How dope is she?
Although Philadelphia has a rich tradition of quality comic-book shops – and could brag that Showcase Comics on South Street was the largest black-owned comic shop in the United States for quite some time – Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse will be the first black female-owned comic book shop to open its doors on the East Coast.
This “geeky” hybrid hopes to contribute to the burgeoning Kensington section of Philadelphia. Amalgam hopes to build community around comics, coffee, and relaxing with friends, and also through hosting geeky and diversity-themed workshops, movie/TV screenings, book signings, and BYOB nights.
“I got the idea for the shop about 12 years ago, when I was still attending Temple University,” said Amalgam’s owner, Ariell R. Johnson. “My favorite coffee shop was directly across the street from my comic book store of choice. So, each Friday, I would buy my books at Fat Jack’s, go across the street to Crimson Moon, and read everything I bought.
“I just loved the vibe of the coffee shop . . . and I loved being able to indulge my comic-book obsession in a comfortable environment that wasn’t my house,” Johnson continued. “When the coffee shop closed its doors, I was devastated. That’s when the idea came to me.”
While focusing on the regular comics we all know and love, Ariell says the shop will also focus on diversity of the comic book world.
We wish her nothing but super success and next time I am in Philly I will have to check it out.
Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse
2578 Frankford Ave.
First Floor, Philadelphia
Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/20151229_Caffeine_and_Kryptonite__New_Kensington_comic_book_coffee_shop_focuses_on_diversity.html#b635FXwpTq2uzuME.99