Opening up a comic book store was never about the cash for one Ball State alumnus.
“It really is a love and a passion for me,” Slade Smith said. “And it has to be because it doesn’t make a lot of money. I have always loved games and comics, and it’s great to be able to share my passion with others.”
However, Smith said his store, Atomic Comics Games and Music’s sales have grown each month since he opened the shop in January after years of saving and planning.
Smith’s dream began when he was a young boy and his father would take him to the town drug store and give him a quarter. Smith in turn would go to the comic book section, where he would immerse himself in the worlds of his favorite heroes, like Batman and Superman.
Smith graduated from Ball State as a non-traditional student in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in general studies and an associate’s degree in applied science. After he graduated, he opened AMS Entertainment and Audio/Visual, a business that specializes in weddings, school dances and rentals. After having enough cash to pursue his main passion, he bought property at 120 N. Mulberry St.
Past the rows of comic books and mounting stacks of board games and figurines, in the back, guitars, amps and musical equipment line the walls.
When Smith opened the store, it had previously been a music shop. Instead of just taking it over, he and the previous owner decided to combine their businesses.
“It’s really cool because you can come in and buy games and comics, and then get your guitar tuned or new strings,” he said.
Smith runs Atomic Comics with the help of Andy Cross and Bob Breitung, who operate the business on a day-to-day basis while Smith works at AMS.
Cross is in charge of planning the weekly gaming tournaments like “Friday Night Magic” and “HeroClix Open Play.” Cross said it’s about creating casual environment for people to become involved in gaming, whether seasoned players or newcomers.
“Gaming is really very educational,” Smith said. “You have to use math, strategy and reading in almost every game. It also is a very social thing. Unlike Facebook, you’re actually interacting face-to-face with other people and having fun.”
Joe McPherson has played in the “HeroClix” tournaments since Atomic Comics opened and is a frequent customer.
“It’s a great place to go and just be with friends,” McPherson said. “I’ve met some of the greatest people here. I just hope more people come and experience this.”
The comic book store is open seven days a week and has new games every week, like the upcoming tournaments “Bolt Action” and “Pokémon.”
“It is worth all of the work that goes into it because I have always enjoyed this,” Smith said. “It really is a passion.”
