Still, for how fantastic the Star Wars films are — and make no mistake, they are fantastic in the most definitional sense of the word — the entire franchise finds its real grounding in the fact that it is a universe. not simply in the galactic, space-pioneering sphere but in the sense that it successfully spans many forms of media and allows people from all walks of life to contribute to the greater narrative. Of course, we have to thank the films for laying the groundwork for this universe, but some of the best stories that take place in Star Wars are found in other mediums — books, comics, video games, board games, television and so on.

But as with any universe, attempting to consolidate all of the available information into a cohesive, coherent story is quite a difficult task. That’s why after Disney purchased the Star Wars franchise from Lucasfilm in October of 2012, a new precedent was set for determining what material should be considered canonical. In a 2014 clean sweep, Disney decided to wipe the slate, so to speak, leaving only the main films, The Clone Wars television series, and novels that directly aligned with what was seen in the big-screen stories. Most of the Star Wars content released after that date would quickly be considered canonical as well, but this left a huge swath of material from the 1970s to mid-2010s that was not.

Sadly, some of the best written material for Star Wars came out of this period, and thankfully, Disney still recognizes the literature and media of that time as Star Wars Legends. This material, formerly known as the Expanded Universe, contains tales set as far bas as tens of thousands of years before the main Star Wars timeline, fleshing out a vibrant, cultured universe. Consequently, anyone who can’t seem to get enough of the franchise should pay attention to this era, because while it might not be currently considered canon, it contains some of the best storytelling of the entire franchise. For anyone interested in digging into the lore of Star Wars Legends, here are five books and series every Star Wars fan should read.

Star Wars Legends Books Every Fan Should Read

Darth Bane Trilogy

The Darth bane Trilogy follows the titular character, the creator of the Rule of Two. For anyone familiar with the deeper lore of the Star Wars universe, this is the idea first expressed by Yoda in The Phantom Menace that, at any given time, there should be no more than two Sith — one master to embody power and an apprentice to crave it. Technically, the character of Darth Bane was made canon in the sixth season of The Clone Wars, when Yoda encountered the disembodied spirit of the Sith Lord. However, the canonical event’s of Bane’s life are still shrouded in mystery, leaving this Legends trilogy as the most comprehensive tale of the founder of The Order of Sith Lords.

Without giving too much of the story away, the series follows Bane as he transforms from a poor miner named Dessel to a soldier in the Brotherhood of Darkness, and eventually the heir of the entire Sith lineage. Rich with detailed characters on both sides of an intergalactic conflict, this trilogy serves as the capstone for anyone interested in Sith lore and the ultimate expression of the Rule of Two — Vader and Sidious.

The titles included in this trilogy are:

• Path of Destruction
• Rule of Two
• Dynasty of Evil

Darth Plagueis

“Did you ever hear the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise? I thought not. It’s not a story the Jedi would tell you.”

But that’s all right, because James Luceno will, and what a gripping tale it is. If the Darth Bane trilogy represents the beginning of the Order of Sith Lords, Darth Plagueis stands as the penultimate bookend. This riveting story takes place largely in the background of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, helping the reader understand the secretive events that ultimate led to the fall of the Republic and the emergence of the First Galactic Empire. True to the words of Palpatine in Revenge of the Sith, Darth Plagueis was a dark lord who sought to bend the force to his own will — his chief goal to hold the keys to life and death.

In this novel, readers get a glimpse at the Legends backstory for Darth Sidious, Maul and a host of other major players in the Star Wars universe. If the dark side is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural, then this is the story to understand how. A mix of political maneuvering and primeval, cultic ritual, Darth Plagueis s a book that will leave fans stunned and wondering whether the Jedi Order ever had a chance to begin with.

The Bounty Hunter Wars

This trilogy of novels explores a side of Star Wars some fans might be unfamiliar with. Of course, since The Mandalorian first aired in 2019, many people have begun to recognize that the Star Wars universe expands far beyond the Jedi/Sith conflict. Perhaps it’s even common knowledge that the bounty hunters are a large part of the franchise, and have been since The Empire Strikes Back, when Vader hired mercenaries to track down Han Solo. Even so, names like Dengar, Bossk, and Zuckuss probably don’t ring a bell. But after reading The Bounty Hunter Wars, fans will understand why these characters are some of the most loved, and feared, in the entire franchise.

