Comic Book Stores
|
Comic book stores abound on the Internet these days, replacing the often dingy basement type stores of the past. For those who are outside the culture of comic book collecting and reading, it is cult-like among its followers and indeed has its own culture and following. Lest the uninitiated be misled, today's comic books are for the most part very uncomical and can often depict very serious action packed and serious matter, at least to its readers. There are, of course, some comic books for younger children which are still whimsical and quite entertaining for that age group, but today's market is geared for the young adult. Comic books, started around 1934 in the United States, have produced four historical eras, beginning with the Golden Age starring Superman. The Silver Age had the Fantastic Four, Spiderman and Flash and the Bronze Age has Conan while the Modern Age has produced such characters the Watchmen and the Dark Knight.
In the days before the modern comic book stores, there was only the newsstand where pulp heroes were king. The pulps were small ten cent booklets and they featured action heroes who usually did not have super human strength. The closest pulp hero to that kind of ability was Popeye who, after eating a can of spinach got very strong and could whip his nemesis, Bluto. Some of the pulp heroes also had a radio show to go along with their paper adventures. These heroes included Doc Sampson and the Shadow. They weren't marketed as superheroes, but they were the precursor as to what would soon arrive on the scene, the action comic.
Batman has his debut in 1939 and the readers loved this character because he was only human. But the gadgets he had enabled him to be on superhero's level, which endeared him greatly to the public. Patriotic characters such as the Shield and Captain America rose to national prominence and fame. Comic book stores that were beginning to flourish as they sold these very popular series would face public opposition from medical and political circles that branded the books as full of sex, violence and murder. The books were branded by many as the cause of juvenile delinquency. But many of the soldiers of WWII really liked reading them as a source of entertainment from grim reality. Through the years the story lines have changed, characters have come and gone, but the popularity of the merchandise sold in comic book stores has not dwindled, leaving an opportunity for a few companies to make a great deal of money.
Some of the members of this publishing culture really get into the story lines of the various characters. Sometimes the writers of these books will "kill" off the hero, causing considerable angst among many of the books' followers. Recently Superman was killed by a horrible foe named Doomsday and in Superman's place rose four new superheroes all claiming to be Superman. To say that this death shook the foundation of the comic book stores' world would be an understatement. But many other characters have bitten the dust in the decades since comics first grabbed the attention of so many people. Hawkeye, Condor and so many others have found their way into the grave by their writers. And so the aficionados of this genre run out and get this installment, mostly as a memoriam to their favorite character, but also as a future perceived investment.
There may be a reader of this lens that is interested in actually starting one of the many comic book stores that are online or perhaps a brick and mortar location there are some things to think about. The cost of a store where people can walk in and browse is certainly the dream of many. But in this day and age, there has to be a known and sizable audience in the geographic area where the store will be located. The typical demographic for readers who consume comic books at a rate that would support such a business are 90% male, single, are techie in interest, play video games with a passion and have plenty of disposable income. This profile alone might preclude some areas of the country from supporting successful and profitable comic book stores. Many readers of these books plus many of those who devour pop culture are attempting to live vicariously through the lives and real and imaginary people. Life is sometimes pretty drab and unfulfilling and these outlets are a tempting way to escape, but Jesus said he had come to give a drab life new meaning: "I am come that they might have life and they might have it more abundantly." (John 10:10)
One of the real benefits to starting one of the many comic book stores online is that there is really no need for an inventory. Once an entrepreneur has secured agreements with the publishers, when an order comes in it need only be passed on so the publisher can mail it directly to the customer. Buying old issues from the past is where a lot of money can be made, and that inventory can be help at someone's house or other secure location. Buying low and selling high is the place where real substantial profits can be experienced. If a person truly enjoys these books this is a perfect business opportunity. Working in an area of one's passion is very important for long term business success.
|
|
|
|
