Wandering through Times Square for the first time in a long time, I caught a glimpse of a huge Spiderman suspended in the air at the corner of 40th Street and 7th Avenue. Curious, I looked closer and discovered this that the sign belonged to a comic store by the name of “Midtown Comics”. So, with time on my hands, I climbed the staircase and walked in the second story entrance to check it out.
As a kid (yes, I know, eons ago), I collected comics for a couple of years. I remember the dark, semi-organized comic book stores run by generally unfriendly people (think Simpsons’ “Comic Book Guy”) that I used to venture into. Midtown Comics was none of that. Instead, it greeted me with a neat, well-organized selection, a helpful staff (they answered my questions and completely had no problem, or even questioned me taking pictures, which is not always the case), and cool decorations. You know how you walk into a place and you just “like” it for some reason. Well, that’s the feeling I got entering Midtown Comics.
Billed as the largest retailer of comic books, graphic novels, and Manga and related collectibles in the U.S., the brick and mortar side of the Midtown Comics certainly does it right. However, in my mind, where they separate themselves from other comic businesses (which I discovered after my visit), is with their website and involvement with the comic community.
As far as the website, how much easier is it to find and collect that rare comic or a back issue you loved than with their direct-to-your-door delivery? Their website is easy to navigate and they carry a huge selection of great stuff (and not just comics). And, while I must disclose that I did not buy anything from them, their customer reviews, specials, and the site’s focus on customer service gives the impression that they know how to take care of people.
More than the basic functionality and features of their website, I love their online presence and involvement in the comic community. How many comic stores run regular podcasts featuring awesome guests? How many have their own TV Channel (“Midtown TV”) that attends movie premiers and conduct interviews Christina Hendricks and others? How many create goofy commercials like this?
Some features and cool stuff they’re involved in:
- Specials
- Pre-orders
- Author Interviews
- Regular Podcasts
- Midtown TV
- Creator Signings
- Guest Appearances
- Prize Giveaways
Overall, I really love how they seem to grasp the business aspect of comics, while at the same time providing awesome content and events for their customers. I was just really impressed with everything that they were doing. I quickly learned that Midtown Comics is not just a comic store.
I love it when a business seems to embrace their industry in every way possible and have fun while they’re doing it. That’s something we strive for at Discount Party Supplies. So, when I see it happening elsewhere, I’m happy to talk about it. With that said, if you love comics, or if you know someone who does, I urge you to check out Midtown Comics the next time you get the chance.
Midtown Comics (Times Square) is located in Manhattan at 200 West 40th Street, with other locations at 459 Lexington Avenue, and 64 Fulton Street.
Rob Robinson is a co-founder of Discount Party Supplies. He grew up in the mid-Michigan area, and attended Michigan State University. He spends his days surrounded by balloons, noisemakers, streamers, and party favors, and eats birthday cake every day for lunch!
