The following is one of my recent favorite blurbs successfully describing the multi-headed beast that is owning a modern comics shop. I wish every comics publisher put this in the back of each of THEIR comics. My thanks to Vault Comics for devoting the print space.
(From Vault Comics)
Words, Just So
Guardians of the medium
Next time you visit your local comic shop take a moment to be amazed. You might not realize it, but you’re in an extraordinary business.
There are a few 1000 comic shops in North America. It’s hard to get a precise fix on the number. Some venerable old shops close, and some brave new shops open. These shops are almost all independently owned, and almost all staffed, at least in part, by their proprietor. There are no national chains. There are no giant corporations. Each shop is a distinctive business, serving a singular clientele, contributing to its local community.
Yet they have been the custodians of cherished icons for at least 2 generations. They are the primary purveyors of the most valuable entertainment franchises ever created. They are an integral piece of a multi-billion dollar global business. Without local comic shops, there would have been no record breaking superhero films, no Cape and cowl costumes at Halloween, no graphic novel section at your local mega-store. Over a few long decades local comic shops have celebrated, defended and advanced our beloved medium, it’s characters, and stories.
It’s staggering and awesome. Comic shops are beacons of independent entrepreneurial spirit in a world of conglomerates. They make up one of the last great networks of small businesses.
Take it in next time you visit your local comic shop.
And one more thing, bring a friend.
Damien Wassall
Publisher, Vault Comics
