Comic Book Store Clerks of America No. 15: Pasadena, Calif.

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

In this special edition of Comic Book Store Clerks of America, the Hero Complex visted the good folks of Comics Factory (1298 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA; [626] 585-0618) as they, along with many other comic-book shops throughout the country, celebrated Marvel Comics' 70th anniversary.

Shops stayed open after 9 p.m. selling "The Marvels Project #1," a retelling of how it all started for Marvel Comics, centering on two of its stars: the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner.  Many had special guests signing books and making sketches.  Comics Factory had Marvel colorist Dean White, and I chatted with him about one of his latest, and toughest, assignments as he displayed a Jack Kirby-esque Fantastic Four reproduction.

After speaking to Stewart, we talked to one of the guys who makes the shop run -- and was there after hours to help customers -- Sean Jackson. A super clerk (since he's the manager), Sean let us do a quick video intro, then I asked him a few other questions while hanging out.

HC: If you could be one of the Lanterns -- a color of the spectrum -- which would you be?

SJ: I was gonna say John Stewart.  John Stewart is awesome.  John Stewart is the greatest Green Lantern of all time.

HC: Not what I was going for, but OK.  And that's a big thing to say.  There are a lot of Hal Jordan fans out there.

SJ: Yes, Hal Jordan was the main guy for many years, but John's the coolest Green Lantern.  He's a ladies man, and in the cartoon he just kicked it up a notch too. ...  And he's also the most technical.

OK, well, if you couldn't be a Green Lantern, what kind would you be?

SJ: I gotta go with black.  I'd like to be able to raise the dead and have my little zombie army.

HC: But you have to be dead to be a Black Lantern?

SJ: Yeah, that's kind of a drawback to being a Black Lantern.  Summoning the dead? Awesome.  Being dead? Not so much.

HC: What are your top five favorite books right now?

SJ: That's tough cause I read everything, but in no particular order ... The Killer from Arcana Comics. It's a European comic.  It's amazing.  It's about an unassuming assassin. ... Blacksad, also a European comic. It's only published in graphic-novel form in the U.S.  It's about a detective that's drawn as a panther in a world full of animals. ... The Mighty from DC Comics --  an unassuming little comic with an original take on the superhero. 20th Century Boys, a manga, but it's still a great comic. ...  And lastly I'll go with Usagi Yojimbo.  I love the fact that it's an ongoing story done by one creator.  It just feels like a life developing.

-- Jevon Phillips

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Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 14: Houston

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

The best little comics shop in Texas?

 It's Bedrock City Comics, at least according to Chuck Schiel, 28, who mans the counter at the original location [6517 Westheimer in Houston; (713) 780-0675]. Between shifts, he says, he's been working on his "Insta-Grill" superpower, which is "the ability to turn teeth gold on a whim." No, we're not sure exactly what he's talking about either. Let's get on to the questions...

If Batman could get one superpower, what would be the most appropriate?

I’ll go with resurrection, because he’s dead. You'd probably want resurrection at this point.

What is the best ending of a comic book series that you've read?

The ending of Grant Morrison's "Animal Man" when he meets the writer. It was a great way to end the run with breaking the fourth wall there.

 In your opinion, which of the Harry Potter books was best suited for a great film adaptation?

The first one. It got everything started. I enjoyed it, but I never read the books. I'm more of a Tolkien man.

"Star Wars" and "Star Trek" fans like to agree to disagree. Do you think it's the same divide for "Lord of the Rings" and "Potter" fans?

Not necessarily. It might just be me. I know a lot of people like to read both.

What is the next toy that needs to be made into a movie franchise?

"Masters of Universe." Just because I want a He-Man movie.

-- Michelle Castillo

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CREDIT: Photo courtesy of Chuck Schiel

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 13: New York City, NY

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

It may be our world, but when it comes to comic books it's Jim Hanley's Universe. [4 W. 33rd Street, New York, NY 10001; (212) 268-7088] The store caters to the comic book connoisseur as well as a fair number of starving comics creators. Just ask Vito DelSante, 36: He's a mild-mannered store manager by day and covert comic book writer by night. His comic book, FCHS, recounts his last year of high school and will hit the shelves this October. "We foster that kind of creativity here," DelSante said.

