For all comic book lovers, it has been announced that local comic book store, Heroes Comics, will be closing its doors on Dec. 31, 2023 after 34 years.
Owner Dave Allread, 61, said he first opened Heroes Comics because he saw a need at the time. “There still is,” he continued.
Staying close to his shop, he worked behind the counter all day and every day of the week. Dedicated and passionate about his business, Allread stated that the best part of his business was meeting all the different people.
“Different ages, different backgrounds,” he said. “The people have been the best part.”
Allread continued and said the best memory he has is having generations of customers come in. “One of my original customers brought in his son who brought in his daughter.”
Although there was a desire to continue for a couple more years, Allread decided to retire due to wanting to spend more time with his family.
But that wasn’t the only reason.
In an Instagram post, Allread stated his current lease on the building expired at the end of the year, and the landlord intended to raise the building’s rent by 70% over the next several years.
Due to this news, local artists, collectors, and vendors of all sorts gathered together on Sept. 30 to host a comic themed event in hopes to fundraise for Heroes Comics.
People showed up dressed in cosplay and there was even a live band dressed in superhero costumes.
Although it rained, the show and event continued and the support from the community was astonishing.
There is still time to support this local business through the end of the year.
According to Instagram, all back issues, trade paperbacks, toys, posters, and cards are now 50% off, and other items will go on sale as they try to reduce the inventory over the next couple of months.
Heroes Comics is located at 110 E Shaw Ave and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the exception of Wednesday, which is open until 7 p.m.
