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[shining music]
[accomplished music]
[intimidating music]
[epic music]
[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 ass.
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."
[gun 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 bonfir.
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-ass 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 shit 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 fucking 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 douche.
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 fucking 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 Killers 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, bitch. 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-ass 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, 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 killing 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.
- 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 asshole.
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.
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 bitch.
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 fuck.
- What? - Yeah, bitch.
What is this?
- Chad Bryant, you're under arrest for arson-
- What? - and forgery
and attempted murder.
- [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]