For the most part, this series revolves around the iconic character, Boba Fett, who like in The Mandalorian, (SPOILER) manages to survive falling into the Sarlacc pit. Starting mere days after the events of Return of the Jedi, this narrative sees a heinous plot to minimize the power of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild by turning the members against one another. In a strategic game of wits, conspiracy and betrayal, no one is safe — not even the most feared hunters in all the galaxy.

• The Mandalorian Armor
• Slave Ship
• Hard Merchandise

Red Harvest

What do you get when you mix Children of the Corn, The Walking Dead, and Star Wars? Red Harvest, that’s what. This novel is something of an abnormality in the franchise, representing a zombie-plant survival story. And while that might sound outlandish to some extent, surpassing the normal bounds of the universe, it simply proves that anything is possible in Star Wars. Set during the days of the Old Republic, this novel details the mad schemes of a Sith Lord, Darth Scabrous, and the horrible results of his dark attempts at immortality. And while his goals might closely align with the much later Darth Plagueis’, the outcome couldn’t be more different.

As far as storytelling goes, Red Harvest might not have the same level of depth as the Darth Bane trilogy or other books mentioned so far, but it’s worth reading purely for the experience of a horror story in a galaxy far, far away.

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter

The titular Sith Lord, Darth Maul, was first introduced in The Phantom Menace, and though his spoken lines numbered in the single digits, his terrifying visage and prowess as a warrior captivated fans’ attention, making him one of the most recognizable figures from the entire franchise. And while more of his personality and driving motivations were fleshed out in The Clone Wars and other comic series, that wasn’t until 2008, nearly a decade after his initial debut. Because of the relative lack of backstory in film at the time, the 2001 novel, Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, was and still is a must-read for fans of the Sith assassin.

Taking place directly before the events of The Phantom Menace, this book follows Maul on his hunt for a traitorous member of the Trade Federation. Given leave to exact his dark vengeance on those who would thwart his master’s schemes, Maul’s demonic quest allows readers, for the first time, a glimpse into the mind of the silent Jedi hunter.

Read More Star Wars Legends Books

Upon review of this list, it’s apparent that all five of the novels and series have one thing in common — they follow the villains! Maybe that’s because some of the best stories are ones which let us get into the heads of characters that seem so alien to our own ways of thinking. Or maybe it’s just because sometimes it’s fun to be bad. But just because these Star Wars Legends books are some of the best doesn’t mean there aren’t others out there with more of a light-side persuasion. If you’re interested in finding out more, check out this list of 31 books and series from the Legends universe. And while you’re at it, don’t forget that there are plenty of other ways to get into the fantastic lore of Star Wars, from comics to games and a whole host of other mediums.

The boy inside was pacing frantically back and forth, clickity clacking away at the keyboard, hoping it would speed the computers to start up faster. Eyes like a vulture staring right back at me as he noticed me, hand ready to be drawn out from within my pocket.

He must really be regretting that burrito right about now.

Sorry, Jimmy. Lady Luck is getting ready to spin PokeStops right about now.

Which one of us was really on the outside?

I had always been a fan of a mystery, whether it was watching Lester Holt or Keith Morrison on Dateline, showing us the real life surveillance footage of the last sighting of a young man, regretting some life decisions during his morning shift at work. Or the sleuthing of a teenage girl, diving her way underneath the criminal and scandalous underbelly of an affluent town during lunch break. Also, growing up with comic book heroes as friends, it would come to no one’s surprise that I too was a fan of the newly released Netflix show, Jessica Jones. There may even exist writings of a team-up between her and one Master of the Dark Arts and Demonology with a Lucifer cameo in the dark corners of the internet… It’s a work in progress.

I was organizing a small display for the best crime sleuths and when I discovered that there was a figure of Jessica, I knew I had to get her.

Tick.

Tock.

Jimmy just done ran out the clock… Now, let me in.

You may be wondering what sets this post apart from all the thousands of other blogs and quick Google searches of what Funko Pops! are and where to get them. You know, besides the terrible attempt of a Western Noir introduction — I am, I am still on the outside.

