COMICS CULTURE SHRAPNEL from CBEM 282

This Is Not A Library

Maybe it's a little bit of wishful thinking. But wouldn't it be nice if more comic shops encouraged reading in the store? It seems that if you have the time to really peruse the product, you might be more inclined to buy it. It's an old concept, one which book stores have embraced whole-heartedly. A few chairs scattered here or there, a couch in the corner, even a large swath of floor space would be welcome. I've spent countless hours in my local Barnes and Noble (before I sold my soul to work there) reading novels, magazines, and especially graphic novels and collections.

I'm not the only one who does this, many a time I've seen students and businessmen alike, perusing the section and picking out of stack of reading material. How many of them actually buy what they take? I don't know. But it seems to me that at least this small bit of exposure can help comic's reputation, even if it does nothing financially.

I don't have a lot of money, but when I do, I'm very picky about what I buy. Which is why I like to take the time to really consider what I'm buying. And then there are times when I don't intend to buy a title at all, but would still like to read it. I usually do this with the intention to buy the title sometime in the future, when I have some extra cash in my pocket. If I really like a book, I will pick up a copy to read at home for whenever I want. I keep a shelf of "classics" in my room, including Watchmen and Dark Knight Returns, both of which I read in the store first. I usually like to see for myself what the fuss is about before shelling out my hard earned dough.

Despite my apparent complaining, the store I go to (Jim Hanley's Universe, and yes this is a plug) does allow reading in the store. And it does help to encourage some business, especially when you drag non-comic reading friends with you. Sit them down in the corner with a book you think they may like while you go and do your usual shopping. They have nothing better to do, and it does save you the problems of having them follow you around, asking why there are so many comics with large breasted women in them.

I couldn't answer that, especially since I'm still wondering about that myself.