Illustration by Dean Trippe

Editor’s Note: Arlington-based comic book editor Jason Rodriguez is sending us his dispatches from a cross-country trip investigating the comics scene around the country. Read his introduction to the series here.

July 15
Washington, DC
I showed up at Hertz to pick up my car at 7 a.m. They didn’t have the Corolla I reserved three months ago and attempted to up-sell me on a RAV4. I thanked the man for offering me an SUV to drive cross country but asked if I could get something with better gas mileage. He told me to hold on for a little bit and he’d see what he can do. Just for the hell of it I asked him if he likes comics. He said, “No. We have a Camry available.”

Harrisonburg, VA
Blue Ridge Comics was closed. I figured they would be. Looks like they recently downgraded their retail space. They were also having a GN (graphic novel) sale. I would have loved to talk to them. A car at the Liberty Gas Station was blasting Michael McDonald. Whoever used the bathroom before me missed everything. Off to a great start.

Roanoke, VA
Stopped by B & D Comics. I figured it to be a store that serviced college students. Turns out it’s mainly locals who shop there. They’ve been open for 26 years. The ’90s were great for them, as one would imagine. They were moving tons of books every week; never even needed to push anything. They felt the strain after the crash but they’ve seen a sharp upturn lately. According to owner Terry Baucom, the first X-Men movie brought the kids back and they’ve been coming ever since.

Neil Rickman was an employee there. He’s been frequenting B & D since he was 9 years old; buying Batman and X-Men books. He joined the army and has visited comic shops all over the states. He says B & D feels like coming home. Great community vibe, great customer service. He’s going to college on the G.I. Bill now. Terry gave him a job while he takes his classes. Community-friendly comic shops, that’s already turning into the thrust of whatever final piece I come up with.