The comic book industry has, and continues to have, a prominent influence on pop-culture across the country. Yet with the rise of online comics and ordering on Amazon, many wonder whether comic book stores themselves are functional in the new age of technology.

However, a comic book store on Hillsborough Street called Foundation’s Edge continues to operate.

Founded in 1987 as an off-shoot of the Second Foundation Bookstore in Chapel Hill, the store offers a broad mix of comics, games, science fiction, fantasy books and other related items.

Rick McGee, the store’s manager, offered his views of these issues and how he’s seen the business change over the years. 

“The initial assumption was that online comics would hurt stores because it would give way to pirating,” McGee said. “In reality, shoplifting does more harm to stores. Digital sales actually help comic book sales rather than harm them.”

When discussing the major changes of the industry both locally and nationwide, McGee said DC Comics’ “New 52,”a massive reboot project of DC’s major series that bega in 2011 has proven to be one of the most successful changes in the history of the medium. 

“DC’s New 52 has boosted our sales, which is exactly the opposite of what I anticipated,” McGee said. “I’ve been collecting since the 70s and have never seen anything as revolutionary as [New 52]. Our average age customer in 2011 was 34-35, now it’s about 25 and younger audiences are becoming more and more prevalent. There hasn’t been a boost like this since 1998.” 

In response to DC’s success, its chief competitor, Marvel Comics, also launched a reboot project within the last year. 

These new tactics have proven to be an effective way of drawing in younger audiences who are living in the modern age of comics. 

Coinciding with these movements, the widespread popularity of comic book movies has had a more obvious impact on the state of comic books. 

“Comic book films have contributed to fueling our business,” McGee said. “Especially with big name characters like Batman, Spider-Man, etc., Hollywood does help somewhat in bringing in new fans.” 

McGee continued by saying the movie industry can be the determining factor of whether or not a series will be successful.

“The big test will be if the release of Man of Steel this summer will increase sales for DC’s upcoming new series, Superman: Unchained. If not, the first issue will probably sell for a buck in about three months.” 

While Foundation’s Edge and other local stores continue to run, other local shops have been less fortunate. 

In 2011, Foundation’s Edge’s former competitor, Capitol Comics, was forced to close down due to its lack of business.

 In a 2011 WRAL story titled “Raleigh comic book store closing after 24 years,” the store’s former manager Russ Garwood commented on technology’s impact on comic books.

“The current generation coming up is going to be the smartest one there’s ever been – until the electricity goes out,” Garwood said. “I feel so sorry for these kids. What are they going to do?” 

Hence, the technological advancements of the 21st Century have not been as beneficial for some stores. Factors such as location, popularity and management each play a role in a comic book store’s success, as with any business. 

One of the biggest events in the industry is Free Comic Book Day, which takes place every year in May in every store across the nation. Foundation’s Edge alone had over 1,300 customers on the day this year alone. 

Ultimate Comics in Chapel Hill also had enormous success with the event this year. Alan Gill, the store’s manager, discussed the growing impact of his business. 

“Things like Free Comic Book Day and other sales do wonders for us by bringing in a huge number of fans and introducing them to new series’”, Gill said. “I also attribute sales to comic book movies. I think we get new people off the street through them. Ever since Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man, people who had never picked up a comic in their life started flocking in to our store.” 

Yet unlike McGee, Gill and a host of others see the digital age of comics as a major drawback. 

“I’ve seen digital comics, but ultimately there’s nothing like holding an issue in your hands.”