CAMP HILL, PA'S RIOT COMICS + CULTURE OPENS 08.10.05

[MattBrady]

Press Release

On August 10th, RIOT comics + culture opens its doors in Central Pennsylvania. Located in the Lower Allen Shopping Center at 2202A Gettysburg Road, RIOT comics + culture offers a wide selection of graphic novels, comic books, alternative minicomics, Japanese manga and much more.

In addition, RIOT comics + culture is selling an exclusive line of comic-related t-shirts. And a lounge area plays host to an art gallery set to showcase comic-influenced artists from across the country and right here at home. In fact, the opening show features the whimsical work of local illustrator Michael Moppin (www.artboyproducts.com).

RIOT comics + culture is the realization of a lifelong dream for owner, and Camp Hill resident, Jason Richards. An avid collector for over 25 years, Jason previously worked in the advertising field and brings his award-winning skills in branding and marketing to the fast-paced world of comic direct market retailing.

“The common stereotypes of a comic store are the first things I purposely sought to deconstruct” says Richards. “Walls covered in faded posters, drop ceilings, slatwall shelving, poor lighting and dust-covered displays all work against comics’ potential. The first thing I did with RIOT was design an easily recognized logo and a look that carries through all aspects of the business.”

As far as inventory goes, RIOT comics + culture will sell all the favorites from Batman to the X-Men, but will consciously strive to de-emphasize that genre in favor of smaller “indy” publishers and books that run the gamut from horror to humor to espionage to autobiographical.

“I love superheroes. I was raised on them. But there’s more to comics than heroes punching villains in the face” says Richards. “Most people don’t realize that a lot of their favorite movies are based on comics, films like The Crow, Men in Black, Ghost World and Road to Perdition. Today’s pop culture market works both ways as well, with favorite television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and CSI being turned into comics.”

That’s one reason RIOT’s name ends in “culture.” The store aims to be a hub for all comic-related activities, the nexus of hipster references and groundbreaking artwork. In addition to expected in-store creator signings, RIOT comics + culture plans to eventually conduct after-hours movie screenings, art classes and other activities.

“I want to introduce people to the history and influence of comics. People need to be made aware of the impact of this medium and how it has spread to Japanese culture and the work of contemporary American artists such as Tim Biskup, Gary Baseman, Shag and Dave Cooper. There’s an entire art movement sweeping the country that has its basis in cartoons and comics. It’s something I want to tap into and help build” says Richards.

Another unique aspect of RIOT comics + culture is its weblog (comicriot.blogspot.com). Created by Richards on the first day of the planning stage, the “blog” has chronicled every up and down of the process mixed with Jason’s own take on the current scene and comics of the past. Functioning as both a “how-to” for other entrepreneurs and a powerful promotional tool, the RIOT blog averages more than 120 visits per day.

“My background is writing, so I wanted to do the blog as a way to chronicle the store’s beginnings for myself. It has definitely taken on a life of its own and introduced me to dozens of people whose opinions I hold very close.”

Customers interested in frequent shopping with RIOT comics + culture can join the “RIOT Squad,” a subscription service that holds requested comics so customers won’t miss a single issue. RIOT comics + culture will also honor special orders and requests, and gift cards will be available for purchase.

RIOT comics + culture will be open Monday-Saturday from 11am-7pm and Sunday from Noon-5pm. For more information, call 730-2887.

[350z]

I wish them luck. I went to Penn State, so I know a few people from that area. Central Pa (north and south of State College) needs more comic book retailers. People who live in those areas usually have to drive quite some distance just to get comics. Hopefully, this store will serve a wide customer base and make some money for themselves in the process.

[c_andrew_s]

I agree. Good luck guys. This sounds like a great idea.

[tobinlopes]

Originally posted by 350z
I wish them luck. I went to Penn State, so I know a few people from that area. Central Pa (north and south of State College) needs more comic book retailers. People who live in those areas usually have to drive quite some distance just to get comics.

I agree. Unfortunately the use of "Central PA" is pretty liberal in this case. The store is in what I would call southwest Harrisburg. Which is on the eastern border of anything that could be considered Central PA.

I live in State College and we have a great store (Comic Swap) and while another might be nice I don't know that the market could support another store within a 15 mile radius. The population is too transigent.