What do I have to contribute that others cannot? Why was I personally asked to contribute to this subject? It’s certainly not for my writing prowess. No, no, don’t make me laugh.

That, my friend, is experience.

It is one thing to do research and have knowledge about a certain subject. But there is a whole other layer of new knowledge that can be shared and expressed by someone who has gone through the trenches.

Not only will I be telling you what they are — otherwise, this blog wouldn’t be a one stop POP article. But I will delve even further into what it means to collect, how to collect, where to buy, addictions, etc.

If this blog was My Hero Academia centric, which it is, we would be going Plus Ultra, so let’s begin!

Funko Pops: What the Heck Are They, and Are They for Me?

Now, you may have seen them at your retail stores or local comic book shops. The rows and columns of chibi-esque, big headed figures that stand roughly 3 1/4 to 4 inches in size, staring back at you through a clear plastic window inside a cubed box. With, some would say, soulless, big round eyes.

These adorably kawaii little figures that resemble countless iconic characters spanning decades of pop culture material are known as Funko Pop Vinyl figures. Or more commonly referred to simply as “Funko Pops”. And they’re another form of collectible that can be displayed for the whole world, your visitors, or simply just for you for as profound a reason as finding nostalgia in the things that define you to this day. Or, as pedestrian as liking a particular character on a show and having had some spare space next to the vase and photo frame with the random smiling family insert it came with on the nightstand.

For me personally, after a ten-to-fourteen hour workday, it’s nice to open up the door and see a reminder of the things I enjoy the most. And with a motto of, “Everyone is a fan of something”, Funko sure doesn’t lack much when it comes to variety. Except for the legendary Nintendo Master License, as of the time of this writing. But then again, who doesn’t. From as broad a range of categories like film, television, animation, music, and sports to the specific franchises and fandoms like Star Wars and Harry Potter, Funko literally has hundreds of licenses and thousands of Pops it can sell. Well, it seems daunting to know where to even start.

Hand-in-Hand, Not All Pops are Created Equal

Have you ever wanted to stroke Bob Ross’ seemingly majestic hair without a shovel in the dead of night and time in prison? No? Never thought of it before now? Well, you can!

You go to the store, a new Funko Pop! just released. One that you really like and have had your eye on for a while. And better yet, it is said to glow in the dark! You get there early to make sure you get one. The store opens and you go for gold to the V.I.P section, pinpoint the Pop after scanning rows and rows of them. You grab it, pay and slither your way back home, sliding on the tears of the unfortunate late-comers only to find out yours doesn’t glow. What gives?

I’m here to tell you that not all Pops are created equal.

You may have even tried already, buying and collecting your first few Pops only to find out the same Pop you had previously purchased has a furry counterpart. And with terminologies being thrown at you, like “Grail” and “Vaulted”, while researching online, or a sticker labeled, “Flocked”, on the box window, it may loosen the wanting spirit to begin your new collecting hobby.

That’s where I come along.

Below is just a simple list of some of the terms that you may come across through your journey for your first or fifth Pop in hopes that you won’t have to make the dreaded repeat purchase or return.

And many more!

Okay, Okay, Okay… I know what I’m Looking for, Now Where Do I Look? Where to buy Funko Pops?

You’ve now gone and done your research on what Pops you want, whether it has a variant or if it’s an exclusive to a specific retailer. Now, it’s time for your first Funko Pop! hunt!

Here is a list of some brick and mortar stores and online selections where you can find them. There are plenty more, and don’t forget your local comic books shops, too!

This is just some of the basic knowledge you will probably need in order to start your very own collection of Funko Pops, but you could have easily found this elsewhere.

It’s time to go Plus Ultra and delve even further to discuss topics like how and when to buy, what should be preordered and what can wait for in-store. And very importantly, the addiction that may come with it.

Pop Addict?

Every hobby, especially a collecting one, comes with a risk of addiction. And with the affordability and shear amounts of the figures available, it would come as no surprise that Pop collections may go from one to thirty in a span of months or even less. Trust me, it adds up rather quickly in terms of quantity, finances and space as you try to complete that Naruto set or purchase that new Demon Slayer line.

