Carmelo Chimera is the owner of Chimera's Comics, a chain of comic book stores in Chicago's south suburbs. www.chimerascomics.com/win-comic-book-stor "I believe people can do extraordinary things, but life gets them down," Chimera says. "People make decisions based on fear. And I want to take that fear away."

And now Chimera is holding a contest to give away his Oak Lawn comic book store. "People have been coming up to me for years saying they'd love to own a comic book store," said Chimera. "But most people don't do it. They blame lack of time, lack of money, lack of opportunity. I want to take all that away and give someone their dream job. I think the attraction of a comic book store is that it can be whatever you want it to be. It can focus on toys, games, movies, classic comics, kids comics – the possibilities ignite the imagination."

Everyone gets one go, for a $25 fee, but Chimera says "This is not a raffle, a drawing, or a gamble in any way" which is probably something very important he clarifies on a legal basis. Applicants must answer the question 'what makes a great comic book store?' Chimera says "It's entirely merit based. I will choose the winner based on their essay responses. And I will read every response."

The contest runs until February 28, or until Chimera receives 2,000 responses – whichever comes first. Chimera said the decision to give away his store wasn't easy. "I've been spreading myself too thin for years," said Chimera, who owns two stores, has a full-time job, and has recently started publishing comics.

"Writing and publishing is my passion," said Chimera. His first graphic novel, a superhero coming-of-age story called Magnificent, was released earlier this year after raising nearly $8,000 on Kickstarter. His next project, a horror graphic novel called Cellar Door, will be released later this spring after raising over $12,000. He's also a co-founder of the international comic industry event Buy Indie Comics Day and he's planning his own Chicago comic convention.

"It was time to admit that I was holding back the store," said Chimera. "I'm doing too many other things. But to the right person, this store isn't a distraction. This store is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Hopeful applicants can apply right here.