Keep the Reading (Fun) Going!!!
Keep the Reading (Fun) Going!!!
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Now that you've had the opportunity to sample the world of graphic novels, the next thing to do is keep your kid (and you) reading! There are many options for purchasing both physical and digital comics. Below you'll find details on Houston-area comic shops, along with options for digital comics.
Print or Digital?
Print or Digital?
Should you read print or digital comics, or maybe a mix of both? Print and digital comics each have pros and cons. Which type of comic you should read comes down to which pros and cons you value most. In either instance, single issue comics can become expensive if you read and collect many titles.
Comics cost about $5 each. Over a six month period, this would cost $30 per title. This cost can be reduced by waiting for the collected issues called "trade paper backs" (TBD), which collect six issues (a full story arc) for about $20 ($3 each). Trade paper backs are also more durable than single issues, and less prone to damage.
Print comics come in two kinds - single issues (known as "singles" or "floppies"), and graphic novels (aka "trade paper backs"). Print comics usually tell one piece of a story arc. It is most common for a story arc to run six issues.
Graphic novels are longer form stories that in print approach the physical size of a traditional book. A "trade paper back" (TPB) is a smaller graphic novel that collects together all of the single issues in a full story arc (usually six issues).
Digital
Digital comics tend to come in two types - purchases, and subscription services. A digital comic that you purchase is a 1:1 transaction. You purchase that comic and then own it. Each comic or graphic novel must be purchased individually.
Comic subscription services are very similar to other digital subscription services like Spotify. For a monthly or annual fee you gain access to a large library from a specific publisher, or group of publishers.
Pros
Feel and smell of a print comic is magical
The sole option for maximum reduction in device usage.
TBDs are easy to travel with.
Some comics provide a code for a digital version, giving you both for one price.
Cons
Can be lost or damaged.
Storage space can become an issue if you begin truly collecting.
Additional cost to "bag and board" to protect collection.
Can only read the physical books you have on hand.
Pros
Subscription services provide access to 30,000+ titles for about $100 a year.
Can zoom in on individual comic panels to help those with vision issues read easier.
Entire collection at your fingertips.
Cons
Major publishers like DC and Marvel each have their own subscription services, which may result in purchasing multiple subscriptions.
Usually have to wait months for new issues to hit subscription services.
Print Comic Stores in the Houston Area
Print Comic Stores in the Houston Area
Gulf Coast Cosmos Comics (GCCC) specializes in comics from Black creators telling Black stories, and comics from other minority creators. GCCC is owned by Mr. Byron Canady who is a lifelong comics enthusiast, and is a wealth of knowledge on comics in general, the history of black comics, and on comics from black creators. He has been featured on local Houston news programs, where he spoke about comics and pop culture Mr. Canady was a crucial resource and contributor to the Pearland Comics Project.
GCCC is located at 2306 Stuart Street in Houston's famous Third Ward. It is located next to Kindred Stories book store, a fabulous resource for novels and other works from Black authors. We encourage you to pay Gulf Coast Cosmos Comics a visit for your comic, manga, collectible, and other pop culture needs.
GCCC also hosts regular events with local and featured creators, workshops for creators, and socials such as movie and discussion nights. Gulf Coast Cosmos Comics is a welcoming and family-friendly space.
Nan's Games and Comics
Nan's Games and Comics
Serving Houston for 60 years.
Third Planet
Third Planet
Serving Houston for 50 years.
Bedrock City Comics
Serving Houston for 35 years, Bedrock City has six Houston-area locations and hosts their annual Bedrock City Con.
Galleria
Clear Lake
Spring
Heights
Sugar Land
Katy
Digital Comic Subscription Services
Digital Comic Subscription Services
Marvel Unlimited
Marvel no longer sells individual comic issues. They have a subscription service called Marvel Unlimited.
Marvel is home to Star Wars comics and super hero titles such as X-Men, Spider-Man, Black Panther, Avengers, and Deadpool.
DC Universe Infinite
DC also no longer sells individual comic issues. Their subscription service is called DC Universe Infinite. With their Ultra plan, new comics appear 30 days after print release.
DC is home to Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Static Shock.
Comixology Unlimited
Comixology Unlimited is a subscription service offered by Amazon. It offers comics from DC, Marvel, Image, Boom! Studios, Dark Horse, IDW and more.
Some comics are available for individual purchase through the Amazon Kindle platform.
Shonen Jump
Shonen Jump is a manga subscription service. Offering 20,000+ manga chapters for only $3/month.
Shonen Jump offers popular titles like One Piece, My Hero Academia, One-Punch Man, Naruto, Dragon Ball Z, and Bleach.
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