What grown-up comic book could make it as a Saturday morning cartoon?

I think Sandman would be OK for kids. Although... Preacher would be great as a Saturday morning cartoon.

Which one of Captain Planet's rings would you like to have?

The air ring so I can fly.

If you were a superhero, what would your catchy slogan be?

"Do I have to?" That probably would be close to something I would actually say.

Which comic book writer should pen your biography?

I'm actually kind of doing it right now, but Brian Michael Bendis might actually make my life funnier than it actually is. He's written for "Ultimate Spider-Man" and "Powers," and he wrote "Fortune and Glory," which was his autobiography. It's hysterical and fantastic.

What should J.J. Abrams touch with his awesomeness next?

After seeing "Star Trek," I'm halfway willing to have him do "Star Wars." You know, since George Lucas can't do it right.

- Michelle Castillo

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Photo: The elusive Vito DelSante; Courtesy of Vito DelSante

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 12: Chicago, Illinois

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

Meet Shane Wallace, 26, from Graham Cracker Comics location in Lincoln Park [2562 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614; (773) 665-2010], where he constantly reminds his customers that comic books aren't just for kids. "Comics have switched from being for kids to being more for adults. I want to be able to read the comics on the shelves!" You're preaching to the choir, Shane....now on with the questions...

Ghost Rider, Knight Rider, or Speed Racer: Who would be first to the finish line?

Speed Racer, because the other two are out helping people.

Which super-hero movie needs to be done that hasn’t been done?

Flash Gordon and Green Lantern. I can’t choose between them. They’re two huge heroes that at one point were as popular as Batman and Superman, and they’ve been forgotten.

Now that "Battlestar Galactica" is over, how do you spend your Friday nights?

Waiting for "Caprica" to come on. The movie was good, and it’s something that keeps me involved in that world. I’m sad that I don’t get anymore "Battlestar Galactica." "Caprica" won't have Edward James Olmos, but that’s alright.

What makes you get crazy-angry like the Hulk?

When club members put back the stuff they ordered. I know I ordered it for them, and they say they don’t remember ordering it. It costs us money!

Create your own "Street Fighter."  What would his or her ultimate move be?

I’m from Kansas, so I'd call him Kyle the Kansas Cowboy. He can lasso you. It's my shout-out, giving some props to the Midwest breadbasket guy.

- Michelle Castillo

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CREDITS:Top photo courtesy of Sean Wallace. "Battlestar Galactica" photo from NBC-Universal.

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 11: Orlando, Fla.

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

If you're looking for that rare back issue of "Destroyer Duck" or "Black Goliath," check in with 33-year-old Shawn Schinault. He's the good egg who keeps things organized at Bad Apple Comics (8110 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809; [407]859-3422). We pulled him away from the bins to answer a few questions.

Who is your favorite "X-Men" mutant?

I'd say Havok. He's a well-written, well-rounded character. He's got a good back story, a good forward story and a good, tragic on-again, off-again girlfriend.

What after-school cartoon needs to be made into a live-action movie?

"Thundercats," because you've got sci-fi, you've got fantasy. You got all that rolled into one. You can even get gritty with it.

On the flipside, what live-action show on prime-time should be made into an animated show?

"Heroes." You've got to do something to save that show. It picks up this last season; it was better than last. They've got decent plot threads, they've just got to get them to gel. I didn’t love the finale, but they gave it a better direction than it has had the last two seasons. It's too much like X-Men.

Who is the best villain in Gotham City?

The Joker, because he’s just pure chaos. There is no reason with him. Batman is a detective so he takes logic and breaks it down. The guy's got no logic, no reason. Batman can't break him down.

There have been some sweet rides in comic-book history, among them the Batmobile, the Haunted Tank and the Fantasti-Car. If you could get the keys to one, which would it be?  

The Spider-Mobile. I just want to drive the Spider-Mobile. It goes up walls.

-- Michelle Castillo

Photo: Shawn Schinault Courtesy of: Shawn Schinault

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Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 10: Tempe, Ariz

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

It's a bold statement to claim that you are the Pop Culture Paradise, but co-assistant manager Richard Marshall, 26, believes that his store lives up to its name. The Tempe, Ariz., shop (707 S. Forest Ave. Suite A, 480-557-6640) was part of the campaign to bring the "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" premiere to town and PCP also sponsored a comics marathon in which writers and artists had 24 hours to produce a 24-page comic book. "It was about 15 people eating pizza, drawing pictures and watching movies," said Marshall (in the photo at left with good buddy R2-D2) who manned the Midnight-7 a.m. shift. Now, on with the questions... 

