An acclaimed novelist, national correspondent for the Atlantic and…comic book creator? That’s Ta-Nhesis Coates, creator of Black Panther and now Captain America. That’s just one of many things you can learn when you step inside the doors of Rad Raptor Comics.
Most people think that a comic bookstore is strictly superhero storylines or anime illustrations. What you will actually find is a world of literature, takes on social issues, and ways to escape the day-to-day. Jeff Conolly, owner of Rad Raptor Comics in Adrian, Michigan, can make some solid recommendations after talking to you for just a few minutes.
“I studied literature at Siena Heights,” said Jeff. “It was something I really enjoyed but struggled to apply professionally until I realized my comic-reading hobby could provide a platform.” Jeff got to know the comic business through time spent working part-time at Cameron’s Comics, his predecessor in the area. “The owner was moving and I hated to see a hole left in the community, so I decided to go for it.”
Through working with Lenawee Now on a business plan, financials, and general business counseling, Jeff began to operationalize his vision. “I was heading into entrepreneurship alone,” said Jeff. “Lenawee Now was a partner in making sure I thought through ideas, and they shared resources, and made introductions.” He opened his doors in 2018 to become part of the $1 billion a year comic book industry.
“Entrepreneurs like Jeff are a gift to this community,” said Tim Robinson, Director of Operations at Lenawee Now. Tim lead the consulting process with Jeff starting with a review of his business plan that would help him seek seed money. “He had a vision, was willing to do the hard work, and was open to feedback.”
Though buying and selling comics is what the business boils down to, it takes business sense to manage the changing dynamics between customers and publishers. That’s where the brand Rad Raptor has built serves as a bridge to keep it successful. A brand built on inclusivity, humor, and a love for stories. The staff welcomes each store guest with enthusiasm and knows comics well enough to serve both newbies and life-long readers. Friendships develop through the Rad Raptor book club and kids discover a love for writing and art at summer workshops.
Rad Raptor has many customers out of the area who have never been to the store but become part of the community by engaging on social media and following the weekly podcast. “We started recording around my kitchen table using an iPhone,” recalls Jeff. “We’re a bit more official now but have just as much fun creating content that is entertaining, educational, and helpful to our audience.” You can also find weekly videos from Jeff each Wednesday on Facebook to announce new issues. Between the podcast and videos, Jeff notices that he’ll get online orders with inside jokes from those sources, proving that people are not just paying attention, but feeling a part of what he is creating.
Jeff looks forward to continuing to build his business in Adrian where he and his three daughters live. “It’s a great community that supports people who want to take a chance on building their dreams here,” said Jeff. “If you’re doing what you love and doing it well, you’ll grow an audience locally and pull from other communities.”
Rad Raptor is also bringing national events to Lenawee County by participating in National Free Comic Book Day each May and Halloween ComicFest each October. Retail-centric events such as Black Friday sales are also a part of encouraging shoppers to see what’s new in the comic book world and, frankly, be part of the fun in Jeff’s world.
“It’s stores like Rad Raptor that are a point of distinction in our community; they help make Lenawee County a destination location,” said Jim Van Doren, Executive Director at Lenawee Now. “It’s great to see business sense and creativity coming together in this way.”