Local Comics Store Spotlight: Midtown Comics
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Midtown Comics (Part Two)
Midtown Comics' New York City headquarters doesn't just provide a larger audience. It also presents them with a lot more competition. The cities place in history and culture means there are lots of hungry purveyors of funny books for collectors, readers, and everyone in between. Succeeding in the city isn't based on location, but a clear mission that is consistently well executed.
Gladstone says, "Midtown's goal has always been to provide all the excitement that the core fan needs, while also appealing to a broad audience in an effort to expand readership."
That is a two-fold mission to take care of current fans and in the process provide a space and items where newcomers will want to return. It's a difficult balance, but one that the stores have pulled off with aplomb.
Walk into any Midtown Comics location and you're sure to find all of the aspects you would expect from any leading retail store. There are ample employees all ready with a smile, kind greeting, and the ability to help. Not everyone is an expert in every aspect of the medium, but if one employee can't answer your question then they will happily find the person who can. That's great for current and new fans to a medium with such immense variety. The stores themselves are impeccably kept with a surplus of stock catering to just about any taste in the medium. While the focus may remain on the best-selling titles, there's not a lack of indie comics, manga, or artbooks. Midtown Comics is a true bonanza for those looking to dive into comics.
It's not all about the day-to-day experience at Midtown Comics though. The store regularly hosts special events and has teamed up with some of the biggest names at both Marvel and DC Comics in the last year. The staff and owners are always looking for ways to bring exciting new experiences to fans inside and outside of the city. Axel Alonso made Marvel Comics big Secret Wars announcement from the Times Square locations in a livestream. Both Scott Snyder and Frank Miller were available for signings during the last Batman Day. These opportunities are rare and Midtown Comics does their best to share them with as many people as possible.
That effort has paid off in the past 10 years. The stores have seen continued growth in their readership both inside the stores and through their online store that serves many customers without a local comics store nearby.
"Midtown Comics' reader base has grown tremendously, and is more diverse than it was 10 years ago, particularly among women" says Gladstone. The clean appearance and great service are surely factors in making comics more accessible to fans from all walks of life.
Part of being the biggest is the requirement that you also must be one of the best. You can walk into Midtown Comics and think "Of course this place is great." However, it's important to remember that the dedication to excellence is what allowed them to become the biggest, not the reverse. You can witness that dedication year round to as they provide a high standard every day their doors are open and plenty of events comics fans love to attend. While it's possible to take a place like Midtown Comics for granted, it's even better to learn from them and appreciate everything they've done so far.
Click ahead to see full details and photos of Midtown Comics.
prevnextMidtown Comics (Store Info and Photos)
Store Info
Name: Midtown Comics
Address: 200 W 40th Street
New York City, NY 10018
Phone: 800-411-3341
Website: Midtown Comics
Twitter: @MidtownComics
Facebook: Midtown Comics
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