Friday night, I had to go to three different stores to catch up on my collection. I am very grateful to have several comic stores to choose from, I know that many people do not have even one. In fact, I must drive an hour to get to a store.  The extra drive did give me a chance to see what other stores were available.
Rick’s Main Shop, which I mentioned yesterday, is where I usually go. This is a great store. The building is older and smaller, so when you walk in you are consumed by books–they are everywhere. The staff is always helpful–and like most good stores the staff takes the time to get to know you as a person and is very knowledgeable about the industry. I recommend it highly.
The last shop I visited was The Great Escape in Madison. I don’t recommend this at at all. I’ve been to their other site in Nashville and had a similar experience. The people there are helpful, but the atmoshpere is less than ideal. These big multi-media stores are NOT comic book shops. They may sell comics, but so does Books-A-Million. The Great Escape sells used CD’s, DVDs, Records, and Cassette Tapes–and comic books. It is an interesting place. The staff look like they are all stoned and not very interested in comics–they are more into Led Zeppelin. I would only go there if I NEED something–they do have a good stock. I do not recommend this as a place to shop.
The other store I visited sets the standard for a good shop. Rick’s Comic City opened a new shop in Madison that is very impressive. It has only been opened for several months, but it looks to be doing very well. The stock is good and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. The presentation, however, is what really caught my eye. This is very important to me. I enjoy going into a store and be able to sit for hours looking at the titles.  I also usually buy more that way–because I see everything much clearer. This is the best comic book shop in Nashville. The store is well lit, the title are well organized and visible, and the staff is friendly (and not scary–like the Great Escape people), what more could you ask for?
Above all the trip showed me the importance of the local comic shop–don’t settle for the “entertainment” stores–go to your local shop to buy your comics. Get a pull list and if you are in Nashville, go to Rick’s.