Looking For A Group To Join As A Player
Pronouns: He/Him
Timezone: MDT
Age : 26
Rating: I generally prefer games that are PG-13
Theme: I would like to join a game that is mediaeval fantasy or a space adventure. And a hero campaign.
Experience: D&D 5e 2 Years, Pathfinder 1e 1 Year, Pathfinder 2e A Few Sessions, Atma: The Roleplaying Card Game 1 Session, Holy Lands RPG 4 Months.
Preferred classes: Paladin (Oath Of The Watchers, Oath Of Vengeance, Oath Of The Ancients, Oath Of Glory) Cleric (War Domain, Twilight Domain, Tempest Domain)
Preferred Races: Human Aasimar, Dragonborn (Gold), Dwarf (Mountain), Half-Elf (Wood, Drow), Warforged
Preferred Deities: Forgotten Realms: Lathander, Selûne, Torm, Ty Greyhawk: Heironeous, Kord, Trithereon, Ulaa/ Dragonlance: Paladine, Habbakuk, Kiri-Jolith/ Ebberon: Dol Arrah, Dol Dorn, The Silver Flame, The Spirits Of The Past/ Nonhuman: Bahamut, Corellon, Deep Sashelas, Grolantor, Sehanine Moonbow
Preferred VTT: D&D Beyond, Owlbear Rodeo
Preferred Voice Chat Platform: Discord
Discord Contact: Either Liberator00 or Torvaran#0663
Availability: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 5:00 pm MDT - 10:00 pm MDT
Preference: I prefer games with lots of roleplay, but still have combat. I also prefer hero campaigns. I'm perfectly fine with groups that allow homebrew.
Interests: Video games, Tabletop Roleplaying Games, and Bionicle.
I would like to submit a consent checklist.

So every year I like to make a formal review of that years DC Pride Anthology (or other anthologies like it), see 2023, 2022, (2021 was on Discord), and I like to treat it as not just a showcase of the current, big name talents working at DC (or the established characters), but also the emerging, new talents (and characters)
So I usually like to rank these pieces on strength of writing, strength of art, as well as general comments on how the individual pieces come together as an arrangement, and what I hope to see in future installments. So as a whole for this installment, it was fine. Usually for any anthology you get a mix, one or two strong, stand out stories, maybe even one really bad story that moves the discourse along for all the wrong reasons. But this year, there wasn't really a "bad" story. Most of them were fine, some were good, but I will say, previous installments had higher highs (but also lower lows).
In terms of how they've progressed/improved over the years, I'd mentioned in 2022 I'd like to see more pin-ups (there were 3 that year), and we got far more in 2023 and 2024. Last year I was hoping to see fewer tie-ins to ongoing events, and this year was far better in that regard. I was also hoping to see more variation in page number per story from last year's anthology, so that the number of pages fit the size of the idea, and while I haven't done a full page count, I felt there must have been a variety, and that each story was well paced for the size of its ideas.
That being said, onto the stories proper, in order of best to least best (because again, this year there wasn't really a "worst"):
Hello, Spaceboy, by Al Ewing and Stephen Byrne - okay so I don't know if I ever mentioned in these reviews, but I'm not just looking for the best written stories, art or characters, but also in representing Pride, the best representation of LGBT issues, be it large scale political/societal, or else small scale social/relationship wise. And this story does have both ends/scopes of that, making it the top of this years entry for me, having both the discussion about the use or burden of labels at the start, especially as language shifts between generations, but also the innuendo at the end (where fighting becomes euphemistic for other more intimate activities, just like we saw with last year's Ghost Maker story), and the frank discussion about relationships, boundaries, and interpersonal wants between Mikaal and Komak, and the implied discussions that have also taken place with Rutger. But while we're at it, I was surprised to see Starman in this collection, not having seen him in any of the previous, if I recall right (apart from a pin up in 2023). And the art has a great polish to it (even getting a double-page splash, that's saying a lot!), the character designs are fitting, and the colouring is gorgeous. And damn, sneaking Al Ewing into a DC antho? Can we expect more of that?
Lessons in Astral Projection, by Nicole Maines and Jordan Gibson - ok so I haven't exactly caught up with Dreamer outside of the Pride anthos given annually, but this story to me had the best art this year, having distinctly different tones and styles between the physical world in the main plot, vs the visions/dreams she receives through her powers having a more flowy, abstract feel. Plus the strong choice of colouring throughout really gave this story a strong identity. Plus, it does get that social side of the discussion, showing how identity in regards to gender can come into tension with things like culture or generational attitudes, while also giving a sweet emotional moment as a reprieve from the hurt.
The Rivers and The Lakes That You're Used To, by Ngozi Ukazu - this one, just like the Jackson/Ha'Wea offering from 2022 was a pretty cosy story, Jackson and Ha'Wea are hanging out/on a date, when a super hero plot interupts them. Jackson gets a glimpse of what queer love and acceptance can look like in a Utopian society (New Genesis), before coming home with a changed perspective, that putting a label on his relationship is less important (or maybe less daunting) than knowing what you want and who you are comfortable with. The art style is nice and simple, without being plain at all, and definitely fits the feeling of the story.
Steeling Time, by Jamila Rowser and ONeillJones - this story has a simple premise, how to keep up in social/community appearances when you know your ex is going to be there, but the Pride part of it, other than showing that a queer relationship can have the same ups and downs as any straight relationship, is a bit hidden, though could be read as how especially being part of LGBT as a community, that can mean keeping everyone together and having everyone's backs, despite minor personal hang ups like this. There are also a lot of cameo appearances of many well known LGBT DC characters in the background of different panels, but the story is otherwise straightforward.
Marasmius, by Gretchen Felker-Martin and Claire Roe - idk who Janet from HR is (is she from HQTAS? From Ivy's ongoing series?), but this short has a fun fantasy setting and world to it, some alien planet specialising in rare, alien or extinct botanical species. I even swear I saw a keh-Topli from Far Sector, but it could have been an otherwise unrelated alien species. Anyway, the plot is a bit illogical, some random Earth bigots/protestors just happen to be there too, to protest queer couples from Earth? On an alien planet/black market? Did they expect to see queer couples from Earth here? The absurdity could just be played for laughs, or maybe it's just a plot contrivance to get the story moving. It's got nice art, and a bit of revenge wish-fulfilment at the end of Ivy taking down the bigots (in ways that remind you why she used to be a villain), but I wasn't wowed by the story, if it was trying to make any sort of real world connections
Bros down in A-Town, by Jarret Williams and D. J. Kirkland - this story to me was, kind of annoying? Like, it's written like a gag manga, where characters can't go more than a few panels without making a silly face, acting stupid and misunderstanding each other, doing totally canned-reactions that are very "anime" (the head knock, the smug-glasses lift, going Kawaii, doing the forehead-vein thing). Like, it just feels out of place in western comics, obvious in what it's referencing, but at the same time, entirely inauthentic. Like, this isn't how people really interact with each other, this is how tropey character archetypes act, but the more and more you copy someone else's exaggerated performance, the further away you get from real world relatability. It does have a small moment at the end connecting back to pride, that is, even if all 4 boys here are the same for being queer, that doesn't mean they feel the same all the time (Jon's parents were accepting so he has an easier time feeling accepted, Ray's parents were not, so he has a harder time feeling comfortable, even in what should be queesafe spaces). And I do like the idea of an alien food market, especially as it shows a way of outsiders coming together to stay strong and connected. But god are the character interactions still annoying: Ray obviously isn't comfortable in this scene, and is not letting on why, yet Jay decides to dig (to show off how good of a "reporter" he is), but that only adds to Ray's discomfort and anxiety, and like, is Jay really unfamiliar with social cues to this degree? Same with trying to "out" Bunker's new partner. Like, why can't a friend see and allow someone to move at their own pace? There's a time and place for sleuthing, and on your friends in a safe space is not it. Furthermore, Jay asks Bunker for the "spicy" details about his partner, and when Bunker reveals he likes his partner's smell, especially after a work out (a common attraction, to be fair), Jay acts all childish and grossed out. Like, were you not the one asking for spicy details? Are these characters not all adults, talking about their adult dating lives? Did Jay not just dress Jon up in a sleeveless (torn sleeveless, to be correct) work out hoodie for this very reason? Because we know Jon doesn't just put that on himself lol. (I've got to admit, I know Jay is not a very popular character in general, but this story really isn't a good showing for him). Also while we're at it, the audacity for GLAAD to advertise with a poster simply saying "Pride is a protest", given Jon's infamous line in the 2022 antho denying Pride as a protest, saying "Pride has been a party for decades"
Phantom Rodeo, by Calvin Kasulke and Len Gogoe - Jules Jourdain had my least favourite story in last years anthology, and I'm sorry to say, but he had my least favourite addition to this volume as well, and for much of the same reasons: last year it was the whole Lazarus Planet event/tie ins, this year this story is sandwiched between Flash issue #8 and #10. I don't read or follow Flash, I've seen infographics of the whole Speed/Slow/Sage/Strength Force, but I don't much care for it. I thought anthologies are strong for standing alone, but this story demands knowledge of current ongoing books and continuity. Also, across both entries of the character, I still barely know anything about the character, who they are, how they think and feel, what their relationships are, their ideas and values. You only get to know their powers (kind of) in very mechanical terms, and how "important" they are for this or that other Flash stories that you need to read. I don't even remember it connecting to queer social or interpersonal issues at all, other than just Jules living in a small town (but that's more so played to hide his hero identity, than to talk about the queer experience in small town settings). I mean, I can only hope there are better stories for Jules in the future. But not ones that demands my attention (and money) elsewhere.
Before getting into the other written work, I'll mention the pin ups. This year, the pin-ups collectively had a shared theme (each single pinup was a single colour of the Progress rainbow, so the collection together has the full set of colours). It also has a pair of characters per each pin up who's primary colours reflect each theme. I will say, I find the concept a little contrived, because it forces characters together who otherwise have nothing to do with each other, other than wearing some of the same colours. Following that, I couldn't even recognise some of the characters in these pin-ups, just because they have such little cross-over between each other in the broader DC universe that I'm just unfamiliar with like half of them, despite often recognising strongly the other members of these contrived "pairs". They are as follows: Red - Robin and Who?, Orange - Grace Choi and Who?, Yellow - Catman and Thunder, Green - Connor Hawke and Piep Piper, Blue - Bluejay and Obsidian, Purple - Galaxy and Who?. So this is not a criticism of the art at all, because they are all quality pieces. More so their curation, because I don't see much reason for many of these characters to be together. Like, none of the pieces had the two characters interact in interesting or meaningful ways, because none of them had any reason or history to interact, so at the most you just get two people standing in the same room, or floating heads of unrelated charactes. Like as an alternative, Orange and Yellow are adjacent colours, couldn't we have seen Thunder and Grace Choi together? That would straight away lead to better interactions and hence a more engaging pin-up. Same with Blue and Green being adjacent, we could have gotten Obsidian and Green Lantern together as a fatheson symbol. In terms of my preference, I like the Green pin up the most, because I love the intricate, detailed, thin line style of Helen Mask, but none of them are bad in quality. I hope they don't use this "theme" again though.
Ok so for the remaining written work:
The Strange Case of Harley and Harleen, by Melissa Marr and Jenn St-Onge, this was a teaser for an upcoming GN. I was surprised we didn't get a full HarlIvy story this year, as they usually have the mose consistent showings in each book (but again, I don't really keep up with either character). So this isn't DC Universe Harley and Ivy, it's a YA version. I can see this story being fun in a similar way to Breaking Glass, and I can see how it handles it's queer themes in a similar manner. It works well then as a preview of it's future release, but given it was only a preview, I couldn't really judge it in the same way as the previous stories.
And finally, there is the more biographical story, Spaces, by Phil Jimenez and Giulio Macaione. This will be reminiscent of Kevin Conroy's story in the 2022 anthology, and I really like that they are continuing showing the real world impact and reality of queer experiences in these books, representing the lives of creators we care about (through more than just their work, or their interviews), showing us details of the industry we partake in, but also showing the connection to the real world in the most obvious sense, why collections and stories like these matter, for how all of these queer creators, and fans, and everyone else goes on to live their lives after reading these stories. So this offering by Jimenez is a really personal glimpse about not just his creative process, and where he gets his ideas from, but also his childhood and how it shaped his adult life. Again, given its biographical nature, I can't rank it fairly against the other stories in this collection, but I'm glad all the same we got to share it.
So for my final thoughts, and what I hope to see next year: 1) more biographical works like these! These works are full of queer creators, and seeing them invest in characters is of course one good thing, but each of them could truly have experiences as deep as these, that could with each entry lead to stronger connections with their works. 2) for the characters, bring back more heavy hitters! And I don't mean just do HarlIvy every year, but what about Kate Kane? She had a beautiful story in 2021. 2022 featured her dad, 2023 she was a side character to a Lazarus newbie. Or, where's Alan Scott? He recently had a new series, this would have been a great opportunity to shed more light either way. Or even the heavy hitters you do have, let them take heavy hits. Jackson and Jon are Aquaman and Superman, let their stories be more important than a date or a food market. Small, social moments are important, but they can take place along bigger moments/causes too! 3) for the art, please just drop the theme, it felt forced, and less organic on the whole than just getting artists to make work they care about with characters they care about.

Hiya, I'm De (he/him) and I had the creative urge to run the classic curse of strahd module after watching (read as plagiarized) some fun supernatural media. I'm planning to try a bit of horror and some difficulty, but just enough to give a little challenge. We'll be using Discord with a dice bot and theater of the mind most of the time, with important combat that needs a map using Owlbear Rodeo.
Now here's a little opening text trailer for the game.
The air feels wrong these days—stagnant and stinking—almost like it's slowly dying even during rain. Tales of moonless nights tell tales of dangerous beasts in the shape of men and horrid monsters in mockery of life. One quiet night a brightly dressed man comes in brandishing gold and promises of more with a written invitation to a new land not on any map and passage on a strange ship.
Hopefully, that wasn't too bad. Anyways, about me, I'm De, and I've been DM'ing for about 3 years, and all in all, I'm pretty casual on rules (hi, if you're reading this, the secret is Kalihim), and as long as you don't become a detriment to the vibe and theme of the game, then go for it. In this game, I'll be trying to be a bit more serious, but I don't want to punish players for creativity, so I'm still going to retain a bit of leniency. Oh and I will be using quite a bit of homebrew, and there's going to be supplements available to the players as well.
Anyways that was a lot of words so heres a form to fill out here.

It's another new month! You know what that means, another retirement update! There were a TON of new sets added to the list this month, and a bunch with date changes, including a bunch of Star Wars. Not many changes to the spreadsheet itself, otherwise!

Reminder that there was a massive update to the sheet last month! Now you can see set exclusivity & new releases, use filters, and get a direct link to sets on LEGO.com! Buying sets using these links supports me directly! More regions coming soon.

Retirement updates are now fully automated on Discord! Thanks to ZombieYeti, the Brick Tap discord now has the BrickHound bot posting automated retirement updates, as soon as they are changed in the data!
As always, we owe a massive thanks to ZombieYeti from the BrickHound Discord for providing this valuable data. If you're looking for real-time in-stock/deal alerts for Lego.com and other sites, make sure to check out his server!
This information is scraped directly from Lego's website, and all dates are subject to change. ZombieYeti is currently developing a website to host this data and offer real-time updates. In the meantime, here is a list of every set and their corresponding retirement date as per LEGO's system!
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Due to Reddit's character limits, we can't include everything here, but the full spreadsheet contains every set.

