Uncovering Cool Comic Shops in the San Fernando Valley

BY DARRYL MORDEN

Decades back, there weren’t many comic book stores to be found around Los Angeles.

Sure, there was Cherokee Bookshop in Hollywood – a mecca for back issues, book collections and more. But actual comic shops? Passport Comics on Victory Blvd. in North Hollywood was popular in the mid-70s through the ‘80s. But there were just weren’t a lot of stores.

Today, you’ll find quite a few, some large, some small. And it’s about more than just current comics or back issues. There are graphic novels and anthologies in hardcover and trade paper back; action figures, statues; cards, posters, t-shirts and other collectibles.

On The Simpson’s, the tubby, slovenly owner of the local comic book shop comes off as elitist and not very nice. To the contrary, most stores are owner and run by folks who love comics as much as the people walking through their doors.

One of the coolest shops in the valley is DJ’s Universal Comics at 11038 Ventura Blvd in Studio City, tucked away in a mini-mall just west of Vineland.

The owner, Cat, has a long history in comic book stores, and in fact worked for a time for the aforementioned Passport Cooks back in the ‘80s. All new weekly issues are discounted and bagged with a board (a must for comics collectors/fans these days) free of charge. He also frequently offers half-price sales on his shelves of graphic novels and also specials on his walls of action figures.

When he’s not busy with customer after customer (that would be Wednesday which is new comics day), Cat is ready to chat about comics, toys and anything else. A personable fellow, he’s especially great with kids and should mom or dad come in and a certain toy is coveted he’ll work with you below that sticker price.

The hottest titles right now include DC’s ongoing “Blackest Night” event, anchored by the revitalized Green Lantern, the return of original “Silver Age” (that’s ‘50s 60s) Flash, written by comics superstar of the moment Geoff Johns (more about him later) and Marvel’s Captain America books by writer Ed Brubaker.

“Be informed and know your customer,” he says, noting that he reads all the various titles himself – admittedly a lot to keep up on as there are dozens each month from different publishers, which range from DC (Superman, Batman and more) to Marvel (Spider-Man, Hulk, etc.) to Dark Horse, IDC and fast-rising companies like Boom! Studios, whose comics include Disney/Pixar titles for younger kids and continuations of TV and film franchises such as Farscape and Die Hard for adults.

Cat has seen many comics world celebs come through his doors, including superstar writers Johns, Jeff Loeb and Marc Guggenheim, as well as other famous names, including the late Michael Jackson. “He came in his Bentley with his baby,” he says. It’s a family business, too. Drop in and you might find his children in the store or his wife helping out. Or comics fans debating a storyline with Cat as a friendly moderator; it’s that kind of place.

Another great gathering spot for comics fans of all ages is Earth2 Comics, which actually has two shops – one in Sherman Oaks and another in Northridge . Earth 2 regularly features events such as signings as well as special sales and such (The dollar per-back-issue sale is quite the deal as it gets even cheaper if you buy in bulk).

In 2008, Earth 2 won an Eisner Award (named for Spirit creator Will Eisner and comics highest honor) as best retail comic shop in the U.S. Owner Jud Meyers has written about comics through various outlets, such as Comic Book Resources. His love affair with comics go back to his youth; he shares a tale of skipping school in Long Island, taking the train to Manhattan to the address of DC Comics, complaining to Editor in Chief then, the great Julius Schwartz, about the state of the Green Lantern series. He’s worked at comic shops from New York to London and opened up Earth 2 a few years ago.

Earth 2 hosts many writers and artists and visiting the store one day, noted comics author Mark Waid had popped in and was glad to sign some books for a fan. Many hot TV writers who’ve turned to comics, also visit, like Joss Whedon (Buffy, Angel, Dollhouse). Meyers opened his second store in Northridge in partnership with Geoff Johns, who’d always wanted to own a comics shop.

“Most fans dream of being a writer or artist and here he dreamed of owning a store,” Meyers says. When it comes to action figures, he admits it’s hard to compete in some cases with the big box stores such as Target or Wal-mart, but he can do things they can’t and “they don’t know the history of the DC Universe – we do.”

Cat and Meyers agree the role of a comic shop owner or manager is like being a bartender, listening to your customer, learning their favorites and getting to know them as individuals while making suggestions they appreciate and welcome. Both are hands-on and part of the community, Meyers often donating graphic novels to local public libraries.

“I know the other stores on my block; I swept the sidewalk this morning and said hello to my neighbors,” he says. “It’s definitely a mom and pop biz and it’s hard work.”

DJ’s Universal Comics 11038 Ventura Blvd, Studio City (818) 761-3435

Earth 2 Comics  at 15017 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks (818) 386-9590, 8967 Reseda Blvd., Northridge, CA 91324

Darryl Morden has written and produced for syndicated radio, is a music critic for the Hollywood Reporter and multi-hatted Music/Family editor for Buzzine.com. He lives with his wife and their son in Valley Village. He can be reached at rockusa@earthlink.net

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