Written by Danielle Tietjen
Did you know there has been a Comic and Collectable Store here on the Northside for the last four years? Hot Comics and Collectables took over the empty space that used to be “The Warren” and the “Goddess of Glass” for many years on 44th and Osseo Rd. Tucked back behind the bend in the road, maybe you missed it. Once you go inside and are greeted by the large hanging Hulk figure, you won’t so easily forget.
Not a comic book reader myself, my kids have often been there getting gifts for themselves, their friends, and even their dad. My husband had a ritual of reading He-Man comics to our daughter before bed as their nighttime routine.
I got a chance to visit with the owner of Hot Comics, Michael Harmon, and his love for the world of superheroes is endearing and inviting. For him, and I would guess many others, the world created with superheroes is one where good and evil battle each other out. Where common everyday people can find magic within themselves and the world to fight for justice. Michael said, that for him, it was the Hulk and GI Joe that got him hooked on comics and he never looked back.
Studying English in college, Michael knew he didn’t want to teach, but when the opportunity came to run a comic and collectible store, nurturing a long-time love of his, he couldn’t pass it up.
When you visit Hot Comics and Collectables, you will find wall-to-wall comic books along with endless packed rows. They get a new shipment every week, along with folks coming in almost daily hoping to sell older collections. Whether you are a collector or new to the world of comics, there is something for everyone there! You can meet neighbors and fellow comic book lovers at the store because more times than not, there are folks there hanging out and chatting or meeting up every Sunday for Magic events.
When we talk about a walkable neighborhood, it is important to know that community is founded on more than just basic needs, but common interests and fun experiences. It’s nice knowing that just down the street there is a different kind of community gathering space, that hopefully will get surrounded by new businesses to fill in the empty buildings surrounding that area. While construction has made it difficult to get directly to the store, it is open and not impossible to get around. Don’t let that keep you from going and checking out this fun shop on the Northside!
Hot Comics and Collectibles is located at 4440 Osseo Rd. You can reach them at 763-593-1223, or stop by their shop any day of the week between 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) Their website is kept current and updated at hotcomicsandcollectables.com or you can follow them on FB, Instagram, or X.
Direct from their website for comic book lovers (to ensure you know what you are getting): “Hot Comics and Collectibles has been the Twin Cities Friendly Neighborhood comic shop for over three decades. We have shops located in Minneapolis, Richfield, and Jordan, Minnesota. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to assist in finding hard-to-find titles, back issues, statues, or anything comic-related.
We provide a free subscriber pull list to ensure you never miss an issue of your favorite titles. Subscribers receive many benefits, including the option of purchasing a limited amount of variant covers at cover price!
We know the comic addiction can get pricey, which is why we offer a discount card. For only $15 a year, you will receive 10 percent off every regular purchase! Why go anywhere else?
We have a clean spacious store with welcoming employees who actually enjoy working (most of the time). Our inventory is constantly changing, so there’s always a reason to come back. Can’t make it to the store? Tell us what you want and we’ll ship it to you!”