Pirate Journalism

While my column usually takes on the World Wide Web, gadgets or other “global” subjects, I found that there are some great local things happening for the geek-inclined.

Antiques and Collectibles Show @ the Myrtle Beach Mall – Now until July 26. www.shopmyrtlebeachmall.com

While the name of the mall may change, this smorgasbord of collectibles never fails to return. In addition, it never fails to leave my wallet empty.

Spread out through the concourse of the mall are sports card vendors, movie posters sellers, antique booths and, of course, toys and comic books.

Heck, just passing through before going to the movies, I found a collectible Batman pin and two different sets of comics I was missing for my collection, and there is more temptation waiting my paycheck.

If you are a collector, this show might not be one of the largest, but there are some great additions to your collection to be found during this show.

Blackest Night, HeroClix and Marvel vs. Capcom @ Apocalypse Comics (Hwy. 9 in Little River) Now – July 31^st. www.apocalypsecomicsonline.com

DC Universe shutters in fear as the Ring of the Black Lanterns powers up!

Of course, for your regular fix of comic book goodness, you have to head out to the end of the world…or at least Apocalypse Comics on Hwy. 9 in Little River. Chad has been a mainstay for the Grand Strand’s comic lovers for several years now, and the next few weeks are packed with geeky goodness!

This Week’s New Comic Book Day (July 15) features the release of the long awaited Blackest Night saga from DC Comics. In the prelude to Blackest Night, we have learned that the Green Lanterns weren’t the only ring-wielding army on the block, with good guys and bad guys lining up on all sides of the color/emotion spectrum.

However, now that Black Lanterns have risen and they are bringing the dead with them. What does that mean? Bad guys and good guys long thought departed (or at least as dead as you can get in a comic book) are coming back to shake the very foundation of the DC universe.

While WhizKidz may have gone out of business, and the official HeroClix league is no more, Apocalypse host tournaments for the superhero-based miniatures strategy game every other week. The next event is scheduled for July 25. Check out the web site for more information, because rules and team requirements change with every event.

Also, a Marvel vs. Capcom video game tournament has been scheduled for the end of the month (July 31^st.) Test your button-mashing skills against some the area’s finest. Again, check the web site for more info.

Ultimate Woodsball League comes to Adventure Beach Paintball. (305 Lays Lake Drive, Tabor City) www.abpaintball.com

Pro and amateur teams square of in this weekends UWL tourney at Adventure Beach

The Ultimate Woodsball League will hold its fourth tournament in a nine event series, Saturday July 18th and Sunday 19th between 9AM and 3PM at Adventure Beach Paintball Park on Lays Lake.

Team registration is $650 Min. 10 player Registration for individuals is $65. Individuals who register for an event will be assigned to teams for that event divided by class and skill levels.

What is UWL? The UWL was created to provide a venue for paintball teams to play competition paintball in the woods. “The way it was meant to be played.” The UWL’s scenario format provides a fast pace, exciting means to bring competitive paintball to scenario teams, speedball teams or the everyday player. Games are thirty minutes long comprised of three ten-minute periods. Eliminated players are rejuvenated at the end of each period allowing maximum participation and fun. Teams accumulate points by gaining and holding objectives on the field.

For more information please visit the UWL website at www.playuwl.com