Spandex City — Local services in Charlotte

This store makes reading & collecting comics a genuine joy. For context, I used to collect the volumes/paperbacks of some of my favorites growing up but fell off due to school/finances around 2017. I got back into comics within the last couple of years with the idea to collect issues but it’s sometimes hard to keep up, know what’s good, where to start, what stories connect, etc.

The first time I visited the store was a while ago when I was trying to catch up on Batman. While the store doesn’t carry back issues per se, they will go out of their way to supply you with what they have. I’ll never forget walking out of the store with a huge smile on my face after Jeremy handed me issue after issue to help me catch up to speed on a storyline I had shown interest in with a previous issue I found at another LCS. That visit left a lasting impression.

Fast forward to today, I just moved within the area and wanted to go back and check out the new location. While there, I also decided to subscribe to multiple series that I have fun collecting and reading. Jeremy was there once again and made what is sometimes an overwhelming process super easy. He walked me through the store, told me how things work, showed me where to go for the books I was interested in, and helped get me in and out as efficiently as possible. While subbing, he also informed me of cool benefits you have with being a patron which include them adding crossover events (or anything major regarding a certain story line) to your pulls which was a HUGE perk to me as sometimes I completely miss what relates to what. I am a casual as in I mainly collect and read but am not super knowledgeable how they work in regards to crossovers, big events, etc. so having Jeremy there as a trusty ally is incredibly helpful as someone who is ignorant but loves the books.

As I went in to pick up for the first time, Jeremy had my order ready before I even walked in the door. I wasstunned. Not only could I not believe I was remembered but that he was able to pull out my books that quickly. Jeremy truly does value anyone who walks through those doors and is a customer service hero. He even went back and found me an issue of Spider-Boy I was wanting while I was there that wasn’t on the wall.

Finally, the reason why I wanted to write this review is an interaction I had yesterday. I was listening to the Off Panel podcast and gained instant FOMO when I got to the episode about the Absolute series from DC. I wrote in a request to add Superman & Batman if possible. When I initially signed up I noticed he wrote it down via pen and paper so I was anxious about causing someone who’s been so helpful more work just because I was ignorant on what the Absolute series was. Not only was he able to add them, I am picking up my first issue today (to the series I subscribed to yesterday) and he even offered to reorder a Superman to make sure I could have it.

Jeremy genuinely is a Superman of this community and it is an extreme honor and privilege to be a new subscriber. I can not express how amazing this place is. Don’t be fooled, what they lack in size and back issues they more than make up for with customer service. My old LCS was Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find in Charlotte (which is also great) where I usually feel overwhelmed by the volume there and felt like just another dude but Jeremy treats me as if I am the most important customer he has despite there obviously being plenty others. Please support this business and please come visit. You absolutely will...

Been going here for a while. I’m a subscriber and even left a good review four months ago. Always had a good experience picking up my comics on Wednesdays. For privacy, I won’t mention names, but the guy behind the counter is simply amazing and very knowledgeable and made everyone that comes in the door, welcomed!

However the five other times I have gone in to pick up my books or browse for new comics, I realize not everyone is on par as my guy on Wednesday mornings.

Today was the last straw… I know this guy today never asks for my name to add the comics I have purchased on days I am not picking up a pool. Never says hello or interacts. I’m not asking a lot but a hello would be cool or even asking if I have an account so he can log the comic I purchased. My old comic book stores in Raleigh and Atlanta did this and my guy on Wednesday does it too.

The store was full and had a good crowd playing card games. I saw this kid was behind the counter and was busy. So I browse like I normally do, saying hello, was ignored, found a book and started to check out. However a guest got in front of me and I figured no worries I’m usually patient. Then I realize he continued to help another two people which I probably figured were there before me so I waited again and this time I decided to “line up” behind the two people.

After five minutes, two other people walk in and the two in front of me finished, but as I move up to the register this kid goes on to help the other two that walked in. So I walked out and decided to drive to another comic book store out of the area, and guess what? I got a better welcome…

Treat and everyone the same, please. Still a nice store but I guess I’m just not the right fit...

I’d like to share some feedback regarding the way prerelease sign-ups are currently being handled. As it stands, players are able to register for the prerelease event, not participate in the tournament itself, and still keep their prerelease bundle to pick up at a later time. While I understand the desire to accommodate different schedules and make sure players receive product, this system has some unintended consequences.

When players register but choose not to attend the event, they occupy spots that could have gone to participants who genuinely want to play in the prerelease tournament. This creates frustration for players who miss out on the experience due to limited seating. A prerelease is meant to be a community-focused event where people come together to enjoy new cards in a fun and welcoming environment. Allowing product to be reserved without participating shifts the focus away from that communal experience and instead treats the prerelease primarily as early product access.

A more balanced approach might be to separate tournament registration from product availability — for example, offering prerelease kits for pick-up after the main events have concluded, or creating a dedicated product-only option that does not affect player seating. That way, those who want to play in the prerelease can secure a spot, and those who simply want the product can still purchase it without impacting event participation.

I believe a change like this would help preserve the spirit of prerelease events, keep them accessible for players who want to enjoy the tournament experience, and still ensure everyone has access to product...