Happy Free Comic Book Day!!!  I hope that it’s been great!!!

In 1984, my Family was moving back to Columbia, SC, after two years in Little Rock.  My Father had accepted the Presidency at Allen University, and while we were getting settled, we stayed at the hotel on the corner of Main and Elmwood.  I’m not sure how I ended up finding it, but I can describe the utter Fanboy joy, when I did.

Almost directly across the street, at 1930 Main Street, was an almost two-story painting of the Amazing Spider-Man.  Directly underneath was a sign that said, ‘Nuff Said Comics.  And I knew that I was home, for good.

I spent many Saturdays biking up to ‘Nuff Said, and a good bit of time in Manifest Records, right next door.  I don’t remember exactly when I got the word that ‘Nuff Said was moving to Boozer Shopping Center (and ended up right next door to Manifest again.  How cool was that?), and that it had either been bought by or was changing its name to Heroes and Dragons.  But, that shop, with the giant Spider-Man painting on the building would be gone, soon.

A while ago, I wrote about my feelings on Silver City.  I clearly remember the day I came in and Ms. Angela pointed towards the sign that they would be closing.  I feel some sorta’ way every time I pass the building, with the Silver City sign and decals, still present, but the building clearly empty.  They always said, “Reality Stops Here,” and know I’m reminded of the reality that it’s gone.

All of this has made me remember that there have been a lot of other Shops that have come and gone in the Midlands, over the years.  So, to finish up Free Comic Book Day, if you’ll indulge me, here’s to all the Shops I knew before.  Thank you, for your presence and service to the Fanboys and Fanboys in the Midlands.

In Memoriam:

Silver City, on Knox Abbott Drive, in Cayce.

‘Nuff Said, on Main Street, in Columbia.

Silver City, Too, on Forest Drive, in Columbia (and whatever the name changed to on Meeting Street, in West Columbia).

Kel-Rin Komics, on Hard Scrabble Road, in Columbia.

Acme Comics & Records, on State Street, in West Columbia.

Gamma Comics, on Two Notch Road, in Columbia (and in Sumter).

Punk Monkey Comics, on Forest Drive, in Columbia.

Apocalypse Comics, in Harbison, in Columbia (and Myrtle Beach, too).

Comic Nirvana, in Lexington.

(For a brief time, there was a shop on Devine, a couple of doors down from where Cosmic Ray’s was.  I cannot remember the name…)

Did I miss any?

… and what happened to that giant Spider-Man painting?

Good morning, Fan Peeps!  And Happy Free Comic Book Day!!!

The annual celebration of Comics has come a long way from the four offerings at the first FCBD on May 4^th, 2002.  From a suggestion by retailer Joe Field and the buy-in from Comics publishers and distributors, that initial FCBD coincided with the release of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man.  And the event has grown and grown, with more and more shops and publishers participating, every year.

FCBD serves as a wonderful fan event, giving the dedicated, casual and new readers free access to characters, storylines and publishers they may or may not have experienced before.  There are a couple of notes that we all should take, as we venture out to get our free books, today.

FCBD is, as the title suggests, absolutely free for the public.  It is not, however free for the retailers who participate.  While most publishers and distributors provide the books, at cost, the shops do have to pay for each book they offer.  The hundreds of participating shops are unsung heroes of FCBD, coming out of pocket, each year to give back to the Comics fandom community and hopefully to introduce new fans to the medium.

If you’re in the Columbia, SC area, definitely check out these Local Comic Shops:

Heroes & Dragons – 1621 Broad River Road, Columbia.

Now the elder statesman of the Midlands shops, today will be their last day in Boozer Shopping Center (they’re moving to  1807 Bush River Road). Heroes and Dragons will feature the following local creators:  artist Corey “Roc Bottom” Davis, the creator of  Jet Boy (who has a lot of exciting things coming!);  Chad Bowers, writer of X-Men ’92, Guardians of the Galaxy, Deadpool, and more; and Golden-Age icon Vic Carrabotta, who worked as an artist for Marvel’s predecessor Atlas, will be doing sketches, commissions, and prints between 10 a.m and 3 p.m.

Scratch N’ Spin – 513 12th Street, West Columbia

Check out Eric and crew for many creators, cosplay, trivia, and giveaways. Chuck Brown, 1/3 of the Bitter Root creative team, Mike Sudduth and John Pading from Frank Comics, Corey Mikellfrom Noir Caesar Entertainment, and many local and regional artists will be present for sketches and signings.  Scratch N’ Spin is a pop culture one-stop-shop, offering not only, comics, but also music, movies, games, toys and collectables.

Cosmic Ray’s – 4427 Devine Street, Columbia

Visit Ray for your free books, as well as many FCBD exclusives. They will be holding raffles for premium comics, toys and collectibles.  Cosmic Ray’s is great for all manner of books, collectibles and conversation.  And you’ll always be offered a bottle of water! Just don’t take anyone with you who will put comic books in their pants (go see them for the story)…  As they said in The State Article – Wanna cosplay? Ray is cool with that.

For further reading:

www.freecomicbookday.com

https://comicsalliance.com/tribute-free-comic-book-day

www.thestate.com/news/business/article229994244.html

Enjoy Free Comic Book Day!!!

Happy Free Comic Book Day, again!!!

In the spirit of transparency, it’s taken a year-and-a-half to write this, because I haven’t been able to reconcile that MY LCS isn’t there anymore.  Silver City closed on Saturday, December 2, 2017, after serving the Midlands Comics Community for more than fifty years.  I, like so many other Fan Peeps that I know, really grew up with that Shop.

As I recounted to the ladies, as that day grew closer, I have tons of memories.

In 1988, while I was laid up and sick, my Mother graciously agreed to take a list of books to Silver City and pick them up for me. I had underlined one, in particular, and wrote, “important” by the title.  When my mother returned, she mentioned that the Lady at the counter had actually sold out, but pulled one out of reserve for me, since I was under the weather. Action Comics #600 has always meant a bit more to me because of it….

I recalled when they expanded and incorporated the small space, next door, and the Dungeon, for gaming and cards became part of Silver City.

I happily supported Silver City Too, on Forest Drive, for the brief time it was there.

When the Aaro Rental that was on the other side of their building caught fire, I was thankful that Silver City was spared.  But the smell of kerosene and the water damage was a constant reminder of how close we came to losing the Shop, then.

I was gone from Columbia for thirteen years. When I returned, I was dismayed to see that Silver City wasn’t where it was when I left.  I was overjoyed when I discovered it was down Knox Abbott, a piece, in the last original Hardee’s building in the area…

“Deadpool” (Tragic Fanboy, Jr.)

I was able to reconnect, immediately.  I kept a folder at Silver City from that day, until the end.  And more, my Family was welcomed with open arms.  My Wife was congratulated when she went to pick up my folder.  My son volunteered his participation at their Free Comic Book Day events.

Ms. Angela and Ms. Susan

Silver City was a home away from home for many generations of us, for many, many years.  Ms. Ann, Ms. Angela, and Ms. Susan made it so, every time.  I am so appreciative of what you built, and I miss Silver City more than I can say…

Ms. Ann Hart