On Saturday 27 January 2024 the grand opening of his new store took place Star Comics Exarchia. So I took the initiative with friends to visit the new store, make our purchases, and then I write my impressions.
Star Comics - New Store
New space
The new store in Exarchia is two-story with a 100-story. Very smart move I think is that each floor has been separated depending on the types of comic books it has. The first floor has Western comics (mainly superheroes), with figures and so on, while the second floor hosts manga/manhwa, anime figures, T-shirts and funkos respectively.
First floor
To tell you the truth, I didn't think this place would be that big. The first floor has a variety, more in Marvel & DC superheroes, from individual issues to hardbound volumes and omnibus.
You can get comic books from other companies like Image. She's got a lot of figures, with my favorite being some new figures. Popeye that I saw, but as you will understand, because I'm a big fan of manga, I'll talk more about the second floor.
Second floor
I'll start with the merch, and specifically the figures. There are figures for characters from well-known anime from various companies such as Baindai, Banpresto, Sega, Good Smile Company. I like that, but I'd like more variety in terms of characters in the future, but for starters it was good.
As for manga, there are 4 major libraries with publications from companies such as Kodansha, Viz Media, Tokyo Pop and Dark Horse, with their wonderful hardbound volumes of Berserk & Hellsing. As illustrated by the photographs, we see several well-known series, one of the most classics now, such as Bleach, One Piece, Naruto, and some of the younger ones, such as Blue Lock, Mashle, Kaiju No 8. It has different kinds. From the sonen we said even more horror, like Junji Ito. Lots of goodies to choose from.
As for manhwa, I saw some like Solo Leveling, World After the Fall, Beginning After End, Get Schooled, 7Fates Chahko. As manhwa/webtoons rise, in time I think they will bring in other series.
Prints along with the markets
To mention that the dynamic team of the new store includes Panagiotis and Angelos, 2 people with love and knowledge on comic books and manga. As I told the Angel, I liked the placement of volumes in Libraries. Of course, when they have more material than manhwa they may need some changes.
At the opening he was present for some time in the morning and mangaka Ody (maker of Tomahawk Angel) who gave signed prints and you could be photographed with him.
Along with the markets, the first 30 customers were given a print gift. The selections as prints were the cover of Tomahawk Angel's second volume and Elias Kyriazis' Dirk Gently! Very nice choices both of them, and the last one has come out. Greek version with collected issues of IDW from Star Comics.
What did I buy?
My purchases were about manga. I took his tenth volume. Blue Lock, Which is a very favorite series of mine, and its second volume Disney Twisted WonderlandWould you be wondering both Disney and manga? We'll talk about it in the future, but I find it interesting so far. With the markets, I was given the opportunity to choose a print and I chose Tomahawk Angel with the red signature.
A few words from the owner
Below, Angel (the owner of Star Comics) gives answers to a few questions about his new venture.
We're a store for all tastes. We try to have the best of any kind.
1. Tell us a few words about the new store. We've seen that this place is big enough. What prompted you to this move?
The new store is located in Mecca of bookstores and publishing houses, on Solonos Street. On a street I've been walking down and down for over 30 years. The two floors currently used are a total of 100m2, and there is also the basement, used as a storage space. A branch in the center was a keen desire of ours and our customers, as it is much easier to reach than Agia Paraskevi.
2. Is there any particular species in which he will focus more, such as manga?
The ground floor is dedicated to American comic books and figures, while the upper floor in manga, anime figures and Pops. We're a store for all tastes. We try to have the best of any kind.
3. The events like Free Comic Book Day or some signing will now take place at the new store? You got something you're up to in the near future?
FCBD in both, with greater gravity at the Archives store. Signing and events in the center of course, which suits most. In February we intend to make the official opening of the store by combining them with a guest artist.
4. Now that there's two stores we'll see you a few days in the new and sometimes in the original?
Personally, I will be mainly in Exarchia but the service from Star Comics staff will always be high-level with respect to the client and love for the hobby.
Summary
We thank the Angel very much for the answers and wish the best for the new store. Now that he's in the center, it'll be very easy to visit more often. We're waiting for the opening!
