Byline: JOE TURNER, Correspondent
For some people, collecting comic books or sports cards is just a hobby. But not for Joey Boyack. He turned his love of collecting comics and sports cards into a full-time business.
The 35-year-old Norfolk resident owns and operates Comic Kings in the Fairfield Shopping Center, where it has been since 1996.
For Boyack, the hobby of collecting started long before he opened his store.
``I used to collect comics and sports cards as a kid,'' Boyack said. ``I used to buy and sell them to kids while in school. I wasn't much into reading, but I did like the wheeling and dealing with other kids.''
Prior to 1993, Boyack was a construction worker and screen printer. He and his then partner got started in the comic business by attending collectible shows.
``We were making money and it didn't take much money for us to get started,'' he said. ``When we started, it cost us less than $10,000. We just got in at the right time. We had some good deals buying and selling. We didn't get rich, but we made enough to pay the bills.''
The days of attending shows lead to the opening of their first store in the London Bridge Shopping Center off Great Neck Road. Since 1993, Boyack has been wheeling and dealing with Virginia Beach children.
``When we opened our Kempsville store, it became the strongest location,'' he said. ``After I bought out my partner, it just became too difficult to run two stores. Kempsville is a great place, full of nice people and lots of kids.''
Business has been good for Comic Kings. While Boyack tries to turn merchandise as quickly as possible, he estimates he carries an in-store and storage inventory of nearly $100,000.
Contributing to the success is the Pokemon craze and the still hot Beanie Babies. Still the bread and butter of the business are the comics and sports cards.
``Comic books and sports cards are what pay the bills. Pokemon and Beanie Babies are the side money,'' Boyack said.
Despite all the collectible items in his store, Boyack still has his own personal collection.
``I really like art, and that's what got me into the comics. The cool, neat art,'' he said. ``I collect original art and memorabilia like jerseys and autographs, kind of one-of-a-kind items. It used to be when I collect comics, I'd get a comic that I always wanted. Now that I've been in the business, all these comics that I've always wanted, they come through a lot more so it's not a trophy anymore. So I go for the more one-of-a-kind thing that you might not see again.''
Owning a comic and collectible store, like any business, means you have to stay on top of what's hot now and could possible be a hot seller in the future, Boyack said.
He said it's hard to tell, but he stays in tune with what's hot by listening to the customers who frequent the store.
Owning a comic and card store has its perks, like being able to get comic artists to come in periodically to sign autographs and talk to customers.
For information about the store, call 467-2254.
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STAFF PHOTO BY LANDON NORDEMAN
DANNY GILLMORE, 11, and Steven Schesventer, 10, of Sangaree Circle, discover a rare card at Comic Kings in Fairfield Shopping Center. The store sells Collective Card Games like Pokemon, as well as comic books, trading cards and Beanie Babies.