Now, it’s great to have a hobby. But no hobby should ever have you bust bank in order to enjoy it. I will be doing my very best to guide you through even more in-depth details of how to navigate through the rough waters.

Who Are You?

One of the first questions you’ll want to ask yourself before you really want to start collecting is what type of collector you want to be. This will save you time and money in the long-run by specifically targeting ones you want as opposed to whatever you can get your hands on. That is, unless that’s the type of collector you want to be.

And, of course, there can be many more types of collectors out there, some slight variations or combinations of those mentioned above. No two collectors or collections are the same, after all!

When You Should Buy

We’ve learned where to buy, but now it’s time to learn when to buy. You mean, we don’t just go in store and grab it? You certainly can! But I want to help guide you toward saving money, too. And as with almost every other item, you want to wait for sales.

Outside of the retail world, prices also tend to fluctuate based on popularity or major events. New season of a show coming out? Major character arc or story death? Then you best believe it when people are going to want to get the Pop that’s fresh on their minds. And when there is short supply and high demand, the price gouging begins. So, it’s best to stay up with current events.

How to Pre-Order: What to Pre-Order and What Not To

You have been waiting for months. The new line of Funko Pops that have been teased since last year are finally dropping online for pre-order tomorrow. It’s exciting. From the commons to the exclusives, you want them all… and so does everyone else.

In order to prepare, you have your alarm set and credit card in hand. And when it finally comes time, you quickly add everything to your cart and push through the dreaded checkout screen. Your order is placed, and now, you wait again.

One month.

Two months.

Three.

Hit with a series of delays, you finally start to see the Pops you pre-ordered hitting store shelves, and soon yours too.

One month.

Two months.

Three months have passed, and you still haven’t received your order. What gives?!

If you’ve ever experienced this scenario or anything like it, especially when first starting to collect, you know it’s never a good feeling. Coming in first to the pre-orders but receiving it after everyone else at the finish line. You feel cheated and defeated, and them taking your money during checkout is the kick down under that seals the deal. And you still don’t have anything to show for it.

What if I were to tell you that there is a way to actually order Funko Pops that can save you time, money, and hearthache?

One of the most common mistakes I made early on was quickly adding all the commons and exclusives into the same cart without checking when they are scheduled to release and when they receive payment.

Checking each site and pre-ordering policy to find out if they ship immediately or wait until all the items are in stock before shipping will spare you so much time waiting for your products to arrive.

More often than not, exclusives tend to release later than the common wave. So, separate your cart if you want to see your purchases come in sooner, and pre-order in store to avoid shipping cost.

Another thing you want to check is whether the retailer requires you to pay now or later, when they ship your purchase. This will save your wallet and bank account from going completely dry. And is a nice way to still have your Pops on pre-order and not pay a dime immediately. Learning the cancellation policies of the online retailers is also a good thing to use to your advantage, especially if you find a specific Pop on the shelves before you have paid and the store has shipped.

A good rule of thumb is to pre-order exclusives and/or bundles. And wait for commons in store or on sale, and separate the in-stock Pops and pre-order Pops into two transactions.

But perhaps the most important thing is to be patient with your orders. It can take months from pre-order to release, and each company gets their personal stock delivered at different times. Some bigger retailers usually get their first over smaller ones, give or take delays.

Spotting Fakes

As with any hobby involving high-value items, expect fakes to be amassed.

I had just starting collecting at a more serious level and was fresh from receiving a GameStop exclusive Geralt with Igni Glow in the Dark Funko Pop from the series, The Witcher, as part of a Christmas gift (thank you Alyssa). I just knew that Holiday Gift Guide would work. I was so excited. I had finished watching the Netflix series and loved the creatures and cast of the show, especially everyone’s man-crush, Henry Cavill. He is one of us, after all!

After being gifted Geralt, I wanted to continue down the line, and was searching for his counterpart, Yennefer, a grail. And being out for a good while and vaulted, Yennefer was sitting at a one-hundred fifty-dollar value.

Real Talk.

