Double Midnight Year 1

The next few blogs I'm going to go over the first few years of Double Midnight Comics.

Back in 2002 there was a void. Voids need to be filled, so that's what 3 guys did. After a meeting at the Backroom (for chicken tenders of course) Chris, Brett and myself decided we needed to open a comic store that suited our needs. There were a few stores selling comics, but nothing that we would willing bring our significant others to. There were a few major things we needed to decide, what to name it and where to open it. We had tossed around Double Midnight Presents (based on Double Midnight Productions which was founded by Chris & Brett). We shortened it so the comics and collectibles part would be more prevalent and people would know what we sold. We had looked at a few places until we decided on the Maple Valley plaza.

The next hurdle we faced was funding. Where was the money going to come from? That's a long story I'll tell you in person... the only thing I will tell you is that friends do not always make good business partners.

We researched a little and found places that sold used fixtures and took advantage of some businesses that were closing and grabbed some good deals. My good friend Eric and his brother built the cash wrap for us and it's still standing after 7 years! I love traveling and seeing other stores to see what they've done, there's always something new to do at the store.

Looking back I realize I didn't know what I was getting into. I've learned a lot over the last 7 years. I had no idea what went into ordering comics, how to order games and what will sell and what won't (there's no magical formula). It's been great learning from other retailers (and I got to actually give my advice to others recently!).

It's interesting looking back and seeing the people that have come through our doors. Many friendships have been forged.

I still remember seeing the long boxes on the floor while we entered them into the computer, meeting our first customer (he was passing by and told us we'd see him every day, which didn't last the week), watching Linh, Carlton, Justin and Joe ransack out back issues (and continue to do so to this day) and sitting around trying to figure out who was going to close the store each day.

Stay tuned for year 2...

Another Day in Paradise

I'm finally getting back into my routine after being home from the NYCC. Yeah, it does take that much out of you. Prepping before you go is tough. Looking at what to bring, what not to bring, displays, getting the van packed, making sure you have the proper directions (thanks Tom Tom!) and then driving 5-6 hours to unload the van (in a hurry) and get yourself set up before the convention even begins is exhausting! I am seriously looking forward to the 2010 show. It's so weird saying 2010. I'll be closer to 33 and will have had my 15 year high school reunion (we skipped the 10 year)...

For another run down of the NYCC check out warp9gaming.com.

We've finished the major renovations at the store. We still have a few minor things to take care of (mostly cosmetic and behind the scenes). The biggest change (yeah, bigger than moving the register and adding a wall) will be our new POS system. You'll hardly notice the difference (just in the way the receipts look and how credit/debit cards are handled), but it'll be a great step for Double Midnight Comics. We'll be pulling subs better, you'll see the books you want stocked better and more! We are really, really excited about this!

GraniteCon is May 31st. We're waiting for a publisher to give us the ok to announce our guest. But we can tell you it'll be worth it!

How do you like the newest section of dmcomics.com? We've joined forces with our good friends at Comixology to bring the week's shipping list to you in full color! Peruse the covers, get a synopsis on what's happening and see how many Comixology users have added books to their pull list. Speaking of dmcomics.com, keep your eyes peeled and stay tuned...

New York Comic Con Thoughts

So the 2009 New York Comic Con is done. We're still unpacking and thinking about the rest of our Con plans for the year. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi! Makes me wonder if we should plan a mass Double Midnight trip to the Oct. 2010 show! Scott Wegener and Mike Lilly stopped by to sign and sketch and they were a hit! They caused small crowds to gather and watch. Thanks again guys!

I got to catch up with a few artists. Khoi Pham stopped by in the brief seconds he had, Jamal Igle was smiling while he was sketching and Mitch Breitweiser was making his way through the halls. Art Baltazar was so busy with his crayons that many happy kids had their Tiny Titans sketches!

Pat was fun to watch. He's a noob to the whole comic scene and had to call me to tell me he was 3 yards away from Brian Michael Bendis. I didn't get to see Pat as he walked through Artist Alley...

Speaking of Pat, watch for the Pat-isms either this afternoon or tomorrow.

One of the big sellers of the weekend were trade paperbacks. We moved lots of Ultimate and Civil War titles. People were asking for World War Hulk and Green Lantern. Why? Because they are fun books to read and everyone wants in on the upcoming GL line. Speaking of Green Lantern, there was lots of people walking around in the new Lantern shirts, the Blue, Indigo, Orange and even Black Lantern shirts. Graphitti Designs were selling them early, look for them in store in the next week. Back to the trades, the weirdest story was a guy who was buying trades to read in the shower. Yes, the shower! He said he has ADD and it's the only way he can finish a storyline. The books don't last long, but he gets through them. Yeah, everyone's made the obligatory reading on the can line, so let's move on.

I know Walking Dead is huge, but I didn't expect people to ask every half-hour is we had issues 1-5. The Spider-Man Obama covers were still going strong. 1st prints were moving at some booths between $75 and $150!! Second Prints were moving around $15 and the 3rd and 4th prints were moving at cover price. David Gabriel (VP at Marvel) said they are approaching 1 million copies. That hasn't been seen in decades!!

On Saturday I got to take part in a panel titled "So You Wanna be a Comics Retailer" sponsored by ComicsPRO (a retailer organization that we are a part of). It was lots of fun and it was nice to be up there with guys that managed 7 stores, one that owned 3 and another who helped run Jim Hanley's 2 stores. I agreed to be on the panel so I could learn a few things myself.

It amazes me the lengths people will go to for their costumes. The Emma Frost/White Queen was my favorite. Very detailed. Ask Derek and Pat. Then there was Scooby Doo, the Watchmen Banana (Peanut Butter Jelly Hrrm).

All in all we learned quite a bit (like don't leave the van key at the Convention Center). This was only our 3 major con setting up in and we know what changes to make. We'll be looking for help at upcoming shows. Stay tuned...