“Opening a comic book shop came naturally, but accidentally,” says Tazmanian Comics owner Keith Awcock. “I was a comic reader and collector while working at a video rental store, and after a little while, I started getting doubles of my comics.” Wishing to share his passion for comics, Keith began trading and selling the extras to friends and customers who frequented the 400 sq. ft. video store.
“Eventually the lease was up on the video store, and the owner asked if I would like to take over the lease. I agreed, and started to sell comics and cards,”says Keith. That was back in 1986, and Tazmanian Comics has been running ever since. These days, however, the shop is in a spacious, well-lit and wheelchair-accessible store housing something for everyone in 5,000 sq. ft.
“In the past, there was a stigma that comic book stores were dark, cluttered spaces that were not very inviting to those outside of the comic community,” says Keith. “To combat that, we strive to maintain a bright, comfortable store, with friendly staff who are excited to share their passion for pop culture and media, and to show customers that there is a comic for everyone.”
