Columbus Comics
A Marvelous World
From its humble spot off Hamilton Park Drive, it may seem like just another store – but inside the doors of Columbus Comics, a world of scheming villains, valiant heroes, and breathtaking adventure awaits.
Comic books have long been loved by those who enjoy a thrilling storyline, colorful characters, and limitless creative elements. Patrick Robinson, owner of Columbus Comics, is one of the many who feel drawn to the world of comic books.
Originally Columbus Book Exchange, the shop traces its history back to 1969. “It’s been around awhile,” Patrick says. In 1980, Patrick bought the business, having spent much time in the book shop as a teenager. Under his guidance, and through many changes over the years, Columbus Comics has evolved to become the place in town to shop for comic books.
In the early 80s, one of the first major changes took place when the shop began buying comics directly from comic book companies. Previously they had gotten their materials from the local Muscogee News. Buying direct allowed the shop to provide a broader variety of materials and changed the comic book business altogether. “I got to be on the ground level of a big explosion that totally changed the comic book business,” Patrick recalls. “Direct distribution and independent companies opened up a whole new world.”
Patrick has seen the comic book industry go through many changes over his time running the shop.
“When I was growing up, you could buy comic books in the grocery store, drug store, and places like that, but nowadays, pretty much the only place you can buy new comics is in a comic book shop,” Patrick says. One major boost he recalls noticing is the interest people began taking in comic books during the height of the superhero film era during the 2010s. “Those movies definitely got people more interested,” Patrick says.
Around fifteen years ago, Columbus Book Exchange became Columbus Comics, and Patrick took paperback novels off the shelves to make room for more comics, as the shop became a one-stop comic book shop.
For Patrick, it’s all about the stories. “I love the characters, the plot, and the imagination that goes into creating the comics,” Patrick says. “A good character is a good start, but you have to put the character into a compelling story to create a really good comic.” He notes that comics appeal to a vast and diverse audience because comics are made for every interest. “There’s something everyone can relate to,” Patrick says.
Comic books hold another appeal as well – they can be surprisingly relatable. “Heroes are heroes, but often the story is seen through the eyes of normal people.” In this sense, we can all relate to the fear, the suspense, and thrill of the journeys we experience with these characters experiences we join in.
Talking with a man who has immersed himself in the world of comics for over 40 years, one can’t help but ask: “What’s your personal favorite?”
Patrick names The Flash as being one of his childhood favorites. For him, the most interesting feature may be the ever-shifting cast of dastardly villains. “Adversaries make for good stories,” Patrick explains. He also enjoys the relentless heroism of Batman, the all-around good guy appeal of Superman, and team stories where everyone has to work together.
Patrick’s stint as the local comic book guy has taken him far and wide, and his experiences and stories include the opportunity to meet comic book legend Stan Lee. The photo is now proudly hung on the wall just inside the front door of the shop.
Patrick has spent more than four decades surrounded by compelling stories and drawings, but for him, the best part is seeing kids grow to love comics. “I’ve got hundreds of children,” Patrick says. He has watched countless kids in the community grow up, frequently returning to his shop for their next issue. Today, many of them return with their own children. “I’ve watched people grow up and get married. I love that part of it,” Patrick says. “It’s a good community.”
He has many stories of comic book lovers coming together to support the community. During the pandemic, a mystery philanthropist bought all of Patrick’s items and donated them back to the store to be given to kids who came in looking for something to read. “It spread, and other customers started doing the same thing,” Patrick recalls. When schools closed down, one of Patrick’s regulars bought comic books and took them to Feeding the Valley, where school lunches were being given out to children. They allowed the children to also pick out a comic book to take home. “It kept me in business, but took it one step further to help the kids,” Patrick says. “It’s the best thing that happened to me.”
Today, Columbus Comics gets new books each week, and carries back issues and graphic novels for people to complete collections and catch up on storylines. In addition, Columbus Comics offers a subscription service and can take customer orders for specific books.
The local comic community is one of a kind, finding camaraderie in their love of a good character, a good story, and good comic art. “People come in here and start talking about what they like to read and recommending new things to each other. We all have similar interests, we all help each other out,” Patrick says. More than anything, he aims to create a space at Columbus Comics where people feel safe, have fun, and feel accepted and included.
Columbus Comics is located at 6440 Hamilton Park Drive Ste B, Patrick points out a good way to describe the location is off Veterans, right behind Rooms-To-Go. Their hours of operation are Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 6:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm, and Sunday 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
By Natalie Downey