As in most cities in America and the UK, and pretty much all of Japan, comic books have always found an audience in Chattanooga. For most of their history, comics were sold in drug and grocery stores--today, it's mostly just Archie that still sells there. In the 1970's, the Direct Market emerged, in which independent comic specialty stores could buy directly from the publishers. This gave fans a place to congregate, independent and adult comics a way to reach an audience, and helped publishers recover after a market crash in the 90's. Today comics can be found just as easily online or at Barnes & Noble or even the library, but comic stores are still the primary market for comic books in the United States.
Many comic stores in Chattanooga have come and gone. This article aims to profile stores that once stood as hubs of comic fandom in the Scenic City. It is by no means exhaustive, and for now just limits itself to things I remember about each store.
Rarities (Hwy 58)
This was located at 4157 TN 17 or Bonny Oaks Dr. Originally was a combination comic/video rental store but become a so!I'd Comics shop on its own. In time expanded to cover slightly more than half the building it was housed in prior to closing.
Comics & Curios (Brainerd)
Notable for the murals of comic book characters and logos covering the building, including profiles of Batman and the Joker outside the door.
Choo Choo Comics (Ringgold Rd.)
This one had a Mortal Kombat arcade machine in the back.
American Collectors' Exchange (Broad St.)
Had a TV spot that recreated the museum scene from the 1989 Batman, with the Joker trashing the store and the Dark Knight coming in to stop him.
Collectors' Choice (Gunbarrel Rd., Cleveland)
Was a pretty decent store, but it closed when the owner got in trouble with the IRS.
American Comics & Cards (Lee Hwy)
Probably the biggest comic store in Chattanooga. Had a large selection of new comics, back issues, games, graphic novels, anime and manga, and toys. Hosted an anime club or two or three for a while.
Camoflage Dragon (East Ridge)
Primarily a gaming store, but also sold comics. Hosted the Chattanooga Anime Club in the upper floor on Tuesdays until its closing in 1999.
External Links
Comic stores that are currently open, as far as I know: