September 9, 2009: Annapolis, MD
After working for a comic book store for eight years—beginning immediately after high school—Steve Anderson decided to strike out on his own. All he needed was the funds.
“It’d been my dream since I was a kid to own a comic shop, but you know how things like that go,” Anderson says. “They seem pretty far removed.”
It took selling much of his comics collection, along with a lot of DVDs and records, to do so, but eventually he did it, working along with his fiancée, Trish. “We were saving every penny we could in order to make this happen,” Anderson recalls. “Finally, the perfect opportunity hit us, and we moved on it. It’s been going great ever since.”
So great, in fact, that Anderson’s store, Third Eye Comics, has recently doubled in size, taking over a new space in Annapolis. Their grand reopening just took place August 29, marking their great progress over the years. The celebration drew old and new customers alike.
“I can confidently say that I know 90 percent of our customer base—and it’s a large customer base—by name,” Anderson says. “We also are very well regarded in terms of our reading suggestions. We get to know what people like and try to find them that book that a) we feel fits their taste perfectly and b) is a great read. The other thing that sets us apart I feel is our selection. We have one of the largest trade paperback and graphic novel selections in Maryland, and our current releases are always well-stocked and diverse in selection.”
Third Eye hosts several events throughout the year, including creator signings and readings, Free Comic Book Day events, publisher coop events, and seasonal parties. But their new bigger space will, according to Anderson, allow them to do “more community events that help bring comic book enthusiasts together.”
After all this, Anderson is enthusiastic about living his dream of owning a comics store. “I guess what makes comic retailing so rewarding is we’re one of the last few businesses left that can deliver a unique and personalized shopping experience to our customers,” Anderson says. “We've yet to be assimilated into the big box store way of doing things. At Third Eye, you’re going to feel welcome the minute you walk in the door. We bring you all the perks of a big store, but with a warm, friendly atmosphere.”
Third Eye Comics
45 Old Solomon’s Island Rd
Suite 102
Annapolis, MD 21401
thirdeyecomics.com
410-897-0322
Email: thirdeyecomics@gmail.com
Top 10 Graphic Novels
1. The Walking Dead, Vol. 10: What We Become by Robert Kirkman, Charlie Adlard, and Cliff Rathburn (Image)
2. Invincible, Vol.11: Happy Days by Brian Kirkman and Ryan Ottley (Image)
3. Fables, Vol.12: The Dark Ages by Bill Willingham, Mike Allred, and Mark Buckingham
4. DMZ, Vol.7: War Powers by Brian Wood Riccardo Burchielli (Vertigo)
5. Secret Six: Unhinged by Gail Simone and Nicola Scott (DC Comics)
6. Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison and Dave McKean (DC Comics)
7. Scott Pilgrim, Vol. 2: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World by Bryan Lee O’Malley (Oni Press)
8. Asterios Polyp by David Mazzucchelli (Pantheon)
9. Pax Romana by Jonathan Hickman (Image)
10. Preacher, Vol. 1: Gone to Texas by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon (Vertigo)
Top 10 Manga
1. Blade of the Immortal, Vol. 21: Demon Lair II by Hiroaki Samura (Dark Horse)
2. Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 3 by Naoki Urasawa (Viz Media)
3. Gantz, Vol.1 by Hiroya Oku (Dark Horse)
4. The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery, Vol.1 by Eiji Ohtsuka and Housui Yamazaki (Dark Horse)
5. Black Jack, Vol.1 by Osamu Tezuka (Vertical)
6. Berserk, Vol.1 by Kentaro Miura (Digital Manga)
7. Pluto: Urasawa x Tezuka, Vol. 1 by Naoki Urasawa (Viz Media)
8. 20th Century Boys, Vol.3 by Naoki Urasawa (Viz Media)
9. Bleach, Vol.27 by Tite Kubo (Viz Media)
10. Death Note, Vol.1 by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata (Viz Media)
Steve, Trish, and that other guy who works part time, provide the best customer service I've ever seen in a comics shop, and that's what keeps people coming in.
You can tell they want you to be happy with your purchase because if you ask their opinion they'll tell you if they think something sucks. So maybe you don't buy it, but you'll buy something else and you appreciate their honesty. That's one of the ways they're building a loyal base of customers.
Third Eye is amazing. There's a lot to be said for a store that draws regulars from so far away. I myself drive 2 hours round trip every week. Steve and Trish are always friendly. The graphic novel selection is truly fantastic. I can't praise this store enough.
Third eye is Top Notch. Hands Down the Best in Annapolis. Its great to have a shop that is Family and Kid friendly. You got to hand it to a guy who can remember everybodys name and exactly what they like to read and Takes the time to say hi to each person who walks in.
Like everyone else has said one of the best shops hands down. With the new store they can offer more and more, and not just comics they now have shirts, "toys", and multiple posters. I look forward to seeing what they do next with the new store
Congrats to Steve & Trish for the
reader-friendliest comic shop I've seen. And I've seen a lot.
I have a shop 2 miles from my house and would rather make the 100 mile round trip to Third Eye Comics each week instead. Where else can you listen to death metal while picking up the latest Kick-Ass?!
It is a true right of passage as a geek to have a stamp card from Third Eye. I cannot say enough good things about this store. Steve and Trish are hands down the best shopkeepers I've ever met.
The best part about Third Eye is that they will tailor how they suggest comics to what you like. Even if you have never opened a comic book in your life, they will ask you about other media that you have consumed and liked. and They will find the perfect book for you to start with, and can grow your tastes from there.
They can do that because they have read most of the comics in the shop, and can give you a really unbiased breakdown of the book. or If you prefer to know is something is good or bad, they will tell you that too.
They try very hard to steer you into a direction that you will enjoy, not just what's popular that month.
Anyone who doesn't go to Third Eye for their comics is missing out on a rare and amazing experience.
Steve and Trish run THE best comic shop in Maryland. Steve is always available to his customers and anyone wanting to get into the comic book hobby. He has recommendations for reader of all ages. Make Third Eye your first stop for comics.
I've seen quite a few comic book stores in my day, and this is definitely the best. And with the recent move, I know they will do even better! Anyone in Maryland should shop here. Trish and Steve will point you in the direction of many a great read!
Third Eye is hands down the best comic shop I have ever encountered. You will not find a more honest, nice and knowledgeable staff anywhere. Steve and Trish will never steer you wrong. My comic shopping allegiance is to them and no one else.
This is the best shop in annapolis. they have everything and Steve and Trish are the friendliest owners in the world. I drive about 97 miles every few weeks to get our comics from third eye. If you are even in or near annapolis md you should check out Third Eye Comics.