FULL LIST ON GOOGLE SHEETS <--

REAL TIME UPDATES ON DISCORD <--

NEW SETS ADDED:

Theme	Set #	Set Name	Retirement Date
Batman	76272	The Batcave with Batman, Batgirl and The Joker (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
BrickHeadz	40749	Joy, Sadness & Anxiety	Dec 31, 2024
BrickHeadz	40751	Legolas & Gimli	Dec 31, 2024
City	60424	Jungle Explorer ATV Red Panda Mission	Dec 31, 2024
City	60425	Jungle Explorer Water Plane	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10420	Ariel And Flounder's Café Stand	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42636	Heartlake City Preschool (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76293	Spider-Man 2024 Advent Calendar	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75395	Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	76270	Batman Mech Armour	Dec 31, 2025
Batman	76273	Batman Construction Figure And The Bat-Pod Bike	Dec 31, 2025
Batman	76274	Batman With The Batmobile VS. Harley Quinn And Mr. Freeze	Dec 31, 2025
Brickheadz	40669	Iron Man MK5	Dec 31, 2025
BrickHeadz	40752	Carl, Russell, & Kevin	Dec 31, 2025
BrickHeadz	40753	Mirabel Madrigal	Dec 31, 2025
City	30665	Baby Gorilla Encounter Polybag	Dec 31, 2025
City	60407	Red Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus	Dec 31, 2025
City	60407	Red Double-Decker Sightseeing Bus	Dec 31, 2025
City	60408	Car Transporter Truck with Sports Cars	Dec 31, 2025
City	60409	Yellow Mobile Construction Crane	Dec 31, 2025
City	60420	Yellow Construction Excavator	Dec 31, 2025
City	60421	Robot World Roller-Coaster Park	Dec 31, 2025
City	60422	Seaside Harbor With Cargo Ship	Dec 31, 2025
City	60426	Jungle Explorer Off-Road Truck	Dec 31, 2025
City	60435	Tow Truck (4+)	Dec 31, 2025
City	60437	Jungle Explorer Helicopter at Base Camp	Dec 31, 2025
City	60440	Yellow Delivery Truck	Dec 31, 2025
Creator	30670	Santa's Sleigh Ride Polybag	Dec 31, 2025
Creator	31153	Modern House	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43235	Ariel's Music Stage (4+)	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43240	Maleficent's Dragon Form	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43243	Simba The Lion King Cub	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43244	Elsa's Ice Palace	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43245	The Magical Madrigal House	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43247	Young Simba The Lion King (18+)	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43251	Antonio's Animal Sanctuary	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43252	Moana's Flowerpot	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43254	Ariel's Crystal Cavern (4+)	Dec 31, 2025
Disney	43276	Snow White's Jewelry Box	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42618	Heartlake City Café	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42622	Adventure Camp Archery Range	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42623	Beach Water Scooter	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42624	Adventure Camp Cozy Cabins	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42625	Beach Smoothie Stand	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42626	Adventure Camp Water Sports	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42631	Adventure Camp Tree House	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42635	Dog-Grooming Car (4+)	Dec 31, 2025
Friends	42638	Castle Bed And Breakfast	Dec 31, 2025
Harry Potter	76434	Aragog In The Forbidden Forest	Dec 31, 2025
Jurassic	76965	Dinosaur Missions: Stegosaurus Discovery	Dec 31, 2025
Minecraft	21259	The Pirate Ship Voyage	Dec 31, 2025
Minecraft	21260	The Cherry Blossom Garden	Dec 31, 2025
Minecraft	21261	The Wolf Stronghold	Dec 31, 2025
Minecraft	21262	The Windmill Farm	Dec 31, 2025
Minecraft	21263	The Badlands Mineshaft	Dec 31, 2025
Minecraft	21264	The Ender Dragon And End Ship	Dec 31, 2025
Minecraft	21265	The Crafting Table	Dec 31, 2025
Monkie Kid	80056	Nine-Headed Beast	Dec 31, 2025
Ninjago	30675	Tournament Training Ground Polybag	Dec 31, 2025
Ninjago	71814	Tournament Temple City	Dec 31, 2025
Ninjago	71816	Zane's Ice Motorcycle	Dec 31, 2025
Ninjago	71818	Tournament Battle Arena	Dec 31, 2025
Ninjago	71820	Ninja Team Combo Vehicle	Dec 31, 2025
Ninjago	71821	Cole's Titan Dragon Mech	Dec 31, 2025
Ninjago	71822	Source Dragon of Motion	Dec 31, 2025
Speed Champions	76923	Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo	Dec 31, 2025
Speed Champions	76924	Mercedes-AMG G63 & Mercedes-AMG SL 63	Dec 31, 2025
Speed Champions	76925	Aston Martin Safety Car & AMR23	Dec 31, 2025
Star Wars	75373	Ambush On Mandalore Battle Pack	Dec 31, 2025
Star Wars	75386	Paz Vizsla And Moff Gideon Battle	Dec 31, 2025
Star Wars	75390	Luke Skywalker X-Wing Mech	Dec 31, 2025
Star Wars	75391	Captain Rex Y-Wing Microfighter	Dec 31, 2025
Gabby's Dollhouse	10795	Crafting With Baby Box (4+)	Jul 31, 2026
Gabby's Dollhouse	10796	Gabby's Kitty Care Ear (4+)	Jul 31, 2026
Gabby's Dollhouse	10797	Gabby's Party Room (4+)	Jul 31, 2026
Gabby's Dollhouse	10797	Gabby's Party Room (4+)	Jul 31, 2026
Art	31213	Mona Lisa	Dec 31, 2026
Creator	31151	T. Rex	Dec 31, 2026
Disney	40720	Mini Disney Sleeping Beauty Castle	Dec 31, 2026
Duplo	10424	Spin's Motorcycle Adventure	Dec 31, 2026
Duplo	10431	Peppa Pig Garden & Tree House	Dec 31, 2026
Duplo	10432	Peppa Pig Boat Trip	Dec 31, 2026
Duplo	10433	Peppa Pig Birthday House	Dec 31, 2026
Duplo	10434	Peppa Pig Supermarket	Dec 31, 2026
Duplo	10435	Ariel's Magical Underwater Palace	Dec 31, 2026
Duplo	10439	Cars And Trucks Brick Box	Dec 31, 2026
Harry Potter	76427	Buckbeak	Dec 31, 2026
Harry Potter	76431	Hogwarts Castle: Potions Class	Dec 31, 2026
Harry Potter	76433	Mandrake	Dec 31, 2026
Harry Potter	76435	Hogwarts Castle: The Great Hall	Dec 31, 2026
Harry Potter	76439	Ollivanders & Madam Malkin's Robes	Dec 31, 2026
Harry Potter	76440	Triwizard Tournament: The Arrival	Dec 31, 2026
Ideas	21349	Tuxedo Cat	Dec 31, 2026
Jurassic	76962	Baby Bumpy: Ankylosaurus	Dec 31, 2026
Jurassic	76966	Dinosaur Missions: Allosaurus Transport Truck	Dec 31, 2026
Monkie Kid	80055	Monkie Kid's Team Power Truck	Dec 31, 2026
Monkie Kid	80057	Nezha's Ring of Fire Mech	Dec 31, 2026
Monkie Kid	80058	Celestial Pagoda	Dec 31, 2026
Star Wars	75394	Imperial Star Destroyer	Dec 31, 2026
The Legend of Zelda	77092	Great Deku Tree 2-in-1	Dec 31, 2026
Architecture	21061	Notre-Dame de Paris	Dec 31, 2027
Friends	42630	Heartlake City Water Park	Dec 31, 2027
Icons	10333	The Lord Of The Rings: Barad-dûr	Dec 31, 2027
Icons	10334	Retro Radio	Dec 31, 2027
Miscellaneous	40719	Traditional Chess Set	Dec 31, 2027

CHANGES FOR JUNE:

Theme	Set #	Set Name	Old Date	New Date	Change
City	60413	Fire Rescue Plane	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
City	60439	Space Science Lab	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Harry Potter	76423	Hogwarts Express & Hogsmeade Station	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Harry Potter	76424	Flying Ford Anglia	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Speed Champions	76917	2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Star Wars	75304	Darth Vader Helmet	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Star Wars	75333	Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi Starfighter	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Star Wars	75345	501st Clone Troopers Battle Pack	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Star Wars	75347	TIE Bomber	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Star Wars	75354	Coruscant Guard Gunship	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Star Wars	75356	Executor Super Star Destroyer	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Star Wars	75357	Ghost & Phantom II	Dec 31, 2024	Dec 31, 2025	+1 year
Mario	71430	Penguin Family Snow Adventure	Jul 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-6 months
Mario	71432	Dorrie's Sunken Shipwreck Adventure	Jul 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-6 months
Classic	11035	Creative Houses	Dec 31, 2025	Jul 31, 2025	-6 months
DreamZzz	71481	Izzie's Dream Animals	Dec 31, 2025	Jul 31, 2025	-6 months
Classic	11032	Creative Color Fun	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Disney	43212	Disney Celebration Train (4+)	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Disney	43233	Belle's Storytime Horse Carriage	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
DreamZzz	71475	Mr. Oz's Space Car	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Duplo	10438	Visit to the Vet Clinic	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Friends	42602	Space Research Rover	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Friends	42609	Electric Car and Charger	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Icons	10314	Dried Flower Centrepiece	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Ideas	21336	The Office	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Marvel	10782	Hulk vs. Rhino Truck Showdown (4+)	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Marvel	76223	Nano Gauntlet	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Marvel	76250	Wolverine's Adamantium Claws	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Minecraft	21249	The Crafting Box 4.0	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Ninjago	71817	Lloyd's Elemental Power Mech	Dec 31, 2025	Dec 31, 2024	-1 year
Art	31211	The Fauna Collection - Macaw Parrots	Dec 31, 2026	Dec 31, 2024	-2 years

SETS RETIRING IN 2024:

