Calling All Comic Lovers

Hello there, you haven't met me yet but my name is Ashley Cash and I'm the daughter of Pam. I'm a college Junior, an English major, and a Creative Writing minor. I have a particular love for superheroes, primarily DC (Batman, Supergirl, Flash, etc.) and last fall I was introduced to my favorite spot in Clarksville to date! Rick's Comic City is the name of the local comic shop that has brought so many fun days into my life. With a wonderful staff, kid friendly atmosphere, and good organization, this is my favorite place to pick up the newest issues of Justice League of America and Red Hood and the Outlaws-- along with many other series. 

Before I went to Rick's I attempted to go to some local chain bookstores in order to get my comic fix, but I usually walked out empty handed after seeing the paper issues bent and in such a disarray I couldn't even find what I wanted. However with their well organized system, separating Marvel from DC from Dark Horse and indie comics, I am able to bee line to the series I want and glance through the choice of covers that bookstore chains don't always provide. If what I'm after isn't on the shelf, I can just check the labeled longboxes-- something I have grown very used to in my attempt to gather all the Rebirth: Batman series as well as looking for certain issues of different series that continue crossover plots.

For the reason of comics, Wednesday has become my favorite day of the week. Why? Because Wednesday is new comic day! While those of us familiar with comics know exactly what this means, those new may not-- this is the day when new issues are released. Some series release every week, or just twice or once a month. Don't think you can get out to get those issues on time? Rick's provides hold boxes for people who plan to get five or more titles a month with a $20 deposit and more information about that can be found here. I find comics are something I look forward to during my week-- getting my hands on that next part of the story to find out what happens next is super exciting and collecting is a relatively inexpensive hobby. Per week, I spend about $7 on my comics, maybe a little more on the weeks I get the larger books that go to a four or six issue series. 

These are a few of my favorite trade paperbacks!

Don't think you want the pressure on collecting single issues? Well that's okay-- Rick's has shelves of trade paperback copies of comics you might want to read! These are paperbacks that hold about six issues per volume, and they can be easier to store on your own bookshelf at home. They are also incredibly useful if you want to start a series twenty-something issues in without going back to find each and every missed issue. If you are interested in collecting comics by issue rather than trades, however, you can find everything you need in order to safely store your growing collection of comics right in Rick's. They have a good variety of bags and boards as well as long boxes! These are things I didn't even know I needed before stepping into their shop, but having bags to slip my books into certainly makes a difference to keep my comics safe and without damage. So far I haven't had to invest in a long box, but I plan to by the end of the summer for storage reasons.



These issues are bagged to keep them clean and the
boards insure that they won't get bent!

Wanting something new to start off the summer? DC Comics is starting their Loony Toons crossover the first week of June with a 100 page spectacular! Following titles include Martian Manhunter/Marvin the Martian, Wonder Woman/Tazmanian Devil, and the one I'm looking forward to Batman/Elmer Fudd! More of a Marvel person? Star Wars: Darth Vader starts at the first Wednesday (that's right, there's comics just for Star Wars lovers!), and then you have Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spiderman coming a few weeks in! Not really a superhero or Star Wars person? That's alright, too! At the end of May (the 31st being a Wednesday) Archie Comics is releasing Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which I already have on my pull list; Game of Thrones: Clash of Kings is there for the fans of A Song of Fire and Ice; Action Lab Comics is releasing an adorable looking comic called Kid Sherlock where John Watson is the only dog at school; and for 80's movies fans, there's a new Bill and Ted adventure in Bill and Ted Save the Universe.

Action figures, Funko Pops!, and a FNAF Mystery Mini

If you need some help keeping up with your purchases, check out The League of Comic Geeks website where you can keep track of what you have, what you've read, and work out your pull list! It'll even add up the value of your collection and what you're due to spend each week which is super helpful.

So if you're looking for something fun to read, something new to experience, and some great people to talk to, go by Rick's and find yourself a comic to delve into! They also have collectable action figures, Funko figurines, and 12 inch statues for those who like to have their heroes to look at. You can find this great comic shop at 1923 Madison St, Suite H, Clarksville, TN 37043.  Start something new this summer and pick up a book!