Sewickley Comic Book Store Answers Geek Girl's Wish

Have you ever wished for something small? Something that would not change the fate of the planet? Something simple?

I’ve always dreamed that a comic book store would spring up near my home in Robinson Township.  The selection at the nearby convenience store just didn’t cut it. I’m talking "Archie and Jughead" limited. Or worse, "Duck Tales!" 

They never had the newest "X-Men" or "Spiderman." Heck, you couldn’t even ask Mrs. Gupta (the sweet lady who ran the Dairy Mart) if she was ever going to get "Sub-Mariner" or "Silver Surfer" comics because she would look at me as if I were speaking Latin.

As I grew up and went off to college at Duquesne University, I began to experience city living. It had its ups and downs. Ups included easy access to comic books.

On the other hand, city comic book stores are in the city. So parking is a pain. Also, the closest comic book store to Duquesne was in the Strip District next to the bus station. Not necessarily the prettiest part of Pittsburgh.  

I’m talking about Eide’s, probably the most famous comic shop in the city. It has an amazing selection of old comics. The store gets all the new issues. Plus, it has a music store on the first floor which, I believe, still sells some vinyl. Basically, a comic geek’s dream.

As a woman, I have never felt welcomed at Eide’s. It’s staffed by males and rarely are there any female customers in the store.

In my mid-20s, I found a more female-friendly comic book store in Oakland called Phantom of the Attic. It even has a section of books specifically geared toward female readers.

As fate would have it, about two months after discovering Phantom, I got a big-girl job on the radio. The radio station was located in Green Tree and it seemed to make sense for me to move back to Robinson Township. It was close to work.

So here I was, back in suburbia, and still no comic book shop. At first I would drive out to Oakland every week for my comic book fix. Then it was every other week. I began to find it difficult to justify wasting the gas money. I was falling out of touch with my fellow geeks and it made me sad.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, it happened. My childhood wish came true.

Every year for my birthday, my older brother Nick and I go out to lunch and then go to a comic book store where he lets me pick out as many comics that I want. Nick suggested we check out a new comic book store in .

I couldn’t believe it. 

Sewickley is only 15 minutes from Robinson and it has a comic book store! 

When did this happen?

Well, it happened last May.  Dave and Beth Bishop opened Big Bang Comics at 437 Broad St. He and his wife had been living in Moon Township and finally decided to make their own geek dream come true and open a comic shop in suburbs.  

In this geek girl’s opinion, it’s awesome. They wanted a comic book store that was different.  The Bishops made a conscious effort to keep the store bright, with cool signage, different merchandise, and a customer-friendly atmosphere.

Truly, there is no need to drive into Pittsburgh for comics because Big Bang Comics can provide for all  your needs. I also should mention that the store has an awesome selection of action figures and accoutrements. It has a great clothing selection, including Marvel Comic tousle hats and a Batman hoodie, which I covet.

As I was leaving the other day, Dave mentioned a sale they were having this weekend: All graphic novels are 20 percent off!

I  couldn’t believe it. I must be on a roll! Graphic novels on sale was my second wish! Woo Hoo! Excuse me, I have to go play the lottery!

Download the movie