Theme	Set #	Set Name	Retirement
Avatar	75572	Jake & Neytiri's First Banshee Flight	Jul 31, 2024
Avatar	75574	Toruk Makto & Tree of Souls	Jul 31, 2024
Avatar	75575	Ilu Discovery	Jul 31, 2024
Avatar	75576	Skimwing Adventure	Jul 31, 2024
Avatar	75579	Payakan the Tulkun & Crabsuit	Jul 31, 2024
Disney	43213	The Little Mermaid Story Book	Jul 31, 2024
Disney	43220	Peter Pan & Wendy's Storybook Adventure	Jul 31, 2024
Friends	41724	Paisley's House	Jul 31, 2024
Friends	41744	Sports Center	Jul 31, 2024
Friends	41754	Leo's Room	Jul 31, 2024
Harry Potter	75969	Hogwarts Astronomy Tower	Jul 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76388	Hogsmeade Village Visit	Jul 31, 2024
Jurassic	76957	Velociraptor Escape (4+)	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71360	Adventures with Mario	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71387	Adventures with Luigi	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71395	Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71403	Adventures with Peach	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71408	Princess Peach's Castle	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71419	Peach's Garden Balloon Ride	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71420	Rambi the Rhino	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71421	Dixie Kong's Jungle Jam	Jul 31, 2024
Mario	71425	Diddy Kong's Mine Cart Ride	Jul 31, 2024
Minifigures	66764	Series 26 Space 6 Pack	Aug 31, 2024
Minifigures	71046	Series 26 Space	Aug 31, 2024
Animal Crossing	30662	Maple's Pumpkin Garden (Polybag)	Dec 31, 2024
Architecture	21056	Taj Mahal	Dec 31, 2024
Architecture	21057	Singapore	Dec 31, 2024
Art	31209	The Amazing Spider-Man	Dec 31, 2024
Art	31210	Modern Art	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	30653	Batman 1992 Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	76224	Batmobile: Batman vs. The Joker Chase	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	76240	Batmobile Tumbler	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	76252	Batcave – Shadow Box	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	76259	Batman Construction Figure	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	76264	Batmobile Pursuit: Batman vs. The Joker (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	76265	Batwing: Batman vs. The Joker	Dec 31, 2024
Batman	76272	The Batcave with Batman, Batgirl and The Joker (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40547	Obi-Wan Kenobi & Darth Vader	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40615	Tusken Raider	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40616	Harry Potter & Cho Chang	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40617	Draco Malfoy & Cedric Diggory	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40618	Kingsley Shacklebolt & Nymphadora Tonks	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40620	Cruella & Maleficent	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40621	Moana & Merida	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40627	Sonic the Hedgehog	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40628	Miles 'Tails' Prower	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40630	Frodo & Gollum	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40631	Gandalf the Grey & Balrog	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40632	Aragorn & Arwen	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40672	Knuckles & Shadow	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40676	The Phantom Menace	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40677	Prisoner of Azkaban Figures	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40749	Joy, Sadness & Anxiety	Dec 31, 2024
Brickheadz	40751	Legolas & Gimli	Dec 31, 2024
City	30663	Space Hoverbike	Dec 31, 2024
City	30664	Police Off-Road Buggy Car Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
City	60283	Holiday Camper Van	Dec 31, 2024
City	60287	Tractor	Dec 31, 2024
City	60336	Freight Train	Dec 31, 2024
City	60364	Street Skate Park	Dec 31, 2024
City	60365	Apartment Building	Dec 31, 2024
City	60366	Ski and Climbing Centre	Dec 31, 2024
City	60370	Police Station Chase	Dec 31, 2024
City	60372	Police Training Academy	Dec 31, 2024
City	60375	Fire Station and Fire Engine	Dec 31, 2024
City	60376	Arctic Explorer Snowmobile	Dec 31, 2024
City	60377	Explorer Diving Boat	Dec 31, 2024
City	60378	Arctic Explorer Truck and Mobile Lab	Dec 31, 2024
City	60379	Deep-Sea Explorer Submarine	Dec 31, 2024
City	60380	Downtown	Dec 31, 2024
City	60383	Electric Sports Car	Dec 31, 2024
City	60384	Penguin Slushy Van	Dec 31, 2024
City	60386	Recycling Truck	Dec 31, 2024
City	60387	4x4 Off-Roader Adventures	Dec 31, 2024
City	60388	Gaming Tournament Truck	Dec 31, 2024
City	60389	Custom Car Garage	Dec 31, 2024
City	60392	Police Bike Car Chase	Dec 31, 2024
City	60395	Combo Race Pack	Dec 31, 2024
City	60396	Modified Race Cars	Dec 31, 2024
City	60397	Monster Truck Race	Dec 31, 2024
City	60399	Race Car (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
City	60403	Emergency Ambulance (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
City	60405	Emergency Rescue Helicopter	Dec 31, 2024
City	60410	Fire Rescue Motorcycle (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
City	60413	Fire Rescue Plane	Dec 31, 2024
City	60417	Police Speedboat and Crooks' Hideout	Dec 31, 2024
City	60424	Jungle Explorer ATV Red Panda Mission	Dec 31, 2024
City	60425	Jungle Explorer Water Plane	Dec 31, 2024
City	60428	Space Construction Mech	Dec 31, 2024
City	60432	Command Rover and Crane Loader	Dec 31, 2024
City	60436	City Advent Calendar 2024	Dec 31, 2024
City	60438	Sailboat	Dec 31, 2024
City	60439	Space Science Lab	Dec 31, 2024
City	60441	Space Explorers Pack	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	10696	Medium Creative Brick Box	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	10698	Large Creative Brick Box	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	11013	Creative Transparent Bricks	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	11017	Creative Monsters	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	11027	Creative Neon Fun	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	11028	Creative Pastel Fun	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	11029	Creative Party Box	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	11030	Lots of Bricks	Dec 31, 2024
Classic	11033	Creative Fantasy Universe	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	30645	Snowman Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	30666	Gift Animals Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	30667	Animal Birthday Party Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	30668	Easter Bunny with Colourful Eggs Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	30669	Iconic Red Plane Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31088	Deep Sea Creatures	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31120	Medieval Castle	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31124	Super Robot	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31125	Fantasy Forest Creatures	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31126	Supersonic-jet	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31133	White Rabbit	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31135	Vintage Motorcycle	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31138	Beach Camper Van	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31141	Main Street	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31143	Birdhouse	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	31144	Exotic Pink Parrot	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	40651	Australia Postcard	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	40654	Beijing Postcard	Dec 31, 2024
Creator	66783	Colourful Animals Play Pack	Dec 31, 2024
Despicable Me	30578	Minions' Jetboard Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	30661	Asha's Welcome Booth Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	30671	Aurora's Forest Playground Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	40613	Mini Disney Palace of Agrabah	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43205	Ultimate Adventure Castle	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43206	Cinderella and Prince Charming's Castle	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43210	Moana's Wayfinding Boat	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43211	Aurora's Castle	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43214	Twirling Rapunzel	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43215	The Enchanted Treehouse	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43216	Princess Enchanted Journey	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43218	Anna and Elsa's Magical Carousel	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43219	Disney Princess Creative Castles	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43221	100 Years of Disney Animation Icons	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43223	Asha in the City of Rosas	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43224	King Magnifico's Castle	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43225	The Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43226	Disney Duos	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43227	Villain Icons	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43229	Ariel's Treasure Chest	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43231	Asha's Cottage	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43232	Peter Pan & Wendy's Flight over London	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43234	Elsa's Frozen Treats	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43239	Mirabel's Photo Frame and Jewelry Box	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43241	Rapunzel's Tower & The Snuggly Duckling	Dec 31, 2024
Disney	43253	Disney Princess Advent Calendar 2024	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	30636	Z-Blob and Bunchu Spider Escape Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	40657	Dream Village	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71453	Izzie and Bunchu the Bunny	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71454	Mateo and Z-Blob the Robot	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71455	Grimkeeper the Cage Monster	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71456	Mrs. Castillo's Turtle Van	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71457	Pegasus Flying Horse	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71458	Crocodile Car	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71459	Stable of Dream Creatures	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71460	Mr. Oz's Spacebus	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71461	Fantastical Tree House	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71469	Nightmare Shark Ship	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71471	Mateo's Off-Road Car	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71472	Izzie's Narwhal Hot-Air Balloon	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71476	Zoey and Zian the Cat-Owl	Dec 31, 2024
DreamZzz	71477	The Sandman's Tower	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10412	Animal Train	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10420	Ariel And Flounder's Café Stand	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10872	Train Bridge and Tracks	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10874	Steam Train	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10875	Cargo Train	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10882	Train Tracks	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10909	Heart Box	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10935	Alphabet Town	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10959	Police Station & Helicopter	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10970	Fire Station & Helicopter	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10971	Wild Animals of Africa	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10975	Wild Animals of the World	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10980	DUPLO Green Building Plate	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10981	Growing Carrot	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10982	Fruit and Vegetable Tractor	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10983	Organic Market	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10984	Organic Garden	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10985	Wind Turbine and Electric Car	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10986	Family House on Wheels	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10987	Recycling Truck	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10988	The Bus Ride	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10989	Water Park	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10990	Construction Site	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10991	Dream Playground	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10992	Life at the Day-Care Center	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10995	Spider-Man's House	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10996	Lightning McQueen & Mater's Car Wash Fun	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10997	Camping Adventure	Dec 31, 2024
Duplo	10998	3-in-1 Magical Castle	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	30635	Beach Cleanup Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	30658	Mobile Music Trailer Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	30659	Flower Garden Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41725	Beach Buggy Fun	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41727	Dog Rescue Centre	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41728	Heartlake Downtown Diner	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41730	Autumn's House	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41731	Heartlake International School	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41734	Sea Rescue Boat	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41735	Mobile Tiny House	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41736	Sea Rescue Center	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41737	Beach Adventure Park	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41738	Dog Rescue Bike	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41739	Liann's Room	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41740	Aliya's Room	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41745	Autumn's Stable	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41746	Riding School	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41747	Heartlake City Community Kitchen	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41749	News Van	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41752	Sea Rescue Aircraft	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41753	Pancake Shop	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41755	Nova's Room	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41756	Holiday Ski Slope and Café	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41757	Botanical Garden	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41759	Heartlake City Bus	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	41760	Igloo Holiday Adventure	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42601	Hamster Playground	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42605	Mars Space Base and Rocket	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42607	Autumn's Baby Cow Shed	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42608	Tiny Accessories Store	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42609	Electric Car And Charger	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42612	Cat Playground Adventure	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42613	Heartlake City Hospital Ambulance	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42615	Pet Adoption Day	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42616	Heartlake City Music Talent Show	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42617	Farm Animal Sanctuary	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42619	Pop Star Music Tour Bus	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42632	Farm Animal Vet Clinic (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42633	Hot Dog Food Truck	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42636	Heartlake City Preschool (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Friends	42637	Friends Advent Calendar 2024	Dec 31, 2024
Gabby's Dollhouse	10785	Bakey with Cakey Fun	Dec 31, 2024
Gabby's Dollhouse	10786	Gabby & MerCat's Ship & Spa	Dec 31, 2024
Gabby's Dollhouse	10787	Kitty Fairy's Garden Party	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	30677	Draco in the Forbidden Forest Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76389	Hogwarts Chamber of Secrets	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76402	Hogwarts: Dumbledore's Office	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76405	Hogwarts Express - Collectors' Edition	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76407	The Shrieking Shack & Whomping Willow	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76413	Hogwarts: Room of Requirement	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76414	Expecto Patronum	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76415	The Battle of Hogwarts	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76416	Quidditch Trunk	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76420	Triwizard Tournament: The Black Lake	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76422	Diagon Alley: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76423	Hogwarts Express & Hogsmeade Station	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76424	Flying Ford Anglia	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76432	Forbidden Forest: Magical Creatures	Dec 31, 2024
Harry Potter	76438	Harry Potter Advent Calendar 2024	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	10274	Ghostbusters ECTO-1	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	10283	NASA Space Shuttle Discovery	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	10303	Loop Coaster	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	10304	Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 1969	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	10306	Atari 2600	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	10308	Holiday Main Street	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	10320	Eldorado Fortress	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	10321	Corvette	Dec 31, 2024
Icons	40634	Icons of Play	Dec 31, 2024
Ideas	21318	Tree House	Dec 31, 2024
Ideas	21327	Typewriter	Dec 31, 2024
Ideas	21331	Sonic the Hedgehog - Green Hill Zone	Dec 31, 2024
Ideas	21332	The Globe	Dec 31, 2024
Ideas	21334	Jazz Quartet	Dec 31, 2024
Ideas	21338	A-Frame Cabin	Dec 31, 2024
Ideas	21339	BTS Dynamite	Dec 31, 2024
Ideas	21340	Tales of the Space Age	Dec 31, 2024
Indiana Jones	77012	Fighter Plane Chase	Dec 31, 2024
Indiana Jones	77013	Escape from the Lost Tomb	Dec 31, 2024
Indiana Jones	77015	Temple of the Golden Idol	Dec 31, 2024
Jurassic	76944	T. rex Dinosaur Breakout (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Jurassic	76946	Blue & Beta Velociraptor Capture	Dec 31, 2024
Jurassic	76949	Giganotosaurus & Therizinosaurus Attack	Dec 31, 2024
Jurassic	76951	Pyroraptor & Dilophosaurus Transport	Dec 31, 2024
Jurassic	76958	Dilophosaurus Ambush	Dec 31, 2024
Jurassic	76959	Triceratops Research	Dec 31, 2024
Jurassic	76960	Brachiosaurus Discovery	Dec 31, 2024
Jurassic	76961	Visitor Centre: T. rex & Raptor Attack	Dec 31, 2024
Mario	71374	Nintendo Entertainment System	Dec 31, 2024
Mario	71422	Picnic at Mario's House	Dec 31, 2024
Mario	71423	Dry Bowser Castle Battle	Dec 31, 2024
Mario	71424	Donkey Kong's Tree House	Dec 31, 2024
Mario	71427	Larry's and Morton's Airships	Dec 31, 2024
Mario	71428	Yoshis' Egg-cellent Forest	Dec 31, 2024
Mario	71429	Nabbit at Toad's Shop	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	10791	Team Spidey's Mobile Headquarters (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	10792	Drill Spinner Vehicle (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	10793	Spidey vs. Green Goblin (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	30769	Venom Street Bike (Polybag)	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76210	Hulkbuster	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76217	I am Groot	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76218	Sanctum Sanctorum	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76226	Spider-Man Figure	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76232	The Hoopty	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76241	Hulk Mech Armor	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76243	Rocket Mech Armor	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76244	Miles Morales vs. Morbius	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76245	Ghost Rider Mech & Bike	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76247	The Hulkbuster: The Battle of Wakanda	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76248	The Avengers Quinjet	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76249	Venomised Groot	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76251	Star-Lord's Helmet	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76254	Baby Rocket's Ship	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76256	Ant-Man Construction Figure	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76257	Wolverine Construction Figure	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76258	Captain America Construction Figure	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76260	Black Widow & Captain America Motorcycles	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76262	Captain America's Shield	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76263	Iron Man Hulkbuster vs. Thanos (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76266	Endgame Final Battle	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76275	Motorcycle Chase: Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock	Dec 31, 2024
Marvel	76293	Spider-Man 2024 Advent Calendar	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21166	The 'Abandoned' Mine	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21178	The Fox Lodge	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21179	The Mushroom House	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21189	The Skeleton Dungeon	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21240	The Swamp Adventure	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21241	The Bee Cottage	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21242	The End Arena	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21243	The Frozen Peaks	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21244	The Sword Outpost	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21245	The Panda Haven	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21246	The Deep Dark Battle	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21247	The Axolotl House	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21248	The Pumpkin Farm	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21250	The Iron Golem Fortress	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21253	The Animal Sanctuary	Dec 31, 2024
Minecraft	21257	The Devourer Showdown	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40296	LEGO House Build Your Meal Brick Bag	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40297	LEGO House 6 DUPLO Bricks	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40347	LEGOLAND Driving School	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40429	Ninjago World	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40505	LEGO Building Systems	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40534	LEGO House Chef	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40556	Mythica	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40574	LEGO Brand Store	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40639	Bird's Nest	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40640	LEGO Nutcracker	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40641	Birthday Cake	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40642	Gingerbread Ornaments	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40643	Jade Rabbit	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40644	Pinata	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40714	Carousel Ride	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40715	Alien Pack	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	40716	Alien Planet Habitat	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	80112	Auspicious Dragon	Dec 31, 2024
Miscellaneous	80113	Family Reunion Celebration	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80036	The City of Lanterns	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80041	Mei's Dragon Jet	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80043	Yellow Tusk Elephant	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80044	Monkie Kid's Team Hideout	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80046	Monkie Kid's Cloud Airship	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80047	Mei's Guardian Dragon	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80048	The Mighty Azure Lion	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80049	Dragon of the East Palace	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80050	Creative Vehicles	Dec 31, 2024
Monkie Kid	80053	Mei's Dragon Mech	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	30650	Kai and Rapton's Temple Battle Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	30674	Zane's Dragon Power Vehicles Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71741	NINJAGO City Gardens	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71782	Cole's Earth Dragon EVO	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71783	Kai's Mech Rider EVO	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71784	Jay's Lightning Jet EVO	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71785	Jay's Titan Mech	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71786	Zane's Ice Dragon Creature	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71787	Creative Ninja Brick Box	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71788	Lloyd's Ninja Street Bike (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71789	Kai and Ras's Car and Bike Battle (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71790	Imperium Dragon Hunter Hound	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71791	Zane's Dragon Power Spinjitzu Race Car	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71792	Sora's Transforming Mech Bike Racer	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71793	Heatwave Transforming Lava Dragon	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71794	Lloyd and Arin's Ninja Team Mechs	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71795	Temple of the Dragon Energy Cores	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71796	Elemental Dragon vs. The Empress Mech	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71797	Destiny's Bounty - Race Against Time	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71798	Nya and Arin's Baby Dragon Battle (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71800	Nya's Water Dragon EVO	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71801	Kai's Rising Dragon Strike	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71802	Nya's Rising Dragon Strike	Dec 31, 2024
Ninjago	71803	Arin's Rising Dragon Strike	Dec 31, 2024
Sonic	30676	Kiki's Coconut Attack Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Sonic	76990	Sonic's Speed Sphere Challenge	Dec 31, 2024
Sonic	76991	Tails' Workshop and Tornado Plane	Dec 31, 2024
Sonic	76992	Amy's Animal Rescue Island	Dec 31, 2024
Sonic	76993	Sonic vs. Dr. Eggman's Death Egg Robot	Dec 31, 2024
Sonic	76994	Sonic's Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	30683	McLaren Formula 1 Car Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76906	1970 Ferrari 512 M	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76907	Lotus Evija	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76908	Lamborghini Countach	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76909	Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 E Performance & Mercedes-AMG Project One	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76914	Ferrari 812 Competizione	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76915	Pagani Utopia	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76916	Porsche 963	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76917	2 Fast 2 Furious Nissan Skyline GT-R (R34)	Dec 31, 2024
Speed Champions	76918	McLaren Solus GT & McLaren F1 LM	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	30680	AAT Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	30685	TIE Interceptor Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75257	Millennium Falcon	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75290	Mos Eisley Cantina	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75304	Darth Vader Helmet	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75308	R2-D2	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75313	AT-AT	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75333	Obi-Wan Kenobi's Jedi Starfighter	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75341	Luke Skywalker's Landspeeder	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75344	Boba Fett's Starship Microfighter	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75345	501st Clone Troopers Battle Pack	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75346	Pirate Snub Fighter	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75347	TIE Bomber	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75348	Mandalorian Fang Fighter vs TIE Interceptor	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75350	Clone Commander Cody Helmet	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75351	Princess Leia (Boushh) Helmet	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75352	Emperor's Throne Room Diorama	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75353	Endor Speeder Chase Diorama	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75354	Coruscant Guard Gunship	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75356	Executor Super Star Destroyer	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75358	Tenoo Jedi Temple (4+)	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75359	332nd Ahsoka's Clone Trooper Battle Pack	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75360	Yoda's Jedi Starfighter	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75361	Spider Tank	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75363	The Mandalorian N-1 Starfighter Microfighter	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75364	New Republic E-wing vs. Shin Hati's Starfighter	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75365	Yavin 4 Rebel Base	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75368	Darth Vader Mech	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75369	Boba Fett Mech	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75370	Stormtrooper Mech	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75371	Chewbacca	Dec 31, 2024
Star Wars	75395	Star Wars Advent Calendar 2024	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	30682	NASA Mars Rover Perseverance Polybag	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42096	Porsche 911 RS	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42136	John Deere 9620R 4WD Tractor	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42138	Ford Mustang Shelby GT500	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42145	Airbus H175 Rescue Helicopter	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42147	Dump Truck	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42148	Snow Groomer	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42149	Monster Jam Dragon	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42150	Monster Jam Monster Mutt Dalmatian	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42152	Firefighter Aircraft	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42153	NASCAR Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42155	The Batman - Batcycle	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42157	John Deere 948L-II Skidder	Dec 31, 2024
Technic	42162	Bugatti Bolide Agile Blue	Dec 31, 2024

https://discord.gg/brick-tap-1128148810439331861

Hi ecommerce - I'm Paul and I follow the e-commerce industry closely for my Shopifreaks E-commerce Newsletter. Each week I post a summary recap of the week's top stories, which I cover in depth with sources in the full edition. Let's dive in...
STAT OF THE WEEK: One-seventh of the $5 trillion worth of retail goods sold in the United States in 2023 were returned, according to the National Retail Federation. Amanda Mull wrote for The Atlantic last year, the standard way of selling things online—with the blanket promise You can always send it back!—has become unsustainable.
PayPal is launching an advertising platform built on the massive troves of customer transaction data it's obtained from its 400M active users, payment processing network, Venmo app, and partner retailers over the past 25 years. The company is pitching the offering as a way to help merchants sell more products and services while acting as a discovery engine for consumers. Central to the offering is PayPal's new Advanced Offers platform, which uses AI to analyze nearly half a trillion dollars of transaction data to generate consumer insights and offer personalized deals. With Advanced Offers, merchants only pay for performance (ie: sales) instead of impressions or clicks like traditional ad networks — which could make it an attractive alternative for merchants.
PayPal's not the only one. Everyone's building an ad network:

• JP Morgan Chase launched a new digital media business called Chase Media Solutions that also serves ads based on consumer spending data. Similar to PayPal's Advanced Offers, advertisers will only pay when a customer makes a purchase.
• Visa is rolling out “data tokens” that allow businesses to request consent from customers to get real-time, personalized offers as they shop. Banks will also receive a token to show where a customer's data has been shared and display it in their mobile app, so that people can decide whether they want to continue sharing data with that merchant or revoke access.
• Expedia launched an ad network called Expedia Group Media Solutions that combines first-party traveler intent and purchase data with on and offsite ad tools.
• Brave launched a CPC ad offering called Search Ads in key markets after 18 months of successful testing and feedback. Brave Search is the default search engine in the Brave Browser, which has over 65M monthly active users.
  TikTok put on hold its plans to launch its e-commerce business across major European markets, with plans to instead focus on growth in the US where it's currently fighting a divest-or-ban law. ByteDance had previously announced that it would be rolling out its shopping platform across Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Ireland as soon as July, and to Mexico and Brazil shortly after — but now plans to launch in all those countries are on hold, according to Bloomberg sources. Instead, company leadership want to concentrate on its most lucrative market with over 170M monthly users, even though that market could be pulled out from under its feet next year.
  

