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It’s official: Samurai Comics sets up in the East Valley (at least for now)

24 August 2011 4 Comments Jayson Peters
Samurai Comics East Valley location

Just in time for new-comic-book day Wednesday, Samurai Comics has set up shop in a location next to the closed Atomic Comics in Mesa.

Samurai Comics East Valley location

Customers pay for merchandise Wednesday at Samurai Comics' new temporary location next to the closed Atomic Comics in Mesa.

Samurai Comics East Valley location

Merchandise is displayed on tables at Samurai Comics' new temporary location next to the closed Atomic Comics in Mesa.

samuraibanner

Samurai Comics owner Mike Banks sent me an email this morning saying he’s got the keys to 1120 S. Country Club Drive, Suite 107, next to the closed Atomic Comics location in Mesa (pictured).

“Ever since Mike Malve called me on Sunday with the news about Atomic I’ve been pulling 20 hour days trying to step up and fill that void,” Banks said.

Banks said his crew spent all day processing shipments originally meant for Atomic Comics, and that Samurai is acting as supplier for at least four other local comic shops to help them meet demand.

“Customers who stop in the new shop on Wednesday will be see some familiar faces — We’ve already had a couple of Atomic employees step up and volunteer to help us out,” he said.

Atomic Comics, a local chain of four shops across the Valley owned by Malve, closed abruptly Sunday amid bankruptcy proceedings.

Banks told me Tuesday that Samurai’s venture in the East Valley is just a temporary arrangement — for now — but he definitely has his eye on long-term plans for expansion. He owns two Samurai stores in Phoenix: one at 10th Street and Camelback Road and another at 107th Avenue and Indian School Road.

East Valley Tribune photos by Jayson Peters; video by Victor Moreno

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4 Comments »

  • Tuxedo Mask said:

    So what happens to the persons that had a pull list with Atomic Comics and did not pick up their comics prior to 8/22? Am I out of my comics that were already paid for?? I didn’t get a chance to go pick up my books for at least 3 weeks and I guess I’m out of my books and my money. Thanks.

    # 24 August 2011 at 11:28 am
  • Jayson Peters said:

    Tuxedo Mask,

    Thanks for the comment. That’s a tough one. I don’t think anyone has access to the Atomic inventory right now.

    If you paid with plastic, I’m told your best course of action is to call your credit card company and dispute the charges … situations like this are one of the advantages that method of payment gives you as a consumer.

    I’m also hearing that some retailers are trying to arrange special deals for customers who prepaid for certain items at Atomic, but it’s a work in progress. I’d find a store near you and get to know them, see what they have going on. If I hear anything official, I’ll post it here.

    # 24 August 2011 at 11:05 pm
  • MesaDad said:

    The list made the Atomic Comic story is missing Collector Haven, one of the best stores in the valley. I buy all my new issues here.
    Collector Haven is located just North of Main St. on the West side of Lindsay Rd.
    116 N. Lindsay Rd. Suite #1, Mesa, AZ 85213 · Get Directions
    Phone
    480-907-6606

    Hours
    Mon – Wed: 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Thurs – Sat: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

    # 28 August 2011 at 7:36 am
  • Jayson Peters said:

    Thanks, MesaDad – we missed that one. I’ll add it to the list.

    # 28 August 2011 at 12:12 pm