR COMICS!!!

And here is the handy list of what's in for the week.

We're open 11am - 9pm tonight.

If someone brings me a Venti Black Iced Tea, *sweetened*, from Starbucks, I'll give them a free comic. Or a hug. Their choice.

See you soon!

~Boss Lady

By Laboring down to your local comic book shop to buy comics that are 75% off.

And I bet you thought I'd forget to remind you. But NO! I didn't! So HA!

What was my point? Oh, yes:

75% off Overstock Backstock
75% off Clearance
20% off Regular Backstock (a sale we have Every Monday, by the way)
25-50% off Marked Toys, Games, and Figurines (you can finally afford the giant Green Goblin figurine or Cthulu figurine!!)

We're open regular hours today 11-7:30.

And don't forget- New Comic Book Day is THURSDAY this week.

Should I bring Venture Brothers with me so we have some fine entertainment at the store? Season 1 or 2? Hmmmmm....

This is what is being released today and it is No Small Day, mind you. I don't even know how we're gonna fit it all on the shelves with the new Wizards and Previews. Today we're open 11am to 9pm.

Which reminds me, monthly orders are due next Tuesday for August, so if you have something you want ordered, we will need to know no later than by tomorrow.

Whatcha doin' Labor Day? 'Cause we will be Open and we *are* having a Grand Ol' sale. 75% off the Overstock Backstock. That's the Belle of the Ball. We're also continuing 25% off specially marked statues, toys and games (both board games and card games) as well as 75% off of the Clearance Section.

We'll be open 11am-7:30pm, as per usual. (Yes, I will be wanting some company, so come on by and hang out. We can play Zombie Fluxx or Cribbage.)

BUT, because Monday is a holiday, that means New Comics will be in Thursday next week.

That is all for now. See you in a few hours...

Pretty much.

Subscribers (People who have boxes that we keep their weekly comics in)- here's the details of your Special Sale Saturday the 23rd from 9-11:

25% off all Trades and Graphic Novels
25% off all Manga
25% off all Art
25% off all regular back issues
25% off all Variants

The rest of the world gets the normal sale on Saturday from 11-6:30:

25% off Marked Toys, Games, Figurines, and Statues
25% off all items in the Kids Section
50% off Overstock Back issues. There are several thousand comics ripe for the picking!
75% off all Clearance

(Yes, Subscribers, the Normal Sale applies to you as well during your Special Sale)

I think that covers it. It's YOUR Back-to-School sale, so come take advantage of it!

Man, others heard. And they got votes. How?! How?!!!

Ok, so currently we're 3rd in Best of The Bay standings, behind Flying Colors and Comic Outpost.

Please go over and post your vote and then tell your friends that you are chatting with on IM or Facebook to kill some time and go vote for us as well. 'Cause...I'm pretty...and...we're having a big sale on Saturday...and...we're having a big party in 3 weeks that I haven't told most of you about yet.

Or vote for us because our shop is Teh Awesome.