In a leaked memo, COO Kaz Nejatian informed fellow Shopifolk that Shopify Plus will continue to be sold as a plan, but it will not be considered a brand with designated teams within the company, according to Business Insider. He wrote, “Please remove Plus branding from all decks, all signage, all marketing. We build, market, and sell Shopify.” He added, “Today, Shopify Plus is just a plan. It is not a standalone brand. It is not a product. It is not a team. Shopify Plus will have all the same brand equity as Shopify Advanced or Shopify Basic. I will view any Plus branding in any of our marketing as a bug and will report it as such. We will reach different audiences using different channels. But always with one brand.”
JD.com founder Richard Liu blasted underperforming employees in a company-wide video, where he proclaimed that there is no place for unproductive staff. Liu said that, “For people who underperform and don't work hard, the company will not tolerate them and will weed them out.” The message stands in contrast with past comments by Liu, who has repeatedly highlighted comradeship in the company culture by calling staff “my brothers.” However the video comes at a time when JD.com is actively looking for ways to compete against its newest rival Pinduoduo (whose parent company PDD Holdings also owns Temu).
A number of high ranking senior executives at Taobao and Tmall Group (owned by Alibaba) retired, paving the way for a younger generation of leaders to take the reins of the company's e-commerce unit. Their exits come several months after Alibaba promoted six young executives to lead key departments of the e-commerce websites, as part of a management reshuffle under CEO Eddie Wu Yongming, who took over last December. Last month Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma made calls for current leadership to “believe in” and “give more power” to young people in an internal memo.
AliExpress signed soccer star David Beckham in its biggest global brand ambassador partnership to date. AliExpress did not disclose how much it was paying Beckham to be its global ambassador, but experts have estimated the deal to be worth a “buttload.” AliExpress said that it is investing millions in discounts, deals, and engagement during the games, including promotions that include a chance for app users to win tickets to games.
OpenAI secured a deal with Apple to integrate its chatbot into iOS 18, according to The Information. The companies plan to announce the news at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference next week. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is reportedly concerned about how it could conflict with their partnership and held a meeting with Sam Altman to discuss the deal. Apple previously said that it plans to take a different approach to AI, focusing on tools that ordinary consumers can use in their daily lives, while leaving the more radical features to other companies. The company hopes that it can leverage its huge user base to gain a strong foothold in the AI market.
US officials have escalated a crackdown on the controversial customs exemption that Chinese companies like Temu and Shein use to send cheap items from overseas to American shoppers without paying taffics. The CBP has so far suspended six customs brokers from Entry Type 86, a program that makes it easier and quicker to arrange such shipments, including Seko Logistics, which says that it processes millions of parcels under the rule each month. Seko’s participation in Entry Type 86 was suspended for 90 days, until August 24th. Sources familiar with the matter told The Loadstar that a major seizure had been made by the CBP, and that it was related to shipments from Shein. The next day, after all this went down, it was reported that the CBP began inspecting every single e-commerce shipment coming from mainland China on freighters, leading to airport congestion, delays, and the cancellation or suspension of some flights.
Instagram began testing a new feature called “Ad Breaks,” which are unskippable ads that interrupt the user's browsing and requires them to view an advertisement for at least 3-5 seconds before they can continue scrolling the feed. Instagram and Facebook have always relied on sponsored posts that look like regular content. These “soft ads” are designed to keep users engaged without being too pushy. But these Ad Breaks are completely different and a stark reminder that the platform is littered with unwanted advertisements. The ironic part of unskippable ads is that they give the user just enough time to break out of the cycle of endless scrolling, potentially leading more folks to close the app and continue with their day.
Pinterest is evolving its Creator Inclusion Fund to now be called the Pinterest Inclusion Fund. The platform is teaming up with Shopify's Build Black and Build Native programs to now allow small business owners, independent publishers, and boutique creative agencies from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for the fund, which previously only served content creators. The fund provides a six-week accelerator program that coaches participants on using Pinterest to expand their brands and businesses. Small businesses selected for the program will have access to educational and financial resources, including the ability to connect their Shopify accounts to Pinterest, and training sessions provided by Shopify. Pinterest will also offer mentorship, monetary stipends and paid subscriptions to workplace SaaS.
Walmart is expanding its InHome delivery service to Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, and San Bernardino, which brings the service to more than 50 markets nationwide, covering over 45M homes. The service enables associates to use a one-time access code to complete delivery to inside the customer's home, including placing items inside their refrigerators. A wearable camera records the entire delivery, to which customers have access from their phones for up to a week after each delivery.
The European Union designated Temu as a very large online platform under its new Digital Services Act. The platform now has more than 75M users in the EU, a figure that is well above the 45M threshold for being classified as a VLOP. Temu is now the 24th company to face extra obligations under the DSA, including scrutiny over its use of algorithms, AI, content rankings, and recommendation tools, while also having additional requirements in regards to addressing counterfeit, illegal, or unsafe products on its platform.
40% of Facebook's 3.07B monthly active users are active on its Marketplace, according to a report from Capital One Shopping. This technically makes it a larger e-commerce platform by number of users than Amazon, which only reports 310M monthly users. However unlike Amazon, most of the transactions on FB Marketplace happen off-platform, so Facebook doesn't see direct revenue from the sales — but it does benefit from users logging in more often and seeing more ads.
DHL Express Commerce launched a new international returns portal that allows e-commerce companies to set their own returns policies and terms, enabling shoppers to easily initiate returns and generate printing labels. By using the new service, businesses will not be subject to duties and taxes on inbound delivery as they would be if their customers were sending goods independently.
Jeff Bezos sold 1.1M shares of Amazon stock, which equates to around $117M, to fund Day 1 Academies, a tuition-free non-profit chain of Montessori-themed preschools he founded with facilities in Texas, Washington, Florida, and several other states. The preschools offer year-round programming, five days a week, for children 3-5 years old, and admissions prioritizes low income families.
Adani Group, an Indian conglomerate with businesses centered around energy and trading, is moving into digital payments and e-commerce, as it seeks to diversify its portfolio and compete with Reliance, Amazon, Flipkart, and PhonePe. The Financial Times reported that Adani is considering applying for a license to operate on India's Unified Payments Interface and finalizing plans for a co-branded credit card with banks.
Avenue Z, a public relations and digital media company, partnered with SourceMedium, a data analytics and automation platform, to introduce a new visualization platform that enables brands to see performance from all their marketing channels with customizable views for insights into trend analysis, creative performance, customer LTV, profitability, and more. The new dashboard is designed to be a one-stop shop for DTC teams to see holistic business performance and break down barriers that often exist between different teams.
Walmart is rolling out seven days of sales and discounts during its second annual Walmart+ Week, which will run from June 17 to 23 exclusively for Walmart+ members. In additional to traditional deals on gas, travel, delivery, and home products, Walmart is introducing its first-ever mystery offer, set to be revealed on June 20th. (SPOILER: It's a free one-year Amazon Prime subscription. LOL)
Klarna called the CFPB's plan to classify BNPL lenders as credit card providers “confusing.” The company wrote in a blog post, “It is baffling that the CFPB fails to acknowledge the fundamental differences between BNPL and credit cards in their guidance and this announcement does nothing to address the $1.15 trillion in credit card debt.” The company added, “Trying to regulate BNPL like a credit card is like comparing apples with oranges.” I expressed similar sentiment in last week's edition (story #6).
Former OpenAI board member Helen Toner said in a recent interview that the OpenAI board was unaware of the existence of ChatGPT until they saw it on Twitter. She also revealed details about the company's internal dynamics, citing instances of “psychological abuse” and the disbursement of inaccurate information from Altman, with screenshots and documentation to support her claims. Toner said that no-one would speak out against Altman and that employees felt obligated to support his re-hiring in fear of retaliation from the CEO. In response to the interview, current OpenAI board chair Bret Taylor essentially said, “Are you still talking about that?”
Several Amazon execs may be personally liable for tricking users into Prime sign-ups after a US district court refused to dismiss the FTC's lawsuit, which alleges that Amazon forced “consumers intending to cancel to navigate a four-page, six-click, fifteen-option cancellation process.” The judge also denied individual motions to dismiss claims against the individual Amazon executives who oversaw Prime operations at the time. According to the judge, the FTC provided enough evidence that each of the executives knew they were violating consumer protection laws when prioritizing profits over eliminating dark patterns.
Walmart is running a promotional campaign to encourage third-party sellers to add their best-selling items to its catalog. Sellers who list a recommended item from its Assortment Growth Dashboard get up to 50% off referral fees, depending on the shipping speed offered.
Google's experimental cookie-free ad platform suffered a glitch that disabled APIs, which publishing and advertising vendors use to participate in ad auctions. After the glitch, some publishers reported that ad activity and revenue stopped flowing through Privacy Sandbox for hours, prompting questions about the possibility of future breakdowns. The cookie-less platform is only in the testing phase, but if the APIs become widely adopted and account for a larger share of revenue for publishers, an outage would be a big deal.
In other Google troubles… a data leak revealed thousands of pages of internal documents that offer an unprecedented look under the hood of how Google Search works. The documents suggest that Google hasn't been entirely truthful about its algorithm for many years, indicating that Google might prioritize certain ranking factors more than it admits. The documents also touch on topics like what kind of data Google collects, how Google handles small websites, and which sites it elevates for sensitive topics like elections or COVID19.
Walmart ended its agreement with Capital One, which was the exclusive issuer of Walmart consumer credit cards, for being too slow to post transactions to cardholders' accounts and failing to promptly replace lost cards. A federal judge ruled in March that Walmart could end its credit card partnership early because the bank failed to provide the required level of customer service. Although the partnership is dead, cardholders can continue to earn and redeem rewards, and previously accrued rewards will retain their value. Walmart doesn't have another bank lined up to take over the credit card, leading to speculation that the company plans on looking internally to its majority-owned One fintech.
Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski tweeted that the company would save $10M this year due to generative AI allowing them to produce images faster and with a smaller team. He wrote in a since deleted post, “We're spending less on photographers, image banks, and marketing agencies. Our in-house marketing team is HALF the size it was last year but is producing MORE!” His tweet was hit with immediate backlash, with one person replying, “If you still had a bigger marketing team, they probably would've advised you not to post this.”
Navan AI, a Singapore-based generative AI and computer vision solutions company, launched a fashion tech platform called niia.ai, which enables fashion designers to create design variations or entirely new designs by simply describing their ideas. The tool's visualizing feature lets them get a 360-degree view of the product and try out the design on AI-generated models.
A Canadian man was scammed out of hundreds of dollars when he called what he thought was a Facebook customer support number after using Meta AI's search tool to verify the number. Meta AI chatbot replied with, “The phone number 1-844-457-0520 is indeed a legitimate Facebook support number.” (NARRATOR: “It's not.”) After giving access to his phone through an app the hacker had him download, the man's PayPal account was used to buy a $500 Apple gift card, and someone tried to buy Bitcoin with his saved payment info, but luckily his bank stopped that transaction.
Plus 5 seed rounds, IPOs, and acquisitions of interest including Shopify's acquisition of Checkout Blocks, an app that lets merchants customize their checkout by adding AI recommendations, custom content (banners, images, and headlines), custom fields (gift messages or delivery notes), discounts, e-mail address verification, personalized order status, thank you pages, and more. As part of the deal, the company is making its Starter plan, priced at $99/month, free for all merchants on Shopify Plus. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
I hope you found this recap helpful. See you next week!
PAUL Editor of Shopifreaks E-Commerce Newsletter
PS: If I missed any big news this week, please share in the comments.

Hi - I'm Paul and I follow the e-commerce industry closely for my Shopifreaks E-commerce Newsletter. Each week I post a summary recap of the week's top stories, which I cover in depth with sources in the full edition. Let's dive in...
STAT OF THE WEEK: One-seventh of the $5 trillion worth of retail goods sold in the United States in 2023 were returned, according to the National Retail Federation. Amanda Mull wrote for The Atlantic last year, the standard way of selling things online—with the blanket promise You can always send it back!—has become unsustainable.
PayPal is launching an advertising platform built on the massive troves of customer transaction data it's obtained from its 400M active users, payment processing network, Venmo app, and partner retailers over the past 25 years. The company is pitching the offering as a way to help merchants sell more products and services while acting as a discovery engine for consumers. Central to the offering is PayPal's new Advanced Offers platform, which uses AI to analyze nearly half a trillion dollars of transaction data to generate consumer insights and offer personalized deals. With Advanced Offers, merchants only pay for performance (ie: sales) instead of impressions or clicks like traditional ad networks — which could make it an attractive alternative for merchants.
PayPal's not the only one. Everyone's building an ad network:

• JP Morgan Chase launched a new digital media business called Chase Media Solutions that also serves ads based on consumer spending data. Similar to PayPal's Advanced Offers, advertisers will only pay when a customer makes a purchase.
• Visa is rolling out “data tokens” that allow businesses to request consent from customers to get real-time, personalized offers as they shop. Banks will also receive a token to show where a customer's data has been shared and display it in their mobile app, so that people can decide whether they want to continue sharing data with that merchant or revoke access.
• Expedia launched an ad network called Expedia Group Media Solutions that combines first-party traveler intent and purchase data with on and offsite ad tools.
• Brave launched a CPC ad offering called Search Ads in key markets after 18 months of successful testing and feedback. Brave Search is the default search engine in the Brave Browser, which has over 65M monthly active users.
  TikTok put on hold its plans to launch its e-commerce business across major European markets, with plans to instead focus on growth in the US where it's currently fighting a divest-or-ban law. ByteDance had previously announced that it would be rolling out its shopping platform across Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Ireland as soon as July, and to Mexico and Brazil shortly after — but now plans to launch in all those countries are on hold, according to Bloomberg sources. Instead, company leadership want to concentrate on its most lucrative market with over 170M monthly users, even though that market could be pulled out from under its feet next year.
  

