Digital media may be flying high, but true believers still flock to their local comics stores
With the opening of used bookstores such as 2nd & Charles and Mr. K’s, as well as the success of the iPad, Kindle, Nook and other digital media, many brick-and-mortar new book sellers have struggled to keep their doors open. But like the superheroes depicted in their wares, two Greenville comic book stores have kept flying on.
“With the economy, [comic books are] a luxury item,” said Richard Morgan, owner of Richard’s Comics & Collectables on Laurens Road. “People need to have money to buy extra comic books.”
Morgan, who opened his store 10 years ago after working in the information technology field, said most of his customers work and pay bills, but need to have some fun. What he sells is a “reasonably affordable” type of entertainment.
Morgan said the chain stores do not interfere much with his business because “mostly they are an outlet for more common comics and trade paperbacks, but since they do not stock full runs and the condition of the items can be iffy, they may actually help more than harm.”
Robert Young, owner of Borderlands Comics and Games, also on Laurens Road, reports similar success.
“This store has been here for 30 years, and people tell you print is dying,” he said.
Young credits Borderlands’ success to its “personal service and attention to detail,” which he said makes the store part of the community. “Everybody has that restaurant that is a mom-and-pop restaurant that they like to go to because they take care of you. Chains seem to have a hard time understanding how to provide customer service at a local level.”
Since Young bought Borderlands in 2011, he has involved the store in community events such as sending participants, including himself, to St. Baldrick’s cancer fundraiser, hosting blood drives for the Blood Connection, and collecting donations for Harvest Hope.
Additionally, both Young’s and Morgan’s stores feature more than just comic books to help with niche marketing.
Richard’s Comics includes movies, Magic the Gathering cards, and memorabilia from television shows such as “The Big Bang Theory,” whereas Borderlands carries board games and tabletop pieces for games such as Warhammer, in addition to comic books and collectibles connected to the franchises.
Also, with the continuing appearance of comic book-themed television shows and movies, both stores have noticed some interest in certain series, particularly “The Walking Dead.”
Young credits the rise of interest in “The Walking Dead” comics because of “The Talking Dead” show that follows episodes of the television series, in which they discuss the comic.
Both Richard’s Comics and Collectables and Borderlands Comics and Games are preparing for the annual Free Comic Book Day on May 3. Borderlands saw more than 2,000 people come out and 15,000 free comics given away last year, and Richard’s Comics gave away several thousand comics.
Both stores will have a variety of activities outside the store during their normal store hours.
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1434 Laurens Road, Greenville
864-235-3488
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Richard’s Comics and Collectables
1214-A Laurens Road, Greenville
864-271-1104
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May 3