Riddle me this: If April showers bring May flowers, what should April O'Neil (from "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles") bring?

She should be bringing pizza! I spent countless hours being babysat by the television and the Ninja Turtles when I was younger.

How would you reimagine your favorite TV show?

My favorite TV show is "The X-Files." The only way I could reimagine the series is never to have the first "X-Files" movie. Then David Duchovny would never have left. Ending it there would just have been a pure memory.

Who's your go-to guy or gal in the Super Smash Bros. game?

Link, because he's easy.

Wait, are you one of THOSE players who do the same move over and over again? Answer carefully...

No! I balance it out, but his moves are easy to pull off.

Confession time: What comic book are you embarrassed to admit you own?

"Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane." It is a Spider-Man comic, but it's definitely a girl's Spider-Man comic. It focuses on their relationship and Mary Jane more. 

What’s the easiest way to get rid of a World of Warcraft (WOW) addiction?

Get rid of the Internet: It’s the only way. I’ve tried. If you keep the Internet, you will always go back to it or choose another MMO.  I played WOW for 3 1/2 years. I got permanently banned -- they called it "exploiting the economy" or something like that. I restarted and just got back up to the highest point, and then I was bored. I play Age of Conan now. 

-- Michelle Castillo

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Top photo: Richard Marshall. Credit: Courtesy of Richard Marshall. Inset photo: Link from Super Smash Bros. Credit: Nintendo

 

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 9: Red Bank, N.J.

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

We mourned the closing of Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash in Westwood as much as we cried when Superman died for the first time, but luckily the store's Jersey shore location [35 Broad St., Red Bank, N.J.; (352) 536-1488] is alive and kicking. If you're ever in town and want to see the best that Jersey has to offer, talk to Michael Zapcic, 41, who has manned the tills for the last nine years. And, yes, Zapcic admits that Jay is just the same lovable goofball with hilarious "anecdotes": "He's not acting. No one could be that good."

What comic book have you always wanted to read but never had time?

Oh, I'm looking at it right now. "The Tomb of Dracula": I've always wanted to sit down and read the entire run. It's a Marvel comic from the '70s. There's just so many comics that I'd have to go back and start digging through to find them all. 

Which Hollywood adaptation of a comic book put a bee in your bonnet?

"Catwoman." "Catwoman" was really bad. I didn't even see it; I was very offended by the fact that she wasn't Selina Kyle.

Which Hollywood comics adaptation popped your popcorn?

There were two: "X-Men" and "Spider-Man." I enjoyed them, but I had low expectations.

Are you feeling it for "X-Men Origins: Wolverine"?

Do you mean what do I think of the hype? It's another one of those cases where they chuck 5 pounds of spaghetti against the wall and see what sticks.

Dig deep: Who is your favorite villain in comics?

This goes back: I'd have to say the Golden Glider. She was Captain Cold's sister, and she would bedevil The Flash. It was back on the '70s, and I had a crush on Dorothy Hamill, and Golden Glider was an ice-skater.

You are trapped in an alley with a masked bad guy coming at you. Which Marvel hero do you want at your side? 

I'd want to partner with the chick from "Alias." She curses almost as much as me, and win or lose you're going out to a bar afterward.

-- Michelle Castillo

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Photo: Michael Zapcic 

UPDATE: An earlier version of this post had the store's hometown wrong.

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 8: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

If Galactus ever tries to take a bite out of Louisana he's in for a nasty surprise and we're not just talking about the Tabasco factory over on Avery Island. It turns out that the Ultimate Nullifer, that crazy Kirby gizmo that Reed Richards used to spook the planet-eater is hidden in plain sight over at School of Comics [660 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA; (225)922-9080]. At least that's what employee Jeff Walley, 33, tells us...

Speaking of Ultimate Nullifier, if you could be any member of the Fantastic Four, which one would it be?

