Comic Bookie to (choke!) close

Some of you will remember the days when comic books could be found at newsstands, supermarkets, convenience stores, candy stores and the like. In an earlier era, they were ubiquitous.

These days, other than a few in a spinner rack at the Montclair Borders, individual comics can be found only at comics specialty shops, of which there are very few. The entire Inland Valley has just four such stores, in Chino, Claremont, Pomona and Rancho Cucamonga.

Scratch Claremont. After 18 years, many spent in the Old Schoolhouse before a move to cheaper quarters in a business park, the Comic Bookie is closing up shop.

The last day is scheduled to be Oct. 31. Owner Chris Peterson sent out an e-mail to his regular customers this week announcing the end, saying sales aren’t even covering his expenses.

He’s in the midst of sales to clear out his stock — admittedly, the prospect of discount pricing cushions the blow to cost-conscious comics fans (i.e., all of them) — but it’ll be a sad day when the shop closes. Not least among the reasons is Peterson’s friendly manner, which endeared him to West End comics fans.

He liked us too, as his message makes clear:

“I cannot express how much I appreciate all of the great customers who have helped keep CB alive over the last 18 years! I will deeply miss doing business, and shooting the breeze, with you all. I feel very lucky to have spent the better part of the last 2 decades being your local ‘Comic Book Guy.’ But, things change, and it looks like it’s time to move on.”

His store is at 1420 N. Claremont Blvd., Suite 203B, Claremont; (909) 399-0228.

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