After years of kind of avoiding Comic Carnival due to less than wheelchair friendly quarters in their hole-in-the-wall location within a strip center at 72nd & Keystone, I'd noticed recently that they'd left that spot, a spot filled with lots of personality but one that just didn't allow me to move around comfortably. They stayed in the same strip center, though the new spot about halfway down the building has less of a hole-in-the-wall feeling and a whole lot more room for a guy like me.
There are benefits to both locations, of course. The former spot "felt" like a comic book joint, though even they would tell you that the spot hindered comfortable shopping even for those who could walk. It was kind of like the Subway that used to be right next to it - it was functional, but there were much better options.
In the new spot, you can tell that they've upgraded the atmosphere and are doing what they can to maintain personality despite a "brighter" and bigger window and a much less hole-in-the-wall feeling. The products are more easily displayed and you could tell customers, even on a Sunday afternoon, were more relaxed and actually taking their time with the products.
Personally? I loved it.
I also loved being able to go into a comic book shop and say "Hey, I'm looking for this comic book that a friend of mine wrote." I didn't even know the name of the comic book (Yeah, I suck as a friend). Heck, I even momentarily forgot my friend's name (I really do suck a friend).
I finally opened up my social media accounts, got my memory triggered on my friend's name and within moments the staff had been able to track down electronically the comic book series I was seeking - they had 2 of the 3 copies and offered to track down the one that wasn't in stock. I bought the two they had in stock and continued looking around.
Oh, and I mentioned another friend who I thought had written a graphic novel - I wasn't sure (Have I mentioned I suck as a friend? But hey, at least I bought that first friend's comics!).
They couldn't track down anything written, though they did see the movie that she'd made that served as its source material.
I was super impressed with staff - they were friendly, low key, helpful and treated everyone delightfully. I listened as they took a phone call and apologized when they didn't have as much information as they thought they should (but way more than I'd ever have had!).
They layout was very wheelchair friendly and the strip center has always been good with curb cuts, etc. They serve up a WIDE variety of comics (including non-Marvel/DC/superhero stuff like Archie, etc.). They have novelties, toys, various decorations, and just about everything your comical heart could want.
I also couldn't help but notice that their website is actually helpful and explains when they have in-store demonstrations, offers reviews, and they even occasionally do movie ticket giveaways (Kubo and the Two Strings was the most recent).
I am likely not the Comic Carnival target audience. I'm not regularly in the comic world, though I am a film critic and see pretty much all comic-related films. However, this location really has something for the casual comic fan and the hardcore folks. They have knowledgeable staff who will go out of the way to help you out, though they're also "accessible" to all - they aren't so geeky that you get an inferiority complex entering the place.
I may not be back a lot, but I'll definitely be back. read more