One of the greatest dangers of the global pandemic, beyond the horrible loss of life, is the potential damage to economic systems and especially to small businesses. Within that paradigm, and the worry that readers may use the pandemic to step away from comics, comes the very real possibility that we may see the closure of a large number of comic shops if this pandemic stretches over the next several months. Given the widespread impact, it is an important time to reflect on why comic shops matter and why they need all the support we can give them.
Comic books are a unique set of literature that can serve every audience and draw in children and adults alike who might otherwise not read literature. Comic shop retailers play a unique role in encouraging this readership. Comic shops act as guides, recommending great books suited to individuals. We build relationships with retailers and readers we meet in the shop each week. They know what each of us specifically might love and can encourage new titles and authors they know will keep us hooked.
It has a huge impact when a friend at the register recommends you try out for instance, the Thanos run by Donny Cates. This might lead you to read more books by Donny Cates and keep you coming back to comics for more. A conversation as you browse through books might remind you how much you love reading books by Scott Snyder. This might encourage you to seek out graphic novels from his last indy book. A simple conversation with friends in a shop fosters further interest in a way that sifting through the barrage of social media comments about superhero films can not. Smaller books not connected to a larger universe, independent books, original voices and unusual genres rely on word of mouth and recommendations that comic shops are the lifeblood for.
Comic shops play a societal role. They are the modern day barber shop. A place to talk politics, play games, complain about life and announce joyful events. They are the one remaining store where people return every week to connect, talk and vent. The impact this has on those that take part in it is dramatic. Visiting a comic shop really is the cheapest form of therapy. Even though we can create strong bonds online with friends, there is no way to overstate the impact of interacting with others in person. The quarantine is a stark reminder of the vital role of meeting with others in person in preserving human happiness, not to mention sanity.
Comic shops are a safe place for people to connect outside of their schools, work and families. In a world filled with pressures on every front and trolls on many keyboards, comic shops are a place where people can feel free to express themselves, their interests and their views. In spite of the false stereotype of comic shop retailers too busy with ebay cash to care about customers, the most successful comic shops are ones who know their customers, care about their customers and enjoy hanging out with (at least most of) their customers. There will always be exceptions, but small businesses thrive where relationships are built. Comics are the perfect conduit for conversations where otherwise people might be too introverted, depressed or angry to talk with others.
This crisis accelerates an already tenuous balance between corporate interests and retailer/fan interests. There is a need for the comic industry, including large conglomerate corporations, to strategies ways to ensure comic shops remain open. Comic shops are the lifeblood of an industry that spawns billions of dollars in profits across retail items, films, toys and video games. The fans that gain support and friendships through comic shops are the same fans who passionately discuss characters they love every minute of every day across all social media platforms.
Having a passionate, interested base of fans is absolutely vital for the long-term health of superhero properties and genre films. Readers, writers, artists and fans of comic book heroes in every form need to support organizations working to help comic retailers such as the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and call out for the industry to support comic shops now when they need that support the most. Only with our collective outcry will corporations realize that they must do all they can to protect the fan experience and the small business owners so important to us all.
Author Profile
- M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.
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