Austin Mansell loves comics so much it has led him to open his own comic book store -- Comics Cube in Bonney Lake.
“Comics are one thing I love the most in the world. I don’t think there is any other medium that can tell a story in the amount of space that comics can,” said Mansell.
Mansell has been fan and avid reader since he was three years old. He also admits that comics have been the one consistent thing in his life. He spends seven days a week in his shop and works 70 plus hours. He said even though it can be stressful and frustrating, it is also rewarding.
Mansell said that by having a comic book store he can explain that comics aren’t just for children. Also, he is able to dissolve rumors people have about comics.
“Comics aren’t just about superheroes like people think,” he said. “There is more to comics and it is nice to explain that to people.”
Mansell, 23, is from Lakeland Hills in Auburn and opened his shop Oct. 1, 2010. He chose to open the shop in Bonney Lake because the nearest comic book stores are Evolution Comics in Puyallup or Spy Comics & Cards in Federal Way.
Mansell felt that the area was a great location to all the surrounding towns like Buckley, Enumclaw, Sumner, Orting and Lake Tapps. Not to mention his shop is right next door to on Highway 410.
“We (Comic Cube and GameStop) build off each other because we get the same core demographics of customers,” Mansell said.
Along with selling comics, Mansell also has a book club that meets once a month in the shop. They read comic mini-series and host reading discussions. Mansell said topic discussion include what they liked and disliked, how art and words work together.
“I’m trying hard to make the store a place that people don’t come and go,” he said. “So by having things like the book club I am establishing that relationship with customers.”
Mansell also hosts Magic: The Gathering Tournaments, every Wednesday and Friday. Wednesday is Legacy and Friday is Type 2. Sign up begins at 6:30 p.m. and the tournament starts at 7:00 p.m. It is $5 buy in to play and first place winners either get store credit or packs of cards.
“Having the card tournaments is a nice supplement to comics,” Mansell said. “It gets people in the store and get people reading comics who didn’t before. Plus I am happy to provide a safe place for people to come and get their nerd on.”
Find out more about Mansell with a short Q & A with him:
Q: Who is your favorite Marvel superhero and why?
A: Daredevil is my favorite Marvel Superhero because someone in his time period (1960’s) that is blind is really cool. Daredevil didn’t have any super powers or super strength he was just a guy fighting people with ninja moves.
Q: Who is your favorite DC Comics superhero and why?
A: Batman. Who doesn’t like Batman. The writer of Batman, Grant Morrison wrote a book in the 90s called “Invisibles,” and it is one of my favorite books.
Q: What is your favorite book being written?
A: My favorite book being written is Scalped. It is a super gritty crime book that takes place on an American Indian reservation in South Dakota. It is the book that I look forward to reading every month.
Check out Comics Cube on Facebook and Mansell's blog.
