The Rundown: “The Flash” Gets an Iris West and Vibe, Bergen Street Comics Says “No More” to Marvel and DC, and more

Welcome back to The Rundown, our daily breakdown on comic news stories we missed from the previous day. Have a link to share? Email our team at either david@multiversitycomics.com or brian@multiversitycomics.com.

– There was oodles of “The Flash” casting news yesterday, as Candice Patton (who does not have the most notable acting past) is in as Iris West, Carlos Valdes (Broadway’s Once) is in as Vibe (!!), and apparently the Pied Piper is yet to come. Many people latched on to the fact that Iris is now African-American, but that’s really a non-starter as we already knew Jesse L. Martin was set to play Detective (Wally?) West. I’d be much happier if I knew Patton was a good actress, as “The Craigslist Killer” as the lead IMDB note isn’t reassuring, but we are certainly on our way to this show being something real.

– This story I love. Noted Brooklyn comic retailer Bergen Street Comics is going to stop carrying most Marvel and DC titles, only carrying enough for those who specifically pull/pre-order them. As co-owner Tom Adams said on Twitter:

“(This) will enable us to better serve our customers. Strength of self contained, creator controlled comics will let us move away from double shipping, editorially driven, artist-swapping, inconsistent, tied into events/gimmicks comics. Trying to keep this a going concern/think long term.”

Adams also states that they sell an “insignificant” amount of Marvel and DC, and I think this is a very bright decision. As a retailer, shouldn’t you know your clientele and your product? If you find that you are ordering product that doesn’t sell and doesn’t fit your vision, why order it? Comic retailers need to be bold to be successful, and I personally applaud Bergen Street Comics for the move.

– On the heels of John Romita, Jr.’s move to DC and taking over “Superman”, IGN picked up an exclusive sketch from JRJR of what his Supes might look like. Liney!

– Apparently The Governor (David Morrissey) is coming back in “The Walking Dead” in some capacity, which means I am now dreading the upcoming half season even more. While he’s likely set to be a hallucination, why god whyyyyyy. It’s further proof that AMC hates us.

– Oh my godddddddd Lego’s CUUSOO site has a Sherlock collection complete with a 221B Baker Street set. EVERYONE VOTE FOR THIS NOW AND FOREVER! GO GO GO! You have no excuses! Don’t fail me now, faithful Rundowners!

– In February, David Brothers is going to be hosting podcasts with creators, academics, bloggers, critics and all kinds of other folks in concert with Inkstuds and Comics Alliance. Could be a hell of a thing, so look for those on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

– Are you an artist? Editor and general comic awesome man (that’s a thing) Nate Cosby is looking for artists for paying interior gigs, so reach out to him and this could be your break.