It's Andy Fish!

I thought I’d spotlight a few local comic shops I recommend– I’m very picky about stores because I spent so many years in retail upper management.

THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT – 56 John Fitch Highway – Fitchburg MA

WEBSITE: thatse.com

HOURS- 11-7 7 days a week

Another That’s Entertainment? Yep- this one is the THATSE North– a smaller store located in a strip mall in Fitchburg– it’s also a better store. It’s clean and brightly painted and lit with an ample display of vintage books along the back wall (which is how it should be done) — it’s more of a mainstream version of it’s big brother store although there is a lot of room devoted to gamers which might be a smart marketing move for when comic sales dip but it supports the myth of the comic book guy from THE SIMPSONS if you should happen to hear any of the conversations which you can’t help but tune into because the store is only 3,000 square feet.

There is a large selection of new comics nicely displayed and they offer a subscription service where you’ll get a small discount and the ability to have whatever books you want put aside.

Ask for Paul if you’re there– he’s terrific.

PARKING – Plenty of strip mall parking

PROS – Clean and bright store- large selection of new comics, two walls of trade paperbacks and graphic novels, vintage comics are nicely displayed (I like to go there just to look at the wall) and a curated selection of grab items at the register– I’ve often bought several extra items while I’m checking out– on a recent visit they had golden age reprints displayed there so I grabbed a bunch. It says something that I often leave the Worcester store empty handed, but I’ve never left Fitchburg without buying something.

CONS – The sign on the road looks like it was dragged though Death Valley in an effort to make it talk and then put back up– the sign on the building is worse. Hopefully you know where you’re going because if you are using the signs to find the store you’ll miss it.

Too much gaming space for my liking so ⅓ of the store is lost. Any merchandise displayed over there I never see because I don’t want to interrupt someone’s gaming to browse.

OVERALL RATING: A