PORTLAND, Ore. — Look, normally it would be my dream to be social distancing and curling up with a good comic book.
However, in the face of a pandemic, the idea isn't as cozy anymore. Many of your favorite comic shops are local joints, run by people in your community, whose businesses are suffering as we all take precautions to be safe.
Some comic companies and shops are taking steps to help out those in quarantine and the shops suffering because of it. Buying comics online is a great way to support your favorite shops right now.
For instance, Image Comics is offering all of its first issues for free. They encourage readers to order through their local shops if they are enjoying the series.
Image also wrote an open letter to publishers about moves they are making in these uncertain times. You can read it in full here.
But locally, here in the Portland Metro area, some comic book shops are getting creative.
Floating World Comics, the comic book shop I frequent, is sending comics through the mail! You can get all the info about that here.
Books with Pictures Eugene is shipping comics for $4.99 no matter where you are.
Also curbside pick up is an option for Books with Pictures in Portland, located at 1401 SE Divison Street, to get your nerd on but also social distance:
Portland BWP is also offering free local delivery and shipped orders (with shipping fees).
Comic Cave PDX is offering both curbside pickup and mail order as well. Doug, owner of Comic Cave, sent out a special message to customers:
Excalibur Comics is offering pick up and mail-order comics, too. Give them a ring!
There are ways to stay safe and also support your local comic retailers. I think, and this is just one humble nerd's opinion, that we need to protect these resources now more than ever. When the world feels like something right out of a comic book -- there is a story to keep you sane, knock your socks off, transport you to another world, make you a superhero, remind you there is good going on right in front of us.
I encourage you to support your local shops if you can! Stay safe and healthy and sane.
Also, if you're bored, I have a YouTube channel full of nerd news and comic goodness. You can subscribe and watch if you'd like.
If you are a comic shop in the Portland Metro area and want to be added to this resource, please tweet me @hello_destiny or email me at djohnson@kgw.com
