Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, image, image comics expo, retailer, third eye comics
Image Expo: Retailing The New Generation of Comics
I started working at a comic shop when I was 19 in 2001. I opened my first store in 2008, when I was just about to turn 26. Four years later, I've got two stores, one that's been showing fast and rapid growth since 2008, and another that we just opened in Spring of 2011, which is already hitting where we've projected. I don't have a secret recipe for quick growth. I just love comics, and I've always had one goal: to give people a fun, and exciting place to experience the community of comics.
I'm at the IMAGE COMIC EXPO, and the sheer amount of excitement and energy for NEW is awesome. And, that's what I feel has really made the difference in how my team and I run Third Eye Comics. We don't rely on what sold yesterday, we look for what will sell tomorrow. We know that fans have so many choices on how to spend their entertainment dollars, and it's important that, as retailers, we expose them to the things that we believe will become their next favorite thing.
Sunday at the IMAGE COMIC EXPO, I'll be sharing a panel with two major inspirations in the field of comics retail: Brian Hibbs of Comix Experience and James Sime of Isotope. I still remember my old boss at the comic shop I grew up with giving me a copy of Tilting at Windmills, and devouring every bit of that. And, I remember reading the articles on the innovation of Isotope as a kid, and getting stoked then, as well. So, to say I'm a little honored to be up on a panel with these guys, is an understatement. We'll joined by the incredibly talented Jim Zubkavich of SKULLKICKERS and MAKESHIFT MIRACLE, and Todd Martinez, of Image Comics. What're we going to be talking about? How to sell your comic TO US so that we can sell it to the people that matter most: the fans.
If you're at the Expo, please stop by Workshop Room B, we'll be there from 1PM-2PM presenting our panel RETAILING THE NEW GENERATION OF COMICS.