If I could steal any member’s powers, I would take Mr. Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic) I'd take his brilliant deduction... wait can I have more than one power? I can have all of them? I could have his elasticity too? Definitely him then!

Which superhero has the best chance at saving the economy?

Super O of course! He's was on the cover of Wizard this month. He even had his shirt open like Superman.

Green Lantern, Green Hornet, Green Arrow: Whose the greatest of the greenies?

The best green hero? Seriously: The Jolly Green Giant. Organic goodness -- what else needs to be said?

What is the last book you read that did not have pictures?

"Stranger in a Strange Land." It's an amazing book. I was very impressed.

What is in your DVD player right now?

The "Justice League Unlimited" series, the one from Cartoon Network from a few years ago, is still in there. It's got an amazing storyline. The second season of the "Justice League" was done by Dwane McDuffie. He spun a story with (Project) Cadmus and Brainiac and Lex Luther. It's extremely well done and well told for an adult/children's cartoon series.

- Michelle Castillo

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Think your fav store has a clerk who is worthy of our spotlight? Tell us in the comments section below...

Photo: Jeff Walley and his sidekick, courtesy of Walley.

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 7: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

He reminds us of Puck from Alpha Flight and his name had us humming "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt," but there is nothing but respect for Jo Schmidt who at the tender age of 23 is an advanced scholar when it comes to comics. He works at Collector's Edge Comics (2330 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI; [414] 481-5055), which has four locations and more than a million back issues.

What’s the best comic book to snuggle with on a cold day?

"Watchmen!" It's the best comic book of all time. Hands down, there's nothing that competes with it. Well the only thing would be "Maus," but that's a completely different category. There's nothing like it. It's something that you can curl up with on a cold day and absorb. You can really, really get into get to all the layers of "Watchmen."

So you must have seen the "Watchmen" movie by now?

I thought it was absolutely fantastic. It was as good as it could be, without seeing the director's cut, of course. Purists already have it in their mind they are not going to like it no matter what. There will never be another director that will care about the material as much as Zack Snyder did and will be as good as this director is. You can tell he did it out of love instead of money, not like Michael Bay.

If you could steal any superhero's accessory, what would it be?

The Green Lantern ring. It can do anything you want it to. It's only restricted by the user's imagination and willpower. It's the ultimate weapon in the universe. Besides the fact it can make you fly in space, you can create any construct that you want.

What comic book movie needs a do-over?

"Daredevil," because the first one suffered from poor casting choices and poor writing and directing choices. The supporting characters were significantly perfected -- well, except for Elektra, she's just trash. They need to pick someone better, someone who isn’t Ben Affleck.

If you could write a comic book series based on events in your home town, what would it be about?

It would be about the comic book store called "The Comic Book Store." It would be just about the random things that happen. It would be a sitcom. We've got lots of strong personalities here.

-- Michelle Castillo

Photos: Jo Schmidt from Collector's Edge Comics; Jo's comic book doppelganger Puck (from Alpha Flight) Credits: Courtesy of Collector's Edge Comics; Courtesy of Marvel

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Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 6: Dayton, Ohio

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

If you're looking for a pick-up game of Magic: The Gathering or a "Star Wars" role-playing game, enter the domain of Bell, Book & Comic (458 Patterson Road, Dayton, OH; [937] 643-9006). The store (with a name  paying homage to "Bell, Book and Candle") is the site of biweekly and weekly tournaments of World of Warcraft, Yu-Gi-Oh and other games, but don't forget the comics that line the walls too. We rolled the dice and asked 35-year-old owner Peter Bell a few questions...

What comic needs to be made into a role-playing game?

I would say "G.I Joe" and "Transformers." A lot of people ask about it, saying, "This would make a great game!"

If Superman had to give up one thing, what should it be?

Oxygen! Sorry, I don’t like Superman. If he had to give one power, it should be flight. I think it would make things a little bit more interesting. Everybody flies, but for him not to be able to and keep everything else would be interesting. I'd like to see how he would adapt to it.

