Ep 7. Making Clay

In the seventh episode of season 5 of Comic Book Men, titled "Making Clay," the fan-favorite cast returns to deal with more odd and funny comic book-related situations at the Secret Stash, the comic book shop that serves as the backdrop for many of their stories.

In this episode, the cast is excited to receive the famous comic book artist, writer, and filmmaker, Kevin Eastman. The show's regulars are thrilled to have Kevin in the store for an exclusive signing, where fans can purchase their own copies of his work, including the legendary Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic book series. As Kevin arrives, the fans gather at the store in droves, all hoping to meet the master behind their favorite comics. The fans are a mix of young and old, proving that the turtles' appeal spans generations, and Kevin is gracious enough to chat with each and every one of them.

Throughout the episode, the cast deals with some of the usual comic book hijinks, including dealing with a woman who is selling her treasured comic collection to pay for surgery for her pet bird, which many of the guys are not thrilled with. They spend some time reflecting on the morality of this exchange and what it means for the world of comics. They also deal with the usual dose of quirky customers, including a teenager looking for comics with female superheroes to give to his crush.

In addition to the usual antics at the store, the guys decide to create their own claymation characters inspired by the famous Troma Entertainment, the independent film studio that is known for its horror and comedy movies, and that Kevin happens to be a part of. The guys bring their creations to life by working with a professional sculptor and learning the ins and outs of this intricate process. Despite their best efforts, it's not all smooth sailing, and they learn that making claymation characters is a lot more challenging than they expected it to be.

Another highlight of the episode is when Bryan Johnson reveals that he has been working on a new comic book idea, which he shares with the group. Much to their surprise, the story is not what they expected, and the guys spend some time discussing the direction of the comic and sharing their thoughts and opinions. Through their insightful conversation, they offer Bryan plenty of tips to help him shape his vision and bring it to life.

As usual, the cast shares a lot of comic book trivia during the show, and they geek out over all things comics-related. They also spend some time reminiscing about some of the classic video games they used to play when they were younger, providing a fun contrast to the more serious discussions of the show.

In summary, "Making Clay" is a fun and entertaining episode of Comic Book Men, with plenty of laughs and insights into the world of comics. Fans of the show will enjoy seeing their favorite cast members back in action, and the addition of Kevin Eastman only adds to the excitement of the episode.