Capstone Comics: Treasure Trove of Comic Books in Austin

It was 1979 and we were visiting my mother’s friend. As a nine year old, I found their conversation lacking and decided to go exploring through the house. Okay, so not only was I bored, but I was also a bit of a snoop.

I crept upstairs and found a fold-away ladder that led to the attic. We all know how scary attics can be, but undaunted I reached for the first rung. I almost turned around when I got to the top of the ladder, but I found a flashlight there.

A quick scan with the dim and yellowed light beckoned me to adventure into the cobweb filled triangular space at the top of the home.

A dusty cardboard box literally filled to the brim with comic books sat in a corner of the room. I sat there until the light gave out, reading story after story of superheroes and villains, completely entranced by the art and the fantastic stories.

That was my first experience with comics. I hadn’t thought about that childhood memory in a long time. Fast forward 34 years, I’m a blogger living in Austin and I get invited to check out the new Capstone Comics location on W. Anderson. The childhood memories flooded back and I happily headed out to take a look.

Capstone Comics in Austin

In my experience, mid-1970s comic book stores were dingy, unfriendly places (probably why I never kept up with collecting). Capstone Comics on W. Anderson offers a completely different experience.

Walking into Capstone Comics, you’re greeted by a life-sized statue of Iron Man. That is, if the staff doesn’t greet you first. Before you lies 4,500 square feet of bright and open comic book goodness.

This is not a gaming store. You won’t find tables waiting for you to sit down and play games, and you won’t see folks loitering about.

What you will find at Capstone Comics is a massive collection of comic books, shelf after endless shelf of them. The selection ranges from the newest issues to hit the shelves, to the rare vintage issues of the golden, silver and bronze era of comics.

You’ll also find some pretty incredible collectible statues, prints, posters, apparel and other specialty collectibles, and perhaps the friendliest comic book store staff in Austin. It seemed as if everyone on staff knew the majority of their customers by first name. Moreover, the customers knew them. This isn’t a stuffy joint where you feel embarrassed to ask questions. On the contrary, you are encouraged to ask.

Capstone Comics also has an entire section dedicated to the horror genre of artists and graphic novels, called Monsters Universe.

So whether you’re an experienced collector, you’re curious, or you’d like to take your kids for a visit to see if they have interest, I’d highly suggest that you check out this local Austin shop.

Capstone Comics is located at 1745 W. Anderson Lane. Their phone number is (512) 339-4251 and you can find them on the web at capstonecomics.com.

Capstone Comics Grand Opening

Though the store had a soft-launch, the grand opening is this Saturday, September 28th, from 10 AM-7 PM. If you are a comic book lover, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

• Famed graphic artist “Berni” Wrightson will be there from 10-6 signing autographs.
• Renowned sculptor Clayburn Moore will be on hand from 12-4.
• Local artists who have done work for Marvel and DC Comics will also be at the store doing sketches throughout the day.
• There will be door prizes with no purchase necessary every 15-30 minutes!
• Special deals all day long that will only be available on this date.

 

@EricHighland asks:

Do comic books bring back any childhood memories for you?