Kurt Wayne Comics and More will celebrate the grand opening of its downtown Red Oak store Wednesday, July 22

A family-owned business that began online is expanding with a brick-and-mortar comic book and collectibles store in downtown Red Oak.

Kurt Wayne Comics and More is located at 416 and 418 East Coolbaugh Street, just east of the Red Oak Grand Theatre. The business will offer comic books, collectibles, games, records and activities for customers ranging from young children to experienced collectors.

Dr. Christina Anderson said her husband, Kurt, and their son, Sam, started the comic business approximately six years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea grew from the family’s longtime interest in board games, card games, comics, vinyl records, painted figures and other collectibles.

Anderson said the online business grew significantly as the family developed a reputation for treating sellers honestly and fairly. That reputation led people from around the country to contact the family when they needed help evaluating or selling collections.

The Red Oak store will include comics representing several generations and price ranges. Customers will be able to browse dollar bins, recently released comics and higher-value collectible issues. Anderson said approximately 5,000 comics are expected to be available for customers to view, with considerably more inventory still being sorted and unpacked.

Customers may buy, sell or trade items at the store. The business also plans to offer pull lists for customers who want specific new comic releases. Comics ordered through a pull list will be discounted, bagged and boarded to help protect their condition.

The staff will also help new collectors learn how to properly store and care for comic books.

The business will offer more than comics. Other merchandise and activities will include:

Anderson said the store is intended to be welcoming to customers of all ages. Materials intended for younger children will be placed on lower shelves, while more mature comics will be displayed higher in the store.

The building will also serve as a place where people can play games and spend time together. The gaming area can seat up to 50 people, and families may contact the business to reserve time to play together.

Sam plans to offer figure-painting classes twice each month. Anderson, who paints with watercolors, said watercolor activities may also be added if there is enough community interest. A notebook will be available near the front of the store so customers can suggest products, classes and activities.

The family will continue operating the established Kurt Wayne Comics online storefront, which includes comics, toys, collectibles and other merchandise.

(eBay)  Visit the Kurt Wayne Comics online store

Regular store hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays.

Anderson said customers are encouraged to ask staff members about items they do not see because much of the business’s inventory has not yet been unpacked or displayed.