In a leaked memo, COO Kaz Nejatian informed fellow Shopifolk that Shopify Plus will continue to be sold as a plan, but it will not be considered a brand with designated teams within the company, according to Business Insider. He wrote, “Please remove Plus branding from all decks, all signage, all marketing. We build, market, and sell Shopify.” He added, “Today, Shopify Plus is just a plan. It is not a standalone brand. It is not a product. It is not a team. Shopify Plus will have all the same brand equity as Shopify Advanced or Shopify Basic. I will view any Plus branding in any of our marketing as a bug and will report it as such. We will reach different audiences using different channels. But always with one brand.”
JD.com founder Richard Liu blasted underperforming employees in a company-wide video, where he proclaimed that there is no place for unproductive staff. Liu said that, “[For people who] underperform and don't work hard, the company will not tolerate them and will weed them out.” The message stands in contrast with past comments by Liu, who has repeatedly highlighted comradeship in the company culture by calling staff “my brothers.” However the video comes at a time when JD.com is actively looking for ways to compete against its newest rival Pinduoduo (whose parent company PDD Holdings also owns Temu).
A number of high ranking senior executives at Taobao and Tmall Group (owned by Alibaba) retired, paving the way for a younger generation of leaders to take the reins of the company's e-commerce unit. Their exits come several months after Alibaba promoted six young executives to lead key departments of the e-commerce websites, as part of a management reshuffle under CEO Eddie Wu Yongming, who took over last December. Last month Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma made calls for current leadership to “believe in” and “give more power” to young people in an internal memo.
AliExpress signed soccer star David Beckham in its biggest global brand ambassador partnership to date. AliExpress did not disclose how much it was paying Beckham to be its global ambassador, but experts have estimated the deal to be worth a “buttload.” AliExpress said that it is investing millions in discounts, deals, and engagement during the games, including promotions that include a chance for app users to win tickets to games.
OpenAI secured a deal with Apple to integrate its chatbot into iOS 18, according to The Information. The companies plan to announce the news at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference next week. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is reportedly concerned about how it could conflict with their partnership and held a meeting with Sam Altman to discuss the deal. Apple previously said that it plans to take a different approach to AI, focusing on tools that ordinary consumers can use in their daily lives, while leaving the more radical features to other companies. The company hopes that it can leverage its huge user base to gain a strong foothold in the AI market.
US officials have escalated a crackdown on the controversial customs exemption that Chinese companies like Temu and Shein use to send cheap items from overseas to American shoppers without paying taffics. The CBP has so far suspended six customs brokers from Entry Type 86, a program that makes it easier and quicker to arrange such shipments, including Seko Logistics, which says that it processes millions of parcels under the rule each month. Seko’s participation in Entry Type 86 was suspended for 90 days, until August 24th. Sources familiar with the matter told The Loadstar that a major seizure had been made by the CBP, and that it was related to shipments from Shein. The next day, after all this went down, it was reported that the CBP began inspecting every single e-commerce shipment coming from mainland China on freighters, leading to airport congestion, delays, and the cancellation or suspension of some flights.
Instagram began testing a new feature called “Ad Breaks,” which are unskippable ads that interrupt the user's browsing and requires them to view an advertisement for at least 3-5 seconds before they can continue scrolling the feed. Instagram and Facebook have always relied on sponsored posts that look like regular content. These “soft ads” are designed to keep users engaged without being too pushy. But these Ad Breaks are completely different and a stark reminder that the platform is littered with unwanted advertisements. The ironic part of unskippable ads is that they give the user just enough time to break out of the cycle of endless scrolling, potentially leading more folks to close the app and continue with their day.
Pinterest is evolving its Creator Inclusion Fund to now be called the Pinterest Inclusion Fund. The platform is teaming up with Shopify's Build Black and Build Native programs to now allow small business owners, independent publishers, and boutique creative agencies from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for the fund, which previously only served content creators. The fund provides a six-week accelerator program that coaches participants on using Pinterest to expand their brands and businesses. Small businesses selected for the program will have access to educational and financial resources, including the ability to connect their Shopify accounts to Pinterest, and training sessions provided by Shopify. Pinterest will also offer mentorship, monetary stipends and paid subscriptions to workplace SaaS.
Walmart is expanding its InHome delivery service to Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, and San Bernardino, which brings the service to more than 50 markets nationwide, covering over 45M homes. The service enables associates to use a one-time access code to complete delivery to inside the customer's home, including placing items inside their refrigerators. A wearable camera records the entire delivery, to which customers have access from their phones for up to a week after each delivery.
The European Union designated Temu as a very large online platform under its new Digital Services Act. The platform now has more than 75M users in the EU, a figure that is well above the 45M threshold for being classified as a VLOP. Temu is now the 24th company to face extra obligations under the DSA, including scrutiny over its use of algorithms, AI, content rankings, and recommendation tools, while also having additional requirements in regards to addressing counterfeit, illegal, or unsafe products on its platform.
40% of Facebook's 3.07B monthly active users are active on its Marketplace, according to a report from Capital One Shopping. This technically makes it a larger e-commerce platform by number of users than Amazon, which only reports 310M monthly users. However unlike Amazon, most of the transactions on FB Marketplace happen off-platform, so Facebook doesn't see direct revenue from the sales — but it does benefit from users logging in more often and seeing more ads.
DHL Express Commerce launched a new international returns portal that allows e-commerce companies to set their own returns policies and terms, enabling shoppers to easily initiate returns and generate printing labels. By using the new service, businesses will not be subject to duties and taxes on inbound delivery as they would be if their customers were sending goods independently.
Jeff Bezos sold 1.1M shares of Amazon stock, which equates to around $117M, to fund Day 1 Academies, a tuition-free non-profit chain of Montessori-themed preschools he founded with facilities in Texas, Washington, Florida, and several other states. The preschools offer year-round programming, five days a week, for children 3-5 years old, and admissions prioritizes low income families.
Adani Group, an Indian conglomerate with businesses centered around energy and trading, is moving into digital payments and e-commerce, as it seeks to diversify its portfolio and compete with Reliance, Amazon, Flipkart, and PhonePe. The Financial Times reported that Adani is considering applying for a license to operate on India's Unified Payments Interface and finalizing plans for a co-branded credit card with banks.
Avenue Z, a public relations and digital media company, partnered with SourceMedium, a data analytics and automation platform, to introduce a new visualization platform that enables brands to see performance from all their marketing channels with customizable views for insights into trend analysis, creative performance, customer LTV, profitability, and more. The new dashboard is designed to be a one-stop shop for DTC teams to see holistic business performance and break down barriers that often exist between different teams.
Walmart is rolling out seven days of sales and discounts during its second annual Walmart+ Week, which will run from June 17 to 23 exclusively for Walmart+ members. In additional to traditional deals on gas, travel, delivery, and home products, Walmart is introducing its first-ever mystery offer, set to be revealed on June 20th. (SPOILER: It's a free one-year Amazon Prime subscription. LOL)
Klarna called the CFPB's plan to classify BNPL lenders as credit card providers “confusing.” The company wrote in a blog post, “It is baffling that the CFPB fails to acknowledge the fundamental differences between BNPL and credit cards in their guidance and this announcement does nothing to address the $1.15 trillion in credit card debt.” The company added, “Trying to regulate BNPL like a credit card is like comparing apples with oranges.” I expressed similar sentiment in last week's edition (story #6).
Former OpenAI board member Helen Toner said in a recent interview that the OpenAI board was unaware of the existence of ChatGPT until they saw it on Twitter. She also revealed details about the company's internal dynamics, citing instances of “psychological abuse” and the disbursement of inaccurate information from Altman, with screenshots and documentation to support her claims. Toner said that no-one would speak out against Altman and that employees felt obligated to support his re-hiring in fear of retaliation from the CEO. In response to the interview, current OpenAI board chair Bret Taylor essentially said, “Are you still talking about that?”
Several Amazon execs may be personally liable for tricking users into Prime sign-ups after a US district court refused to dismiss the FTC's lawsuit, which alleges that Amazon forced “consumers intending to cancel to navigate a four-page, six-click, fifteen-option cancellation process.” The judge also denied individual motions to dismiss claims against the individual Amazon executives who oversaw Prime operations at the time. According to the judge, the FTC provided enough evidence that each of the executives knew they were violating consumer protection laws when prioritizing profits over eliminating dark patterns.
Walmart is running a promotional campaign to encourage third-party sellers to add their best-selling items to its catalog. Sellers who list a recommended item from its Assortment Growth Dashboard get up to 50% off referral fees, depending on the shipping speed offered.
Google's experimental cookie-free ad platform suffered a glitch that disabled APIs, which publishing and advertising vendors use to participate in ad auctions. After the glitch, some publishers reported that ad activity and revenue stopped flowing through Privacy Sandbox for hours, prompting questions about the possibility of future breakdowns. The cookie-less platform is only in the testing phase, but if the APIs become widely adopted and account for a larger share of revenue for publishers, an outage would be a big deal.
In other Google troubles… a data leak revealed thousands of pages of internal documents that offer an unprecedented look under the hood of how Google Search works. The documents suggest that Google hasn't been entirely truthful about its algorithm for many years, indicating that Google might prioritize certain ranking factors more than it admits. The documents also touch on topics like what kind of data Google collects, how Google handles small websites, and which sites it elevates for sensitive topics like elections or COVID19.
Walmart ended its agreement with Capital One, which was the exclusive issuer of Walmart consumer credit cards, for being too slow to post transactions to cardholders' accounts and failing to promptly replace lost cards. A federal judge ruled in March that Walmart could end its credit card partnership early because the bank failed to provide the required level of customer service. Although the partnership is dead, cardholders can continue to earn and redeem rewards, and previously accrued rewards will retain their value. Walmart doesn't have another bank lined up to take over the credit card, leading to speculation that the company plans on looking internally to its majority-owned One fintech.
Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski tweeted that the company would save $10M this year due to generative AI allowing them to produce images faster and with a smaller team. He wrote in a since deleted post, “We're spending less on photographers, image banks, and marketing agencies. Our in-house marketing team is HALF the size it was last year but is producing MORE!” His tweet was hit with immediate backlash, with one person replying, “If you still had a bigger marketing team, they probably would've advised you not to post this.”
Navan AI, a Singapore-based generative AI and computer vision solutions company, launched a fashion tech platform called niia.ai, which enables fashion designers to create design variations or entirely new designs by simply describing their ideas. The tool's visualizing feature lets them get a 360-degree view of the product and try out the design on AI-generated models.
A Canadian man was scammed out of hundreds of dollars when he called what he thought was a Facebook customer support number after using Meta AI's search tool to verify the number. Meta AI chatbot replied with, “The phone number 1-844-457-0520 is indeed a legitimate Facebook support number.” (NARRATOR: “It's not.”) After giving access to his phone through an app the hacker had him download, the man's PayPal account was used to buy a $500 Apple gift card, and someone tried to buy Bitcoin with his saved payment info, but luckily his bank stopped that transaction.
Plus 5 seed rounds, IPOs, and acquisitions of interest including Shopify's acquisition of Checkout Blocks, an app that lets merchants customize their checkout by adding AI recommendations, custom content (banners, images, and headlines), custom fields (gift messages or delivery notes), discounts, e-mail address verification, personalized order status, thank you pages, and more. As part of the deal, the company is making its Starter plan, priced at $99/month, free for all merchants on Shopify Plus. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
I hope you found this recap helpful. See you next week!
For more details on each story and sources, see the full edition:
https://www.shopifreaks.com/paypal-ads-shopify-minus-unskippable-instagram-ads
What else is new in e-commerce?
Share stories of interesting in the comments below (including in your own business) or on shopifreaks.
-PAUL Editor of Shopifreaks E-commerce Newsletter
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So instead of Paris, Anarka goes to the American South to avoid Jagged Stone, resulting in Luka being more of a country boy and Honky Tonk. They live out in the boonies, and Luka has worked since he was a kid on the neighbors ranch, so he's a fairly well worked farmhand by the time he's 16. He can ride and race horses, he plays several more instruments (fiddle, banjo, steel string guitar and even a mandolin), has some impressive rodeo rope skills, and is just generally stronger because of his work around the farm.
But when he's 16/17, he and his sister are found by Jagged, and after a court battle, they're ordered to go with Jagged for a custody year. So Luka and Juleka are in Paris, speaking French with an American twang, and Luka is just very Over It All. He does not like Paris in the slightest, and what makes it worse is that he's known as 'Jagged's illegitimate son' before anything else. His rougher styling (having short shaved hair, piercings and an Anarka-sanctioned tattoo he got at 16 in commemoration of his nearly dying during his first real rodeo) also leads everyone to think he's a stereotypical Bad Boy/Nepo Baby who uses his father's influence to get what he wants.
And Adrien (entirely same backstory) has a hero-worship sort of thing for Luka. He thinks Luka is the absolute coolest, and it edges on becoming a crush. Meanwhile, Marinette is mildly skeeved out by Luka, noticing he has never once smiled and always has the same contemptuous look in his eye. (In truth, being raised around an aboriginal reservation, he just acquired the stoney-bitch face from his friends back home.)
Then he's gifted with the snake Miraculous by Chat Noir, and his hero outfit is more like a Spaghetti Western cowboy outfit (poncho, hat, cowboy boots and chaps) and instead of a lyre, his weapon is a straight up snake-themed bull whip, and he knows how to use it.
And Chat/Adrien is put into a Bi-Crisis as he realizes "Oh No, he's hot!!!"
Luka is the snake in his own boot.

for those brides who have been to or thrown a western/ rodeo themed rehearsal or (anyone from areas where there’s lots of western inspo like texas,wyoming, etc) what were your choices for table arrangements, linens, and other decor?
I was thinking denim napkins with some type of napkin ring that screams western and incorporating copper mugs for water glasses (but too expensive). Any ideas greatly appreciate for fun decor! i’ve checked etsy but hard to “vision” it all put together.

If you’d like to add an event to our calendar, submit an event here. Please check with the event organizers to see if events change due to weather. Have a great week!

Noteworthy Events

The Lion King at DPAC

• Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway.
• Wed, May 15 - Sun, June 9
• $29.50+

Durham Bulls vs Gwinnett at Durham Bulls Athletic Park

• Tue, June 4 - Sun, June 9
• $10+

Music in the Gardens: Charly Lowry & The Lowrie Gang at Sarah P. Duke Gardens

• Lumbee-Tuscarora singer-songwriter Charly Lowry, along with special guests Mark McKinney & Co. and Rob Cole, plays her electrifying originals and explores indigenous contributions to the roots music landscape by paying tribute to legendary Lumbee musician Willie French Lowery and the iconic Redbone, the first indigenous rock band to reach the US Billboard Hot 100.
• Lawn chairs, picnics, and blankets are encouraged. Pets are not allowed. Outside food and beverages, including beer and wine, are permitted and will also be available for purchase on-site from The Palace International.
• Wed, June 5
• 7 p.m.
• Free admission

North Carolina Official Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony at Durham County Courthouse

• Buffalo Soldiers historical re-enactors will hoist the Juneteenth flag alongside Durham County Sheriff’s Honor Guards, a symbolic act that carries the weight of our history.
• Wed, June 5
• 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Flashback Flicks: 2024 Summer Outdoor Movie Series at JB Duke Hotel

• JB Duke Hotel and Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, are hosting a summer outdoor movie series that celebrates classic feature films, ranging from beloved romantic comedies to thrilling tales of adventure.
• Every Wednesday at 8 p.m., May 29 - Aug 28
• Free admission

PLAYlist Concert Series: The Magic of African Rhythm at Durham Central Park

• Meaningful stories are told in both authentic song and original dance choreography. In the midst of the drama, skilled dancers appear to fly, leaving onlookers in an awe of swirling raffia skirts and headdresses. Drums, dance, costumes, song and story carry audiences across the colorful spectrum of the entire continent.
• Fri, June 7
• 7:30 p.m.
• Free admission

Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park

• The DCP Rodeo will feature over 35 trucks with cuisines from around the world as well as local, craft drink vendors of all types for you to enjoy in the park or as you’re passing through.
• Sun, June 9
• 12-4 p.m.
• Free admission

Multi-Day Events

Historic Buildings Open House at West Point on the Eno Park

• Enjoy a look inside the historic McCown-Mangum House, Photography Museum, and Mill.
• Sat, June 8 and Sun, June 9
• 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Free admission

2024 Southern Documentary Convening at The Fruit

• The Southern Documentary Convening is an annual three-day conference for first-time, emerging and experienced documentary makers taking place this year in Durham, NC.
• Attendees will benefit from workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
• Fri, June 7 - Sun, June 9
• $135

Movies at The Carolina Theatre

• Cookie
• Event Horizon & Lifeforce
• Sundance Film Festival Short Film Tour 2024

Monday, June 3

5 p.m.
Arts & Drafts at Fullsteam Brewery
6 p.m.
Disc Golf Putting League at The Glass Jug in RTP
6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
7 p.m.
Singles Night at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company
Community Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
7:30 p.m.
Movie Mondays: Ferris Buller's Day Off at The Glass Jug in Downtown Durham
8:30 p.m.
Karaoke at The House

Tuesday, June 4

Events at Boxyard RTP

• 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Boxyard Run Club
• 6-8 p.m. - Trivia Night

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company

• 12-8 p.m. - Food Truck: Mike's Vegan Cookout
• 7-9 p.m. - Bull City Beer Runners Run Club

Events at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham

• 5:45-6:30 p.m. - Community Fitness Classes with YMCA
• 6-8 p.m. - Music Bingo
• 6-8 p.m. - Taylor Party & "All Too Well" Beer Release

Events at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP

• 6-8 p.m. - The Glass Jog Run Club
• 6-9 p.m. - Stitch & Sip

6 p.m.
"An Artful Summer" Artist in Residence Series at JB Duke Hotel
Bring Your Own Vinyl with Jaffar at Rubies on Five Points
Women on the Wall at Triangle Rock Club - Durham
6:30 p.m.
Trivia at Durham Food Hall
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Gwinnett at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
Trivia at Beer Study Durham
King Trivia Tuesdays at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Live Piano Karaoke at Congress Social Bar
Not Rocket Science Trivia at DSSOLVR Durham
TBS 1st Tuesday Blues Jam at The Blue Note Grill
8 p.m.
Jeremy 'Bean' Clemons Trio at Kingfisher
8:30 p.m.
Karaoke at The House

Wednesday, June 5

Events at Boxyard RTP

• 12-2 p.m. - Hear & There: Sheila Casalett
• 5:30-8:30 p.m. - Game Night
• 6-7 p.m. - Forever Young Book Club

Events at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery

• 7-8 p.m. - Signature Wine Tasting
• 7-8:30 p.m. - Laughs Comedy Night

11:30 a.m.
North Carolina Official Juneteenth Flag-Raising Ceremony at Durham County Courthouse
3 p.m.
Durham Farmers’ Market at Durham Central Park
Career Fair & Symposium at North Carolina Biotechnology Center
5 p.m.
Free Wednesday Wine Tasting at Beer Study Durham
6 p.m.
Triangle Area Pagan Alliance Meet Up and Tarot with Heiltje at Arcana
Hike at Horton Grove Preserve
6:30 p.m.
Trivia Night with Pickle at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Gwinnett at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
Hammered Trivia at Hi-Wire Brewing
Karaoke Night at Mavericks Smokehouse
Music Bingo at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
Music in the Gardens: Charly Lowry & The Lowrie Gang at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Brett Chambers Open Mic at The Blue Note Grill
7:30 p.m.
Ally J on the Roof at The Durham Hotel
8 p.m.
Air Hockey Tournament at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Trivia Night at Bull McCabe's
Flashback Flicks: 2024 Summer Outdoor Movie Series at JB Duke Hotel
Karaoke at Moon Dog Meadery

Thursday, June 6

Events at Atomic Empire

• 6 p.m. - Game Designers of North Carolina Meetup
• 7 p.m. - Triangle Comic Creators' Network

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Brewing Company

• 12-8 p.m. -Food Truck: Mike's Vegan Cookout
• 7-9 p.m. - Thursday Trivia with Nick

11 a.m.
Walk on the Wild Side: Native Trees at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
12 p.m.
Taking Back Thursday: A Different Thread at Boxyard RTP
3 p.m.
Guided Museum Tour at 21c Museum Hotels Durham
5 p.m.
Thirsty Thursdays at Dashi
5:30 p.m.
Walking Club with Bull City Strollers at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham
6 p.m.
FM Snow w/ Kate Blvd and Tarot with Virginia at Arcana
Vinyl Night with DJ Deckades at Gizmo Brew Works
“Swing in Style” Dance Class at Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club
6:15 p.m.
Pony Run at Ponysaurus Brewing Company
6:30 p.m.
Pop Art Paint Your Pet at DSSOLVR
Stepbrothers with Tripp & Richie Fontane (Live Podcast) at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
Line Dance Classes at Mystic Farm and Distillery
Boulders & Brews Meetup at Triangle Rock Club - Durham
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Gwinnett at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
Trivia Night at Beer Tooth Taproom
Bring Your Own Vinyl Night at Congress Social Bar
Community Board Game Night at Moon Dog Meadery
Comedy Improv with Stolen Identity & Friends at Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen
7:30 p.m.
Trivia Night with Big Slow Tom at Clouds Brewing Brightleaf Square
Bulldog Ensemble Theater Presents: Redwood at Mettlesome
Murder By Death at Motorco Music Hall
8 p.m.
Weekly Single Mingle at Boxcar Bar + Arcade
Trivia at Fullsteam Brewery
Blab School Record Release w/ Tercel at The Pinhook
9 p.m.
Stepbrothers with Tripp & Richie Fontane (Live Podcast) at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
9:30 p.m.
Karaoke Night at The Tavern
10 p.m.
Miss B Haven Presents: Midnight Remedies at Rubies on Five Points

Friday, June 7

Events at Atomic Empire

• 6:30 p.m. - Magic: Modern Horizons III
• 7 p.m. - First Friday Lorcana

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

• 5-9 p.m. - Food Truck: Chesa Pika Empanadas
• 8-11 p.m. - Open Mic Stand-up Comedy

Events at Mettlesome

• 7:30-8:30 p.m. - Bulldog Ensemble Theater Presents: Redwood
• 9-10 p.m. - Hush Hush

Events at Moon Dog Meadery

• 7:15-10 p.m. - Lindy Hop Lesson + Dance
• 8-10 p.m. - Djam

Events at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP

• 5-8 p.m. - Food Truck Friday
• 8-10 p.m. - Beer Garden Comedy Showcase

9 a.m.
Propagation Promenade at Sarah P. Duke Gardens
9:30 a.m.
Introduction to Standup Paddleboarding at Falls Lake
10 a.m.
Tasting at Ten at Counter Culture Coffee
11 a.m.
TGIF Summer Break Party at Lakewood Social
12 p.m.
Co-Working Social at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in Downtown Durham
5:30 p.m.
LOJO: Log Off, Jam On at Boxyard RTP
Summer Nights at ZincHouse Winery and Brewery
6 p.m.
Daniel DeLorenzo Trio and Tarot with Joy at Arcana
Natty Wine Night at Guglhupf
The Duke Street Dogs at The Blue Note Grill
The Patio Dance Parties : Clueless Fridays at Unscripted Durham
6:30 p.m.
Theo Croker presented by WUNC MUSIC at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Gwinnett at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
Live Vinyl Spinning by PhDJ at Beer Study Durham
Diggin in the Crates at Boricua Soul
Stand Up Comedy at Mystic Farm and Distillery
7:30 p.m.
PLAYlist Concert Series: The Magic of African Rhythm at Durham Central Park
Southern Documentary Convening: Night One at Motorco Music Hall
Lovell Bradford Qt w/ Sean Jones & Stacy Dillard at Sharp 9 Gallery
8 p.m.
Stereo Reveries at DSSOLVR
Karaoke! at Fullsteam Brewery
Robert Earl Keen at The Carolina Theatre
9 p.m.
Theo Croker presented by WUNC MUSIC at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
Sneaky Link Fridays at The House
Latin Nights at The Velvet Hippo Bar & Lounge
10 p.m.
Moodboard at Rubies on Five Points
Prince Dance Party + Birthday Bash at The Pinhook

Saturday, June 8

Events at Atomic Empire

• 11 a.m. - Star Wars Unlimited TCG Store Showdown
• 1 p.m. - Magic: Modern Horizons III

Events at Boxcar Bar + Arcade

• 12-5 p.m. - Saturday Morning Cartoon Party
• 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. - Boxcar Slumber Party

Events at Boxyard RTP

• 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Saturdaze: DJ Baptiste
• 6-9 p.m. - Live DJ: DJ John Jay
• 7-9 p.m. - SoapBox: Comedy

Events at Durty Bull Brewing Company

• 1-8 p.m. - Food Truck: Weizzie's Country Kitchen
• 1-5 p.m. - Handcrafted DURM Father's Day Market
• 4-6 p.m. - Live Music: Late Night Lowlights

Events at Fullsteam Brewery

• 1-3 p.m. - Sip and Solder Stained Glass Workshop
• 2-3 p.m. - Durham "Bullpen" Treasure Hunt

Distillery Tours and Tastings at Liberty & Plenty

• Every Saturday, 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m.

