Comic book store Books With Pictures in SE Portland. Ryan Fernandez/The Oregonian
Books With Pictures has just been named the best comic shop in the world.
We reported on the store that was nominated for the Eisner Spirit of Retailing award and at the time, owner Katie Pryde went to San Diego Comic Con to see if the store won.
“It’s very validating and a little weird,” said Pryde. He says he spends a lot of time dealing with his conman syndrome. “I feel good about the shop. I feel great about the staff. I am happy with our inventory. The big question for me is, ‘Am I considered a comic book store for the purposes of this award?’ because we are a non-traditional shop.”
When Pryde says non-traditional, he means that his shop is trying to make the space inclusive. Not only is it slightly inclusive but an entire section dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ characters and creators in the story, BIPOC-centric displays, and outdoor event spaces to ensure people with impaired immunity feel safe to attend during this time of the pandemic.
The interior of the Books With Pictures comic book store located on Division Street.
Pryde believes that comics are for everyone and having an inclusive inventory and space is part of that mission.
“I came from the perspective that there is something in comics for anyone who is curious about reading comics,” he said. “There’s a kind of old-school perspective of a bunch of, uh, dudes, that they really want to get their boyfriends to like comics or they want to convince them to like comics. And I really feel like what’s here speaks for itself. You don’t need a lot of convincing and persuading. If someone is curious and interested in it, let them in and let them discover what interests them.”
Comic books were for decades a white male-dominated medium in both the creator and retailer spaces.
Pryde recognizes that some traditional comic book shops that don’t prioritize inclusivity can be an intimidating space. He tells a story about his friend who is now an industry professional, but was used to steal comics.
“The reason he became a comic shoplifter wasn’t because he was broke, he had money, but because the first time he went to his comic shop to buy a comic, he put it on the counter and the clerk said something mean about him. the book,” recalls Pryde. “It’s more interesting to imagine the police calling his parents because he was caught stealing, than his tender teenage soul going out to buy a book and asking someone to make a sharp comment.”
And Pryde said before he became an industry professional, he was always worried that the books he brought to the counter said something to the clerk about himself. He was worried that he made the wrong choice in the book.
Katie Pryde, owner of Books With Pictures.
Books With Pictures, and Pryde himself, offer a rating-free zone for people to buy books and comics from “X-Men” to “Genderqueer.”
Pryde’s latest recommendation is James Spooner’s autobiographical graphic novel “High Desert.” But if you’re looking for something to read, store employees are happy to help or you can visit the shelves around the store that hold personalized recommendations from many staff members.
“Nothing needs to be cool here. We’re all weird.”
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