#thoughtbubblecomics

HELP THOUGHT BUBBLE COMICS ASSEMBLE CREATIVE COMMUNITY + GEEK / POP CULTURE IN UNION CITY, NJ

Bringing a comic book shop to their hometown in Union City--NJ, the owners of Thought Bubble Comics (one of which is my homie) need your help reaching their crowdfunding goal in less than a month. Donate if you can and/or spread the word. The store would be more than just a comic book shop, as they plan to hold regular events, such as movie screenings, art classes, even access to 3D printing to foster creativity + imagination in the neighborhood children. One program proposed would actually reward good grades with free comics! Best believe my report cards would have been a whole lot different if someone offered pre-teen Azrael that same deal. The owners are all parents + lovers of comic books so their vision is not only to manifest a dream but also, give back to the community in which they're raising their children.

Check out their IndieGoGo page here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/thought-bubble-comic-shop-comics#/

INTERVIEW WITH RAYN OF THOUGHT BUBBLE COMICS

by Azrael Encarnacion

We got to catch up with Rayn, one of the co-founders of Union City’s soon to be opened comic book shop, Thought Bubble Comics. We thought we’d pick her brain a little regarding her and her partners motivations and interests for the shop, since Thought Bubble Comics aims to be a community staple, where the neighborhood and especially its youth can involve themselves in creative activities. They also have a crowdfunding page up via IndieGoGo with links available below for anyone looking to help support + share. Let’s get into it:

Why a comic book shop + why Union City, NJ? A comic book shop has been sort of an escape from the daily grind in my adulthood. When I was a kid there weren't many of them nearby, so I missed out. Now I live in Union City, I see a lot of kids and young people roaming with limited creative spaces or programs geared towards them. We thought that maybe we can provide them that escape. Why is it important to host activities such as art competition/classes, cosplay events, and the many more programs proposed by Thought Bubble Comics? I'm not just a geek, I'm also a parent as are my partners. We wanted to offer something to people that helps trigger their imagination. Who hasn't worn a costume and enjoyed wearing another persona? How often do you get to meet new people and learn new games? I've cosplayed, hosted board game nights and movie marathons. I’ve spent hours doing art projects with friends. We've exposed our kids to these things and saw them fall in love with it. We want to share these experiences with people, young and old, in our neighborhood. What were some of your favorite comics growing up + why? This is a tough question considering how many comic books I've read in my life. I'll have to say the one that surprised me was Birds of Prey. I was fascinated by this comic book led by women. Black Canary is a favorite character of mine and when I saw how she, Huntress and Oracle let nothing stop them from living their lives fully and still kick ass, I felt invincible too 😁 Anything about the comic book industry you'd like to change? I'd love to see more diversity in the comic universes. It's been incredible seeing the development of more Asian, Spanish, Black and LBGT characters! I'd still like to see more of it until it's a norm. My partners and I are a diverse mixture of racial backgrounds. Life reflects art and vice versa. We love living a part of this equation. What role would you like Thought Bubble Comics to play in Union City? We hope to see kids in there and see their imaginations be limitless. We think the art classes and other programs will contribute to that. I hope to see comic veterans join us for lively debates at the shop (like who's the best character? That conversation typically starts a battle. Ha!). We want TBC to become the place where people can have those temporary breaks from their everyday routine, the way we did. Have you been receiving support? Yes! It's been incredible how much people have been supportive! We have a crowdfunding page with IndieGoGo up right now to help support the costs of getting fixtures, art supplies and games for the shop as well as a 3D printer that students will get to use. We're also throwing a block party to launch our store and thankfully, the Mayor has been supportive of that endeavor.

LINKS:

Thought Bubble Comics Crowdfunder via IndieGoGo