Wednesday Are Better in Person
“Making your way in the world today takes everything you've got…” “Wouldn’t you like to get away?” For me, that place turned out to be a comic book shop.
I’m going to start with a confession: for a while there, I started relying on digital comic books. It wasn’t great, and I knew it. I was prioritizing the promised “ease” of getting comics over the actual experience of visiting a comic book shop.
How did I get there?
Well, like most things in life, it was gradual.
I used to have a comic book store I visited pretty much every week. Then we moved, and it became more and more difficult to keep up the routine. Eventually, I started using a perfectly nice company called Comixology, which sold digital comics. That company was acquired by Amazon and, while it began a slow decline almost immediately, I stuck with it. As the experience worsened, I just… rolled with it.
Then I met a comic book writer/artist through a friend. I had been reading one of their books, so it was fun to chat. During the conversation, they asked me, “What’s your shop?”—and that hit me in the gut.
I explained everything I just told you and added, “I need to find one, though.”
They smiled and said, “Yeah, you do.”
So I began the search.
If you’ve ever looked for a comic book shop, you know—it’s not just about availability, it’s about compatibility. I walked into a few stores and immediately felt the vibe was off. I’d do a lap, feel no connection, and walk out. It wasn’t them, it wasn’t me—we just didn’t mesh.
Then a guy who worked on the set of a film I directed mentioned a place called Aw Yeah Comics. I made a mental note.
One night, my wife and I happened to be in the area, so we stopped by. Within two minutes, it hit me: this is my shop.
About 20 minutes later, I was setting up a pull list—actually, they call it “subscriptions,” and they generously offer a discount. While we were there, I spotted a first print of Absolute Superman #1 and scooped it right up.
I went home and canceled every remaining subscription through Comixology—er, Amazon.
So what makes an IRL comic shop so much better?
Well, for one thing, you’re supporting a small business. This one, in particular, seems genuinely engaged with the community. Comic book stores like this foster real connection. You meet fellow readers. You get to know the staff. They host signings with artists and writers.
Over the past few months, I’ve been making an intentional effort to prioritize reality over digital spaces. Finding a comic shop has been a part of that process—and honestly, it’s been good for my mental health.
I’ve got a buddy who lives out of town, and we frequently text about comics. I really value that friendship and the comic book chat. He was the one who mentioned the Absolute Line at DC Comics1. But it’s also nice to have casual conversations in the shop about comics, or upcoming comic book movies. My wife Suzanne is a good sport, but she has limits—and those limits tend to kick in when I start talking about how exciting the Marvel Ultimates and DC Absolute lines are right now. Or how the Energon Universe with G.I. Joe and Transformers is crushing it.
Every Wednesday, I look forward to driving over, picking up my books, and having a little chat.
You know, it’s nice to be at a place where everybody knows your name…
and what books you’re picking up.
BONUS: Here is what I’m currently reading:
DC Comics:
Absolute Superman
Absolute Batman
Absolute Green Lantern
Absolute Flash
Absolute Martian Manhunter
I’m going to pick up Absolute Wonder Woman once I read the trade of the first story arc.
I started reading Krypto and Supergirl and pass them on to my two younger kids. They love them. I think I’m going to start reading Action Comics now that Mark Waid is doing a whole Superboy story.
Marvel:
Ultimate Spider-Man
Ultimates
Ultimate Wolverine
I just added Fantastic Four to my pull list and will give this new story arc a shot.
Skybound:
Transformers
GI Joe
GI Joe Classic
These books are SO good.
The Absolute line is a reimagining of the classic DC characters. I think I will do a post about why I think it is so good in the future.