Gulf Coast Cosmos Comicbook Co. has recently reopened at a new location on Wheeler Avenue, offering a wide variety of comic books that reflect a range of cultures and identities.
The previous location on Stuart Street closed down in May, and the store held pop-up events throughout June before reopening this month.
The overview
Owner Byron Canady said the business is the only Black-owned comic book store in Texas, and said he works hard to keep kids engaged in reading.
In a screen-saturated society, Canady said comics can prevent summer reading loss by acting as the literary medium to bridge that gap by making stories feel more exciting and accessible.
“[Comic books] create space for creative expression, inference and critical thinking, turning reading into an active and imaginative experience rather than a passive task,” Canady said.
A closer look
Canady also believes the role of diverse characters and nostalgia can help keep kids engaged with reading by fostering literacy, self-esteem and diverse world views, especially for readers from underrepresented backgrounds.
“Seeing themselves reflected in powerful, complex roles boosts self-esteem in young readers and challenges societal norms,” said Canady. “Additionally, exposure to diverse characters and settings broadens readers' perspectives, nurturing empathy, curiosity and a more inclusive understanding of the world around them as it truly exists.”
As for nostalgia, Canady said beloved comics like X-Men, Spider-Man and Static Shock can make reading feel less like a chore because they can bring up familiar emotional connections and positive memories.
One more thing
The store is open Wednesday-Saturday and sells a collection of independent and mainstream comics, according to its website. Customers can also buy fan art, gifts and apparel at the store and attend events like zine workshops and book clubs.
- Relocated July 12
- 2408 Wheeler Ave., Houston
- https://gcccomicshtx.com/
