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BUSINESS
JUNE 4, 2014 | 33

gathering place for comic book fans.
By DILLON TABISH of the Beacon
“We’d really like to be a place where
The death of Superman was a big everybody comes and hangs, and of
deal, to put it mildly. When DC Comics course, buys comics,” Joe Knowles said.
and its team of writers decided in 1992 “We really want to get to know every-
to allow the Man of Steel to die after an body, and we really want to become a
epic battle in the streets of Metropolis, family oriented comic book store.”
the monumental event drew the atten- Kalispell Comics opened with a wide
tion of the entire real world. The comic selection of nearly 18,000 comics from

— Superman (volume 2) No. 75 — sold Joe’s personal collection, and by the
millions of copies and sparked debate time the grand opening occurs, new is-
among devoted fans over the merits of sues from Marvel, DC, Image and other
killing an American cultural icon. It publishers will be in stock. Kalispell
also captured the attention of an en- Comics will stay open later on Wednes-
tirely new audience of readers, like Joe days for the arrival of new issues each
Knowles.
week. The store will also sell Magic: The

“The Death of Superman in 1992, Gathering cards, action igures and oth-
that’s what got me started,” Knowles er memorabilia.
said. “I remember watching Entertain- “We want to get people’s feedback.
ment Tonight and they were talking all Past stores have carried what they read,
about it. That issue is what got me into not what people want. But if people want
comics. Now it’s brought us here.”
to see certain titles then we’ll get them,”
Twenty-two years later, Knowles Christi Knowles said. “We really want to Kalispell Comics. GREG LINDSTROM | FLATHEAD BEACON
and his family are opening a comic book make it a Kalispell store. That’s impor- nerd to go,” Christi Knowles said. “Now
back of his mind, but he could never

store in downtown Kalispell, something tant to us.”
we’re all going. We’re all nerds. Just shake it completely.
he and other loyal readers have been Since the irst appearance of Super- walking in the mall, everybody is wear- Not until the last few months, when
desperately awaiting for years.
man in 1938, comics have followed an in- ing Batman shirts or decals on their Joe and Christi decided to take a leap of
“We inally thought, if we’re going teresting cultural path. Their popular- cars. It’s everywhere.”
faith and go for it.
to do it, Kalispell is the place to do it be- ity has ebbed and lowed — the sales of Yet until now, there has not been a The thought of being a irst-time
cause we really don’t have anything like comics surpassed regular books in 1946 devoted hub for comic book readers in small business owner was scary for
that,” said Christi Knowles, Joe’s wife — and the most recent boom occurred Kalispell. Joe was working at Walmart Knowles, but his dream for the store and

and co-owner of the store.
in the 1990s. Interestingly enough, the as a cashier and despaired when Borders his love of comics triumphed.
Kalispell Comics opened last Fri- popularity of the print editions peaked closed a few years ago; it had the largest “It’s not really a job. It’s something
day and a grand opening is scheduled well before the constant stream of main- selection of comics and graphic novels. I’m passionate about,” he said. “It’s go-
for June 12, starting at 4 p.m. with a cos- stream blockbuster movies illed the Missoula, home to Muse Comics, was ing to be a lot of fun.”
tume party. Attendees are encouraged theaters in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
the closest store with a wide selection.
Kalispell Comics is located at 445 S.
to dress up and visit the 445 S. Main St. “When the irst big comic book mov- The dream of opening his own store Main St. #11. Call 533-5499.
store to celebrate the arrival of a new
ie came out, people thought you were a
seemed daunting and settled into the
[email protected]

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