Whenever I go on the road, travelling to different cities typically to attend and cover a convention, I try to make it a point of hitting up some local comic shops. I love to see small businesses thrive and I also love to gain insight to the demographics of any particular region. At one comic shop I visited in 2016, the owner hardly carried any Valiant comics because his regulars preferred other indie publishers. I then drove about 30 minutes to the next biggest city and they have Valiant galore, as it was their top two indie seller, often going back-and-forth between them and Image. And I have to admit, I’m a comic fan first and foremost. Most of the times it’s about me snagging some back issues, new releases, or sweet deals.
For Christmas 2017, I drove down to the Palm Springs, California region to spend a week with my folks. Temperatures were in the mid-60s to upper-70s by time I left the area and made my way back to South Lake Tahoe (and the cold). While in town, I headed into Palm Desert, California and came across a local comic shop filled with comic goodness. It was a no-brainer to spotlight this LCS and give you a look at what you can find if you are ever in the area.
Desert Oasis Comics is owned and operated by Sid Johnson. A collector since the age of nine, Sid is living the dream with his shop, offering a wide variety of comics for any age and taste. When I popped in, it was Tuesday midday (the day after Christmas) and Sid was already getting his new releases ready for Wednesday (NCBD). One thing that stood out to me when perusing Desert Oasis Comics’ Facebook page prior to arriving, and one of the first things I noticed upon entering the store, was that Sid’s store was recently voted The Best Comics/Games Shop in the Coachella Valley. After checking out his store and spending time speaking with the owner, I completely understood why he earned such a distinction.
Packed with new releases, Desert Oasis features a number of indie publishers alongside Marvel and DC, including Valiant, AfterShock Comics, Action Lab Entertainment, Image Comics, and many more! He’s the only shop in town offering a pull list, which you know is a must for a lot of titles currently out there. There’s even a dedicated children’s section, featuring rows upon rows of comics suitable for all ages. But on top of all of that, Sid is a great guy who loves this industry.
So here’s a look at Desert Oasis Comics in Palm Desert, California. Please forgive me for any images not quite in focus. I regrettably only had my cell phone to take pics, rather than my digital camera.
Be sure to swing on by Desert Oasis Comics if you’re ever in the area!
DESERT OASIS COMICS
73241 CA-111 #4b
Palm Desert, CA 92260
(760) 799-6938
Follow Desert Oasis Comics online!
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