Running a comic shop can be tough, but for some stores, the joy of browsing old issues and feeling…read morethe comics is what makes them special.
Unfortunately, this store doesn't quite capture that magic.
Upfront, I want to say that it appears to have been around for a while, attracting dedicated comic fans. It is doing something right.
It also hosts local card tournaments (and maybe D&D?), but I can't speak to the variety of those. This might be their bread and butter. Not sure.
The comic section, however, is a mess.
As soon as you walk in, you pass a narrow row of shelves about 5 feet tall facing away from you--it's unclear why, but it makes the space feel small or uninviting.
Still, it isn't a large space, and it doesn't match the charm of classic comic shops. Felt more like I was entering a dark porn store from the 80s.
For my trip, I had read revieews and as a local comic store, I wanted to check it out.
I was looking for back issues.
Remember stores with hundreds of boxes overflowing with comics packed in too tight to see the comics? Yep, that is this place.
Navigating the shop is tricky: new comics are on hanging shelves too close together, forcing you to crouch and strain to see them under the shelf above.
Independent comics are on the far left of the store in the back - between the boxes and boxes and boxes and boxes and boxes of back issues.
The backstock is packed with rows of comics, about 25% overflow in each box (plus stacks of comics on top of those boxes).
Very hard to browse. When you do find a title, the comics tend to be dusty, and although sealed, I didn't have my glasses to check for spine ticks or other issues. But, it can't be good to store comics on top of a box without a lid.
If you're hunting for key back issues, forget it--these have been picked over like roadkill in the desert; there's nothing valuable left.
Instead, you'll find many comics priced between $1-$2, labeled at $4-$8 or more, but most are from the past and generally worthless.
I can't tell if the store is clean, but it felt dirty (maybe the lighting or the dusty boxes?).
If I were to advise the store - even though they seem to be doing fine - I'd suggest selling your stock on Whatnot, starting at $1 per comic, to gauge interest.
If you can clear out 35% of your back issues that way, you won't need to sell low-value comics at higher prices.
I understand the reluctance to take losses - I've felt the same - but if your stock is holding back from creating a warm, vibrant, energetic atmosphere, it might be worth doing.
There's no shame in dumping unsellable stock as a tax write-off. Listing those low-priced comics at $4-$6 could generate significant revenue and help the store thrive. Personally, I think this is the best approach, as you don't need to spend hours selling thousands of comics.
I will note that the staff were friendly. I spoke with one staff member and they are knowledgeable about the stock they had. My guess is this might be where the store shines for people. The human touch.
I so wanted to like this place. But, maybe I wait until I make trips to Chicago in the future.
