While I love collecting figures, I'm saddened by the fact that a majority of the stuff I want comes from overseas. Sometimes the price of shipping is equal to, or higher, than the actual item ordered. This makes my wallet weep, which gets the back of my pants wet. Not a happy feeling. And so I began a quest to seek out and explore strange new places. To boldly go where I haven't gone before. My first stop on this quest was at Acme Superstore in Longwood, FL.
Follow me after the jump, and I'll show you what I found.
As you drive up, the first thing you notice is the marquee, which has the remarkably eye-catching line "100,000,000 Items." As I stared at it my first thought was, "Wow, these guys do think pretty highly of themselves." Feeling a slight sense of trepidation, I turned to face the store.
Ooh. This place looks big.
While this is a more reasonable number it's still, you know, unlikely.
They've been around for a while, it seems. I'm still feeling very skeptical, but into the abyss I go.
Oh, my.
Umm.
Yeah.
Lotsa comics!
And more!
Gahh! Toys!
Posters!
Star Trek toys!
Star Wars toys!
Toys everywhere you look!
After walking through the store for a while, I began to realize that maybe, just maybe these guys really do carry 1,000,000 items!
The grand tour of the store was given to me by a very charismatic, tall, dark, and handsome young fellow, with a deep, soothing, melodious voice named Todd(*).
Todd was more than gracious. He took the time to show me around, and was happy to answer any of my questions.
This place really is amazing, and my visit there was terrific.
Todd introduced me to the owners, Tory and Terry Dinkins. Nicest folk you'll meet, and passionate about comics. They began selling comics out of their home in 1980, with kids coming to them for their comic "fix." As Tory put it, they were the local "dealers" of comics.
Rounding out this wonderful cast of characters are Penny, and Marc. Marc was out of town this weekend, but Tory was able to come through with a picture of him.
One super cool thing they have is their Build-a-Box. This room is filled with boxes of comics, their over-over-stock stuff. This isn't the dump bin you find at some comic shops, but quality books from new to old.
They also help promote up-and-coming local artists by having them come to the store to do book signings. I wish I could have stayed to chat with this fellow, but I had other errands to run, alas. At least I'm able to give him a little plug.
The store's back exit is always watched over by a dark, brooding figure.
While the register area is kept safe from above.
And from the center of the store emanates the Power Cosmic.
Sweetness can also be found all around the store.
People, if you're from the Central Florida area, or should find yourself in Orlando, make time to visit this place. The people are great, and you'll find just about anything you want in toys, comics, and supplies. Maybe not as exciting as the amusement parks, but Acme Superstore is definitely a must-see store for any fan of toys and comics.
(*Some poetic license was used in the description of Todd. Actual item may vary.)
Check the gallery for more pics.
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