Events at Mettlesome

• 4-5 p.m. - Lab: Improv 101 Class Showcase
• 5-6:30 p.m. - Secret Society Showcase
• 7:30-8:30 p.m. - Bulldog Ensemble Theater Presents: Redwood
• 9-10:15 p.m. - The Setup

Events at Rubies on Five Points

• 7 p.m. - Adulting: An Early Dance Party
• 10 p.m. - Shallow Cuts: WANNABE!

Guided Walking Tours with Triangle Adventures

• 2 p.m. - Downtown Durham Walking Tour
• 4 p.m. - Durham African American History Tour
• 6 p.m. - Downtown Durham True Crime Tour

8 a.m.
Durham Farmers' Market at Durham Central Park
parkrun Durham at Southern Boundaries Park
9 a.m.
South Durham Farmers' Market at Greenwood Commons Shopping Center
Candyland at The Carolina Theatre
10 a.m.
Restoration Awareness Ceremony at Geer Cemetery
Tour at James S. Manning House
Roots and Soul: Walking at Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice
12 p.m.
Library Summer Reading Kickoff at Durham County East Regional Library
Piedmont Farm Animal Rescue Bake Sale at Fullsteam Brewery
Crafternoons at Gizmo Brew Works
Candyland at The Carolina Theatre
1 p.m.
Board Game Market at Moon Dog Meadery
The Great Lakewood Make-Off at The Scrap Exchange
2 p.m.
Dating Mixer at DSSOLVR
3 p.m.
Why Local History Matters: Honoring Jean Bradley Anderson at Durham County Main Library Auditorium
Candyland at The Carolina Theatre
4:30 p.m.
Dreamscape Student Fashion Expo at Hillside High School
5 p.m.
Pride Night Market at The Glass Jug Beer Lab in RTP
6 p.m.
Tarot with Heiltje at Arcana
Rhythm & Reels Concert — Party Vibez Band at Forest Hills Park
Candyland at The Carolina Theatre
6:30 p.m.
Theo Croker presented by WUNC MUSIC at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
6:35 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Gwinnett at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
7 p.m.
Carolina Flyers Ultimate Disc vs. Austin Sol at Durham County Memorial Stadium
Southern Documentary Convening: Night Two at Motorco Music Hall
Cait West and Anna Gazmarian at St. Joseph's Episcopal Church
Tea Cup Gin at Succotash Southern & Creole Kitchen
7:30 p.m.
The Fabulous Nite-Life Boogie at The Blue Note Grill
9 p.m.
Theo Croker presented by WUNC MUSIC at Missy Lane's Assembly Room
Gabriel & Dresden at The Fruit
10 p.m.
The Velvet Rodeo Drag + Dance Party! at The Pinhook

Sunday, June 9

Events at Atomic Empire

• 11:30 a.m. - Netrunner: Standard Tournament
• 12 p.m. - Magic: Modern Horizons III
• 12 p.m. - 7th Sea: City of Five Sails Salon Event

Events at Fullsteam Brewery

• 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Yoga on Tap
• 12-4 p.m. - Food Truck Rodeo
• 2-3 p.m. - Calligraphy Class

Events at The Carolina Theatre

• 4:15 p.m. - Oh The Places You’ll Go
• 7 p.m. - Red Whiteville and Blue

9 a.m.
Family Fun Paddle at Falls Lake
10 a.m.
Illuminate Durham Mind-Body-Spirit-Arts Festival at Durham Armory
Jazz Brunch at Lula & Sadie's
Gender Affirming Clothing Swap at Rumors
10:30 a.m.
Al Strong Presents Jazz Brunch at Alley Twenty Six
12 p.m.
Food Truck Rodeo at Durham Central Park
Sunday Dollar Bin Sale for Charity at Rumors
Farmers Market at ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
12:15 p.m.
Public Tour at Duke Chapel
2 p.m.
Hammered Trivia with Casey at Durty Bull Brewing Company
Golf Beginner Clinic at Hillandale Golf Course
5 p.m.
Blues & Roots — Black American Music Series at Hayti Heritage Center
The Setup at Mettlesome
BBQ, Brews & Bluegrass at The Durham Exchange
5:05 p.m.
Durham Bulls vs Gwinnett at Durham Bulls Athletic Park
6 p.m.
DJ Parkside and Tarot with Virginia at Arcana
6:30 p.m.
Open Mic Night at Moon Dog Meadery
7 p.m.
Marisa Anderson at The Pinhook
9 p.m.
Raggae Sundayz at The House

Running Art Exhibits

María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold at Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University

• María Magdalena Campos-Pons: Behold is a monographic exhibition of a visionary voice in photography, immersive installation, painting and performance.
• Thu, Feb 15 - Sun, Jun 9
• Every week, Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 12-5 p.m.
• Free admission

Ley Killeya: Solitary Women at 5 Points Gallery

• 5 Points Gallery in downtown Durham invites you to appreciate Chapel Hill artist Ley Killeya's engaging exhibition featuring vibrant and thought-provoking paintings, exploring themes of identity, belonging, vulnerability, and acceptance, particularly for people from marginalized communities.
• Fri, May 17 - Sat, June 15
• Free admission

Counterpoints at Durham Bottling Co.

• Counterpoints is a curated showcase of local AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) artists, delving into the convergence of AAPI identity and mental health. Inspired by the intricate layers of musical counterpoint, its purpose is to weave together diverse narratives and confront the stigma surrounding mental health within our communities.
• Wed, May 1 - Sun, June 16
• Mon - Fri, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cameron Elyse's Divine Nine Legacy Memoir Exhibition at Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery at the Hayti Heritage Center

• The Divine Nine Legacy Memoir delves deep into the history of the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC) or "Divine Nine," a collective of nine Greek Letter organizations founded on May 10th, 1930.
• Thu, May 30 - Sat, June 22
• Free admission

Message in a Bottle: The art of Christopher Philips Haile, 1947–1998 at Horse & Buggy Press and Friends

• This exhibit, curated by the artist's brother Roger Haile, includes over 60 artworks archived for the past 26 years.
• Sat, May 25 - Sat, July 13
• Free admission

Let me apologize in advance: I'm going to be a bit of a hater here. Also, spoilers ahead.
In general, I hate open ended stories (be it books, movies, whatever). It comes across to me as lazy, as if the author didn't know how to end, so they got vague about it. This is a personal preference, sure, but it's one I feel very strongly about. To clarify, I do not need the story to be wrapped up in a nice, neat little bow, where everyone has a happy ending. A story can "finish" before it "ends".
What the hell do I mean by this?
Take, for example, Stephen King's The Long Walk. Major spoilers: Even though Garraty wins, he doesn't accept it, and starts running. We don't get a whole lot of world building to find out how the Long Walk became a thing, we don't follow Garraty after this, and thus we have no idea what happens, but the story is done. Extending it or explaining it wouldn't enhance the story; if anything, writing more would probably bring the horror elements down. The story was finished even though it didn't "end".
Back to Tremblay.
My first exposure to him was of course Cabin at the End of the World. This was before the movie, and it should have been RIGHT up my alley. World ending story that also contains references to religion? Hell yeah! Except, Holy hell, I could not read this thing for the life of me. The book starts off from the y y/o daughter, Wen's POV; she talks about her life, what it's like being adopted, taking language classes. She's in the yard organizing grasshoppers by size and giving them names and writing down what she thinks their genders are and OH MY GOD WHEN IS THIS STORY ACTUALLY STARTING??? At that point, I decided to try to skip ahead. Tremblay was verbose in other parts, so I tried to skip ahead. I ended up mostly going through the dialogue, reading more if it seemed relevant, and was left disappointed. I think the story really would have been enhanced by exploring the backgrounds of the four visitors, but, from what I did read, that didn't happen.
I checked the Wikipedia page to see if it was worth going back and trying again, but the ending If it was the end of the world was left kinda ambiguous. I could see an argument where The planes crashing is too much of a coincidence, so yes it is, plus the movie changed it to flat out saying it's the end of the world, but it just came across as so lazy to me. If anything, I think making the ending unambiguous would make the story better. It doesn't need to go on for much longer, but explaining what the "answer" is, in either case of the world ending or not, would reframe the rest of the story and make it better.
But maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance. I read someone say on here that there is a lot of subtlety in Tremblay's writing, and maybe that would have explained it more if I didn't skip to just the dialogue, so I decided to give him another chance by reading Growing Things and Other Stories, a collection of short stories. Warning: No more spoiler tags after this.
The collection starts withe the titular story Growing things, where there are deadly vines growing in the world. The dad leaves his daughters to go out to look for supplies. He explicitly says that if there is a knock at the door, don't answer it, because it means it's the end of the world. And at the end of the story, there's a knock at the door! The girls go upstairs to avoid the knocking and the vines that have invaded the house, and that's it. I guess this one has an ending: the world ends, and the daughters are waiting to die. Details of their death are left to the reader's imagination, as is any details of the vines, as is a lot of background of the characters. I know nothing, and not in a good way. Let's try the next one.
Swim wants to Know if It's as Bad as Swim Thinks. We start off with the unnamed protagonist working her job at a grocery store, where people are crowding the store trying to buy their items. The protagonist's coworker is talking about something coming out of the water. Protagonist says it's just a movie trailer. Protagonist goes on message boards about consuming meth, so we know she's an unreliable narrator. Not a problem, as this is not quite the same as an open-ended story. She kidnaps her daughter, who she does not have custody of, and takes her to a place from her childhood to be safe with her daughter. But she's following patterns from when she last took her daughter while she was under the influence. She has a gun, and it seems like the police have found her. So she might kill her daughter, and I guess actually there's no monster. Ironically, this story has a lot more world building than the previous one, but it's still left open ended in a way that doesn't contribute to any fear or thrill of the story.
Next up: Something About Birds. To write this review, I re-borrowed this book online from the library to refresh my memory. It wasn't until stumbling upon the ending that I even remembered I read this story, because it elicited absolutely no strong emotion in me, not even distaste. I don't remember it, skimming through doesn't remind me of what happened, so I can't properly comment on it. Same deal with the next story, Snapshot. Looking through the table of contents and skimming through the next several stories (minus Teacher, more on that later), it looks like I skipped reading a lot of them, until I got to "It's Against the Law to Feed the Ducks." Intriguing name, I like animals, so I read this one.
This story is from the POV of the young son, Danny. They go to the beach, which is weirdly empty. When back at the cottage, the parents watch some TV, presumably the news, and are horrified; they get Danny out of the room so they can keep watching. Next day, they go to the grocery store, where it's empty, but people have overflowing grocery carts. Remember from earlier, this is a bad sign. Electronics are also down, as dad has to pay with a check. Another day, another trip to the grocery store; this time, the cashier lets them take the groceries without bothering to count it (another sign!), and Dad fills up the car with gas and gets extra gas cannisters. More TV watching, except in the empty restaurant, where the parents ask to have the TV turned off because of the kids. The story ends with the reason why the title is what it is: it's against the law to feed the ducks, which they obey at the beginning, but not the end, because the world is ending. We never learn what is happening, which makes sense if the POV is from a child, but that doesn't add to the horror. There's no horror from the kid's POV, just confusion. The reader is supposed to understand that Bad Shit^TM is going down, but without any details, I quite frankly don't know why I should care. This is essentially a story about buying groceries and watching TV, bookended by ducks.
Of the stories I've described thus far, we get the whole end-of-the-world theme repeated, without anymore details, without any real ending, and without me caring. The one exception is Teacher, which I liked so much, I read it thrice: the first time, a second time when I remembered it existed, and then I read it again fully to write this review, rather than skimming it.
The story starts with an introduction to Mr. Sorent, the cool teacher^TM. He has long hair and plays guilets the highschool seniors talk about more controversial topics like drugs and abortion, and has some days has Special^TM lessons, which has the same rule as Fight Club: you do not talk about Fight Club Special lessons. In the first one, he shows a video of a daycare/preschool, where a teacher is spinning around with a child and accidentally lets go. Mr. Sorent stops the video, and then moves it frame by frame until a wall comes into view. That is the end of the first special lesson.
Time passes, more special lessons. More disturbing videos, a guest who reflects on how awful it is to have a disease and be used as inspiration porn, all of which end with the video moving a few frames. The protagonist, Kate, tells a story about when she was a kid, and she was forced to watch some boys mutilate a dead frog, and how it affected her baseball game. As the Special^TM lessons bring down the students' academic lives, their personal lives and kate's family life deteriorate as well. The story ends with Kate trying to prevent the video from finishing using the same coping mechanism she used after watching the frog get mutilated: She volunteers for a demonstration, and moves forward without opening her eyes, hoping that if she doesn't, the film will never finish, and the accident with the child will never occur.
So what makes Teacher stand out from the others?
Tremblay actually talks about what's happening; we're shown the progression of the class, the reason why it's happening. There's no mystery of what's on the TV, or why the students are acting the way they are. The why is clear: they're being taught disturbing life lessons from a teacher they used to trust and admire. Sure, we don't actually know if they ever finish watching the video, or what happens after, but it doesn't matter, because the story isn't about that. It's about the students, and we see their arc, as they go from normal teenagers to depressed and cynical teenagers.
In the other works I've mentioned so far, we mostly get that the world is ending (or the addict mother thinks it is), but we don't know how. Considering that the end of the world is what's moving the stories along, IT'S KIND OF A BIG DEAL. Even in Cabin, where the horror is that the family is trapped in a deadly situation, knowing whether or not there's any truth to the visitor's reason for coming to the cabin would enhance the story. Compare to King's The Mist: book ends ambiguously, movie ends tragically, and even King says the movie ending was better. But with Tremblay, time that could be used for learning more about the visitors and if it's the end of the world is instead used on organizing grasshoppers.
Thank you for coming to my Ted talk. Next time I'm here, I'll try not to write in a faux manic state while mildly sleep deprived at 5 am.

Hi, Does anyone know where I can buy graduation themed sugar cookies for a preschool class?

Events are listed by the day. Events that happen every week appear first, one time stuff after that. If you have anything you’d like people to know about, comment here or message me and I’ll add it in. If you’d like further info about any of the events, look it up! I usually don’t have any extra to add.
Large Scale, Ongoing, and Multi-Day Events

• TallyFest 2024, Saturday at Cascades starting at 10am. This isn't just an event; it's a vibrant showcase of 200 years of Tallahassee's rich history and culture. Immerse yourself in a day filled with family-friendly activities, a dedicated Kid Zone featuring young entrepreneurs, and even a Pet Zone for our furry friends. TallyFest is more than just a festival; it's an experience for every member of the family! Enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, featuring local talents and artists that capture the essence of Tallahassee's artistic spirit. We're calling out to all vendors! Be part of history as we're on the lookout for 200 vendors to commemorate 200 years of Tallahassee. Kid entrepreneurs, this is your chance to shine! Explore the heart of Tallahassee with our Shop Local Passes, offering exclusive deals from local businesses. Indulge your taste buds with a diverse array of food from our vendors and partner restaurants. As the sun sets, the celebration continues with a spectacular post-event concert from 5 pm to 7 pm. Feel the rhythm, embrace the spirit, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're a local or a tourist, TallyFest invites you to join the festivities, Celebrate Tallahassee’s Bicentennial year, explore the vibrant culture, and create unforgettable moments. 🌟 Save the date, spread the word, and get ready for a day of pure Tallahassee magic!

