Welcome to this edition of Shop Talk, where we delve into the heart of comic culture by spotlighting the vibrant personalities and innovative approaches of various comic shops in North America as part of our Mad Cave Store of The Month initiative! In this installment, Ana Escalera sits down with the team at The Geekery and the iconic comic-loving puppet, Bruce to explore the origins, mission, and future aspirations of the store that started with a combo collection of comics and brothers.
Q: How did your store come to be in business, and how many years have you operated?
Doug: Justin and I have wanted to have our own shop since we were kids. We’re brothers and have shared a love of comics for many years, we even started the shop by selling our shared collection. We first opened our doors in the summer of 2018 on Main Street in Matawan. We quickly outgrew that location. In March of 2021 we moved just 42 steps away from our original location to a space three times the size at 19 Little Street!
Q: What does your store specialize in?
Doug: We’re a comic shop through and through. We carry the latest titles weekly from over 20+ comics publishers, have a HUGE backroom of back issues from the golden, silver, bronze, and current ages. The perfect section for young readers. A large array of graphic novels, toys, collectibles, graded books, and games.
Q: What store achievements are you most proud of?
Doug: One of our proudest achievements would have to be our book club. We’ve been meeting monthly to discuss a new graphic novel every month since February 2020. The group has grown from just 6 folks to over 25 rotating members. The goal of the book club is to simply get folks checking out new and different titles.
Q: What do you hope your store provides to your community, and what is your approach to providing the best experience to your community of fans?
Doug: I’d like to think that we offer a place that is welcoming and inviting. A spot free of gatekeeping. Somewhere you can find your next favorite obsession.
“One of our proudest achievements would have to be our book club. We’ve been meeting monthly to discuss a new graphic novel every month since February 2020.”
Q: What is the legacy and future of The Geekery Comics?
Doug: One of our first hopes with opening was to also include a cafe that served coffee, teas, and light snacks. To one day add that to our shop would make it even more of the original dream.
Q: What are your best-selling Mad Cave, Maverick, or Papercutz titles?
Doug: Dick Tracy was a huge hit with us. Tons of folks were super excited to check out the pulp classic’s return. The original graphic novel Mariko Between Worlds was another recent title that we loved and were sure to tell everyone to check out. We’ve also featured three Mad Cave titles in our book club over the years, Terminal Punks, Dry Foot, and The Mushroom Knight.
Q: What are your Mad Cave, Maverick, or Papercutz recommendations?
Doug: Karman Line
Justin: The Mushroom Knight Vol. 1
Liz (Doug’s wife who also helps with the shop): The Mushroom Knight Vol. 2
Tim (our brother who sometimes helps with events): Terminal Punks
Bruce (sure he’s a puppet but he likes to read too): Mariko Between Worlds
“Dick Tracy was a huge hit with us. Tons of folks were super excited to check out the pulp classic’s return..”
Q: Favorite genre and why?
Doug: Sci-fi, I think especially in comics I’ve been gravitating more toward science fiction.
Q: In your opinion, is there an existing remake movie that’s better than the original?
Any movie that’s remade with muppets.
THE GEEKERY
19 Little Street, Matawan, NJ 07747
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