Comic book nerds and pop culture geeks rejoice: a new comics shop has opened that will fill you with nostalgia and allow you to share your passion with your children — if you have any, of course.
Located at 264 River Street West, the Comic Book Guy Pop Culture Shop held its grand opening on Oct. 1. The event included Spider-Man making an appearance — he was hanging out the window at one point — and Moose Jaw Families for Change hosting a barbecue fundraiser with all proceeds going to the organization.
Walking up the stairs, visitors are greeted with a wall covered with gaming cartridges for Nintendo, Super Nintendo and other old-school gaming platforms. Another wall is filled with comics featuring well-known characters such as The Avengers.
Scattered throughout the main floor are free-standing shelves filled with pop culture tchotchkes, action figures, and classic and recent board games. Another room features tables covered with boxes for enthusiasts to search through to find that beloved comic book of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Avengers, Batman, Superman or even James Bond.
In the midst of the grand opening’s maelstrom was business owner Rob Hoskins, who expressed his joy to see the comic shop jumping.
“This place is a beehive of activity,” he said with a smile as he spoke with customers and worked the cash register.
Hoskins’ business had been open for only an hour, but he had been having plenty of fun, he said. Many people were wandering through the store and showing interest, which was what he wanted to see.
“Look at the big smiles. You notice all the smiles? Isn’t that great? That’s my favourite part,” he remarked. “Everyone’s so happy to find their nerd stuff.”
This is Hoskins’ second time operating a comics store; he operated one a decade ago, before closing it to pursue a full-time career in photography. While the picture-taking business is his main job, operating the comic shop is a side hobby. He joked that it’s unlikely he’ll become rich from selling comics, but anything was possible.
Hoskins invited Moose Jaw Families for Change to sell burgers during the grand opening since he has provided the organization with plenty of photographic services over the years, he explained. Some clients with the organization even helped cover one wall with panels cut out from comic books such as Archie as a type of wallpaper.
“They wanted to do something fun, so we got them a project doing that,” he added. “And then I said, ‘Why don’t you come raise some money for yourselves and do a barbecue for our grand opening?’ So I hope they made lots of money because they deserve it.”
Roving through the store with his dad, youngster Quinn Stephanson thought the shop was an interesting place and enjoyed looking through the comics. He is a big fan of Marvel’s Wolverine — a Canadian-born character — and came across many comics of the mutton-chop hero.
With a laugh, Quinn’s father Darrin said the comic shop was a nostalgic trip back to his childhood.
“I collected comics when I was younger, so I see a lot of stuff in here I recognize,” he added.
It’s great to have the comic shop up and running, added Hoskins. He pointed out many people from different walks of life — young and old — were browsing, an indication that “everybody’s got a little nerd in them.” He also thought it was a good chance to talk with people about their childhood passions.
