Karen’s Comics
Proprietor Karen Edwards of Karen’s Comics – Photo
By Dan Edwards
By Patrice Raplee Since the ‘40s, comic book collecting has grown into a worldwide
hobby with major motion pictures spawned from popular series such as
Spider Man, Hell Boy, Conan and X-Men. However, this multi-billion
dollar industry was not always a revered pastime. In the ‘50s,
Dr. Fredric Wertham published a book entitled Seduction Of The
Innocent. Wertham claimed that after a seven-year study, comic books were the
root cause
of juvenile delinquency, especially crime stories. Upset
parents burned countless scores of comic books due to Wertham’s
infamous publication. With children passing comic books around to all
of their friends until the pages were ragged and comics collected for
recycling in paper drives to support the war effort, not to mention
Wertham’s assertions, it is no surprise that comic books from
the ‘40s and ‘50s tend to be quite rare and costly. In
fact, Action Comics #1, the introduction of Superman, in near mint
condition is worth $400,00 today!
Proprietor Karen Edwards of Karen’s Comics located on Barbur
Blvd. in Portland, has collected comics with her husband Dan for over
12 years. Their combined collection now numbers in the 17,000 range
and is still growing! Edwards used to frequent Collection Connection
in S.W. Portland and eventually started working in the shop. Several
years later, the owner of Collection Connection decided it was time
to retire.
Edward’s first thought was, “Oh no, where am I going to
get my comic books!” And second, how was she going to say good-bye
to all of the customers who had turned into good friends that shared
her interests and knowledge in comic books. Edwards’ original
occupation as an accountant for 25 years seemed lackluster after the
friendly and interesting environment of Collection Connection. After
a great deal of thought and discussing the prospect with Connection’s
customers, Edwards decided to buck the conventional role of accountant
and open her own store, Karen’s Comics.
Edward’s store is a resounding triumph with a growing customer
base and store filled to capacity. Comic book collector Sean McKissen
explains the reason for Edward’s success; “I met Karen
at Collection Connection; she’s funny, kind and I like her as
a person. She goes out of her way to get special issues and back orders
for me. I could go to a bigger store, but once there, you’re
in just another big store. When you come to Karen’s place, you
can hang out and enjoy the atmosphere!”
Comic books aren’t just for kids and they have not been directed
to children for three decades, although there are many fine children’s
comics produced. “Comics can represent any genre of literature,” explains
Edwards. “They encompass fiction, mystery, humor, adventure,
philosophy, super heroes and horror. Comic books are not just men in
tights.”
Indeed, the Comic Book industry is big business. Several community
colleges teach comic book appreciation classes and fervent comic fans
flock to conventions all across the US, especially San Diego Comic
Con that lasts four days in July. Actors, producers, writers and directors
from movies based on comic books regularly attend, such as Keanu Reeves
and Djimon Hounou from Constantine and Jude Law from Sky
Captain and The Worlds Of Tomorrow.
Comics are also produced and read worldwide. Japan’s have their
own style, named Manga, that has grown in popularity in the US. In
recent years, there has been a drive to translate a lot of the Japanese
comics into English. Manga tends to be a simplistic style often produced
in black and white. It is directed to various audiences such as Shoujo
(light romantic fantasy for young girls) and historical novels about
Samurai culture that are very popular with adults. Spain, England and
Germany also produce popular comic book series that are translated
into English and shipped to the US. The French company, Humanoids Publishing,
specializes in good science fiction and distinctive illustrations.
It is an interesting style and well worth the hobbyist’s perusal.
TE asks Edwards about expansion plans and future goals for Karen’s
Comics. “We have plans to move to a larger shop within the same
vicinity, says Edwards. “Our primary goal is to provide a high
standard of customer service while maintaining enjoyable and fun surroundings.
We also plan on future signing events with local North West writers
and artists.”
TE: What are your favorite comics?
KE: The new Conan Series by Dark Horse, because North West writer Kurt
Busiek is creating a story faithful to Robert E. Howard’s original
concept of Conan. And artist Cary Nord exquisitely paints each panel.
I also like Kabuki by David Mack, who has won many national and international
awards for his unique artistic style. His panels include incredible
calashes with watercolor painting base, and his physiology details
are accurate.
TE: What are your biggest sellers?
KE: Conan the New Series by Dark Horse and Superman/Batman by DC, written
by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Michael Turner, who is a very hot artist
right now. Also the Astonishing X-men, written by Joss Whedon of Buffy
the Vampire Slayer fame!”
TE: Do you think comic books make good Christmas gifts?
KE: Absolutely! The advantage of comics over other reading material
is that they combine art and literature. Also, in today’s busy
world people don’t always have time to read a full novel and
comics are fun and thought provoking entertainment.
TE: What do you suggest for Christmas gifts for first time collectors?
KE: I would suggest a graphic novel which, encompasses an entire story
line in one book, or possibly a collection of artwork from a variety
of comic book lines and there are always action figures of course.
While many of us gave up our favorite Archie or Josie
and the Pussy Cats comics in the teen years, there is a whole new level of sophistication
in comic book writing, art and collecting that has caught the attention
of fans from all generations. What once was carelessly passed to a
friend or tossed on a shelf is now delicately put in a comic board
and bag and reverently stored in a container. Karen’s Comics
dutifully honors the art of collecting and the magical ambiance is
a perfect environment to loose yourself in a world of your adventures!
Karen’s Comics is located at 10175 S.W. Barbur Blvd. # 104 B
- Colonial Office Campus, Portland, OR. Hours are Wed – Fri.
11 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call for expanded
holiday schedule.
For additional information on Karen’s Comics call: (503) 244-0613.
For additional information on San Diego Comic Con go to: http://www.comic-con.org.
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