Store hosts comic book signing event

PERKINS TWP. — Whether they emerged from the sewers or hopped down from skyscrapers, a Sandusky-area store welcomed in many people for a special comic book signing event. On Nov. 15, The Pop Shop, on Milan Road (U.S. 250) across from Oakland Cemetery, hosted artist Ryan Holman for a two-hour signing event for an issue of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla" comic book. Several variations of the book were on sale, including one that is unique to the Pop Shop. Other variants of the cover were also available. The Pop Shop's owner, Dave Baum, attended Comics PRO in February. That is a trade show for everything dealing with comic books. It features planning for the promotion of upcoming stories. While at the show, Baum came up with the idea to get a store-exclusive variant of the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla" first edition. He attempted to secure the rights to have such a variant throughout the year and, eventually, partnered with his friend and local artist, Holman. With Holman on board, the pair were able to push through and gain approval from the publisher for the store-exclusive cover. Holman produced the art for the comic book, which was submitted to the publisher two weeks late. The publisher still took the art to press and provided the store with the product. "Doing this project was a lot of fun. I have always wanted to draw a comic book cover, so when Dave offered me this opportunity, I jumped at the chance," Holman said. "Dave has always been supportive of his customers, his staff and the local community. For as long as I can remember, the Pop Shop has been a staple here in Sandusky." Holman described creating the variation art as "a real treat." IDW Publishing, one of the largest producers of comics, produced the book. "The comic industry has always been magic to me, a place where art and storytelling collide," Baum said. "To be a part of that world, especially these iconic characters, is surreal, and I'm thrilled to have shared the experience with Ryan and bring the results back to Sandusky." Though not a store-exclusive, several years ago, Baum worked with more than two dozen other comic book sellers to produce a limited edition cover of a copy of "The Walking Dead." Copies of the store-exclusive "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles x Godzilla" are still available for sale.