In what may be a first for the podcast, we talk to a real, live comic shop owner! It's Nathan Machado, owner and manager of Blackhole Comics in Norwood, MA. Nate shares his comic origin story and how he went from a manager at one of New England Comics' other locations to taking over and rebranding this one. He opens up about the realities of comics retail, from dispelling misconceptions about running a shop and navigating the challenges of ordering decisions to balancing pull-list customers with attracting new readers. We explore how to create a welcoming environment for intimidated newcomers, his strategies for recommending comics to first-time readers, and the importance of events like Free Comic Book Day and signings to build community around his shop.

You can follow Blackhole Comics on Facebook.

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Dollar Bin Bandits is the official podcast of TwoMorrows Publishing. Check out their fine publications at twomorrows.com.

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Thank you to Sam Fonseca for our theme music, Sean McMillan for our graphics, and Pat McGrath for our logo.