WHAT IT WAS, WAS THE BLACK OCTOBER SALE

The Black October Sale, held last Saturday at both Lee's Comics locations was a smash! It was a bright, sunny day and everyone was in the mood to dig for bargain comics and stock up on graphic novels. I worked at our Mountain View location until the early afternoon, and took a few pictures.


Here's Dan Jackowitz one of my favorite ex Lee's Comics clerks. Dan stopped by for a visit. He's married, and has a new home. Congratulations Dan! I'm sure that many long time Lee's Comics customers have fond memories of Mr. J!


Here's another look at those bargain book hunters, snapping up those comics with the speed of Mercury!


Here's my friend Mark Arnold manning the booth. He often helps me out at special events.


Now we travel into the store.


MP and Stephan ring up sales.


Frenzy in a Far-Off Bargain Bin!

WOLVERVINE MITT

Wolverlee

"I'm the best at what I do, and what I do isn't pretty. I sell comic books."

Yesterday we received 4 huge Federal Express boxes. They were all full of over-sized foam wolverine mitts just like the one pictured. Evidently the movie studio sent them out to promote the upcoming movie. Hurry on into your local Lee's Comics and pick up your very own, absolutely fee of charge, while supplies last. Make sure to wear yours to the premiere! That's a mitt that just screams "We're number one!"

BYE BYE BACK ISSUES

I just read a very entertaining article by a comics dealer who is eliminating back issues from his store.

I disagree with his premise, but I found the article and comments thought provoking. His main qualm with back issues seems to be that they encourage the viewing of comics as collectables. Not necessarily so. Most of our back issues are cheap reading which costs less than a new comic!

Also, I think of the great independent record stores such as Amoeba records and Rasputin. They carry new stuff, cheap stuff, and collectors items all in one store. Every department seems to do well, and they have survived and thrived where new only record stores like Tower Records have gone under. When I go to an independent record store, I buy from all categories. I don't want to limit myself, and I certainly don't want to limit my own customers. It amazes me how so many otherwise progressive retailers paint themselves into a corner by turning their back on profitable product lines.

The really neat thing about back issues, is that as a dealer you can buy them for your own price. They can be very profitable if done correctly.

Lee's Comics will continue to carry back issues. We will continue to make an offer on just about any collection. It might not be a LOT of money, but you will get an offer (unless it's REALLY bad!)

Here's a hypothetical question. You are a dealer. You don't carry back issues. You don't buy back issues at all from customers. Someone brings in a low grade, unrestorerd Amazing Fantasy #15 valued at $2,000. They are willing to sell it for $1,000. You know you could sell it within 3 days and make a 1,000 profit.

If so, you DO buy and sell back issues, you are just very selective about what you buy.
If not, you are turning down ready profit in hard times.

I will keep selling back issues.
They help keep me in business.

I also like to have a vast selection of New Comics and Graphic Novels. I don't mind selling comics supplies, toys, T-shirts and novelties. I am all in favor of expanded choices, rather than diminished ones.