Looking back at 25 years as a comic-shop owner

Midweek update: Speeding Bullet Comics began on June 8, 1998

I’ve talked a good amount about the Silver Anniversary of Speeding Bullet Comics here, and now the official date is nearly upon us.  

Norman, Oklahoma’s Speeding Bullet Comics

June 8 is the official anniversary of Speeding Bullet Comics! Annette and I took over the assets of the former Norman Archives and Millennium Books on June 8, 1998.

I had previously worked at the Archives as a high school student and was excited to return. Annette and I both had a lot of ideas on how to adapt to the shifting comics marketplace of the late 1990s. Primary among our thoughts at the time was increasing the number of comic collections, often called trade paperbacks or graphic novels, that the store would carry. At the time there were very few stores in Oklahoma, if any, that stocked maybe 100 graphic novels, and I even think that’s a very heavy estimate. Reading material has always been our focus – in new, older, and book-format comics – and that continues today, though we enjoy connecting people with toys and games and other things they enjoy as well.

We’re glad to celebrate with longtime manager Dan Nash, who has been part of the Speeding Bullet staff for over 20 years himself. Those of you who know Dan know he is the salt of the earth and has been a massive part of making Speeding Bullet Comics successful. For many people, he’s the face and heart of the place. I value what he’s done for the store, as I value his years of friendship. Those of you with a Dan Nash in your life should consider yourselves lucky.

Speeding Bullet Comics manager Dan Nash.

The first day doesn’t seem that long ago. I waited behind the counter on New Comics Day on the first day under our ownership. Three college students came in, talking about new artists they were excited about and titles they were looking forward to. They greeted me as “the new guy” and wished me luck in my new endeavor. Those three guys shopped with us until they graduated, and eventually scattered to various other locations. We’ve since had thousands of students through our doors, some in Norman for a semester; others for a lifetime. 

Kids who came in the door grew up and had their own kids, who they brought to see their old hangout and revive a favorite hobby. Our own kids have been born since Speeding Bullet began and were raised in the store in many ways. Now you might catch them behind the counter if you stop in on the right day.   

Some who first came into the store as kids grew up to be trusted supporters, employees, and friends. We’ve had so many great employees, customers, and advocates over the years, and we appreciate what each brought to us in the time we shared.

Companies have come and gone; trends have waxed and waned. Through it all I’ve believed you can help change the world through comics, one reader at a time. If one story helps someone develop a little more empathy or understand a situation a little better, or it just helps them get through one more day with laughter, adventure, or entertainment – I hope we’ve helped by bringing those comics to them.  

The Prices at Speeding Bullet Comics in May 2023.

Matthew Price, matthew@matthewlprice.com, has written about the comics industry for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman.