You know how it is. You're far from home. Away from the people you love. Lonely. Wandering the streets, getting use to your new surroundings. Then you see it - The local comic store. You're pretty sure it has all the stuff you'd find back home at your normal store but you're not that sure . Maybe they have a better discount on new books? Maybe they'll have that back issue you've been looking for? That missing Holy Grail.
Or maybe you just want to try something new. The excitement and anticipation kicks in as you enter the store.
And so begins your tawdry affair with another comic vendor. It's only temporary. You both know what you're getting into from the get-go. It was never meant to be long term. It's only to fulfill your selfish need for instant gratification. You could wait until you return home to your faithful comic guy but you can't. You need it now.
Right now, dammit!
I've been on the road, off & on, for the past 3 years. Sometimes for a couple of weeks. Sometimes 6 or 7 weeks. Or like now, 10 full months. Each time, I'd have my local comic store (DJ's Universal Comics) hold comics for me. Meanwhile, I'd find some local "action" in each city. For the most part, it's been pretty hush-hush and I've been able to get away with it.
However…..
After a trip back from St. Louis last year, I got caught. I returned home and hit Universal Comics. As I picked up my haul from the past 5 weeks, I made the mistake of adding the few titles I had been reading in St. Louis. To raise suspicions even more, I asked for a few bag and boards more than what I was buying. My comic guy (Cat) looked me in the eye and asked "Dude, are you cheating on me?"
Caught. I fumbled a response before admitting I was getting some stuff on the side. Just to hold me over until I returned home.
He gave me the stink-eye the entire time he bag & boarded my purchases. I felt lousy having it come out that way.
This is the same comic guy who has been my comic guy since after college. The same comic guy who found a first printing of Captain America #25 for me WEEKS after it sold out. Who knows I worship Grant Morrison and holds his titles for me even if I don't ask. The same comic guy I've followed to three different store locations faithfully for close to 16 years.
Yeah. I felt pretty crummy.
That hasn't stopped me tho. These past 10 months, I've been "stationed" in Singapore. I diligently send a Pull List back home each and every week but find myself visiting the local store (Comics World) to pick up at least one title a week. Without this store, I would have been MONTHS behind on reading Blackest Night - And that's something that could not happen! Of the three stores out here (Yeah, ONLY three stores), this one is the best in terms of customer service. They've treated me really well each and every week.
This weekend, I'm going to have to tell the owner (Bill) that it's over. Like St. Louis and New Jersey before, our weekly relationship is coming to an end. I'm heading home in two weeks and I probably won't be coming back. I'll try to stay in contact. If you're having trouble finding a specific back issue or promotional item, drop me an e-mail. I'll see if I can send it to you.
Don't shed a tear. We can end this amicably.
