If you're a curious cat like Q, you've undoubtedly noticed that one business stands out among the chaos of Parkside Avenue's seedy South Side. Actually, come to think of it, they all sort of stand out for one reason or another. The brand new pharmacy trying to make a go of it against a half dozen others. The handmade sign of the French Cleaners. Balde Koin. The unfortunately acronymed Internet Coffee House. The mysteriously renamed "People's Choice." The three half-ass bodegas. And of course, the world's sexiest McDonalds.
No, the real standout of the bunch in my opinion is Maverick Comics, the always bustling business run by Lee Duch, pictured here at the helm of his starship.
A lover of comics and comic book collecting since he first laid eyes on Spider Man, Lee first built Maverick down on Church Avenue but moved up to the Q at Parkside about five years ago. When you walk into the joint it can be a bit intimidating if you're not accustomed to wide-eyed and boisterous enthusiasm of male teen fantasia. While Lee admits there's not much business left in the old collectibles racket, he's paying his bills selling video games and other less literary amusements. He feels the 'hood and business are improving a bit, but it's pretty clear this was not his first choice of retail corridor. Also, it's pretty clear that a busy shop does not always entail a busy cash register.
Still, if you're in the mood for a graphic "novel" or some mindless but visually stimulating interactive hardcore violence, stop in. Actually, if you've got a straight teenage boy relative, this might be a great place to go for a gift. And seriously, take a look at some of the amazing collectible stuff Master Duch has in stock.
1 comment:
Cool article.
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