St. Mark's Comics
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (comic books, collectibles) |
| Founded | May 1983 |
| Fate | Temporarily closed in February 2019; reopened July 2021 |
| Headquarters | Brooklyn , United States |
Area served | New York City |
Key people | Mitch Cutler (owner) |
| Products | Comics, graphic novels, manga, trading cards, action figures, toys, apparel, pop culture collectibles |
| Owner | Mitch Cutler |
Overview
St. Mark's Comics is a comic book retailer based in New York City. Established in May 1983, the original store was located at 11 St. Mark's Place in Manhattan. Over time, the business expanded to include two additional outlets: one situated in Lower Manhattan and another in Brooklyn Heights. In late January 2019, the company announced plans to cease operations by the end of February that year. However, on July 30, 2021, St. Mark's Comics resumed business at a new venue within Industry City, Brooklyn.[1]
The flagship location on St. Mark's Place gained recognition for its underground vibe and densely packed interior, as well as for hiring female employees well before it became common practice in the comic retail sector.[2] Besides offering comics, graphic novels, and manga, the store also retailed trading cards, action figures, toys, apparel such as T-shirts, and various pop culture collectibles.[3][4]
History
Established in 1983, St. Mark's Comics was purchased the following year by Mitch Cutler while he was still a teenager. In 1988, Cutler expanded the business by opening a second store at 148 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights, which operated until its closure in 2012. Additionally, there was a branch at 150 Chambers Street in lower Manhattan that shut down in 2004, partly due to the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
In 2011, a fire caused damage to the St. Mark's location and some of its merchandise; however, the store managed to recover and reopen. To help sustain operations, St. Mark's Comics initiated a GoFundMe campaign in October 2017, though it only collected $1,201.
On January 29, 2019, Cutler announced that the store would close by the end of February. He attributed this decision to factors such as demanding 90-hour workweeks, increased rent costs, and shifts in the retail landscape. This news elicited tributes from notable comic creators including Neil Gaiman, Brian Michael Bendis, and Dean Haspiel.
Later, on July 30, 2021, St. Mark's Comics resumed business at a new site located within Industry City, Brooklyn.
Comics
In the twelfth issue of Brian K. Vaughan's comic series Ex Machina, the protagonist Mitchell Hundred expresses sorrow over the shutdown of a cherished comic shop in Lower Manhattan after the September 11 attacks. A friend then points out several real comic stores that remain operational, such as St. Mark's Comics, Jim Hanley's Universe, and Midtown Comics.
Television
- During season 3 of Sex and the City, in the episode titled "Hot Child In The City" (2000), Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie visits St. Mark's Place to repair her shoe and ends up dating a man employed at a nearby comic book store. Portions of this episode were filmed on location at the actual St. Mark's Comics.
- In the season 9 Friends episode "The One with the Mugging" (2003), it is revealed that Ross Geller frequented the store as a child and was mugged outside by Phoebe Buffay, many years before their adult friendship began.
References
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External links
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