Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, HRL

Atlas Comics To Reopen In Chicago After Four-Year Absence

Published Wed, 06 Sep 2017 17:25:30 -0500

I was having a discussion with friends over why Bleeding Cool is more likely to cover comic book stores closing down than opening. It's generally down to every closure having many disappointed fans, and whose complaints make it to our ears. Meanwhile, each new store starts without a dedicated fanbase, and so there's no one to talk it up for its opening.

But that's not the case with Atlas Comics, which was a fixture of the Chicago-area pop culture retail community for 25 years. The store lost the lease to its suburban Norridge store in 2013 and migrated to online and subscription-only business. But four years later, it is returning to a new retail space at 5251 N. Harlem Avenue in Chicago, just miles from their old location. And the store will have a Grand Re-opening from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 30th.

According to Atlas owner John Stangeland, the store will be a little different than it once was. He says:

"We were always known as the place for vintage back issues. And we'll still have a deep inventory of classic comics. But the industry is changing, and Atlas needs to do the same thing. That means providing a larger selection of graphic novels in a variety of genres from all over the world, and casting a wider net over the pop-culture landscape. And it means more toys and gaming, too."

In addition, Stangeland promised that the general ambiance of the shop will be upgraded. "I think there will be a little less Tchaikovsky and a little more Ramones," he said. "The customers have been punished enough."

Asked why he decided to return now, Stangeland was enthusiastic:

"It's just the right time. I was a little burned out before, but I got the itch back. The recent movies have been great, lots of interesting new creators, new publishers — it's a very exciting time. I want to be in the thick of it again."

Opening day will feature free comics and giveaways, a sale including thousands of comics priced $1 or less, discounts on vintage back issues, supplies, toys, games and memorabilia, and around-the-clock music, movies, and cartoons. There will also be food (catered), drink (lots of it), and conversation (cheap).

Welcome back, Atlas Comics!