news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Next week comic book fans of all stripes will descend on San Diego for Comic-Con International, the world’s largest comic book convention. Television and movie trailers will be premiered, grown men will dress as Superman and a comic bookshop in Greensboro may be named one of the world’s greatest.

Acme Comics on Lawndale Drive is up for the industry’s coveted Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award. The shop will compete with 16 others from across the world for what manager Jermaine Exum calls the Academy Award for comics retailers.

“I know it’s a cliche, but it is an honor just to be nominated,” Exum said.

The award, named for seminal comics creator Will Eisner, is part of the larger Eisner Awards, the most significant honor in the industry. But while artists, writers and editors compete on talent alone, the retailer award is a little more complicated. Industry judges look at the store’s image, its place in the community, its diversity of offerings and business ethics.

“They want to see that you’re doing more than just keeping your shelves well stocked. They want to see that your store is part of your community and that you’re really promoting sequential art.”

Exum said he and his staff boiled the store’s 26-year-history down to a five minute video. Their application also concentrated on their store’s child-friendly atmosphere, tours and comic giveaways for school groups, creator signings and other special events for customers and the community.

“We have had some comics professionals come through as guests in the last few months, and they have said they’re very impressed,” Exum said. “I’ve heard them say they’ve only seen the kind of fan turnout and excitement here at conventions.”

Exum, who has managed the store since 1998, said competition will be fierce with nominees from the U.S., Canada, England and Israel. But he would love the shop — and the city — to get the recognition it deserves.

“I just want to bring this home for Greensboro,” Exum said. “I think that would be great.”
 

Contact Joe Killian at 373-7023 or joe.killian@news-record.com