Clifton Comics & Games

One of the benefits of visiting Dan in Clifton is that he has a local comic book store, where I have none.

I've been to a good handful of comic book stores in my day, and this one may be my favorite so far-- even just based on the fact that someone talked to me, asked me if I was finding things, engaged in conversation with me.

I'm here to tell you that the entire clichéd "sole woman in the comic book store" situation is often true: there is almost the sound of a breath being drawn in, like everyone simultaneously sucked in their gut. I've never felt comfortable in comic book stores alone, no matter how much I buy or what geek trivia I lay down. I thought it'd be better walking into stores on the arm of a guy, but it rarely changes the feeling much. In fact, the proprietors/cashiers will usually talk to the guy I'm with, even if I'm the one trying to pay for something or ask a question. It can be a pretty horrible feeling.

At Clifton Comics, there's still a little bit of an awkward feeling right off the bat, but nothing you wouldn't expect when walking into a room full of geeks. This time when we visited I struck up a conversation with the proprietor (once he asked me if I needed help, WIN) and he was beyond helpful to me. I was asking for information on a card game I am learning to play, and he not only gave me suggestions on what to buy but threw in some starter decks for free. (I'm sure this is a common ploy to get people hooked, but hell, I was already trying to get hooked.)

And once again, I'm trying to "shop local." The cards I was buying-- as well as the Green Lantern books that Dan was buying and the board games and comic books we both buy-- could easily be found at Target or Amazon. But when you ask a Target clerk about their products, the most they can do is point to an aisle. They can't speak knowledgably, they won't hand you free product, and they definitely won't share your excitement about your new investment.

Clifton Comics & Games
Website: http://cliftoncomics.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cliftoncomics