I visited the comic book shop called, the Collector’s Paradise located on 7131 Winnetka Ave, Winnetka, CA 91306. I originally went there to pick up a floppy comic book series but ended up really enjoying my visit there. I went with my family because they came to visit me for a day. My brother and dad were so excited to go to a comic book store considering they love reading comics and excitedly explored all the store had to offer. My brother especially liked the large variety of comics available and even suggested I pick up the Suicide Squad comic book series. My mother, being a teacher, asked the workers there if any comics could be used in her classroom to teach important lessons in a creative way. The employee she spoke to was very enthusiastic and responded by telling her that each comic tells different stories that reveal important lessons that can be taught in any classroom setting. The employees seemed very passionate about the comics and it made me more interested in hearing what they had to say. They were very knowledgeable about the material and very helpful which made my visit there way more enjoyable. I also visited Earth 2 Comics and Njoy Games and Comics but both experiences were short and I didn’t find the stores to be very organized. I looked around for a certain book we needed in class but was confused on where I should look. I gave up searching for what I needed in both stores and asked the employees, who unfortunately said they didn’t have the book I needed. I also felt that Earth 2 Comics and Njoy Games and Comics were too cramped which made it difficult to navigate around the store compared to the Collector’s Paradise. Personally, I like bigger stores with a lot of space because it makes it a lot easier to find what I’m looking for with ample room.
Besides the helpful employees, the Collector’s Paradise was extremely organized in my opinion. I was easily able to navigate myself around the different sections such as graphic novels, merchandise and floppy comic book series. Something that I really appreciated was there were labels indicating which comics were new or on sale. I was fascinated to see the variety of comics available to purchase, from Marvel to DC to image comic book series. Some specific comic series that caught my eye were Ms. Marvel, Wonder Woman, The Suicide Squad, The Green Arrow, and the Flash. I was impressed at the variety of issues available for each one and took the time to choose my floppy comic book series, which I ended up choosing The Green Arrow. All the sections were labeled from Marvel to DC to graphic novels to merchandise to new releases to image books to art books and in the back there’s a special art gallery where original art is hung up as well as original artists sketches from those artists who had signings in the store. Overall I really enjoyed how organized the Collector’s Paradise was because it made my visit easier and a great learning experience.
Another aspect I liked about the Collector’s Paradise was instead of white boxes filled with comics that you have to search through, all the comics are displayed on shelves. In my opinion, it made the comics more appealing to see them in all their glory without having to dig around a box. I also discovered that they have a Graphic Novel Club which is free and gives you 20% discount on all graphic novel purchases, similar to a loyalty rewards service. You basically are getting 20% of the cover price of every graphic novel you buy from them and it’s added to your account. What’s great about this club is that you can collect the discounts and save it to use whenever you want. They also offer a Subscription Service which is also free and provides you with the opportunity to keep up to date with comics you’re reading as they find the comics you want to read and make them available for you to pick them up and continue reading where you left off. After learning about these two programs, I can understand why so many people enjoy the Collector’s Paradise. There are quite a few benefits of joining these two programs and if I wasn’t graduating and moving back to San Diego, I would definitely sign up for these programs just to further my comic book knowledge.
Superheroes are extremely significant to the Collector’s Paradise which is seen when you first step outside of your car. The appearance of the store displays, the Hulk, Wolverine, the Green Lantern, Batman and Superman. It’s clear to see that superheroes are the main aspect the store is trying to emphasize from the displays on the windows. Besides the variety of superhero comics, the Collector’s Paradise also had a lot of toys and other merchandise you could purchase for specific superheroes. Besides just being about superheroes, the Collector’s Paradise also had random comics such as My Little Pony which made me realize how versatile comics can be. I guess I assumed that all comics were about superheroes but coming to the Collector’s Paradise I was pleasantly surprised to see that comics are more than just being about superheroes. As I was purchasing my floppy comic book series, I also noticed that in the glass casing they had very rare and old comics for display which was intriguing to me. I know in class we’ve seen a lot of comics before but not a lot of old ones in mint condition. The aesthetic of the store really made me want to come back and explore more and I think when I have some time, I’ll go back to check out what other comics they have to offer. The organization, staff and special programs they have to offer for frequent buyers, really made me enjoy my visit and want to go back soon. Thanks for reading!
Besides the helpful employees, the Collector’s Paradise was extremely organized in my opinion. I was easily able to navigate myself around the different sections such as graphic novels, merchandise and floppy comic book series. Something that I really appreciated was there were labels indicating which comics were new or on sale. I was fascinated to see the variety of comics available to purchase, from Marvel to DC to image comic book series. Some specific comic series that caught my eye were Ms. Marvel, Wonder Woman, The Suicide Squad, The Green Arrow, and the Flash. I was impressed at the variety of issues available for each one and took the time to choose my floppy comic book series, which I ended up choosing The Green Arrow. All the sections were labeled from Marvel to DC to graphic novels to merchandise to new releases to image books to art books and in the back there’s a special art gallery where original art is hung up as well as original artists sketches from those artists who had signings in the store. Overall I really enjoyed how organized the Collector’s Paradise was because it made my visit easier and a great learning experience.
Another aspect I liked about the Collector’s Paradise was instead of white boxes filled with comics that you have to search through, all the comics are displayed on shelves. In my opinion, it made the comics more appealing to see them in all their glory without having to dig around a box. I also discovered that they have a Graphic Novel Club which is free and gives you 20% discount on all graphic novel purchases, similar to a loyalty rewards service. You basically are getting 20% of the cover price of every graphic novel you buy from them and it’s added to your account. What’s great about this club is that you can collect the discounts and save it to use whenever you want. They also offer a Subscription Service which is also free and provides you with the opportunity to keep up to date with comics you’re reading as they find the comics you want to read and make them available for you to pick them up and continue reading where you left off. After learning about these two programs, I can understand why so many people enjoy the Collector’s Paradise. There are quite a few benefits of joining these two programs and if I wasn’t graduating and moving back to San Diego, I would definitely sign up for these programs just to further my comic book knowledge.
Superheroes are extremely significant to the Collector’s Paradise which is seen when you first step outside of your car. The appearance of the store displays, the Hulk, Wolverine, the Green Lantern, Batman and Superman. It’s clear to see that superheroes are the main aspect the store is trying to emphasize from the displays on the windows. Besides the variety of superhero comics, the Collector’s Paradise also had a lot of toys and other merchandise you could purchase for specific superheroes. Besides just being about superheroes, the Collector’s Paradise also had random comics such as My Little Pony which made me realize how versatile comics can be. I guess I assumed that all comics were about superheroes but coming to the Collector’s Paradise I was pleasantly surprised to see that comics are more than just being about superheroes. As I was purchasing my floppy comic book series, I also noticed that in the glass casing they had very rare and old comics for display which was intriguing to me. I know in class we’ve seen a lot of comics before but not a lot of old ones in mint condition. The aesthetic of the store really made me want to come back and explore more and I think when I have some time, I’ll go back to check out what other comics they have to offer. The organization, staff and special programs they have to offer for frequent buyers, really made me enjoy my visit and want to go back soon. Thanks for reading!