Comic Book Store Virgin

by Christina on March 11, 2009

BSC I know, I know – three days in a row where I talk about comics. I’m sorry.

The other day Ryan Twittered this link from Geekanerd about a new comic book shop opening in Brooklyn. One that happens to be mere steps away from my home! Well, not so mere, but definitely a short walk. A few weeks ago he had suggested I visit Midtown Comics as my first venture into a comic book shop and there happened to be a location a few blocks from the office

However, after being completely overwhelmed by the three shelves of comics and graphic novels in Barnes & Noble, the idea of going into Midtown Comics seemed like a terrible idea. I had now clue where to begin! It didn’t help that Ryan also sent me a link to the recent Wired article: The Secret Lives of Comic Store Employees;the photo that starts the article is Midtown Comics – FRIGHTENING! Asking for help in a place like that would be like going into the grocery store and asking an employee to recommend something for dinner – how are they supposed to be able to help me when I haven’t the foggiest idea what I like?

Ryan offered to go with me to Bergen Street Comics and it was sort of like having a tour guide. I met up with him and Heather last night and really liked the place; it wasn’t quite so intimidating although I was still rather clueless. Having the two of them there to make recommendations about what they like was really helpful.

Bergen Street Comics is cozy; smaller than I expected and warm in its dark blue walls, spaced out shelving, and even some comfy chairs and couch. It’s not cloyingly cluttered and the empty wall space between selves featured comic artwork. Being in the stort is like the comparisons on the SATs – Bergen Street Comics : Indy Book Seller :: Midtown Comics : Barnes & Noble. That is, if Barnes & Noble and a more knowledgeable staff.

A few people came in but it was a pretty light crowd and the two employees were chatting with folks and offering suggestions. Definitely will be going back once I get to a point of knowing what I like, although I get the feeling that this is a place I could walk in, admit to knowing nothing, and still get help in the form of great suggestions.

I don’t really know how to categorize most comics with my reading for the year. Watchmen as a compilation was easily comparable to a regular book but single issues? How do you quantify those into a book equivalent? I do want to read more and walked out at the end out our trip with a long list of suggestions. Ryan basically just points to books and say’s “you should read this” and gives a brief synopsis. Heather is funnier “what’s the one I don’t like? You should let her borrow it.” Both said that they start reading with recommendations and from there find other works by writers or illustrators as they become more familiar with what they like. For the time being, I’ll be borrowing from the “Library of Ryan”. He mentioned that he’ll often lend people a few first issues from different series rather than a few from just one series. So here’s to getting a feel for what I like and adding even more things to read to my list.

Bergen Street Comics is located 470 Bergen Street (between Flatbush and Fifth Avenues).
Their website is under construction, but you can also follow them on Twitter or Facebook.

Comic Book Store Virgin

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