Located in the heart of Zaferia is a comic book store that seeks to bridge the gap between lovers of comic books and novices with an interest in art and good stories.
“We’re not scary,” said owner Ryan Skinner with a laugh. “We just really want to get you into comics.”
Skinner, himself, was not always interested in comic books. Like many, he shrugged them off as having only to do with superheroes. As a voracious reader, eager to spend his newly earned money, at age 18, Skinner found himself shopping for comics for the first time in his life.
“I started with Watchmen and the Dark Knight Returns. At the time, I didn’t have very many friends who read comics,” Skinner said.
His desire to connect with like-minded people led to him checking out Pulp Fiction where he became a regular, making friends with the shop owner who would eventually offer him a job. Upon his retirement, Pulp Fiction’s original owner offered Skinner to take over at the helm, an opportunity he leapt at.
“I love this neighborhood,” Skinner said. “We get a ton of people who live in the area that walk in to have a chat or shop around.”
In addition to a wide array of comic books to choose from, the shop also offers a fun, monthly event for those looking to connect with the community. Every first Wednesday of the month, guests are invited to attend, Pulp Noir, where there is free beer and ample conversation.
“You don’t have to be 21 to attend. Anyone’s welcome to hang out and talk,” Skinner said. “Make friends and you may come away with a couple of solid recommendations, too.”
For LBCC student and local, Zuri Minor, the mission statement of Pulp Fiction is alive and well, evident in how he came to love spending time in the shop.
“What keeps me coming back is the community. Ryan is such a nice guy who has a lot of extensive knowledge on the medium.” Minor said. “The same thing goes for Wendy and Anny who also give recommendations and interesting comments that aren’t always about comics.”
Recently, Minor was approached by Skinner to volunteer for the shop’s biggest and busiest day of the year, Free Comic Book Day. The holiday is recognized by comic book shops nationwide and is celebrated on the first Saturday of May, every year.
“All the publishers will make a book to be given away,” Skinner said. “It’s a great way to get new people into comics. We get lots of kids and new readers who become longtime regulars because of it (Free Comic Book Day).”
Pulp Fiction takes things a step further on Free Comic Book Day by offering an incentive for guests to give back to the community by partnering with Long Beach Rescue Mission to collect donations during the event. While everyone who attends Free Comic Book Day will receive 1 free comic, those who show up with non-perishable food items to be donated will receive a couple of free comics, from a selection of 50+ offerings.
Whether you’re a longtime comic book fan or simply looking to explore something new, the people at Pulp fiction encourage you to stop in and have a chat.
For more information on the shop or for recommendations, be sure to reach out to them on Instagram @pulpfictionlongbeach
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