The first time I walked into an Atomic Comics, I felt like I was home for the first time in years. Cowboy Bebop (not the dubbed version) was playing on a flat screen in the corner. Action figures and energy drinks were displayed around the register. They even had the Rozen Maiden mangas I couldn't find anywhere else (yes, I am a girl sometimes). In the few years since moving to the Phoenix metro area, my local comic shop has never failed to bring a smile to my face with every visit. That is, until now.
In the age of digital downloads, publishers are frantic to offer new ways for readers to legitimately acquire (ie; pay for) their goods, but it's barely keeping even them afloat. What hope is there for the retailers? The answer: Not much. Yesterday Atomic Comics closed their doors for good (well, for bad, but, semantics).
Today has been a day of general mourning in and around the Valley of the Sun. And all I can think to do is shake my head and say, "Well, fuck".
What else can I say?
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