The Collective
From as far back as I can remember I have been a fan of movies and comicbooks. That said, I have spent countless hours in comicbook stores. Wandering around looking at movie memorabilia, scrolling through back issues and talking to fellow costumers. All the stores are the same in a way, with a faint musty smell, bookcases filled with Tie-Fighter models, Adama action-figures, and diecast metal toys. Some stores don't focus on that of course some are pure comics, but most I bet you'll find have some memorabilia whether its cards or posters.
On September 11th I was shooting a commercial for Best Buy in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We were on overnights and I couldn't sleep from the jet lag. I awoke to see the chaos unfolding on my TV like so many other Americans. I was in shock and in a strange place. After a few hours of calls from friends and family desperately trying to figure out who worked were in NYC and where they were now, I was burned to a crisp. The stress, the emotional rollercoster, so I walked out side to get food and get away from the TV.
As if taken by the Gods, not but two blocks away from my hotel, I stumbled into Big Brain Comics. I was saved. I spend almost three hours in there. Greeted with a warm smile and the statement "No terrorist will close this establishment!" NPR was playing in the background trying to make sense of it all. I was safe and on holy ground. This was my sanctuary. I could relax if only for a while and travel home to my comic book shop. All of them. All the ones I've been to over the years. That familiar musty smell the familiar faces of JLA and X-Men. Pages filled with familiar faces and friends. I bought some comics and a t-shirt. I love the shirt, it has the word GEEK in big yellow letter on a green shirt with Big Brain Comics on it, with the address under it, 81 s. 10th St. 612-338-4390.
Since then, I have made it a mission that no matter what city or town I visit, I try to go to a local comic shop and then write about it. They are all the same as I've said, but each has it's own charm and style. Not to mention collectibles and back issues. (I still can't find that X-Factor #6. *Shakes fist at sky*)
Yesterday, The CDC and I wandered into a new one. Well, not new but, new location. Blast From the Past at 931 Hollywood Way in Burbank CA. The big windows greeted us with the familiar Darth Vadar bust and posters from various landscapes of geekdom. Once inside the sounds of a Mrs. Pacman eating her dots could be heard. Then the familiar bookcases stood boldly in the center of the store, covered by glass protecting all kinds of past treasures.
Blast From the Past is a great shop to just spend the afternoon in and wade threw a great collection of toys, comics, posters, action figures and books. Rarely, do I find a shop that so well covers the genres. From Horror and Sci-fi to Gaming and Fantasy. The store even has a table for those afternoon Yu-Gi-Oh games and an old-skool widescreen TV.
Larry the owner is there to help if you so wish, to find a specific item or locate that one elusive collectible or chat about his collection. There was no hard sell either, he could have easily left us to wander around to our own devises. Over all I say go check it out and enjoy, I know The CDC and I did. Were going back on Saturday to check out the Aliens Prop-gun and I need to buy my Battle of The Planets: Keyop action figure! Great place I look forward to going back!
On September 11th I was shooting a commercial for Best Buy in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We were on overnights and I couldn't sleep from the jet lag. I awoke to see the chaos unfolding on my TV like so many other Americans. I was in shock and in a strange place. After a few hours of calls from friends and family desperately trying to figure out who worked were in NYC and where they were now, I was burned to a crisp. The stress, the emotional rollercoster, so I walked out side to get food and get away from the TV.
As if taken by the Gods, not but two blocks away from my hotel, I stumbled into Big Brain Comics. I was saved. I spend almost three hours in there. Greeted with a warm smile and the statement "No terrorist will close this establishment!" NPR was playing in the background trying to make sense of it all. I was safe and on holy ground. This was my sanctuary. I could relax if only for a while and travel home to my comic book shop. All of them. All the ones I've been to over the years. That familiar musty smell the familiar faces of JLA and X-Men. Pages filled with familiar faces and friends. I bought some comics and a t-shirt. I love the shirt, it has the word GEEK in big yellow letter on a green shirt with Big Brain Comics on it, with the address under it, 81 s. 10th St. 612-338-4390.
Since then, I have made it a mission that no matter what city or town I visit, I try to go to a local comic shop and then write about it. They are all the same as I've said, but each has it's own charm and style. Not to mention collectibles and back issues. (I still can't find that X-Factor #6. *Shakes fist at sky*)
Yesterday, The CDC and I wandered into a new one. Well, not new but, new location. Blast From the Past at 931 Hollywood Way in Burbank CA. The big windows greeted us with the familiar Darth Vadar bust and posters from various landscapes of geekdom. Once inside the sounds of a Mrs. Pacman eating her dots could be heard. Then the familiar bookcases stood boldly in the center of the store, covered by glass protecting all kinds of past treasures.
Blast From the Past is a great shop to just spend the afternoon in and wade threw a great collection of toys, comics, posters, action figures and books. Rarely, do I find a shop that so well covers the genres. From Horror and Sci-fi to Gaming and Fantasy. The store even has a table for those afternoon Yu-Gi-Oh games and an old-skool widescreen TV.
Larry the owner is there to help if you so wish, to find a specific item or locate that one elusive collectible or chat about his collection. There was no hard sell either, he could have easily left us to wander around to our own devises. Over all I say go check it out and enjoy, I know The CDC and I did. Were going back on Saturday to check out the Aliens Prop-gun and I need to buy my Battle of The Planets: Keyop action figure! Great place I look forward to going back!
posted by Chic Geek at 7:43 AM
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