JHU Comic Books brands itself as the store “where art and literature meet.” But many know it for it’s illustrious history under another name.
Some of the more seasoned comic collectors might recognize the store from the days when it was called Jim Hanley’s Universe, founded in 1985, by the eponymous store owner whose opinion on all things comic book-related is still respected today.
After running the progressive store for twenty years Hanley retired in 2013. But only a day later former employees opened the new store a few blocks away under the name JHU Comic Books, and retained much of the previous staff, who make sure the store keeps up its strong reputation.
Store manager and former employee of Jim Hanley’s Universe, Rene Rosa, told Literary Manhattan the secret to the store’s success is to help its customers find the connection between comics and other forms art.
“If you like movies and you like books, you are going to like comics. If you like music, you are going to like comics. You just have to find the right comic for you.”
The store’s literary slogan adorns every aspect of the location, from its walls, to its business cards to its website — and the diverse selection backs it up.
JHU Comic Books offers nearly every comic from major publishers including DC and Marvel, as well as the smaller companies such as Image, Dark Horse, IDW, and more. The store also maintains a wide variety of back issues, mini comics, graphic novels, literary titles, books for kids, international offerings, manga, and a large array of comic collectables.
For those interested in more interactive endeavors, JHU sells card games, and hosts sanctioned Magic: The Gathering tournaments, as well as Yu-Gi-Oh, and Pokemon competitions.
Famous guests
Over the years, JHU has had its fair share of pop-culture A-Listers browse its racks.
In conversation, Rosa recalled when in 2016 actor Benedict Cumberbatch wandered into the shop during the filming of Doctor Strange in Manhattan—in full costume. The actor took photos with the staff and compared himself to the real Doctor Strange.
Stephen King’s son, author Joe Hill, stopped in while the store was under the Jim Hanley’s Universe banner. And many top comics artists and writers regularly make appearances at JHU for signings with fans.
Comic book fans, in large part, agree that one of the more notable aspects of JHU Comic Books is its ability to combine the best traits of a small comic shop with the capabilities of a major one. The store caters to a committed weekly clientele who continue to come in every Wednesday for new comics, while still giving those new to this form of literature an opportunity to learn.
It is this combination that elevated Jim Hanley’s Universe to its celebrity status, and the JHU Comic Books staff continues to maintain those standards.