Are Local Comic Shops (LCS) necssary for the hobby to prosper?

[90sChild]

Absolutely necessary, maybe not. Super appreciated... yes, forever.

 

We are fortunate that this hobby has more to offer than commodities trading. The LCS is a hub and symbol for our community.

You hit the nail on the head but I feel this hobby has turned into commodity trading. The success of comic-cons is directly related to vintage books or modern toy collectibles, not current newsstand offerings. Digital sales and increasing $3-4 single issue prices are all driving most collectors away from weekly visits to the shop.

[The_SandMan]

Now I will caveat this by saying that I have not bought a raw comic since 1983. Prior to 1983, I spent WAY too much time in my two LCS (Queen City Comics and Grant Comics) here in Buffalo. My career took my on another path and I just rekindled my passion this past year.

 

Over the past 9 months I have had the pleasure of buying Sketch covers, CGC graded issues that I wish I would have bought and newer SS issues that look like ones that I will want to keep. I also lamented the many issues I sold in that year (NM copies of TOS 39, Avengers 1,X-Men 1, Hulk 1, and Conan 1-50). I am also grading and selling the many thousands of comics that I bought in the 70's and 80's. At first, I was upset that I never put backing boards on my issues until a year ago, but then I realized that 99% of all of them came back White Pages. Now, I am not so upset with my lapse in judgement.

 

As far as that likely 9.4-9.6 TOS #39... If you were the dealer that bought this copy in 1982-83 at a Buffalo airport hotel for 120.00, please let me know how it turned out. I bought it for 40.00 and was happy for the sale, but would love to know what happened to it.

 

Over this past 6 months, my LCS owner (Emil at Queen City Comics) has been such a great help with supplies and suggestions for my new hobby. I look forward to the future of this hobby online and in person.

 

So, YES to LCS support!

 

 

Don't forget Norm from Fantasy World on hertle Ave

 

 

I don't remember Fantasy World?? I spent my comic buying time with Dominic at Grant's Books (Hertel near Colvin) and Emil (When Queen City comics was still on Bailey). Both places were amazing for me. I moved out of town in 1983, so if this was after that, I wouldn't have known about it.

 

Ahhhh yes, those were the days. Fantasy World on Hertle opened in about 1986 or so if memory serves

[HouseofComics.Com]

Cool pics!