A pretty cool milestone took place this weekend. A store agreed to carry my paranormal YA book. This particular store isn't the first to pick up my book, I've been fortunate enough to have a couple commercial distributor orders for The Thin House. The reason this specific store is special is because of what it is, I.e. my local comic shop. I've said before on here, that I'm a pretty big comic fan. I grew up on my dad's old silver age comic books. My earliest memories were mostly X-Men, Thor, The Justice League, and my all time favorite, Batman. Besides these treasures, I also devoured anything I could get a hold of at used bookstores, and local libraries. I still remember the triumph of discovering the entire run of Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's The Long Halloween at a flea market, and getting all thirteen issues for ten bucks. I really didn't understand the joy of a great local comic shop until I was an adult. I found my current shop shortly after I returned from my missionary service and started college. I'd read about a then rising writing talent named Scott Snyder who was about to start a run of Batman comics with one of my favorite artists, Greg Capullo, and I wanted to experience it as a monthly subscriber. My search led me to a store that at the time was called Comics and Stuff. Now, eight years, two owners, two locations, and a name change later it is still my local comic shop. I still keep a list of subscriptions at what is now Bombshell comics even though I no longer live in Hattiesburg. I do this because it's an awesome store, with great customer service, that has made accessing illustrated storytelling so special. This store and the management over the years have not only provided the comics I was looking for, but also introduced me to whole new worlds of stories including Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley's Invincible which is now one of my all time favorite series. When I released my book, one my personal goals was to get it in Bombshell Comics. Not because I necessarily expect to sell a ton of copies there, it's a comic shop after all. But anyone who has had a regular relationship with a business for years knows it evolves into something special. Particularly with a local comic shop, once you make the New Book Wednesday trek for the hundredth time you start to realize you're part of a community. I've been part of a great one for eight years, and I was delighted when the owner Jarred Howze said he'd carry a couple copies of The Thin House. I can't sing Bombshell's praises enough. Over the years I've participated in midnight release parties, Free Comic Book Day, and several other fun events. The staff is courteous and knowledgeable. They regularly host artists, cosplayers, and other special guests. Even during Covid-19 they are doing everything they can to safely support the needs of customers like me. I highly recommend a visit.
No matter how successful The Thin House becomes, this particular milestone will always be special. There's something awesome about my book having a home at my local comic shop. Bombshell Comics and Stuff is located in Hattiesburg, MS on Hardy Street. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram or check out their Website at Bombshellcomicsonline.com
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AuthorMy name is Jake Nickens. I'm a husband, dog owner, and Author of The Thin House. Archives
November 2021
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