I’ve been going to local comic book shops since I was 12 years old. Back then it was O’Leary’s Comics out in Lakewood. Later I’d go to Lady Jayne’s, then The Spider’s Web, then Comic Book Ink, then Spy Comics in Federal Way which is now Fantasium Comics. Detroit native Michael Fitzgerald is the latest entrepreneur to get into the comic book shop game. His new shop, Destiny City Comics is opening next week. He was nice enough to take some time from getting his shop ready to join me for 5 Question Friday and tell us a bit more about himself and his shop. Here’s Mike:

1. What is Destiny City Comics?

Destiny City Comics is my new comic shop set to open October 1. I want the shop to be a destination for comic book lovers. I hope to make available a healthy variety of works by esteemed creators.

2. Why did you want to open a comic book shop?

It all just kind of came together. After seeing RR Anderson post about an upcoming informational session and deadline, I thought I’d pitch the idea to Spaceworks Tacoma and they were incredibly supportive. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to open a shop without their enterprise training. When I saw the spot next to King’s Books was open I really thought that would be a great fit for my comic shop idea that I’ve been working on for the past few months.

3. What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about comic books?

I think one of the bigger things might be the misconception that comics are just about bone-headed superheroes smashing their way through problems, but while there are plenty of those and they can be fun there’s a lot more out there. I hope to be able to connect people to comics they can really enjoy because there’s a lot of high quality stuff out there by passionate creators.

4. What is your favorite comic book story and why?

You know I’ve read a lot that I really enjoy but I think I have to go with Death: the High Cost of Living for this one. I wrote about this book for local arts and culture magazine Post Defiance when we read it for the Comics and Pizza Club at King’s Books (http://postdefiance.com/ten-things-i-learned-about-life-from-death-the-high-cost-of-living/).

5. What do you hope for the future of Destiny City Comics?

I want to ignite imaginations with some great literature and make the shop a fun place to visit. I want to encourage single issue or trade paperback subscribers for repeat business. I also hope that it will be a cultural hub for Tacoma and host unique art events.

I’d like to thank Mike for taking the time to join me and honestly, for opening up a comic book shop I can walk to. Destiny City Comics is located next door to King’s Books at 218 St. Helens, Tacoma, WA 98402.You can find out more information about Destiny City Comics at their website: http://destinycitycomics.com/ or at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DestinyCityComics

If you or someone know is interested in joining me for 5 Question Friday, email me at jackcameronis@gmail.com

– Jack Cameron