Comic Shop has Become Staple for Collectors

Hobbies are typically a diversion reserved for those with plenty of time on their hands. A recent look at a local business highlights a niche pastime with an educated and discerning following.

TOR Comics is an unassuming comic book shop located on the corner of Long Island Avenue and Waverley Avenue in Holtsville. This cathedral to all things comics opened for business in the early 1990's. The owner, Tor Worsoe Jr., originally started the business as a way to keep his father, a retiree, busy. Worsoe Jr., a lawyer by trade, still maintains his office in the adjacent building. The comic book store itself occupies a corner spot, which was previously occupied by a bar.

The typical customer is male ranging in age from 16-50. Although Marvel and D.C. are the two most popular brands of comics offered at TOR, there is a huge variety of independent comics covering a mind-boggling array of subjects. Independent comic publishers offer up stories featuring Barrack Obama, Sarah Palin, Amy Fisher, and Howard Stern just to name some.

TOR's manager, Darrin Koch, explained that people typically collect from the two major publishers but read the independent comics for pleasure or for the shock value of their subject matter.

With over 200,000 issues in store and countless more kept out of sight, it is very likely that TOR Comics will have something that appeals to everyone. The impressive array of comic books is displayed in showcases, on the walls, and neatly organized in bins labeled much in the way the old record shops used to do.

One piece of advice given by Koch is that in the world of collection, condition of the item is king. A rare issue of Batman No. 2 from 1940 offered at the shop for $2,500 could easily bring six times that amount if it had been handled as you would handle any delicate collectable.

In the age of the Internet, it has been more difficult to stay competitive as a small comic book store because collectors can purchase whatever they desire with the stroke of a key from mega websites such as EBay. One thing that these cyber shops can't offer is a personal touch and the ability to physically inspect a potential purchase before parting with their hard earned money. Wednesdays are a particularly busy time at TOR because the latest issues are put out for sale.

Although comic books are the store's main focus, many other items are available for sale.  Baseball cards, action figures, beanie babies and more are included in the inventory at TOR Comics making this store a great place to start a collection. No prices are set in stone and customers always have the option to buy, sell, or trade.

Comic books aren't just for kids. Visit TOR Comics at 997 Waverly Avenue in Holtsville.  Open every day at noon Monday through Saturday.