Now, like I said before, I love me some Witcher. But he needs to be tossing me some coin instead. Because I will be snatching them right back up from off the ground. I can’t be spending no hundred fifty dollars on something without it loving me back. Or so I thought back then. Silly me.

I had been surfing through Mercari for weeks. There was hardly any posting to begin with, due to the difficulty of finding Yennefer. And those who did weren’t selling, keeping her a part of their collection. All the others were asking ten times above retail. And any reasonably priced ones kept getting snatched up as fast as they were posted. I was beginning to lose all hope until I saw one listed for twenty-five dollars.

Without hesitation, I immediately clicked and bought it. I was so excited that I finally bough a Yennefer, and at a super great price, too! It wasn’t until I started watching a YouTube video about fake Pops that I went to check my collection and found out that the Yennefer I had bought was indeed fake.

Looking back, I realized that I had missed many red flags, that the Pop had a high chance of being fake. But in the moment of competing against everyone else, my reasoning and judgment ceased to exist temporarily. But having since matured in spotting fakes, I can now pass some knowledge on to you all. That way, you won’t have to buy a fake. And I’ll be using the fake Pop to do it!

Common pops will almost never be faked, as there is not a market for a ten-dollar pop. And the same goes for newly released pops, since they’re freshly new and haven’t had time to land value or be replicated.

The Pops that are indeed faked are the ones which have acquired the “Grail” status over time.

One of the most common determinants separating real and fake Funko Pops is the lack of a category in which the Pop is in, as well as the registered Funko trademark. A different font or unusual spacing between the category letters is also a determining factor. The thickness of border or an off-color illustration of the character can also be signs that the Pop may be a fake.

Another identifier is the lack of any Funko licensing or trademark markers on the boxes. A lack of a production date or a mismatching one is a common occurrence when dealing with fake Pops.

Although common, the Pop inside the box isn’t the only thing that’s faked.

Sticker swapping is perhaps an even more common way of faking a Pop than the actual molding itself, and this affects the Sticker Collectors the most.

Funko Pops that are convention exclusives tend to have a retailer that shares that Pop with the Shared sticker. Although the Pops themselves are identical, the value of a convention sticker can be double the price of the Shared sticker, due to its rarity and time stamp for a particular event.

• Brook Funko Pop! with Fall Convention exclusive sticker on box
• Funko Pop convention sticker as seen from the side of the box

Always check around the sticker for any glue residue or any attempt to replace the less expensive shared sticker for the more coveted convention sticker through a sticker swap. In addition to any residue, real stickers are also see-through and detailed with specific font and shadows to help prevent replication.

Remember, if the deal seems too good to be true, it most probably is.

Shipping and Selling

When it comes to collecting Funko Pops, you will come to learn rather quickly that shipping is perhaps one of the most important things that comes to mind when buying online. It is the single barrier that’s stopping that elusive Pop you’ve been searching for from becoming the spitting image of your crushed hopes.

One of the most fundamental things about collecting Funko Pops that’s always talked about but never shown or made into a tutorial is how to properly ship Funko Pops. Until today, that is.

First and foremost, you want to pick a size-appropriate box to accommodate your needs while not having too much space for it to move around and bounce during transit. Don’t be like some retailers and ship the product in a bag. It really does suck when you’ve waited so long for a Pop only to receive it poorly packaged and damaged.

Use a Pop Protector or a Sorter, or a Hard Stack case for the more expensive Pops, to help protect the Funko Pop from any sort of damage. And reinforce it will bubble wrap afterwards. This is a great way to further ensure that your product arrives unscathed.

Lastly, always fill the remaining gap space with air bags or more bubble wrap, so that the Pop is snug inside its shipping box.

Sometimes, we need to make room for more Pops and need to let some of your collection go. Especially ones you just don’t collect anymore.

The condition of a box can differ between one collector to the next. When selling Funko pops, taking pictures of all sides of the Pop is one of the most critical things to be done. Finding every dent or ding and taking note is also key.

Another advantageous thing to do is write your selling handle on the day’s date on an index card or sticky note and photo it next to the item, signifying that you are indeed the one selling that particular item in the picture. Because a lot of sellers offering fakes can easily steal someone else’s images off the web or listing.

Display

We made it. The final frontier.

