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“The Comic Shop” Film Details

• Runtime: 1 Hour(s) and 34 Minutes
• Released On: Digital (Public Release Date: April 11, 2025)
• Director(s): Jonathan L. Bowen
• Writer(s): Jonathan L. Bowen, Scott Reed
• Genre(s): Comedy, Drama
• Rating: Not Rated
• Distributor: Quiver Distribution

Summary

At one time, Mike wanted to be a comic illustrator but with feeling the need to set dreams aside and be practical, he decides to just open a comic shop. There was a time when he had some success, before the pandemic, and he even hired Alex to help him run the place. But with the rise of digital media, and post the pandemic,  Mike’s comic shop has seen better days.

Now, with a new mega store opening up, Mike finds himself hoping a kid named Brandon could help, and maybe a deal with a new comic company can turn things around. However, it seems that Mike may need to stop supporting other people’s dreams and start reinvesting in his own.

Cast and Characters

Mike (Jesse Metcalfe)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]

• Character Summary: Mike is an illustrator who still draws and even puts his latest work on the walls of his shop. However, with coming to a point in life where he felt the need to be practical, he focused on opening a comic shop, with a lean towards the indies.

Alex (Tristin Mays)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
• Character Summary: Alex is Mike’s right-hand, who has a crush on him, but she generally keeps it to herself and just focuses on being a good employee and friend.

Brandon (Micah Giovanni)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
• Character Summary: Brandon is new to North Vegas and is struggling a bit since he doesn’t connect well with his dad, mainly since he isn’t into sports, and add in his father not supporting his dreams of getting into comics, it makes Brandon feel a bit isolated and alone. Thankfully, however, his mom supports him and his comic book habits.

Chad (Trevor Einhorn)

• Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
• Character Summary: Chad is the owner of a mega comic book store that eclipses Mike’s but lacks the heart and dedication to the art form that Mike’s has.

Why Is “The Comic Shop” Not Rated?

• Dialog:
  • Cursing: Mild
  • Discriminatory Language: No
  • Innuendo: Implied
  • Suicide Mentions: No
• Violence:
  • Gun Violence: None
  • Violence Against Animals: No
  • Violence Against Children: No
  • Domestic Violence: No
  • Gore/ Blood: None
  • Body Horror: No
  • Notable Violence: None
• Sexual Content:
  • Nudity: None
  • Sexual Situations: Implied
  • Sexual Violence: No
• Miscellaneous:
  • Drinking: Yes
  • Drug Use: None
  • Vomiting: No
  • Smoking: No

Links

• Check out our movies page for our latest movie reviews and recommendations.
• Official Site Link

Review and Commentary

Highlight(s)

Mike and Brandon’s Pursuit Of A Dream [82/100]

The best thing The Comic Shop offers is showing someone like Mike, who decided to pivot, and maintain some connection to his dream, and have him be someone Brandon finds and gets mentorship from. For one thing, you see a lot of times, people who are mentors are those who appear to have it all together, are in these high-status positions, but with Mike, you are pushed to realize that sometimes just being a decent person is enough. Holding onto and doing the thing you love, even if not in the way you want, is sometimes better than nothing.

Mike might own a comic shop and sell other people’s work, but he showcases his own on the wall, puts out there that he is still talented, and it draws him some attention. Maybe not enough to get a contract, but the right people do notice he has it, and for those like Brandon, even if Mike’s name or connections aren’t notable, he still is an inspiration.

I mean, looking at Brandon’s life, with his father initially not supporting him, Mike is a Godsend in their North Vegas community. He teaches him how to pull inspiration from the mundane, draw and tell a story, and in many ways, Brandon’s fight for his dream reinvigorates Mike’s. Making it so this intergenerational friendship has a sweet angle to it and creates something which can make you reminisce about a big brother or sister type you have or had in your life.

On The Fence

Chad [73/100]

The antagonist of The Comic Shop is Chad, who opens a megastore down the road from Mike’s comic shop. He is a basic tool, living off his dad’s money, his interactions with Alex are sexist and uncomfortable, and he takes away from the sense of reality The Comic Shop has. I would even say he pushes the movie to be seen more as a comedy with dramatic elements than maybe just a light-hearted drama.

Overall

Our Rating (77/100): Mixed (Divisive)

Ultimately, The Comic Shop is likable but not necessarily remarkable. The heart of it beats strong as an artist who didn’t hit big finds himself being the lifeline for a kid who was likely in his situation, but with less support. But, between Chad and the feeling Alex is a bit of a limited character on purpose, The Comic Shop might be worth checking out if it pops up on something you subscribe to, or Tubi, but I wouldn’t rent or purchase this on its own.

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