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 5: Moscow, Idaho

They have no superpowers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

What better place to have fun with alter egos than a comic book store? That fake mustache in the photo is part of 44-year-old Katherine Sprague's way of playing with identity. It's been 20 years now since Sprague opened Safari Pearl (221 E. 3rd St., Moscow, Idaho; [208] 882-9499), a store that is proud of its spot in the community ("I probably own the oldest lesbian-owned comic-book store in the nation," Sprague said). Another point of pride: its extensive, specialized stock of costumes of the fantastic, be they Batman cowls, Rocketeer helmets or Harry Potter wands. We dialed up Sprague and quizzed her on fangirl matters of deep import.

What do you think is the true origin of the Joker?

I think it's whatever the reader needs it to be -– although I prefer Alan Moore's "The Killing Joke" explanation. It's the story when a stand-up comedian falls into a vat of acid. It might be weird, but when you have a bad day, bad week or bad month, it makes sense to go over the edge like that. It's probably my favorite story ever.

What comic-book series should be everyone’s favorite?

Wonder Woman! she's just incredible. No other female character has been around that long. She's part of the three characters that are continually featured from the Golden Age: Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

What would your superhero name be?

Oh dear! I thought of one this morning at work: Captain Hammerpants. It seemed like a good idea at the time. There’s really no explanation for what goes on in my store.

A superhero has to have a unique superpower. What would yours be?

I would have laser beams for my eyes. I would use it just to discipline frat boys.

What television series should be turned into a manga?

I think it should be "Sesame Street," which is my favorite show of all time. They could definitely pull off the over-the-top chibi thing with it.

-- Michelle Castillo

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Photo: Katherine Sprague

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 4: Seattle, Washington

They have no super powers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America and we salute them.

Ten years ago, Gabriel Hagmann hatched the perfect retirement plan: Work hard, save up and open his own comic book store. After a decade of hard labor, Hagmann, now 36, is the proud owner of Dreamstrands (115 N. 85th St., Seattle, [206] 297-3737), where he navigates customers to boxes of back issues where they can peruse actual honest-to-goodness comics instead of having to strain their eyes reading badly scanned copies on the computer.

What comic book would you suggest to Stan Lee?

Ah, Stan Lee! Hmm, I would suggest something that he didn’t have to do with creating, which is pretty rare. I think I would give him a Vertigo book, something like "Sandman" or "Lucifer" or "Young Liars" -- something that is outside the realm of superheroes.

In your opinion, which actor has played the best Batman?

Definitely Christian Bale, but the best Bruce Wayne was Michael Keaton. Val Kilmer was horrible! Christan Bale looked best in the suit; Michael Keaton did a great job of not always being in-the-moment -- there were times when he was shaking your hand but thinking about something else more important, as Bruce Wayne would be.

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 3: St. Louis, Missouri

They have no super powers, but they are heroic: They are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with each other all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America, and we salute them.

Meet Nick Kuntz, 28, who loved" Star Wars" so much growing up that he spooked his mom.

"When I was 3, I could name all the characters from 'Star Wars' and who played them. My mom wanted me to know that it wasn’t real, so she taught me the actors' names. I would say, 'My Luke Skywalker action figure is played by Mark Hamill.' " Still the quintessential fanboy, Kuntz spends his days fantasizing about female Twi'leks while helping customers at Star Clipper Comics (6392 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, Mo., (314) 725-9110).

What comic book is the hottest seller in your store? And what should be the hottest?

"Do you have the Barack Obama Spiderman comic book?" Everyone asks, and we don’t have it! It's "Amazing Spider-Man" No. 583 -- the one with Barack Obama in it. Hmm, what should be? I would say Captain America, because it’s a good book that should have broad appeal.

You get the chance to re-do any comic book movie, which one do you pick and who is your star?

You’re full of tough questions! I would do "Daredevil." I would cast Matt Damon as the main character, even though Ben Affleck is the real one. I think that he's done OK with the movie "The Bourne Identity," so he has the cynical aspect down pretty good. He's also a great actor.

A bunch of superheroes go into a dark alley, but only one walks out alive. Which one would it be?

I’ll say the Invisible Woman, because she can hide, and everyone else would beat each other up.

You dedicate yourself to fighting crime as a mystery man. Describe the costume you would wear.

It would be a hoodie with my logo I designed and a domino mask. I think it looks cool, and I don’t think you would look utterly ridiculous in it. I wouldn't have a cape. You don’t need it for anything; it's unnecessary and gets in the way.

