John Circone’s childhood was filled with visions of “Star Wars” and comic book superheroes. His fascination with comics was something he shared with his father, who introduced him to the colorful, action-packed glossies, Circone said.

The duo dreamed of opening a comic book store together. But when his father passed away, Circone decided to realize the dream for both of them.

“I was seven when “Star Wars” came out, so those toys, those were my life back then. Then I got a little older, and then it was comics,” Circone said. “My dad always said, ‘That’s what I’m going to do. When I retire, I’m going to open a store, and we’ll work the store together.’ … I always had it in my head.”

Circone took his personal collection of toys, games and comics—which were stored in closets, an office and his home garage—and opened Arkham Comics & Games off West Broadway Street near the Pearland Premier Cinema 6.

Since opening in September of 2015, the intimate shop has grown to become nerd heaven. The walls are lined with towering wooden shelves packed full of popular and obscure comics, including Japanese manga. Circone also sells “Magic: The Gathering” cards, board games, toys and apparel.

“The trend with all the comic book movies has really rekindled people’s interest in these comics because for a long time, they were in danger. They were falling off dramatically, and these movies have kind of saved them. It’s a good time to be doing this right now,” Circone said.

Circone said he is dedicating himself to creating a community of young voracious readers. He said Arkham is teaming up with area schools to promote comics for struggling readers. The shop will dole out comics for every A and B on a student’s report card.

“The best thing that happened to me since opening this store was a father who came in, and his son was struggling in school ... We picked out a couple of comics for him, and he ate them up,” Circone said. “That made me feel better than anything else that has happened to me since I’ve had this store.”

Arkham Comics & Games

5074 W. Broadway St.,
Pearland
281-406-8899
www.facebook.com/ArkhamComicsandGames
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-7p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun. 12-6 p.m