"... might as well be comic books!"

Batman. Spiderman. Watchmen. Ironman. Everyone loves these movies. But do you know where they really came from? These movies were all modelled after comic books by Marvel. I don't know much about comic books, but when I was walking through the mall I couldn't help but be drawn into the Dicehead Games store. They have this huge suit of armour standing in the entrance and all these movie posters plastered on the walls... I just can't help but want to go inside. Once inside, though, I feel immediately lost and confused. I've never read a comic book in my life. Ever. I've never had any friends that collect them (at least not publicly) and I've just never really seen many of them. So my question was: why comic books? I finally got the guts up to ask the store owner, Shane Grubb. He gave me some insight as to why comic books are a good hobby and why he is so passionate about it.

"For younger people, it encourages them to read," says Grubb. "It gets them unplugged from the Xbox and TV and into something more constructive. And for guys: every guy's got to have a hobby... might as well be comic books." He has a collection of over 40,000 comic books with big name publishers like Marvel, DC, and Dark Horse. They range in publication date from 1948 to 2000 and include several key issues like the first appearance of Riddler in Batman. The prices range from $2 to $300 based on the publication date and condition of the book. For collectors, this store is a playground. Dicehead also sells several family based board games including Settlers of Catan. This German originated game is based on goods management and involves critical thinking, decision making, and strategic trading and is great for a "family-night-in." No one gets eliminated in the game, and those that are behind can strive for goals that are within their grasp.

Dicehead Games has so many great items and they are all worth a look. Stop in and flip through a comic book, especially if you never have. If your kids are looking for something to collect, comic books are a great collection to encourage. Also, this collection can pay off in the end. Some comic books go for $16,000 or more with age. Be sure to stop in and check it out! And as always, happy hunting!