***update***

We are pleased to announce that we are working on a permanent Easy Valley location! Details will be coming soon...

August 22, 2011-

On Sunday night I received a call at home from Mike Malve, owner of Atomic Comics telling me that the Atomic Comics chain was closing down for good.

I was shocked and saddened by this news. I have been friends with Mike for over 20 years. There was a time that I came oh so close to joining the Atomic team. When I decided to open my own store 9 years ago, Atomic Comics was an inspiration of what I hoped my own store would grow to be.

There is no over-stating the impact Atomic Comics had on the comic book community, not just locally, but nationwide.

They are going to be missed.

When I spoke to Mike, we talked about the void this was going to leave in the valley for comic collectors. One of the reasons for his call was so I could try to act quickly to try to help fill that void. And, wow, did things move quickly.

Immediately upon hanging up with Mike I emailed Diamond Comics Distribution to see what we could do to make sure the new week inventory that was scheduled to be delivered to Atomic could somehow still be available locally for all area stores to meet the increased demand. David Gabriel, head of marketing of Marvel Comics emailed me right away asking if we were positioned to step in and help service the Atomic customers, and Senior VP of DC Comics Bob Wayne also expressed a willingness to help.

Within a few hours Diamond Comics Distribution and the major comic book publishers were able to agree on a plan to redirect the entire Atomic Comics shipment to our store. My hat is off to them for their quick decisive action to help our local comic community.

With the issue of getting the extra product here, we quickly turned our thoughts to how we could best reach out to Atomic Comics large East Valley customer base. We contacted the landlord of the building where Atomic Comics flagship Mesa store is located, and were able to negoitiate a lease on the empty spot right next to Atomic Comics.

Less than 48 hours later we were able to open up Samurai Comics East and provide those East Valley customers with their new comics for the week.

Originally envisioned as a temporary solution to the void left by Atomic Comics closing, we are happy to announce we are moving forward with a permanent East Valley location to service those customers.

We encourage all former Atomic Comics customers to seek out a local comic book store near you-- Don't let Atomic Comics closing stop you from reading the comic books that you enjoy.

Thank You,

Mike Banks
Owner, Samurai Comics