Fear and Loathing in Santa Clara; From our Irish man enjoying a beer in a comic shop (note: at the time of writing James was in the US for the science fiction Worldcon, where he scooped a prestigious Hugo award for his fanzine work – Joe).
It’s hot here in Northern California, but I have found shady chilled refuge in Illusive Comics, on El Camino Real, Santa Clara, south of San Francisco. It’s is the sort of comic shop that one might only have imagined of, a strange cross between Coolsville in the Simpson’s and Atlantis Fantasy World in Santa Carla.
But instead of Milo or the Frog brothers, one is greeted by well-read and knowledgeable staff and the gregariously charming Anna who owns and runs the shop. Its a fun place better than one can imagine. It’s spacious, very well stocked, and the atmosphere is infectiously friendly.
There is a couch and in no time, I am offered a cool beer, or selection of drinks. I can buy a chilled coke as well. They are a popular and busy shop, and have an interesting selection of unusual titles which catch my eye, including The Chicagoland Detective stories by Trina Roberts.
As well as being well-stocked, and let’s be honest that’s many a comic shop, it’s the social element to the venue, that I find so exhilarating. It’s a hub of activity, and also as well as being a supplier of predominately comics and games, Friday is gaming night. The shop is open until 11pm, but by 6pm there are people hanging out, chatting, gaming, relaxing and then tables and chairs are moved about and gaming starts.
Anna barks orders or instructions or maybe rules as a real mix of people chow down on Pizza and doughnuts and start playing a variety of games. It’s a young, mixed crowd, both men and women.
I just sit in the soft comfortable couch, and enjoy a very refreshing cold beer, chat with some locals about the DC relaunch, and we all agree that Stormwatch and Animal Man might be ones to watch, and people log on, because there is decent Wi-Fi.
They have a toilet that customers can use, and it’s painted like a crime scene. People are watching interesting video clips, there is good conversation and as I sit back down with my beer I wonder whether I should or could be bothered to go to an actual bar when there is a comics store this good with beer.
I’m 6,000 miles away from home, but these people are my people, and it’s like the best part of a comic convention, chatting and drinking a beer – and I can also buy some comics. A place to visit if you are ever in town.
Fri, Sep 2, 2011
Comics and cartoons