Volcano.
A Superman comic book helped a young Michael Shuler, about 4 or 5 years old at the time, learn what the word was and what it meant.
Decades later, Shuler’s love of comic books - stemming from that first Superman comic - has created a legacy for him as owner of the comic book store Hall of Heroes at 1620 S. Mission St. Ste. P in Mt. Pleasant, which simultaneously celebrates its 13th anniversary and Free Comic Book Day on Saturday. The store will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. but the Free Comic Book Day portion of the event will take place from noon to 6 p.m.
A DC Comics fan, Shuler reads all kind of titles, from mainstream titles to ones from independent companies such as Image and Aftershock.
“They do amazing stories. There’s just so many genres that indies hit,” Shuler said.
Free Comic Book Day, held the first Saturday in May, is the comic book industry’s annual event where participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their comic shops.
The store will have sales of 13 percent off for all trades, hardcovers, manga and coloring books, while all other items will be 30 percent off.
Attendees wearing a costume will receive a 35 percent discount on purchases.
East Lansing-based artist Paul McNeilly will be on-site drawing caricatures.
“With awesome titles coming from the major publishers such as DC and Marvel, as well as many of the indies including Image, Aftershock, Dark Horse and IDW, we’re sure there’s a comic book for everyone,” Shuler said in a news release. “Comics are a fun and enduring form of entertainment for readers of all ages to dive into as imagination comes to life. Whether it be popular comics, film, television shows, or video games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
The store has seen its share of financial ups and downs, said Shuler, who started the business in 2005 with Justin Radtke.
“The industry has changed a lot over the last 13 years and especially in the last 20 to 30 years with the way publishers deal with things,” Shuler said.
Action Comics’ 1,000th Superman comic was released last month, which actually impacts Shuler’s business, he said.
“After 80 years, how many stories are actually out there? That kind of impacts me in a way that I have to find a way to make these stories more interesting,” he said. “What I’m seeing a lot of is right now is the middle-age readers are shifting over to the trade paperbacks. They’re not collectors so much as readers. They just want to read the books. I think that’s where a lot of this is going to go, eventually.”
Despite where the industry is moving - and its ups and downs - this is what Shuler loves to be apart of.
“This is what I do for the rest of my life so I’m doing everything I can to make it relevant and interesting,” he said.
For more information about Hall of Heroes or Free Comic Book Day, contact the store at (989) 773-8464 or follow Hall of Heroes LLC on Facebook.
Michael Shuler, owner of The Hall of Heroes (989) 773-8464
Comic? They are a way you can tell a story that’s not easy to do in any other way. The idea of free comic book day is to get more people interested in comics.
First one? First comic I read 4-5 years old. Superman book in the 60s. The reason it sticks out to me is because I learned the word volcano. I had no idea what a volcano was. It’s the first word I ever remember learning.
Fan ever since. Those were my aunts books. My cousin got all sorts of comic books.
Batman, Justice League. I’ve been a DC guy as far back as I can remember. Image and aftershock. They do amazing stories. There’s just so many genres that indies hit.
Titles? Approximately 600 titles. Half a dozen new titles every single week. About 400 trade paperbacks. About 5,000 back issues to through.
A dozen people or so coming to the shop for about 10 years or so
Anniversary? Changed? It’s been interesting in that’s it’s the first business I ever owned. Justin Radtke. It’s just been unique. IDK how to compare it to other jobs that I’ve had. It’s been a rollercoaster.
The industry has changed a lot over the last 13 years and especially in the last 20 to 30 years with the way publishers deal with things. Superman action 1,000 came out a few weeks ago. First comic book to reach 1,000 issues. After 80 years, how many stories are actually out there? That kind of impacts me in a way that I have to find a way to make these stories more interesting. Most people who are reading comics are into comics.
What I’m seeing a lot of is right now is the middle-age readers are shifting over to the trade paperbacks. They’re not collectors so much as readers. They just want to read the books. I think that’s where a lot of this is going to go, eventually.
I’ve had some terrible years. I’ve had some really great years. This is what I do for the rest of my life so I’m doing everything I can to make it relevant and interesting.
The Hall of Heroes in Mt. Pleasant is one of the thousands of comic book shops around the world celebrating the largest event in the comic book industry on Saturday, May 5th: Free Comic Book Day (FCBD)! Each year, thousands of participating stores give away over five million comic books to millions of fans to introduce them to the wonders of comics.
Noon to 6 p.m. Free Comic Book Day. Open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
“Free Comic Book Day is a great event for the whole community. Bringing everyone together, finding books for everyone to enjoy, and seeing people of all ages—children, teens, and adults—sharing our passion for comics is incredible,” said Michael Shuler, owner of The Hall of Heroes. “Even if you’ve never picked up a comic book, we want to welcome everyone to the Hall on May 5th, because there are so many amazing comics this year and we can’t wait to share them.”
This is the twelfth year the Hall will celebrate FCBD, offering the community a fun, family-oriented event where everyone can find a comic they’ll enjoy.
In addition, it is the Hall of Heroes’ 13th Anniversary! All trades, hardcovers, manga and coloring books will be 13% off, and everything else will be 30% off.
If you are into cosplay, wearing a costume will get you a 35% discount.
Lastly, EL resident Paul McNeilly will be on hand to do the fastest caricatures you will ever see.
“With awesome titles coming from the major publishers such as DC and Marvel, as well as many of the Indies, including Image, Aftershock, Dark Horse and IDW, we’re sure there’s a comic book for everyone,” Shuler continued. “Comics are a fun and enduring form of entertainment for readers of all ages to dive into as imagination comes to life. Whether it be popular comics, film, television shows, or video games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Regular updates, information about comic books, and a list of participating publishers and their free comics are all online at www.freecomicbookday.com.
Free Comic Book Day kicks off at noon and runs until 6:00 pm at The Hall of Heroes, 1620 S Mission. Call 989-773-8464, or follow Hall of Heroes LLC on Facebook for more information.
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ABOUT FREE COMIC BOOK DAY—Celebrating its 17th year, Free Comic Book Day is the comic book specialty market’s annual event where participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely free to anyone who comes into their comic shops. The event is held the first Saturday in May and is the perfect opportunity to introduce friends and family to the many worlds of wonder available at local comic book shops. From super-heroes to slice-of-life to action/adventure and beyond, Free Comic Book Day has a comic book for everyone!