Comic book shop opens in Garapan

Retired math teacher Glenn D. Keaton always had a soft spot for comic books. The first comics he bought was Amazing Spider-man #50, which he recalls was the first appearance of the character Kingpin.

It took a trip to Dubai a couple of years back, however, that convinced him to finally pursue his lifelong dream of opening a comic book shop on Saipan. Green Flash Comics Cards and Collectibles became a reality in November 2013.

“It’s been an idea that had been formulated before. I went to Abu Dhabi and there was the first annual comic book convention in Dubai and it was very successful,” he said.

While opening a comic book shop in the United Arab Emirates did cross his mind, Keaton decided to initially test the waters on Saipan, where he first moved in 2002 to teach at the Northern Marianas College.

“I want to eventually open a comic store in Dubai but I first want to learn the ins and outs of the business. I want to get the business here going and learn all the ropes. It’s basically my passion. I really want to do this for two reasons: I want to succeed here and I want to expand to Dubai.”

Green Flash Comics, which is on the second floor of the old MITA Travel building across the TSL Plaza in Garapan, carries comic book titles that range from the ever-popular Marvel and Avenger series, to X-Men, Archie, and a sprinkling of anime titles.

“A lot of people like it and are very excited. They come from all walks of life and from little kids all the way up,” Keaton said.

The shop houses approximately 7,000 comic titles, not counting the 2,000 titles in his personal collection. They range in price from $4.99 for the typical comic books to $140 for a Batman #167 rated at a grade of 8.5.

Aside from his personal stash on island, Keaton said his prized collection of comic books is safely tucked at his parent’s house in Washington. The current retail price of his collection in the states: $300,000.

He said he tries not to impose his preferences on customers who drop by at Green Flash Comics.
“The way I envision the comic store is I talk to the customers and they tell me what they want. First I picked the popular ones from a catalog but every now and then I bring in something that’s not so popular here like the last time I brought in, which is Lazarus. I will probably bring in Fanboys vs Zombies and Grimm Fairy Tales next,” he said.

Keaton said comics have also evolved with the advent of computers and the Internet, adding that most comics nowadays come with digital codes that allow readers to have a more multimedia experience by logging online.

“Some people try to read comics online but they still want the old feel of an old comic book. You don’t just appreciate it because of the art but also because of the story. I buy comics not to rekindle my childhood. I just happen to like the story and the artwork. I actually stopped reading for a while. I want to read them because there’s a comic culture out there where you to talk to fellow comics enthusiasts.”

Comic book lovers, he said, should also look forward to May 2014 when his store will join the whole world in celebrating Comic Book Day and he will be giving away comics for free then.
Keaton’s shop also sells action figures and gaming cards.

“This whole concept is about fantasy. Gaming cards, comics, and collectible toys are about fantasy. That’s the kind of atmosphere I want to create here—fantasy and adventure. A mirror beside one of the showcases is up there for a reason. When you walk in it shines on you and here you are now in a fantasy and adventure world.”

Green Flash Comics is open Monday to Friday from 12pm to 7:30pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. For more information, call 233-0899 or email gkeaton2007@gmail.com.