Local Running, Walking, and Biking Info: https://troubleafoot.blogspot.com/
Guided Paddling Outings all around the area: https://www.facebook.com/hsmithoutdoors
Tallahassee Film Society Showings: https://www.tallahasseefilms.com/tickets/
Book Clubs for all tastes: https://www.facebook.com/midtownreadeevents
Live Theater:

• Making Light Productions: https://www.makinglightproductions.org/
  
• Theatre Tallahassee: https://theatretallahassee.org/
  
• Mickee Faust Club: https://www.mickeefaust.com/
  
• Monticello Opera House: https://www.monticellooperahouse.org/
  
• FSU School of Theatre: https://theatre.fsu.edu/productions/
  
• Young Actors Theatre: https://www.youngactorstheatre.com/
  
• Quincy Music Theatre: https://quincymusictheatre.com/
  
• Tallahassee Hispanic Theater: https://tallahasseehispanictheater.wordpress.com/
  

OutdooFarmer’s Markets:

• Lake Ella Grower's Market: Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-2pm. You can always find organic vendors, and foragers: The Holistic Cannabis Community, Artzi Farms, Hickory Nut Gifts, and others. Including Pita Queen! Farmer's Market Nutrition Program Coupons gladly accepted!
  
• Tallahassee Downtown Market: Saturdays, 10am-2pm, Park Ave Parks. Vendors display their arts and fine crafts, jewelry, handmade soap, pottery, Fresh from Florida produce, hand-raised beef and pork, fresh baked bread, jams and jellies, and honey. Live music from different local musicians every Saturday.
  
• Frenchtown Heritage Market: 524 N MLK Jr Blvd. Third Saturday of the month 10am to 2pm. Come grow community and support your local farmers and makers, while you get your groceries for the week! Don’t forget! We match SNAP/EBT, so you DOUBLE your money to go towards locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables! If the guy with the pineapple is there, get it. This is currently only happening on the third Saturday of the month for the next few months while road work is completed.
  
• Tallahassee Farmers Market: 2904 Kerry Forest Pkwy, Saturdays, 8am to Noon. Come see us at Tallahassee's longest-running farmers market! We are a year-round market, featuring local farms and vendors that provide the best seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, and more. We welcome you and your whole family (leashed pets included) to come out and meet your local farmers! Ample parking is available between our lot and the shopping center lot next door (by Red Elephant). Come early for the best selection.
  
• St. Marks Community Market: Saturdays, 9am to 1pm. Come enjoy local artists, crafters, bakers, farmers, and gardeners in beautiful downtown St. Marks!
  

THURSDAY, 5/30

• The Hub at Feather Oaks: Bingo. 6pm
  
• Dreamland BBQ: Weekly Open Blues Jam. If you'd like to sing, please bring your own mic. 6pm
  
• Honest Living Vape: Chess-Master Thursdays . Beginners and experts, join us every Thursday from 6-9 for Chess-Master Thursdays. All ages. Bring your board or play ours! Tournaments coming soon! 6pm
  
• Oyster City Brewing Co: Open Mic Night! Join us on Thursdays from 6:30-9:30 PM for Open Mic Night hosted by the incredible Mike Ingram of The Brown Goose! This is your chance to show off your skills! Whether you're a musician, poet, comedian, or have a hidden talent, we can't wait to see what you bring to the stage. 6:30pm
  
• Lake Tribe: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Takko Market Square: Bingo Night. 7pm
  
• The Getaway Grille and Bar: Karaoke with Jared Walker. 7pm
  
• Amicus Brewing: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Smitty's Taphouse: Trivia Lab Thursdays. Teams of 6 or fewer players can compete for $30 / $20 / $10 Prizes + The Golden MacGuffin prize table! New format! Interactive smartphone answering for your comfort and safety! 6 Fun Rounds - 42 Total Questions. 7:30pm
  
• Cap City Video Lounge: MST3K Thursday: Night of the Blood Beast & The Brute Man. Join us Thursday as we climb aboard The Satellite of Love along with Joel, Tom Servo and CROOOOW for a gnarly creature double feature of brutal beasts and men out for blood! 7:30pm/free but donations encouraged
  
• Studio D: Bachata Fever. We always have a bachata workshop at 8 pm before Bachata Fever. We dance afterwards to the sounds of DJ Bacharod. The class is at 8 pm and Bachata Fever will start at 930 pm. Many times people are learning in class and may feel uncomfortable social dancing while they are still learning moves. We have a welcoming environment so stay and have fun and dance with everyone. That is how we learn. 8pm/Class $5/Bachata Fever $5.
  
• The Sound Bar: Comedy Night. 8pm
  
• Finnegans Wake: Open Mic. 8:30pm
  
• Brass Tap in Midtown: Karaoke with DJ Rah. 9pm
  
• 926: Karaoke. 9pm
  
• Bird’s: Karaoke with Nathan. 9pm
  

• Blue Tavern: Mes Amis. 5pm
  
• Black Dog Café: French Conversation. A bientôt j’espère. 6pm
  
• The Sound Bar: Feddun's Follies. Feddun's Follies is a variety show featuring comedy, juggling, and music! 8pm/$5
  
• Blue Tavern: Paddy League “Medicine Ball” Album Release Show with Miss Mango. 8pm
  
• The Bark: Hedwig and The Angry Inch Movie Screening. 8pm/free
  
• Fire Bettys: Slasher Bash: The Velocipastor. Drink along with us as local comedians bash this 2018 cult classic! 9pm
  

FRIDAY, 5/31

• Blue Tavern: Happy Hour with Steve Malono. 5pm
  
• Lake Tribe Brewing: Flannel Fridays with Live Music. 6pm
  
• Hobbit West: Friday Night Dart Tournament. Anyone can Enter! Sign ups at 7:30, Darts fly at 8:00/$10 entry fee
  
• Ouzts Too: Karaoke with DJ Nathan. Best karaoke DJ in town. 8pm
  
• Just One More: Karaoke with DJ Rah. 9pm-11pm/21+
  
• 926: The Hot Friday Night Party and Drag Show. 9pm/$5/18+
  

• Mission San Luis: The Thatch is Back Celebration. Join us to celebrate completion of the re-thatching of the Apalachee Council House at Mission San Luis with food, crafts, and games for all ages. FREE SNOW CONES by SneauxBalls 11:30-2:30. E's Weenies FOOD TRUCK onsite throughout the event. FREE BEER SAMPLES by Lake Tribe Brewing 3:00-6:00 pm. Thatching presentation. Ballgame demonstrations. Yard games. Braiding and paper crafts. Yaupon tea sampling. 10am-6pm
  
• Blue Tavern: A Bicentennial Celebration of Old-Time Music with Little Mercies, Flathead String Band, and the Bunny Bread Bandits. 5pm
  
• Lake Tribe: Barber Brothers. 6pm
  
• The Getaway Grille and Bar: CJ and the Deadmen. 6pm
  
• Salty Dawg: Brett & "Dangerous" Dave. 6:30pm
  
• The Sound Bar: Pineapple Tuesday. 7pm
  
• The Wine House on Market Street: David Detweiler. 7pm
  
• The Bark: Swamp Rats with Psycho Tropical, Village Idiots, and Petty Problems. 7:30pm
  
• American Legion Hall: The Rhythm Remedy Rockin Soul Dance Revue. 7:30pm/$10
  
• Fire Bettys: Pharaohs Of Funk. 8pm
  
• Corner Pocket: The 850. 8pm
  
• House of Music: Public Address Band. 8pm
  
• Dukes and Dotties: Queen of Hearts. 9:30pm
  

SATURDAY, 6/1

• Brinkley Glen Park: Invasive Plant Removal. Join Master Gardener Volunteers at this weekly invasive plant removal event. This is a great way to learn to ID our invasive plant species and how to remove them. We recommend wearing long pants and sleeves, closed-toed shoes, gloves, a hat and mosquito spray. Bring gardening tools such as hand clippers, loppers, trowels, etc. if you have them. We are removing coral ardisia bushes and berries, nandina, tung trees, Tradescantia flumenensis, cat's claw vine, winged yam, Japanese climbing fern, skunkvine and more. Directions: The best way to get there is to take Meridian Rd to Waverly Rd, go to the next intersection and turn left onto Abbotsford Way, then turn left at the next road called Woodside Dr. At the stop sign turn left onto Lothian. Lothian ends in a cul-de-sac and there is a sign that says Brinkley Glen Park. 8:30am-11:30am
  
• Gamescape: Saturday Gaming. Gamescape has relocated from Railroad Square to the Huntington Oaks Plaza (Suite 302, next to the Library) at N Monroe St and Fred George Rd. Open gaming tables are available. Noon-6pm
  
• Duke’s and Dottie’s: Line Dancing Plus Lessons. 7pm/21+
  
• Bird’s Oyster Shack: Laughterday Night Fever. * Join us every Saturday at Bird's Aphrodisiac Oyster Shack for a free comedy show!* 8:30pm
  
• 926: Latin Night. Dance to the irresistible beats of Zeus and prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular drag show at midnight. It's more than a party, it's an experience. 9:30pm/$10 21+, $15 under 21
  

• Ology Powermill: Greyhounds Pat and Chill. Come out and meet some of our wonderful Greyhounds up for adoption hosted by Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions (GCGA) and Adoptable Greythounds of Florida (AGOF). Check out our available hounds from the Tampa Bay area! Gold Coast Greyhound Adoptions, Gulf Coast Chapter: https://www.gulfcoastgreyhoundadoption.org/adopt.html and Adoptable Greyhounds of Florida https://agof.org/available-greyhounds/ . Please contact us in advance if you are interested in a specific greyhound that you would like to attend this event! Get pre-qualified to adopt that day if you fall in love by completing an application now through www.gulfcoastgreyhoundadoption.org OR https://agof.org. We're very excited to have our first Meet and Greet at this location! Please reach out if you have any questions about the details of the event. 2pm-5pm
  
• Lake Tribe: Latitude 30. 6pm
  
• The Bark: Sarah Morrison with Jonas Van Den Bossche and Zoya Zafar. 6:30pm
  
• The Wine House on Market Street: Douce Ambiance. 7pm/$10
  
• Blue Tavern: Pat Puckett. 8pm
  
• 1617 Atkamire Dr: Punk’s Not Dead featuring Psycho Tropical, Danitza, Lex & Fly Agaric, and Castover. Funds go to help The Vault and the local music scene. 8pm/$10
  
• 409 Murat St: Death by Punk featuring 40 Bitches and Gangs of Paris. 8pm/$7
  
• Fire Bettys: Drunk Spelling Bee. Grab a drink, have a seat, and get ready to watch participants tackle some of the most "unique" words the English language has to offer! 8pm
  
• The Bark: Queens of The Bark Drag Night featuring Drag Race contestant Kandy Ho! 10:30/$15 cover, make sure to bring cash to tip the performers
  

SUNDAY, 6/2

• Bicycle House: Sunday Ride. Ride at 10:30 AM from Bicycle House. We will ride the Cascades trail to the St Marks trail and down to Wakulla station and return, about 31 miles. Ride speed is 12 to 14 mph, with periodic regroups. Vernon Bailey is the ride leader. Vernon is a new CCC member who’s been biking for 50 years enjoys riding with small groups and weekend touring. 10am
  
• Flippin’ Great Pinball: $25 Sunday Funday. Every Sunday spend a fun-filled time with the family for only $25 plus tax at the arcade! Our normal all-day family admission of $34.99 is just $25 and that includes up to a family of 6 (two adults and four kids). Experience affordable family fun that everyone will enjoy. Noon-8pm Not sure if this is back up yet.
  
• E Peck Greene Park (Behind the LeRoy Collins Library): Food Not Bombs Free Mealshare. We offer free vegetarian/vegan food, water, coffee, personal care & hygiene products, bus passes, and clothing when we have some available to those in need. Contact foodnotbombstally@gmail.com to find out about getting involved. Noon-2pm
  
• LeRoy Collins Library: Tallahassee Go Club Meetings. Come play the captivating ancient game of Go, also known as Baduk, with some friendly games and discussions. Beginners welcome. Visit https://www.tallahasseegoclub.com for more information. 1pm
  
• Gamescape: Pokémon League. Come learn, play, and trade with the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the Pokémon video games! We LOVE seeing new players, so come learn how to play! We play both the Trading Card Game and the Video Game casually and competitively. The store offers lots of different seating arrangements to meet our group's needs, as well as food, drinks, and Pokémon products for purchase. We are also hold regular, officially sanctioned tournaments for Pokémon Trading Card Game and Video Game Competitions! 2-4pm
  
• The Plant: Open Jam. All instruments, all players welcome. 4pm-9pm
  
• Pedro’s: Mariachi Clasico. 6pm
  
• Fermentation Lounge: Open Mic Night Hosted by Conor Churchill. 7pm
  
• Oyster City Brewing: Comedy Night. Come have some laughs with us on Sunday nights! If you are interested in participating in the show, reach out to therealsleepypfloyd@gmail.com 7:30pm
  

• Eve on Adams: Lauren Mullinax. 11am
  
• Dukes and Dotties: This Is My First Rodeo, a Wild West Market Fundraiser for RR Sq Businesses. Market, Screen Printing, Music and more! Music by Lex & Fly Agaric, Sleepybug, and No Parts. 1pm-6pm
  
• Common Ground Books: Community Clothing Swap. Join us for our monthly community clothing swap! Anyone is free to bring and/or take clothing. 2pm
  
• The Hub at Feather Oaks: Allie & Salty. 3pm
  
• Tallahassee Nurseries: Sunday in the Word Garden. In partnership with esteemed Florida artist Katee Tully, Tallahassee Nurseries presents a celebration of poetry and spoken word. We welcome several locally-renowned poets and writers as they share pieces of prose. 3:30pm/free
  
• The Sound Bar: JC and The Backscratchers. 4pm
  
• Blue Tavern: Fundraiser for Railroad Square Tenants and City Dogs Cafe featuring live music from Larry McCraw, Bog Lillies, Buck Banzai, Chris Seepersaud, Pineapple Tuesday, Kelly Goddard, Brass Wizard, and Subpotent. 4pm-11pm
  

MONDAY, 6/3

• Just One More: Bingo. 5pm-6:30pm
  
• The Getaway Grille and Bar: Margarita Monday, Open-Mic Night hosted by The Saltwater Cowboy. 5:30pm-8pm
  
• American Legion Hall: Cha Cha - Weekly Lessons. 6:15pm/$5
  
• Hangar 38: Bingo. 6:45pm
  
• Vino Beano: Tipsy Trivia. 7pm
  

TUESDAY, 6/4

• Blue Tavern: Happy Hour. 5pm
  
• The Getaway Grille: Tuesday Night Bikes and Trikes. 6pm
  
• Oyster City Brewing Company: Tuesday Night Beer-go! 6pm
  
• Crafty Crab: BOOMIN' Karaoke. 7pm
  
• Gamescape: Hobby Night. Slay the grey together! Join your fellow gamers and turn your pile of grey miniatures into a battle ready army. Need some painting tips? Feel free to ask at hobby night. You can bring any miniature for any game to paint. 7pm
  
• Ology Midtown: Jazz Jam Sessions. 7pm
  
• Beef O'Brady's: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Island Wings: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Brass Tap in Midtown: Trivia. 1st Tuesday of the month is General Knowledge with rotating themes the rest of the month. 7pm
  
• American Legion Hall: Tallahassee Swing Band Tuesday Night Dance. 7:30pm
  
• Fire Bettys: Comedy Night. 8pm
  
• Poor Pauls: Trivia. 8pm/21+
  
• Blue Tavern: Bluesday Tuesday with Bill Ricci. Every Tuesday is Blues Day @ the Blue Tavern and Blues Meets Girl is a Tallahassee favorite. This perfect, intimate venue provides just what you need for both a mid-week break and authentic blues music experience. 8pm/$5
  
• 4th Quarter: Professor Jim's Tuesday Night Trivia. Popular for a reason! 8pm
  
• Argonaut Coffee: Trivia Tuesday. 8pm
  
• The Sound Bar: Karaoke. 8pm
  
• Fire Betty’s: Open Mic Comedy Night. 8pm/21+
  
• 926: Tacos and Trivia. 9pm
  

• Blue Tavern: Bubbles Brown. 8pm

WEDNESDAY, 6/5

• Sugar and Spice Tally: Game Night. Join us every Wednesday Night for community game night. Bring your own or use ours! Let me know if you need to reserve space for a large group. Free to attend! 5pm
  
• Goodwood: Wonderful Wednesday. 6pm/$5
  
• Level 8 Rooftop Lounge: Trivia. 6pm
  
• La Florida Coffee & Wine: Trivia Night. 6pm
  
• The Great Games Library: Open Game Night. 6pm/free
  
• American Legion Hall: Sue Boyd Country Western and More Dance Class. Session 2 - Beginner 6:30 to 7:45 pm What: East Coast Swing and Waltz. Cost: $8.00 per person. Wear comfortable shoes you can turn in. 7:45 to 8:15 - Practice dance with paid admission. 8:15 to 9:30: Intermediate - 2 Step and WCS. $8.00 per person or $13.00 for both classes. Vaccines are required. Face masks are optional. Changing partners is optional. 6:30pm
  