We got our Pops, we saved our monies, and know we bought authentic. Now, we need to show the entire world what we spent it on!

But how the hell are we going to do that? Do we really want someone to find us buried in a Pop crime scene because we had them all stacked atop one another as a fifth bedroom wall? I don’t think so. Especially since they might get damaged in the process.

There are an infinite amount of ways to incorporate Pops into your everyday décor. But I created a list of some tips from the most common used furniture pieces to how to protect your investments.

In Box vs. Out of Box

Depending on the type of collector you are, you might display your Pops differently. In Box vs. Out of Box is perhaps one of the most divisive factors separating the Funko collector community.

Funko Pops aren’t the only things I love to collect, so I try to incorporate them with other or similar things so that everything blends together in both In Box and Out of Box styles of display.

Shelving

Walmart’s mainstays and Ikea’s bookcases and shelves are some of the most well-known and recommended types of displays due to the affordability, durability, and adjustability.

• Critical Role display of Funko Pops on a Walmart Mainstay
• My Hero Academia Funko Pop collection on Walmart Mainstay

Critical Role and My Hero Academia Displayed on Walmart’s Mainstays Shelving OptionsPutting your Funko Pops in Pop Protectors will help increase the longevity of the box’s condition by helping prevent any dents and dings from a fall and help against any sun damage from fading the box’s colors.

Lastly, another common way to display Funko Pops is by using a “Baseball Bat” display case. Many collectors like to set them up with LED lights for Blacklight Funko Pops, so that they light up in the dark.

Stay Konnected and Keep on Track

The world of Funko Pop collecting is ever changing, with new releases seemingly announced every week, price fluctuations, and the latest leaks, rumors, and pre-orders. It can be difficult at times just to keep up with your collection, let alone the latest news!

By downloading the Funko App, you can keep track of your collection and your Wishlist. And now, you can even share it with others too!

Do you have anything that could be added to this article, or any suggestions about what to write next? Maybe you even just enjoyed the read? Let me know by connecting with KokoConnect!

I’d love to hear from you!

Our Interview with Peter Purin

You’ve been running Uncanny for three years now. Can you tell me a little bit about when you first had the idea to start up a comic expo and what the process of getting it going looked like?

I have been selling at comic conventions since 2017, and after dong a few, I thought, “It would be cool to have one of these in Shawnee, where I live.” I started researching venues and what it would take to get things going. I have strong ties to the comic and Star Wars communities in the state. So, that really helped get things started! There is a misconception that putting on an event is easy, but there is a lot of legwork involved! For me, I want to do it well and do it right — I want the fans to have fun and the vendors to make money. It’s all about bringing people together and providing a service to the nerd community, and it’s important to remember the main purpose in every step taken.

Of course, when it comes to handling large events like this, there are going to be bumps along the way. Can you tell me about one or two of those and explain how you overcame them?

Yes. At the first event, I was SICK. It was only by the grace of God that I was able to run the event, as I overslept and felt like garbage the entire time. Thankfully, I had some great help from my wife and friends! Another bump was last year, when our ticketing system went down for the event! The staff handled it well, and the fans were gracious with us. Every bump is an opportunity to learn and grow and get better.

Last year, the main theme of the Expo was Iron Man: We Love You 3000. And this year, the central character is Ahsoka Tano from the Star Wars universe. Can you tell us a little about how we might expect her to shape this year’s event?

In order to build a better future, God tells us we need to love one another, and that means listening to each other. Talking through issues and developing mutually beneficial solutions. In our effort to build community, we believe that all people should have a voice and a place at the table. We chose Ahsoka because 1) she is brave, loyal, energetic, caring, and strong. Rosario Dawson’s portrayal of her in The Mandalorian has been a fantastic role model — particularly in empowering girls, and even more particularly underrepresented girls — and we want to celebrate the character because of this. We also have Georges Jeanty coming as our featured comic guest. He is Haitian and has worked on all kinds of great comics. And we hope that both the real life and fictional heroes here will help inspire all kids to say, “Hey, they did it, and so can I!”

Like we already mentioned, this is your third year running Uncanny. So, beyond the theme of the Expo, how can we expect it to be different from past years?

