Those of you that come to the store on a regular basis (most of you) know that conversations vary wildly from the latest issue of Proof (you should be reading it) to origami cranes. But the one topic I love talking about is the state of the comic book industry. I may not get to read every issue that comes out, but I truly love owning and operating BSI Comics. Most of you see the day to day fun of the comic store. What you don’t see is the serious amount of time that goes into running the shop and keeping it open. Carl Tupper once told me that everyone should go into business for themselves at least once to know what it’s like. It’s not easy. Don’t get me wrong, BSI Comics is a better job than my previous one with the company that rhymes with Shmentergy. The funny thing is that when I was in the process of buying the store I thought that I would bring my guitar (the one I don’t know how to play) to work with me and I’d have time to learn it while I worked. Quick, raise your hand if you’ve seen me with a guitar in the store. That’s right, you haven’t. The guitar still sits in a corner of my house and gets strummed on every now and then by my 16 month old daughter (maybe she’ll find the time to learn it).

We are a proud member of ComicsPRO and have attended every trade show they have offered because we believe in advancing the comics industry. There is a lot to love about the comics industry, but there are many things that need to change in order to stay viable and relevant in the future. A recent aritcle on The Comics Reporter site boasts If I Were The Emperor of Comics: Two Dozen Things I’d Decree To Make Comics Better. My personal favorites are numbers 6, 7, 14, and 21. But, they are all valid talking points. If you are at all interested in the issues surrounding your favorite medium I encourage you to speak up and let us know of things you’d like to see. We are in regular contact with Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse and are alway willing to pass on suggestions, criticisms, or raves.

As always, I’ll see you on Wednesday.