A four-decade-long collector of comic books is realizing his dream of opening a comic book store in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a dream he will reach in February of 2016.
West Michigan native, healthcare worker and comics fanatic Don Myers is opening The Comic Signal at a time when comics sales are growing with new titles, diversifying audiences and seemingly endless tie-ins with blockbuster movies and TV series. Myers signed a long-term lease Monday with Vredevelt Properties, a real estate company located in Grand Rapids.
Myers plans to sell comics and graphic novels, incorporating a portion of his own 29,000-book personal collection. Myers will also offer other comic book paraphernalia and figurines in his 2,500-square-foot storefront at 4318 Plainfield Ave NE. In addition, Comic Signal will maintain extended hours on weekends to provide fans of popular board and card games a space to play and interact with one another.
“Comic book shops are becoming more and more popular. Those that have opened appear to be doing very well, some even expanding into new markets. In part, this growth is the result of the massive popularity of comics- and graphic novel-based movies and television series such as The Avengers and The Walking Dead” said Tom Peterson, associate for Colliers International|West Michigan’s retail team. “As always, we’re excited to bring another new business to Grand Rapids, but especially one as unique as The Comic Signal.”