You spend the rest of your life in a "Star Wars" movie. Would you live as Jedi or Sith? And which movie do you live in?

Jedi. I’m awful at being evil. It would be tough what period though. Anakin is really annoying. He's whiny ... but Luke's whiny too. ... Anakin was really petulant, so I'd probably go alongside Anakin.

-- Michelle Castillo

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Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 2: Los Angeles, California

They have no super powers, but they are heroic: they are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with each other all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America and we salute them.

Meet Chris Rosa, a 30-year-old dead ringer for  "Green Lantern" (circa John Stewart) who works in brighest day and blackest night at Meltdown Comics & Collectibles (7522 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, [323] 851-7223). Rose is mighty proud of the store's pop-culture bonanza range "from vinyl toys to art books to a vast children's section to weird imports back to comics" and he bravely answered all our questions.

Be honest -- think about your life and tell us which stereotype about comic-book geeks applies to you?

I refer major moments in my life to events in comics. For example, my best friend and I both refer to our "one that got away" as Dandel, the long-lost girlfriend from "Goodbye, Chunky Rice."

Which comic book series is in desperate need of becoming a TV show?

Without question, "Scalped" by Jason Aaron and R.M. Guera.  Done on either FX, HBO, or Showtime, it would be the next great American crime epic.

The Marvel superheroes just challenged the DC capes to a battle to the death. Was this a smart move for Marvel?

That would be a typically brash Marvel move. But unlike their great business successes, this would backfire terribly.  Why? DC has Batman, and Batman always wins, even when he dies, as in "Final Crisis" #6.

Which comic book star would you take on a date and where would you go?

Since you pose this as "comic book star," I'm going to take Lynda Carter, the great star of the "Wonder Woman" series.  I'd take her to see a movie at Hollywood Forever ... or someplace really nice, like the Music Center on Grand.

A customer walks in and tells you that "Ghost Rider," is their favorite movie of all time and that Jennifer Garner probably shoulda got an Oscar for "Elektra." What do you say?

I'd put my arm around them and say, "If you dug that, I've got some stuff for you -- the current Ghost Rider series, written by Jason Aaron (collected thus far in the "Hell Bent and Heaven Bound" trade paperback), straight-up grindhouse insanity.  You know you want to see Ghost Rider face off with a motorcycle gang made up of nuns.  As for "Elektra" -- take this here "Elektra Omnibus" by Frank Miller and Bill Sienkiewicz.  Do not attempt to drive or operate heavy machinery after reading.

-- Michelle Castillo

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Photo: Courtesy of Chris Rosa

Comic Book Store Clerks of America, No. 1: Los Angeles, California

They have no super powers, but they are heroic -- they are the store employees across America who sell comics and, like the guys in "High Fidelity," bicker with one another all day long about the true treasures of the discount bin. They are the Comic Book Store Clerks of America and we salute them.

For the Cure, love came on Friday, but for Todd Matyja, 28, it's all about Wednesdays. That's when the new issues land at Comic City (5703 E. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 888-1877) and the customers follow. An avid comics reader for 16 years, Todd is proud that Comic City still has a major back-issues inventory even as other stores abandon the old stuff for space and allergy-inducing issues. We caught up with the Lex Luthor look-a-like while he was working the counter.

When you were a wee young lad, where did this whole comic-book problem start?

"X-Men"! Actually it was the cartoon series that got me reading the comics. It wasn't any book. I just wanted to read "X-Men"!

You can own one piece of comic book art by any comics artist. What is it and where do you hang it?

It would be a piece by Alex Ross. He did a piece called, "Dedication for Alan Moore." It had all the characters he had ever written, and his face is the background. I would frame it and put it up in the living room.

Think about the final issue of your favorite comic-book series. Is there one little thing you would change?

Well it would be "Preacher." I really wouldn't change it. I mean, how good was that? He road off into the sunset. How else could you end that? I've got nothing.

NBC has just hired you to save "Heroes," where do you start?

Stop using story lines that have already been done in Marvel!

Should all Saturday morning cartoons be turned into anime?

No! This is a tough one. This can vilify me.... I like a couple of mangas, but I like comic books. I'm a comic book fan. They'll write a manga about anything! There's one called, "The Prince of Tennis." What is that?

-- Michelle Castillo

Photo credit: Comic City