A video of a staffer at a Micromania game store in Nice, France, confronting looters went viral on social media, Euronews reports, and Pierre, the employee, has become a symbol of courage, called by some the “French Goku.” After a protest in the area, part of a movement that has rocked France in recent days, looters tried to enter the store. Pierre told television reporters that he stood “in front and hoped that people wouldn’t try to come in too aggressively.” When he stepped forward to shoo them away, one of them kicked him and another threw things at him. A photo of Pierre standing in the entrance to the store next to a painting of Goku from Dragon Ball has circulated widely on social media and has become fodder for multiple memes, and Nice-Matin reports that locals have been leaving messages of support on the storefront.
The Indianapolis Star reports that Elf ‘n’ Moon Gaming & Hobby has cut ties with one of its co-owners following allegations on social media that the person (who is not named) sexually harassed a 14-year-old girl. A police report filed on October 20 matches the statement made by the victim’s mother on social media, but no charges have been brought. Scott Wooldridge told the Star that he is now the sole owner of the store, which opened in 2024, and that the ownership structure would be the subject of a meeting on October 26. “We are deeply saddened by any harm or discourse that has affected the community,” a statement on the Elf ‘n’ Moon website says. “Elf ‘N Moon ownership is being restructured, with the previous co-owner no longer being affiliated with the company. We will work to rebuild our community and regain your trust.”
When Michael Cardenale opened Crown Cards in Phoenix, AZ, earlier this year, he anticipated trouble, installing iron bars on the windows as well as security cameras inside the store. Just six weeks after the store’s grand opening, though, a gang of burglars broke in to the store next store and went through the drywall to steal about $70,000 worth of cards, ranging from Gold Star Pokemon cards to items from Cardenale’s children’s collections. Fox 10 has video of the astonishing robbery, concluding with the burglars escaping in a pickup truck with a getaway driver.
Nine8 Comics and Games of Sacramento, CA, was broken into for the third time on September 29, but owner Christopher Aliano told CBS News Sacramento that the burglar did not escape entirely unscathed: he apparently cut himself in the process and left blood as well as shattered glass in the shop. It’s not clear what was taken, and police haven’t identified a suspect, but the store went ahead and opened at its usual time later that day.
The Tucker, GA, comic shop Infinite Realities is planning its own comic convention, Infinite Realities Comicopia, and they have some pretty impressive guests, including Francisco Francavilla, Al Milgrom, and June Brigman. Rough Draft Atlanta has the details on the convention, which takes place November 7 and 8.
Sunday Funnies, the newly opened comic shop in Missoula, MT, focuses on vintage comics, and owner Brian Sweatland tells the Missoulian that many of the items for sale are from his own collection. The décor of the store is true to its name, with framed newspaper comics on the walls and comic-strip detailing on the displays. He also commissioned a local artist to paint a mural inspired by vintage comics, and he’s planning an event space that can be used by local creators.
Short Takes
Secret Chicago pays a visit to Alley Cat Comics, a charming little store that is tucked away at the end of a narrow alley in Andersonville.
OU Daily announces its 2026 picks for the Best Comic Shop in Norman, OK.
A new comic shop, Super Hippo, has opened in Hutto, TX, on the second floor of a bookstore, Community Impactreports.
The Tampa Bay Beacons profile Bat City Comic Professionals, a nonprofit comic shop in Bradenton, FL, that is both a comic shop and a literacy center. Co-owner Shannon Live is ComicsPRO’s Director of Education (see “ComicsPRO Starts Accreditation Program”).Source: ICv2