Anyhoooo....sounds like a great business architecture to build around. Good Luck!!

-tpl

[AlexLothos]

I'm very glad to hear about another well planned and thought out physical store opening! Congrats and good luck!!!

[generator_gawl]

As a current resident of nearby Carlisle, PA, this is great news. I'll definitely have to check this out.

[linnen]

I'm in the Mechanicsburg area and know the two owners of the other comic shop he mentions in his blog. He has some pretty strong criticisms of these guys, but they are both really good, solid gentlemen. I was unimpressed with his attacks on them and I know I won't be moving my business to his store.

Of course, he probably doesn't care because only about 1/4 of my monthly books are independent, non-superhero titles, so undoubtedly he has no respect for me.

[orionpax59]

Originally posted by linnen
I'm in the Mechanicsburg area and know the two owners of the other comic shop he mentions in his blog. He has some pretty strong criticisms of these guys, but they are both really good, solid gentlemen. I was unimpressed with his attacks on them and I know I won't be moving my business to his store.

I am also from the Mechanicsburg area, and I was wondering what he said about the other comic shop owners. It might affect if I go to his new store or not.

[linnen]

Originally posted by orionpax59
I am also from the Mechanicsburg area, and I was wondering what he said about the other comic shop owners. It might affect if I go to his new store or not.

Hi Orion....

Mmmm...go to his blog, which is listed above, and then read the March 9th, 2005 entry and the April 13th entry. That's about as far as I got. I was getting to frustrated with his writing style. I think he was trying hard to come off like Brian Hibbs who i can only take in small doses usually anyway.

In the April 13th entry, he doesn't really put them down - just implies that their store is kind of a joke because they don't spend hours reading about new independent books on the internet. Maybe that's true, but I don't really want them to be pushing books on me everytime I'm in there anyway. I can figure what I want to buy on my own. I just dont' like what he implies about the shop.

The March entry is actually kinda rude and with some language I wouldn't use on Newsarama.

[davewest]

this is an impressive start to a new group of comic stores.

i wish the very best for RIOT and Brooklyn's newest store Rocketship.


and I urge everyone to stop the petty bickering and embrace the fact that these guys have a distinct passion for the medium.


GOOD LUCK!

[Raphe Cheli]

I don't think he was attacking them as much as saying, "This is how they run their store, and I'm going to run mine differently -- and better." I don't have a problem with that.

I mean, why would you want to open up a store or start a business if you didn't think you could do it better than your competition? Do you want to say, "They have a great store and all I strive to do is to be exactly like them"? No way, you say, "They do it their way, and I want to run my store mine -- and I think my way is the best way to do it."

I've never been to those other stores, but I have been to a lot of comic shops where the owners are terrific, friendly, and really love the medium. That doesn't mean I don't think I could run a shop better.

[Queasy]

Originally posted by Raphe Cheli
Do you want to say, "They have a great store and all I strive to do is to be exactly like them"?

You might want to try the part about those stores staying in business :P

Anyway, the guy's got a right to say anything he wants. But he hasn't been fair to his competitors--if he's a dissatisfied customer, he could, oh, say, complain in person rather than paint them as stupid on the internet.

And on his board he's pretty liberal in telling people to f*ck off, which is just plain bad business. Imaginary dialogue:

Mother: Mister, y'know, my little Timmy loves the Y-men and I wanted to buy some, y'know, cartoons for his birthday?
Riot Comics: Grrrreeeeaaat...but it's "X-men" and "graphic novels." Here, this Strangers in Paradise'll blow his mind!
M: But I just want some Y-men...like the one's on TV, y'know, Wolverine and stuff? Outside it says you sell cartoons....
RC: (Escalating his voice as if you had taken a dump on his shoe) You don't like me? I don't need your stinkin' business!
(Exit customer, never to return....)

[davewest]

sorry...i don't see anywhere where he has been mean to anyone. apparently, his competition is worried about something and they're sending the web nerds out to make him look bad.

big deal. he had problems with the way someone did something. is he the only one to do that?

and as far as telling anyone off, the people who are causing him problems aren't going to be shopping at his store anyway, so who's hurt by it? he runs an informative and entertaining site. if i lived nearby he would definitely be getting my business.


jeez, the way you guys complain about a store that hasn't even opened yet it's no wonder comic fandom gets a bad rap.