We are always striving to grow and provide more amazing things for our attendees! This year, our gaming aspect is growing significantly! We will have eight conference rooms filled with video games, D&D, Tabletop gaming, and TCG! We are doing nerd trivia, creative panels, bringing in mermaids and lots more! Comic fans can expect TONS of great comic dealers, toy fans will find plenty of toys. I think everyone will find something they love!

At previous Expos, you’ve had big-name guests like Michael Golden, the co-creator of Rogue from the X-Men Franchise. And you’ve already mentioned Georges Jeanty. Who else might we expect to see this year?

In addition to Georges Jeanty, we have two Star Wars actors joining us! Alan Fernandes was the first featured Tusken Raider (Sand Person) in Star Wars (Episode IV). And C. Andrew Nelson has done a ton of work with Star Wars, including working with Industrial Light and Magic and performing as Darth Vader. Particularly, in the Special Edition of The Empire Strikes Back reshoots, the Dark Forces PC game, and other Star Wars games.

If you could choose any one guest with the assurance they would participate, who would that be?

That’s a tough one. I’m going to cheat and say, for an actor, I would choose James Earl Jones. Ande for a comic creator, I would choose Todd McFarlane. They are two for whom I have the utmost respect for their work.

If I’m correct, you’re not only working on organizing Uncanny Comic Expo, but one or two other conventions as well. How has the process of juggling multiple events been for you?

It’s been a learning experience for sure! The challenge is to keep everything organized and straight, and focusing on the next most important deadline while also preparing for the future.

Is there anything you’d like to tell us about your other upcoming expos?

I’ve had the pleasure of becoming the organizer of OAFCon, which is an “old school” comic show for serious and casual collectors alike. You’ll see AMAZING things at that show: October 2-3 at the Norman Embassy Suites. We are also exploring facilities for more Uncanny Comic Expo shows in Tulsa, OKC, and Ardmore, possibly Kansas and Texas as well!

Speaking of Uncanny, let’s move the conversation back to that and drill down a little more. What has been the most rewarding aspect of organizing the Expo for the past three years?

I would say seeing people of all ages and types finding something they enjoy! Sometimes, you go to a show and the kids are bored, or the Mom is bored, or whoever doesn’t have something that interests them. We try hard to have something for EVERYONE! We believe that ALL OF US have a nerd side — whether it be comics, fantasy, sci-fi, adventure — there are stories to be told that touch all people.

If you could summarize the mission of Uncanny Comic Expo in one or two sentences, what would you say?

Our mission is to promote community unity and provide family-friendly entertainment through a celebration of nerd culture. We also support local school art, drama and music programs, as we see comic books, cosplay, gaming and related interests as expressions of — and gateways to — the Fine Arts.

Is there anything we haven’t discussed that you’d like to make sure our readers know about the Expo this year or in general?

First of all is the new Fan Film Competition Friday night before the show! We want everyone and anyone to enter a short film. Anything from stop motion to cosplaying, or whatever your imagination brings. It doesn’t have to be professional, just nerd related and family friendly! Also, we had a blast at the Arena, but I think you’ll really enjoy the new venue! Yes, there is a casino next to the convention hall. So, for those who want to, you can enjoy that as well. And those who don’t can completely avoid it if you so choose. The new space allows us room to grow, and we are taking advantage of that by having lots more fun things to do!

Finally, we have to ask — Uncanny is obviously a comic expo, so who is your all-time favorite character?

Another impossible question… I might have to say Spider-Man. I mean, my name is Peter Purin, after all! In high school, I was a nerdy kid who got laughed at for being a nerd. Then, I found my power (faith in Jesus), and married a beautiful redhead!

See You At Uncanny!

There’s our interview with Peter Purin, along with some great information for newcomers and “old” fans alike! We’re already counting down the days until Uncanny, and can’t wait to see everyone there. If you want to know more about the competitions and events, just click on the picture below for more info! Like Peter mentioned, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into running this kind of convention. So, if you see him while you’re there, make sure to let him know how much you’re enjoying it!

