Post by Admin on Feb 7, 2014 15:46:36 GMT
Comic books used to live in the shadows; mostly connected with nerds, geeks and the socially awkward.
Not anymore.
The popularity of such nerd-based phenomenons as “The Big Bang Theory,“ superhero movies and the San Diego Comic-Con have helped the whole industry — including Rancho Cucamonga’s 4Color Fantasies comic book store.
Chris Brady and Nat Leamwongnukul opened 4Color Fantasies in 2006 after years of “just getting by.” But the business started to flourish and has experienced so much growth in the past two years its relocating to another Rancho Cucamonga location three times its current size.
“We have just outgrown the space,” said Brady, a Riverside resident who’s been reading comic books since he was 6. “I have so much inventory in my garage that I know people want. I just didn’t have the room to display it.”
On Saturday, 4Color Fantasies is scheduled to host a free, celebrity-filled event to introduce the public to its new 3,000-square-foot store.
The first 50 people will receive a “Marvel Omnibus,” a giant hardcover book that contains full color compilations of several comics. Brady added they plan to give away hundreds of other comic book freebies at the event, which is also slated to have the a Delorean and Batmobile parked on-site and several costumed characters from “Star Wars,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and others.
Several comic book writers and artists expected to attend for signings and more include Mat Nastos, writer and artist of “Phineas and Ferb”; Dean White artist for “Kick-Ass” and Captain America; and DC Comics’ premier Batman artist Danny Miki.
Escapism is at the heart of the comic book’s success and Brady said he’s proud to be able to provide a haven for them and comic book fans.
“It’s a world with definite heroes and villains. In the real world you are always hoping that good will triumph over evil, but in comic books it always does,” he said.
Brady and Leamwongnukul are anxious to move into their new digs which will offer — besides numerous comic books — clothing, action figures, novelties, kitchen gadgets and a plethora of card games.
“We will be able to give gamers their own space,” Brady said. “Card games have become so popular and before the move we had to have them play in the middle of the store. We’re going to have a kid zone, a space to host art shows, we’re hoping to do one once a month and a great space for viewing and release parties.”
Brady and Leamwongnukul are hosting a release party in April for Peter Parker’s return in “Amazing Spider-Man.” It will be the first of many such events that gather the community together to welcome new comic books and view similarly themed television shows.
However, possibly the most exciting part of the expansion for Brady will be featuring a line of super hero-themed pet and household products.
“It’s always been my dream,” he said. “You can decorate your whole kitchen in ‘superhero’ if you want to. We even have a toaster that will burn a superhero’s face into your toast.”
As for their old location, Brady and Leamwongnukul plan to turn it into a discount/clearance center.
Not anymore.
The popularity of such nerd-based phenomenons as “The Big Bang Theory,“ superhero movies and the San Diego Comic-Con have helped the whole industry — including Rancho Cucamonga’s 4Color Fantasies comic book store.
Chris Brady and Nat Leamwongnukul opened 4Color Fantasies in 2006 after years of “just getting by.” But the business started to flourish and has experienced so much growth in the past two years its relocating to another Rancho Cucamonga location three times its current size.
“We have just outgrown the space,” said Brady, a Riverside resident who’s been reading comic books since he was 6. “I have so much inventory in my garage that I know people want. I just didn’t have the room to display it.”
On Saturday, 4Color Fantasies is scheduled to host a free, celebrity-filled event to introduce the public to its new 3,000-square-foot store.
The first 50 people will receive a “Marvel Omnibus,” a giant hardcover book that contains full color compilations of several comics. Brady added they plan to give away hundreds of other comic book freebies at the event, which is also slated to have the a Delorean and Batmobile parked on-site and several costumed characters from “Star Wars,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and others.
Several comic book writers and artists expected to attend for signings and more include Mat Nastos, writer and artist of “Phineas and Ferb”; Dean White artist for “Kick-Ass” and Captain America; and DC Comics’ premier Batman artist Danny Miki.
Escapism is at the heart of the comic book’s success and Brady said he’s proud to be able to provide a haven for them and comic book fans.
“It’s a world with definite heroes and villains. In the real world you are always hoping that good will triumph over evil, but in comic books it always does,” he said.
Brady and Leamwongnukul are anxious to move into their new digs which will offer — besides numerous comic books — clothing, action figures, novelties, kitchen gadgets and a plethora of card games.
“We will be able to give gamers their own space,” Brady said. “Card games have become so popular and before the move we had to have them play in the middle of the store. We’re going to have a kid zone, a space to host art shows, we’re hoping to do one once a month and a great space for viewing and release parties.”
Brady and Leamwongnukul are hosting a release party in April for Peter Parker’s return in “Amazing Spider-Man.” It will be the first of many such events that gather the community together to welcome new comic books and view similarly themed television shows.
However, possibly the most exciting part of the expansion for Brady will be featuring a line of super hero-themed pet and household products.
“It’s always been my dream,” he said. “You can decorate your whole kitchen in ‘superhero’ if you want to. We even have a toaster that will burn a superhero’s face into your toast.”
As for their old location, Brady and Leamwongnukul plan to turn it into a discount/clearance center.