Holy nostalgia Batman, there’s a new comic bookstore in town.
Holy nostalgia Batman, there’s a new comic bookstore in town.
Graydog Comics and Toys set up shop in Chester Township Oct. 29 and the community has not been shy about its excitement, said owner Mike Brighton, adding the response has been fantastic.
“They have made us feel welcomed and we know that we picked the right location for our store,” he said.
As the name indicates, Graydog Comics and Toys, located in the West Geauga Plaza at 12660 Chillicothe Road, is not just a comic bookstore.
“We carry a wide variety of modern and vintage toys, as well,” Brighton said, adding it’s important to create an environment that is welcoming to families, as well as collectors.
Brighton opened his first store in 2017 and does not remember a time in his life when comics weren’t a part of it.
“My grandmother would buy me a comic book from the spinner rack every Saturday when we would go to the grocery store,” said Brighton. “No matter what career I was in, comic book and toy collecting were always there for me.”
Brighton and his wife currently reside in Willowick and wanted a home centrally located between both of their families.
“My sister’s family and my parents reside in Chesterland,” said Brighton. “When we decided to move to Ohio earlier this year, one of the first places I looked at for a shop was in the West Geauga Plaza.”
Brighton said they looked at other spots, but this space was the best option.
“We are very happy that we picked it,” he said.
Curious and nostalgic customers, young and old will find that Graydog carries a mix of both new and old comic books.
“We do not currently do weekly books, but we do have a lot of modern and vintage and our selection is growing,” said Brighton. “We also have comics specifically for all ages.”
Brighton said there is no set demographic for comics or toys — they market to everyone.
“We have families that shop with their young children, we have men and women who collect their favorite titles or find something new when they shop with us,” said Brighton. “They find that toy that they had as a child or that special gift for that someone in their lives.”
Brighton said comic books are also special to him because they got him reading when he was a child.
“It is a gateway to imagination that requires an interaction with a child,” said Brighton. “For the older reader, it is a chance to collect something that reminds you of your childhood, and that is also true with the toys, we sell. Collectors will find a variety of comics that will help to complete those collections.”
Brighton said what he is looking forward to most is a long and successful relationship with the members of the Chester community.
“We want to be a part of this place that has been so welcoming to us and to be able to give back to Chesterland,” said Brighton. “It is a great place for our comics and toys business.”
Graydog Comics and Toys’ current fall and winter hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays, closed on Mondays, 12-4 p.m. Tuesdays, 12-7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12-8 p.m. Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.
“In the event we need to close due to weather or other circumstances, that information will be posted on our Facebook page,” Brighton added.