• Perry Lynn’s Smokehouse in Quincy: Wed Night Open Mic w/ Steven Ritter and Friends. 6:30pm
  
• Hangar 38: Trivia. 6:45pm
  
• Oyster City Brewing Tallahassee: Trivia. Teams up to 6 players for three rounds with 10 questions and a tie breaker each round. Winners are by round so don’t worry if you need to come late or can’t stay the whole time! Prizes include a round of beer, a 6 pack and a gift card! 7pm
  
• Proof: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Vino Beano: Wine Bingo. 7pm
  
• Fermentation Lounge: Trivia. 7pm
  
• Blue Tavern: Wednesday Open Mic with Doc Russell. The open mic night that has run continuously for almost 20 years, once housed at the Warehouse, lives on at the Blue Tavern. Doc Russell continues as the host with the most. Sign up starts at 7:45pm/free to attend
  
• Fire Betty’s: Karaoke! 8pm/21+/free
  
• Dukes and Dotties: College Night and Line Dancing Lessons. 8pm
  
• Finnegans Wake: Trivia. 8pm
  
• The Sound Bar: Open Mic Night. 8pm
  
• Cap City Video Lounge: Anime Wednesday. 8pm
  
• South Station: Summer Movie Nights. 8:30pm/free
  
• The Bark: Karaoke with DJ Nathan. Best karaoke DJ in town. 9pm
  
• Peppers: Karaoke. 9pm
  
• 926: Dragged Out Wednesday. 10pm
  

• The Sound Bar: Old Porch Swing. 7pm

At the world’s top college of magic and technology, every day brings a new discovery -and a new disaster. The advanced experiments of the college students tend to be both ambitious and apocalyptic, with the end of the world only prevented by a mysterious time loop, and a small handful of students who retain their memories.
Surviving the loops was hard enough, but now, in his senior year, Vell Harlan must take charge of them, and deal with the fact that the whole world now knows his secrets. Everyone knows about Vell’s death and resurrection, along with the divine game he is a part of. Now Vell must contend with overly curious scientists and evil billionaires hungry for divine power while the daily doomsday cycle bombards him with terrorists, talking elephants, and the Grim Reaper himself -but if he can endure it all, the Last Goddess’s game promises the ultimate prize: power over life itself.
[Previous Chapter][Patreon][Cover Art][Next Chapter]
The last few notes of a Roxy Rocket song echoed through Vell’s dorm, and while scrappy and dissonant, they were at least coherent. An improvement from early lessons, especially.
“Well, that didn’t hurt to listen to,” Skye said. “You’re making progress.”
“You have such a way with words,” Vell said.
“Okay, fine,” Skye said. “You’re actually making good progress for a guy who only finds time to practice every couple weeks.”
The ever-encroaching responsibilities of being a senior, the leader of the loopers, and the focus of a godly game of fate had whittled Vell’s free time down to almost nothing. The occasional guitar lessons were some of his only islands amid the storm, and a welcome excuse to spend more time with Skye.
“You want to try a few more chords?”
“My hands are starting to hurt, actually,” Vell said. He pulled away from the guitar strings and shook tense fingers loose, revealing fingertips rubbed red and raw by practice. Skye stepped forward and took him by the wrist to examine his hands.
“I do not understand how a guy like you doesn’t have thicker skin,” Skye said. “Weren’t you an actual cowboy for a while? You did rodeos and everything.”
“I wore gloves,” Vell said.
“And for the rest of the weird shit you’ve done in your life?”
Vell took a long pause.
“Yeah, I don’t know,” Vell said. “Good genes, I guess.”
“I’m not complaining, mind you, I just think-”
A loud dinging sound from Skye’s purse interrupted the conversation, and she released her grip on Vell to go answer her phone. Vell recognized those familiar chimes as the Dad Ringtone. While most contacts were set to vibrate, Skye’s father and a few other lucky high-priority contacts got their own ringtones. Vell was lucky enough to have his ringtone set to the theme song of a cartoon Skye had loved as a kid, but played at a much lower volume than the Dad Ringtone. Skye’s father didn’t call often, and when he did it was usually about something important, so she wanted to be sure to never miss a call.
“Hey dad,” Skye began. “No, now’s fine. What’s up?”
Vell set his guitar back on the shelf and relaxed while Skye continued the call.
“No, no, that’d be fine, great, even,” Skye said. “He might be a little busy, but- What?”
Skye’s delight and talking to her father shifted to mild concern.
“Dad we kind of need to- no, not tomorrow, dad,” Skye said. “Dad!”
A long silence followed as Skye held the phone frozen by her ear for a short time. She tucked it back into her purse, took a deep breath, and clapped her hands together as she spun to face Vell.
“So, good news, you’re going to get to meet my dad,” Skye squeaked.
“And the bad news?”
“Well, part one of the bad news is that it’s going to happen tomorrow,” Skye said. Vell would’ve like a little more notice, but that was far from disastrous. Part two was still waiting, though. “And part two is that I kind of maybe didn’t do a very good job describing the nature of our relationship, and he sort of a little bit thinks you’re...a hero.”
Vell waited for a part three, and there was none.
“Is that the bad news?” Vell scoffed. “I might let him down a little, but there’s worse things my girlfriend’s dad could think of me.”
“Yeah there’s definitely a few upsides, be sure to hold on to those,” Skye said. “But also, you know how I flunked out of mad scientist school?”
“Yeah?”
“Well my dad...didn’t.”
***
“Your girlfriend’s dad is a supervillain?”
“Former supervillain,” Vell corrected. He adjusted the suit coat he’d just put on. “He left the game after she was born and went white hat, now he only builds death rays and robot armies so relevant authorities can observe, learn, and prepare for the real deal.”
Having a genuine mad scientist to train with helped keep secret agents and spies ready for actual threats, and Skye’s father got to keep doing what he loved: threatening to blow up the world.
“Are you still really a supervillain if you don’t actually do any villain shit?” Hawke wondered aloud. “Isn’t he just sort a supertrainer? What would you call that?”
“I’d call it asinine,” Alex said. “We shouldn’t be condoning this behavior, much less inviting him to build a death ray on our campus.”
The Einstein-Odinson had been selected as the faux-mad scientist’s next testing ground, and due to a misunderstanding of his role on campus, Vell had been selected as his testing partner. He had to put on a tuxedo and everything, to better fit the classic secret agent trope Skye’s father was envisioning.
“Mad scientists are an important part of the scientific ecosystem,” Helena said.
“You’d know,” Samson muttered under his breath.
“Conflict breeds innovation,” Helena continued, either heedless to or deliberately ignoring his snide comment. “The arc of history requires both heroes and villains.”
“Yeah, well, as far as villains go, I prefer mine to be weird old dads with fake death rays,” Kim said. “Still, Vell, doesn’t it feel kind of weird that he doesn’t actually know you’re dating his daughter?”
“It’s fine,” Vell insisted. “It’s always awkward trying to talk to your parents about your relationship, and she just over-focused on me saving the day and helping people. Simple miscommunication.”
“And when are you resolving that miscommunication?”
“Later,” Vell said. “Skye and her dad don’t get to spend much time together anymore. They’ll take the day, and we’ll get this all sorted out later.”
A life of volcano lairs, alpine bases, and remote tropical islands did not exactly make it easy for Skye to keep up with her dad, so having him concoct a scheme right on her home turf was a good way for the two of them to spend time together. Right now, Vell’s only priority was allowing for some healthy father-daughter bonding time. And also preventing the apocalypse.
“Okay, I’m good to go,” Vell said, as he finished up the knot in his bow-tie. “Hawke, ready on comms?”
“Mission control good to go, Agent Harlan,” Hawke said. He enjoyed any apocalyptic arrangement that allowed him to stay safely behind a chair, but playing mission control was especially fun.
“Good. Samson, you’re on tech duty,” Vell said. “The rest of you, keep an eye on the island. There’s no guarantee our supervillain will actually end the world. Which feels like a weird thing to say.”
Big events usually invited big catastrophes, and a literal supervillain seemed like a prime spark for some apocalyptic fire, but Vell was not so sure. He couldn’t think of anything less likely to actually end the world than a deliberate attempt to do so. All the loopers agreed having some backup eyes on other potential disasters might be warranted.
“Let’s just get this over with,” Alex said. She was the first to leave, everyone else filtered into their respective roles to play soon enough. Samson walked alongside Vell as he left the lair.
“Hey, do I have to put up the whole mission control act like Hawke was doing?”
“Not if you don’t want to,” Vell said. “Play it up a little if Skye’s dad is around, maybe, but like, right now we can just talk normally.”
“Okay, cool. Got your shit right here,” Samson said, as he hefted a large bag of gadget. “Standard spy bullshit. Gizmo watch, secret cufflink radios, pen with a concealed laser cutter, got it all right here.”
“Thanks,” Vell said. “Where’d you find all this stuff?”
“I just asked,” Samson said with a shrug. “Island full of supergenius weirdos, most of them had this kind of stuff just lying around.”
“Convenient. Did you make a list of everyone you got this stuff from?”
“So we can keep an eye on them? Yeah.”
“So I can give it back later,” Vell corrected. “But yeah, actually, knowing about the laser pen guy might be a good idea.”
“We’ll know where to start with any laser-based apocalypses,” Samson said.
“Good instinct,” Vell said. The two of them walked out of the building and towards the docks. “Am I walking weird? I’ve never worn a tux before.”
“Little stiff, but I think it’s working in your favor. You look more serious.”
“Great, thanks,” Vell said. He stepped up to the edge of the docks and strapped on his gadget watch before checking the time on it. “Should be here soon.”
“You need me to stick around?”
“No, you’re good,” Vell said. “Thanks for the help.”
Samson excused himself before the chaos started in full. Vell felt like an idiot standing around in a tux for a minute or two, until he was joined by someone in an equally odd outfit. Skye joined him in waiting on the docks, wearing a dress with long sleeves and a short skirt over sparkling tights and some very high-heeled boots.
“Very gogo dancer,” Vell said.
“Yeah, dad’s really into that whole Cold War era 60’s style,” Skye said. “Apparently this is what a ‘proper villainess’ looks like to him.”
“Could be worse, could be the catsuit kind of female villain.”
“Ugh, don’t get me started,” Skye said. “Every time he took me to work conferences I had to watch grown women try to waddle around in pleather bodysuits.”
“Supervillains have conferences?”
“Oh yeah, surprisingly good ones,” Skye said. “Especially if you’re a little girl who likes genetically engineered sharks.”
“Oh, so that’s where you got your start.”
Skye nodded. Her penchant for genetic engineering had struck at an early age. Her father had initially been excited for her to get into the family business, but it turned out Skye just liked fucking with fish DNA, and didn’t have much skill in all the non-genetic engineering parts of mad science. He was proud of her anyway.
After shifting on uncomfortably high heels for the umpteenth time, Skye checked her phone and texted her father.
“He says he’s pulling up right now,” Skye said. Vell scanned the horizon and saw nothing coming across the ocean.
“Is he at the right-”
Vell was cut off, and forced to step back, as the ocean started to churn. The waves parted to reveal a jet-black submarine with a towering, jagged skull carved into the prow.
“Oh, right, supervillain,” Vell said.
The imposing submersible drifted to a halt, and a hatched on the side hissed open. Red lights beamed out from the darkness within, and a few seconds later, an armored killbot marched down a boarding ramp, flanked by a towering man in a long white labcoat. He had a jagged streak of black through his otherwise gray hair, and wore heavy glasses with thick black lenses that obscured his gaze and shadowed his face.
“Hi dad,” Skye said.
“Hello dear,” said the man behind the murder machine. He stepped off the boarding ramp onto the dock, as another killbot exited to flank him, and fixed his dark glasses on Vell. “And as for you...I am Doc-”
“Doc” stopped his imposing introduction to have a coughing fit. Skye stepped up and put a hand on his shoulder.
“Dad, did you take your meds today?”
“I did, I did,” the Doc said, between coughs. “Just a climate thing. I got on the damn submarine in Seattle, now we’re in the tropics, there’s pressure differentials, humidity.”
He let out a few more coughs and then cleared his throat loudly, before regaining his previous composure.
“Now, as I was saying,” he continued. “I am Doc Ragnarok!”
His boisterous shout failed to echo in the open air of the docks.
“Oh, good lord, that was terrible,” Doc Ragnarok said. “Can I try again?”
“I wouldn’t bother,” Vell said. “We’re by the beach, open air, the acoustics are terrible.”
“Oh, yes, you’re right,” Doc Ragnarok agreed. “Finally, someone who appreciates the details. You must be Vell, then, or is it Agent Harlan? Do you have a codename I should be using?’
“It’s just Harlan. Vell Harlan.”
“Yes, Skye has told me quite a bit about you,” Doc said. “You’ve escaped kidnapping attempts, outwitted undead thieves, stolen secret treasures.”
“Oh, he’s, uh, also a really nice guy, very helpful, top student,” Skye said, laying groundwork for the eventual boyfriend reveal.
“I expect nothing less,” Doc Ragnarok said. “I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am to face off against someone with real credentials again, Mr. Harlan. For the past few decades it’s been nothing but greenhorns using me as a test run, well-trained but no experience, no sense of style.”
“Well, I am nothing if not experienced,” Vell said. “Stylish, however...well, this tuxedo is a rental.”
“I can tell,” Doc Ragnarok said. He let out a single boisterous bark of delighted laughter. “Ah, look at us, already bantering. I missed this.’
Doc cleared his throat again and regained his ominous supervillain demeanor, as he snapped his fingers to make the killbots flank him.
“I must begin my preparations,” he said, in a voice shockingly distinct from his earlier conversational tone. “Challenge me if you dare.”
“Excuse me a moment,” said a voice somewhere behind the killbots. Doc snapped his fingers, ordering the crowd to part again, and Helena hopped forward on her crutches. Skye glanced at Vell curiously, and he shrugged in confusion. She wasn’t supposed to be here, for multiple reasons.
“Can I help you?”
“Yes, I was just reading your book earlier, ‘Practically Evil: A Guide to Classic Villainy’,” Helena said. “It’s a great read, but what really stood out to me is the section on classic henchman archetypes, specifically ‘The Igor’?”
She held up the book in question, which Vell noted had a picture of Doc Ragnarok holding a skull on the cover, and opened it to the section in question.
“Oh yes, I understand, completely,” Doc Ragnarok said. “As I said in the section opener, that information is presented for historical context, and I strongly condemn the typecasting of differently-abled persons like yourself into such roles. Regardless of my intent, I’m sorry if I caused any offense, and if you have feedback-”
“Oh, no, you misunderstand, I’m not offended, I’m actually intrigued,” Helena said. She turned the book around to quote a specific passage. “‘An outcast, often hunchbacked or otherwise misshapen in such a way to make them a pariah, physically handicapped but mentally gifted, driven to evil by the harsh treatment of judgmental peers’. I think it’s a very fitting role for me, and I’d love to give it a try.”
Vell had several very strong opinions about that, but kept all of them to himself.
“Well, it’s a bit short notice, but I’ll never discourage anyone from following the path of evil,” Doc Ragnarok said. “And this is a training exercise, after all, perfect time for you to train. Come along, minion! The more the merrier!”
Doc Ragnarok snapped his fingers again, and the killbots fell in line, this time with Helena in tow. A procession of smaller robots followed, carrying a worrying number of power cores, ray guns, and mutagens. Not for the first time, Vell began to wonder if this was a good idea. The recurring doubts got obliterated as Skye looked over her shoulder and winked. She was worth a lot more trouble than this.

Angel Core is a Sci Fi world taking place in the Megalopolis of Angelica City. Angel Core tells the stories of the inhabitants and their daily struggle for survival in a world that could care less about them.
This is a homebrewed world and has nothing to do with the Cyberpunk universe. To learn more about the setting I have gone through and worked on the World Anvil which is linked below. https://www.worldanvil.com/w/angel-core-smintea
New players are 100% welcomed as a majority of us are also new to the system. We're heavy into the roleplay aspect of TTRPG and strive to tell an engaging story that cover numerous themes and topics.
WARNING: Angel Core discusses numerous dark and sensitive topics that may be unsettling to some players. Due to this, I ask that you are at least the age of 18 and are willing to explore sensitive material.
SESSION SCHEDULE:
Sunday - 8:00 am - 11:00 am PST Roughly three hour sessions,
Current player count - 4/7
CURRENT PLOT:
Leonardo Sun is the rightful heir to the company EvoTech, but with the recent Scandal it's stopped Leonardo from properly taking over the Family Business as he should. Discovering a secret he and the project along with an edgerunner they're currently on the run with Leonardo having to move some pieces to get his life back in order.
We will be utilizing Discord Voice Chat and Owlbear Rodeo
If interested please send me your discord name, your age and prior experience with TTRPG's. Being completely new is okay as we'll assist you every step of the way.
I'll be happy to discuss more and provide you all the materials needed to enjoy this campaign!