‘Shopping For Superman’ Documentary Details The History of Comic Book Shops
by Tito W. James
Comic Book stores are facing much of the same problems as indie bookstores with the rise of online book sales. However, while it may be more convenient to have books delivered straight to your door, there are intangible benefits to physical spaces.
Online you only find what you’re looking for, whereas comic shops allow readers to discover stories we never could have imagined. Comic Book stores when done properly can create culture, community, and a venue to showcase local authors. The fact that Earth Prime Comics was within walking distance of my college in Burlington, Vermont was instrumental in making me a comic book fan. I hope that people will watch the documentary and support their local comic book shop.
‘Shopping for Superman, guides viewers through a 50-year journey revealing the origin story of their friendly neighborhood comic shops and the people fighting to keep their doors open. Since it began, the retail comics industry has contracted by over 75% with more shops closing every month. After five years of diminished sales, a global pandemic, and the digitization of retail shopping dominating most markets, Shopping for Superman asks the question, “Can our local comic shops be saved?”‘
Shopping For Superman is now available to rent on YouTube.
