Steve Replogle
Before arriving at this store, I wondered about the oddities. What would they be? And how odd, really? Upon entering, I got it. This is a store that’s half comic-books, and half Halloween – yes, a costume shop. Like if The Wizard’s Chest had a full comics area instead of games and gaming downstairs. I think there’s another half to this shop that’s indie rock and roll, but that would be three halves, and that’s a wild, unproven theory based on clues here and there. I suppose I should just stick to the facts.
The primary fact is this: it’s a combination that works in an entertaining, fun way. There are bizarre costumes, and creepy figures, and scary statues, and masks and toys and props… and comics, too, lots of comics. Another fact: it’s a large building, and very open toward the back, with lots of floor space. I bet when they have special events, they are able to really go all out.
The owner/manager/person on duty told me they do enjoy putting on such events, particularly for kids. They have a Back-to-School night among the other, more typical comic-book happenings (like FCBD). There is a kid’s corner, with lots and lots of toys (some adorably creepy) and a nice selection of kid-appropriate comics on display, too.
Just considering comic-related facts, here’s what you’ll find: a good, broad selection of new comics, a lot of long boxes dedicated to back issues, a small selection of older comics (Bronze Age, a few Silver), a lot of shelves for an interesting mix of trades and hardcovers. There are sections for manga, Harry Potter books and toys, Star Wars comics and books and toys, and sci-fi books, and horror books (naturally), and posters and DVDs.
There are a few pinball machines, too! If I were a kid who lived near this shop, I would be hanging out here all the time! They would have had a lot of trouble getting rid of me at closing time. When I visited recently, I stayed a lot longer than I intended. I didn’t play pinball, but next time…
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