Meet Beeda | Comic Book Retailer and Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Beeda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Beeda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I hadn’t read a comic in years and then I picked up Saga by Brian K. Vaughan as a recommendation….it blew my mind! This was not like any comic I read as a kid; this was a fully fleshed out story with amazing artwork. Needless to say, my interest in comics was rekindled and I wanted to offer a place for everyone to enjoy comics and nerd stuff.

At the time in my life work was bringing little joy to my life and I craved the couple of hours a week I had to read new comics. Then I wandered into a comic book store in a mall….IN A MALL! Comics were now super cool, but most comic stores were still operating with fringe culture.

Too often comic book stores are intimidating to the non-informed. People can feel out of place in a comic store if they don’t know where to start and the stigma of the ‘Comic Book Guy’ turns quite a few people off.

Beeda’s Thingamajigits changes that, we are a comfortable place for all. People who have never picked up a comic have started reading 3-4 books a month.

Now, comics exist (as they should) to be read and enjoyed, so while we certainly cater to the ultimate collector, everything and every adult in the store functions to create enjoyment for kids. Kids get all the deals and all of my time when they’re in the store. We want kids to read the books and enjoy the art.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are a local comic shop through and through, but we share space with Bloom Floral Boutique, so we have the world’s best smelling comic store, plus we get people from all walks of life. It’s a very comfortable place regardless of your background.

Working up to this was, of course, not easy. It’s taken a lot of hours, trial and error, and hard work. I certainly never thought running a comic store would mean that I barely have time to actually read comics!

I was a production designer in NYC for about 8 years. That was hard work and long hours. I guess working 36 hour shifts certainly prepped me for what I do now and allowed to put the work in.

I’ve learned that I’m not moving at the speed of light and that’s OK. In the production world if someone said jump, you were in the air before the words left their mouth and they still weren’t happy. I’ve learned to relax and enjoy the job as much as possible while still getting the job done.

If anyone takes something from this they should know that Beeda’s Thingamajigits is a safe place for all to enjoy the wonderful world of comics and super-hero mania. We want to know your interests and guide you to a great book, then the next, and the next after that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I would certainly bring them to my store first. It’s the best comic shop in Fort Collins and my best friend is the one who got me into comics in the first place. Then we would head right next door for a great stake at The Still. That would be followed up with cookies at Mary’s Mountain Cookies. They are easily the best cookies I’ve ever had (that includes NYC and Europe).

The next morning we would probably have breakfast at First Watch or the Creperie, both are awesome. We might do some day drinking at the Rio Grande with some powerful margaritas.

As for just hanging out I would probably visit a frisbee golf course or go tubing down the Poudre River.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife and my son are my inspiration. My work/life balance was suffering greatly and I needed a change. It wasn’t fair to my family and when it comes down to it, that is all that matters.

Website: info@beedasthingamajigits.com

Instagram: Beedas_Comics

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeedasC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeedasComics