Comics are more than just stories, to the world, they serve a deeper purpose as introspective narratives that describe the human experience and life itself. Much like myths, comics reveal timeless insights into the weakness and potential we all possess and strive to understand. From a panel to the hearts of the readers, Comics have proven to be an undeniable inspiration for all walks of life for this generation and those to come.
*Grand Central Store, Times Square Store, Astoria, Queens Store (From Left to Right)*
The Influence of Comics
Comics are an escape from life’s monotony and support the community in unexpected ways. Izzy, a manager at Midtown Comics, said,
“Growing up with dyslexia proved to be a serious challenge for me once I started reading. However, my mother refused to let that hold me back, so to improve and foster a love for reading, she handed me my first comics” Izzy goes on to say,
“Ever since then, I have been coming to Midtown Comics. I now have the opportunity to give back as an employee.”
For other staff members, what truly resonates with them is the deeply human stories depicted in comics. Carlos, a Sales Associate, said,
“I’m a Batman fan, and while reading one of the comics, Batman was compartmentalizing all the tasks and stresses he deals with every day, and what he realized takes the biggest toll on him is the anxiety he experiences”
This depiction of anxiety is something that brought Carlos to tears as he felt it resonated with him on such a personal level.
Comic books, manga, and graphic novels all share a special place in the hearts of their fans. Upon visiting the Midtown Comics locations, it has become abundantly clear that the staff shares the same love for comics as their customers. While what drives the employees to comics may seem like differing perspectives, they each carry the same passion.
Passing Down the Love
Just like mythology, the passing down of these stories is how they survive throughout generations. While some individuals have been introduced to comics by first falling in love with their animated series, for Jade, the store manager, an older sibling introduced her to comics at a young age. Nonetheless, comics have always found a way to reach the hearts of fans.
“The sense of adventure I get when looking for comics is a feeling of pure magic,” said Sam, Store Manager. “It’s a feeling like nothing else; when you go through crates of hundreds of books and stumble across something that you can feel is truly special…it is an unrivaled experience”
This sense of adventure eventually gets a hold of all fans, however, since we know that some days may be harder to find “The One” …here are a couple of recommendations from the staff for your next trip to Midtown Comics:
Staff Recommendations
Ragna Crimson
Warriors known as dragon hunters battle in a fantastical world where humanity is on the verge of extinction and plagued by dragons.Warriors known as dragon hunters are the only thing keeping humanity from extinction in a fantastical world where they are threatened by dragons and on the verge of extinction. Silver-colored weapons are used by dragon hunters to kill dragons and take their rewards. One such hunter, though not a very skilled one, is Ragna. the only thing preventing extinction and safety. Silver-colored weapons are used by dragon hunters to kill dragons and take their rewards. One such hunter, though not a very skilled one, is Ragna.
Zom 100
Akira's life has lost its appeal after years of working hard for a business that crushes his soul. However, when a zombie apocalypse destroys the town, he is inspired to live for himself. Akira is currently on a mission to cross off every item on his bucket list before, you know, dying.
Annihilation (Marvel)
Batman White Knight
In the series, the Joker, who has apparently been cured of his insanity, decides to run for office under the name Jack Napier in an effort to shed his reputation as a "villain" and defend Gotham City from Batman, whom he sees as the real threat to the city.
Step by Bloody Step
A giant in armor and a vulnerable child. They go through a fantastic world together, one that is home to the deadliest of civilizations, as well as monsters, robbers, and thieves. The earth itself forces them to keep going if they halt. Why? The child is unable to ask. No memory, no language, nothing exists between her and her guardian but each other.
Cost-Free Cosplay (Midtown Comic Staff Picks)
We asked the staff who they would cosplay as if they were gifted a free costume, here are their choices:
*1. 90's Superboy (Izzy), 2. Ronan The Accuser (Sam), 3. Hulk Buster Suit (Nelson) 4. Gundam Mecha (Carlos), 5. Age of Apocalypse Cyclops (Grant)*
Don't forget to check us out at this year's Wicked Comic Con in Boston, April 22-23. https://www.wickedcomiccon.com/
Thanks For Reading!