The comic book market is akin to other niche markets like those of vinyl records and other media some considered to be out of date.
On Saturday, the markets grew a little closer with Local Comic Book Shop Day (LCBSD). Like Record Store Day (which happened the Friday before), LCBSD brings limited edition comics and collectibles to certain stores throughout the country for the eager collectors to capitalize on.
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Wade Shaw, of Wade’s Comic Madness on New Falls Road in Levittown, hosts a number of sales days throughout the year, including the always popular free comic book day, which occurred early in the year. Wade combined LCBSD with a number of other sales to boost awareness and traffic through the store.
“The particular idea for the day is to draw people to the actual shops,” Shaw said, noting the brick and mortar tradition that seems to be fading in favor of an online culture.
In Shaw’s shop, the limited comics were put up for auction, so interested patrons could bid throughout the day, with the highest bid at the end of the day taking home the comic.
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Although Shaw has other days throughout the year, LCBSD is a bit different.
“It basically relies on the collectors. I think free comic book day is for everybody. It is to bring more people into comic books. Today is more for collectors,” Shaw explained.
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Another local comic shop, Steve’s Comic Relief, which moved to its new location on Woodburne Road in Levittown
earlier in the year, didn’t participate in LCBSD this year because they missed the registration cut off. Manager Jack Lopez has already made sure the shop is registered for next year.
“I think its great to raise awareness for people,” Lopez explained. “You’re able to target your specific audience.”
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Despite not participating in this year’s LCBSD, Lopez said that the Small Business Saturday and Black Friday sales have been higher than the sales on a normal day.
