We’re bringing in another new feature for Comic Store Week: Surviving the First Year, in which retailers discuss how they got started, what they wish they knew beforehand, and what advice they have for others who are just getting started.
Our inaugural interview is with Andrew Falkenhainer, who opened Cromulent Comics in Troy, NY, in spring 2025 and has already built a lively community of comics lovers and local artists.
What sort of background did you have before you started? Did you have experience in retail or in comics?
My love of comics began with shows like Batman 66 (in reruns), Batman: The Animated Series, Spider-Man: The Animated Series, and The Tick. As a kid, I would pick up comics at my local supermarket, and before long I discovered Wizard Magazine, which opened my eyes to so many more stories I wanted to explore.
Using the local phonebook, I tracked down a nearby comic shop and called to see if they carried specific Batman issues. That’s how I discovered Earthworld Comics, located in Albany NY. I became a regular there at age 12, and in my early 20s, I started working at the shop. Over the course of working nearly 14 years on and off, Earthworld became like family—and an incredible resource for building my knowledge and passion for comics. I left the retail space for a bit, but knew I eventually would want to return to as my own shop.
What was your biggest surprise during your first year?
The community has been the most rewarding part of all of this. In just one year, we’ve welcomed so many new members and readers, and built something truly special at Cromulent Comics. Our subscribers connect daily through Discord, and every Wednesday they gather, not just to pick up their pulls, but to spend time together, talk comics, and catch up on life.
What’s amazed me most is how quickly it all came together. What I thought would take years to build has taken shape in such a short time. I’m incredibly proud of our “Wednesday Warriors” and the strong, passionate community we’ve created in our very first year.
What was the biggest challenge, and how did you deal with it?
The biggest challenge has been time. Running a weekly comic shop comes with a constant stream of responsibilities: placing orders, receiving shipments, and maintaining the shop on top of everything else. As a one-man operation, I was spreading myself too thin.
Eventually, I realized I needed to carve out dedicated time to keep everything running smoothly. Now, the shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (unless someone books an appointment), which gives me the space to focus on paperwork, organization, and behind-the-scenes work. Shifting to a five-day schedule has made a huge difference, and I’m far less stressed because of it.
What do you like the best about running a comic store?
What I like best is the people. Connecting with both new and longtime readers is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing quite like introducing someone to their first comic and seeing them come back excited for more. At the same time, I love talking shop with seasoned fans, diving into comic history, storylines, and all the details that make this medium so rich.
For something that’s technically a book, comics are such a social experience. There’s always something to discuss, debate, and share with everyone who walks through the door, and that’s what makes it so special.
Who do you reach out to for advice and expertise? Do you network with other retailers?
Of course I need help from time to time. Earthworld Comics is still a big part of my life. JC Glindmyer, the original owner and my mentor, passed away a few years ago, but his son Nick Glindmyer is one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet. He’s been incredibly helpful when it comes to discussing ordering, pricing, and overall strategy. We regularly bounce ideas off each other and help elevate our stores together.
I also stay connected through several private Facebook groups with other retailers, which I’ve found to be invaluable. It’s a great way to share knowledge, get advice, and stay plugged into what’s happening across the industry.
What other products besides comics do you carry?
Outside of comics, this is actually what I’m most proud of in the shop. I work with local artists and vendors to create a shared space in our back room, which we call the Cromulent Community room.
In that space, I do carry a few items myself, like VHS tapes and DVDs (a nod to my time working at a video store as a kid and a way to keep that love alive). But the heart of the Community Room is local talent. Artists and vendors sell everything from prints and dolls to stickers, pins, and more.
We only take a very minimal cut from those sales, because the goal isn’t profit. it’s about creating opportunities and giving local creators a place to showcase and sell their work.
What advice do you have for other retailers who are just starting out?
Talk, learn, and listen. Those three things make all the difference when you’re starting out. I took advantage of classes through the Small Business Development Center and my local Chamber of Commerce, and they were incredibly helpful in building a foundation.
Most importantly, take your time. Don’t rush into it. It took me about three years to really get things off the ground, doing pop-ups and events along the way before opening fully. That time was invaluable for learning what works and what doesn’t.
And don’t do it alone. Talk to other retailers, friends, and loved ones. Every connection is worth maintaining. The relationships you build will support you, challenge you, and help you grow in ways you can’t do by yourself.
Bonus question: What do you like to read for fun – comics or otherwise?
I’ve always had a deep love for DC Comics. They were my introduction to comics. As a kid, Superman and Nightwing were my favorites, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the Justice League International era. It’s been great to see characters like Booster Gold and Blue Beetle finding their spotlight again.
When it comes to writers, I’ll pick up anything by Joshua Williamson or Deniz Camp—they’re consistently fantastic. I’d also put Mark Waid and Mark Russell right up there among the best in the industry. Oh and let’s not forget the perfect books that are Absolute Wonder Woman and Absolute Batman!
On the art side, Dan Mora is my current favorite. His speed and talent are honestly awe-inspiring. And I’m always going back to re-read Madman as well as The Atomics. Mike Allred is my all-time favorite artist; he brings a retro style and energy that no one else quite captures
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Click Gallery below for a tour of the store!
Source: ICV2