Try These Free Comic Cataloging Apps

Comic Geeks

First up is Comic Geeks, available in the App Store and on Google Play. one of the most notable aspects of this cataloging system is the inclusion of a barcode scanner. This feature allows you to use your device’s camera to quickly add issues to your collection. Every issue scanned is then automatically categorized by publisher and title for ease of access. So, when checking your collection, you can sort by each individual publisher or view the full list of titles. The versatility helps the app to work best for your personal needs. And if that type of organization isn’t enough, you can set filters for different categories. Being able to sift through variants and annuals with the click of a button makes managing your collection a simple process. For every individual issue or trade paperback added, you can input details including:

• Date of purchase
• Quantity owned
• Media format (print or digital)
• Price paid
• Condition
• Any additional notes

Comic Geeks also allows individual users to review issues in their collection. And it’s possible to begin conversations with other readers. However, the latter feature seems not to be utilized often, making it an interesting but relatively underappreciated option.

Finally, it should be pointed out that this app allows collectors to create lists for pulled issues and subscriptions, as well as read lists and wish lists. These additions make it possible to keep track of both owned comics and upcoming issues simultaneously.

Overall, the ease of access of the Comic Geeks app makes it the perfect option for anyone who wants to stay up on the latest issues. Alternatively, it’s great for casual readers who are just starting out and need a method for quickly organizing their collection.

Comic Run

If the Comic Geeks app represents the perfect option for collectors, Comic Run is the premiere free option for sellers looking to pick up specific issues for resale. You can find it both in the App Store and on Google Play. With this tool, it is possible to create “long boxes”. These curated lists allow you to organize both owned and wanted issues. For each issue included in a long box, you can set details including the grade point, pictures and helpful comments. Then, these lists can quickly be checked for approximate going rates on specific comics and variants. This makes it easy to stay up-to-date on market rates for buying and selling.

Regarding user experience, the Comic Run app allows you to search for keywords, organizing results by title. Then, you can tap these titles in order to view the individual issues. Each issue listed shows the approximate selling price, first appearances of key characters and other important events. Also included are any variant covers. Furthermore, by clicking into a specific issue, you can view lists of graded and ungraded options available on eBay. The provided information includes the grade, asking price, and time left for the auction. So, this app streamlines finding and purchasing top-tier comics for anyone interested in that aspect of the industry.

Key Collector Comics

Finally, there is Key Collector Comics, again available in both the App Store and Google Play. Unlike both of the previous free comic cataloging apps, this database intentionally excludes issues considered commonplace. Instead, it focuses specifically on key events and first appearances. This doesn’t meant the app features high-priced comics alone. However, it only categorizes the most important issues in each title or run. For example, a search for Uncanny X-Men turns up only 197 issues of the total 544 published. In this sense, the app provides a quick glance for collectors who want to get their hands on rare and important issues of a series. And since low, mid, and high-end prices are listed for each issue, it’s possible to get a decent idea of upfront cost.

The app also features five pre-filtered lists that collectors can browse for new and updated information on hot key issues.

• The Randomizer list automatically repopulates every sixty seconds to feature 10 key comics pulled from the site’s database.
• The Key this Week list features a highlighted array of comics for one week, similarly pulled from the site’s database.
• The Trending 20 list compiles a list of twenty issues that have shown a noticeable increase in interest on eBay within the past week.
• The Daily Update list shows new hot key comics daily (both low and high price tiers).

As far as the actual cataloging aspect of the app goes, it’s possible to mark individual issues as owned or wanted. Furthermore, there is an “eBay” button to automatically search the auction site for specific issues. So, in relation to the other two free comic cataloging apps available, Key Collector Comics is tailored to individuals who need to know current price points for individual issues. And in particular, for those which are currently trending.

Concluding Thoughts on These Free Comic Cataloging Apps

Ultimately, each app was designed with a different goal in mind. And though they are all useful for buyers and sellers, the different features make them more or less beneficial depending on specific needs. Collectors not interested in selling might find Comic Geeks to be the best option. Alternatively, Comic Run and Key Comic Collector are best for individuals looking to purchase and resale issues. So, with that in mind, try out one of these free comic cataloging apps. And if it doesn’t meet your needs, check out another. Then, if all else fails, don’t forget there are also paid options like Collectorz for those who need a more comprehensive system.