Wednesday at Bat City: New Comics and Commander Night

Most people meet Bat City Games & Comics on a weekend, with a browse and a bag. Then somebody mentions Wednesday, and it turns out the shop has a second personality. New comics arrive, and the regulars come in for the stack waiting for them. By evening, the tables are filling up for Commander, which is when the shop goes properly nocturnal.

This guide is for anyone who has only seen the shop on another day. It covers what Wednesday looks like, what to do if you have never had a pull list and how to stay for the evening. Nobody needs to know anything first.

What happens on Wednesday?

New comics come in on Wednesdays. Most comic books are released that day, which is why people call it New Comics Day. Some titles come in on other days, so ask at the counter if you are hunting for something specific.

We are open every day, 10 AM to 10 PM, Wednesday included. Wednesday and Saturday are our two busiest days at the counter, so expect a lively room and a short wait now and then.

Is there a pull list waiting for you?

If you have a pull list, we pull your issues from the shipment and set them aside for you, bagged and boarded. Pick them up Wednesday, or any time you have a minute.

If you don't have one, Wednesday is the best day to start. Browse the new comics, grab whatever looks good and tell us what you picked. Ask what we are reading this week. We have opinions. If you want a series set aside for you from now on, we can set up your list at the counter. Our guide, What Is a Pull List?, has the rest.

What does FOC have to do with it?

The comics that land this week were ordered weeks ago. Shops place orders three to four weeks before a book comes out. The last day to add or change an order is the final order cutoff, or FOC. Add a series to your list before its FOC, and your copy is guaranteed.

What if you used to read comics?

Tell us what you read, and about when. Everybody started somewhere, and many people have a box of old issues in a closet. We can point you toward where those series are now, or toward something new in the same spirit.

Do you need a pull list to buy new comics?

No. You can browse the new comics, take what you like and go. A pull list is for series you want to follow month after month, so you never have to hunt for issue three.

What should you ask at the counter?

You are allowed to ask. Three questions work on any day, and none of them is dumb:

• What's good this week?
• Where would you start, if you had never read it?
• Is this a lot, or can I jump in?

We like being asked. It is half the reason the counter is there.

What else is happening on Wednesday?

Commander Night runs every Wednesday from 6 to 10 PM. It is free. It lands on new comics day, so you can pick up your pull list and stay for a game.

Commander is Magic: The Gathering's multiplayer format. You build a 100-card deck led by a legendary creature, called your commander, and you usually play in groups of four. Before a game starts, the table talks about what kind of game everyone wants. If you are new, say so, and the table will take it from there.

What if you do not have a deck?

Ask at the counter, and we will point you to a good first one. Preconstructed decks are the easiest way in, and the Commander deck collection shows what is on the shelf. We also have card sleeves and deck boxes in the shop. Our guides, Commander for Beginners and Creating a Killer Commander Deck, cover the rest.

A first Wednesday, in order

• Afternoon. Stop by any time after 10 AM. Pick up your list, or browse the new comics and ask what is good.
• Before 6 PM. If you want to play tonight, ask at the counter about a first Commander deck.
• 6 PM. Commander Night starts. Say you are new, find a seat and play.
• Next week. Wednesday comes around again, and so does your comics stack.

Frequently asked questions

What day do new comics come out?

Wednesday, for most titles. Some come in on other days, so ask if you are looking for something specific.

What time does Commander Night start?

6 PM, and it runs until 10. It is free.

Is Commander Night good for beginners?

If you do not know how to play, we will teach you. Say you are new, and the table will take it from there.

Where can I buy new comics in South Austin?

Bat City Games & Comics is at 5001 Highway 290, Austin, Texas 78735, in Sunset Valley. We are open every day, 10 AM to 10 PM.

Ready to take a seat?

Come in on a Wednesday, pick up the new comics and stay for Commander Night at 6 PM. Find us at 5001 Highway 290, Austin, Texas 78735, or call (512) 276-2870 with a question.

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