A magical, welcoming atmosphere ushers in customers through the door of All Books and Comics. Rows of plastic-sleeved pulp fantasies with flashy, colorful covers draw in potential readers. The aroma of fresh ink and crisp pages meanders from classic novels and heroic fiction. This small store, the only one of its kind in St. Augustine, hosts the likes of Batman and Superman.
Comic books certainly are the focus of All Books and Comics, however, that was not always the case.
According to Vanessa Starling, the store owner, the shop was not always the showcase for mutants and super-powered people. “I opened the store in 1986 with just books, no comics,” says Starling. “The store was originally named the Book Exchange and was located downtown near the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind.” The store offered more traditional books and novels. It was only by a stroke of fate that comic books were introduced into the store’s stock.
It all began when an elderly lady entered the store carrying a small bag of comics that had been left behind by her children. The woman brought the books to the Book Exchange, but at that time, the store didn’t carry comic books. “I didn’t really have a place for those books at that time so I just put them away. The books sat in that bag for six months before I looked at them again,” says Starling.
Deciding to make a small profit from the used books, she placed the previously stored comics on the front counter and charged 50¢ each. To her surprise, the comics were a huge hit and sold quite easily.
“One day a customer told me that although he appreciated the price of the used comics, they were worth a lot more than what I was selling them for,” says Starling. “And something that I have seen even to this day, is that comic book readers are typically very honest and intelligent people.”
Heeding the advice of her customers, Vanessa Starling researched the price of the used comic books and raised the prices accordingly. The increased price did not deter the book sales nor the demand for more selections from eager customers. Motivated by the call for more comics, Starling immediately ordered a few select titles. By 1988, the increased number of comic book clients caused Starling to add more comics to her shelves. That year the Book Exchange became All Books and Comics.
Perfect timing too. The 90’s ushered in an explosion in comic book readership. “There was a huge boom for all comics across America!” states Starling. In 1992, readers were shocked by the death of one of the most iconic of all comic book heroes, Superman.
“The Death of Superman made mainstream America aware of comics,” says Starling.
That awareness brought about a surge in comic book sales from those wanting to read and or collect the unimaginable story arc. The demand for the Death of Superman also led readers to buy other new and exciting titles from DC, Marvel, and the newly-founded Image comics. All Books and Comics profited greatly during that time, which pleased Starling immensely. Sadly, with the rise of a thing must come the eventual fall.
Spurred by speculation, the market was flooded with the Death of Superman and other monumental story arcs from other publishers. Values in these books dropped drastically toward the end of the 90s, and a great decline in readers soon followed. The comic book boom was over, but it would not see the end of Starling’s book store.
Long after the 1990’s comic eruption, All Books and Comics is still the lone comic book store of St. Augustine. “I have seen several comic book stores come and go during my time,” says Starling. “Many were started by some really nice people who loved comics. However, to be successful one must first be a good business manager.”
With a welcoming smile, she listens to and advises her customers and she makes their satisfaction a priority. That charisma and dedication to the customers have aided in the survival of All Books and Comics when many similar stores have vanished. When asked how it’s been for the only comic book store in St. Augustine, Starling replies with a chuckle, “Well, it’s been great!”
A new surge in comic related media is emerging. Blockbuster movies and highly-rated television shows like The Avengers, Man of Steel, and The Flash renewed interest in the comic book format. When asked if comic book-based shows and movies have affected her business, Starling says excitedly, “The Walking Dead trade paperbacks have been huge! I’ve sold hundreds because of that show.”
While technology seems to reign supreme, many readers are still hungry for the tales of fists, aliens, and invincible heroes. Luckily, Vanessa Starling and All Books and Comics will be there to deliver the Pow! and the Bang! to readers across St. Augustine.
All Books & Comics
1395 US-1 South
