I wrote a thing for a thing:
Originally published here: http://fullertonfoundry.com/zero-to-hero-comics/
It was a dark time for comic book stores. Those which had not already closed were undergoing a slow death. In Fullerton, Comic Castle, Comicmania, and 21st Century Comics had already perished. Then a glimmer of hope — 20th Century Fox released the first X-Men movie. The film ended up being one of the highest-grossing of the year, cementing the foundation of new comic book inspired movies and pumping new blood into the atrophied comic book industry.
In case you missed your call from Commissioner Gordon or wonder why your Spider-Sense is tingling, it’s because there is a new hub for comics, gaming and pop culture in Fullerton. Zero to Hero Comics has burst into the world finding a home inside the Fullerton Train Station and it’s ready to tackle all of your comic needs.
The store owners, Enrique Munoz and Pierre Belca are realizing their dream of creating an amazing comic book store experience that defies the stereotype of the dark cave with troll-like employees who snark at your choice of books. Their main objective is not to simply sell you a comic or two, but to harbor long-term relationships with customers who feel comfortable as they peruse over the weekly new comics, graphic novels, 55,000 back issues, action figures and toys.
“I want this to be more than just a comic book store, I want to build friendships and memories,” Enrique exclaimed when asked what made his store different than other shops, “I want kids to come in here and then twenty years later when they are grown up, I want them to bring their kids here.”
“Comic book stores were really important for me growing up, it was a place where I made life-long friends,” Pierre said. “To think we could give that to someone is really awesome. We would love for this to be a hangout — a nerdy Cheers.”
Additionally, the shop is also the new store front to OC Jerky, a company that you might recognize from their presence at Fullerton’s Downtown Farmers Market.
Earlier this month, Zero to Hero Comics and OC Jerky used part of their 2,500 square foot store to host a free screening of the first season of The Walking Dead. Sodas, popcorn and, of course, beef jerky were on sale to complement the viewing. Future events are already in the works: Magic the gathering tournaments, comic artist signings, and more movie screenings.
“Spider-Man’s motto is with great power comes great responsibility and we have a great responsibility to this community,” Enrique said. The two owners/great friends are taking that responsibility seriously and hoping their store will be embraced by the community. If their first customers, a group of college girls buying the new Aquaman comic, are any indication, I think they’ll do just fine.
Zero to Hero Comics
Address: 140 E Santa Fe Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832
Hours: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily
Information: http://zerotoherocomics.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZerotoHeroComics
Fullerton denizen and Brea resident, Dean Ethington is a designer and creative strategist at his design studio DAEdesign. As a graphic artist, he has slaved for years being uniquely creative in his design work for Hollywood’s illustrative film and television industry. He is currently tackling the world, freelance-style. Be warned. Dean has answers to all creative problems.