Welcome aboard 'The Truth in This Art,' a podcast that celebrates the power of creativity, hosted by Rob Lee. Today, we have Steve Anderson, the passionate owner of Third Eye Comics, a renowned comic book superstore based in Maryland. With a steady diet of punk rock, monster movies, hip hop, and comic books shaping his identity, Steve's journey in the industry began in 2008 when he co-founded Third Eye Comics with Trish Rabbitt. Despite facing skepticism, they transformed the humble 800-sqf space into a colossal 10,000+sqf superstore, now accompanied by a second location and a sister gaming store. Third Eye Comics is internationally recognized for its incredible selection, offering a comprehensive range of graphic novels, current comics, back issues, records, games, toys, and more. With a friendly and welcoming staff, Third Eye has become a go-to destination for comic fans worldwide. Steve's unwavering passion for curating exciting products and creating a unique experience has shaped the success of Third Eye Comics, making it a must-visit for comic enthusiasts. For more information on hours and locations, visit their website!

In this exclusive interview:

• Explore the challenges and intricacies of opening a successful comic book store, from securing funding to navigating leases and managing inventory.
• Delve into the impact of online platforms and live selling apps on the comic book industry, revolutionizing the way comic books and related products are sold.
• Uncover the dynamic and diverse landscape of the modern comic book industry, influenced by various mediums like manga and popular TV shows such as Avatar: The Last Airbender.
• Discover the unique approach of Third Eye Comics, focusing on curating a wide range of products to create an exhilarating and captivating experience for their valued customers.
• Get to know Steve Anderson's personal favorites in the world of wrestling and comic books, as he reveals his admiration for Taz and his preference for the work of acclaimed comic writer Grant Morrison.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Steve as he shares his journey of opening and growing his comic book store. He talks about the challenges he faced in obtaining funding and how the industry has evolved over the years. Steve also discusses his love for comics, music, and horror movies, and how he strives to create a space where customers can find something that excites them. He emphasizes the importance of bringing in new product categories and catering to a diverse audience. Steve also highlights the impact of Blade as a groundbreaking comic book movie and shares his favorite and least favorite comic book movies. He concludes by discussing the growth of the comic book industry and the opportunities available for both sellers and artists.

Mentioned in this episode

Third Eye Comics

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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:

• Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
• Edited by Daniel Alexis
• Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor

Photos:

• Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.
• Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.

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