Zeppelin Comics
When it was looking like Zeppelin Comics—a First Street staple since 2015—may have to close its doors, its employees stepped up to the helm. In these recent months, Zeppelin’s new owners have put in the work to keep the business alive while making it their own. Ash Works, Isaac Gomez, and Jerome Sadhu, three out of four business partners, shared with me the love that they feel for Benicia’s comic readers and how that fueled their decision to keep the business running.
At the end of March, the soft reopening began with sales.
The sales continue, and the dwindling stock has given them the freedom to reorganize the store and cultivate the inventory. While the essence remains, the new leadership is taking what they have learned and using it to mold Zeppelin to the needs of the community, as well as their own. Through this transitional phase, regular customers have returned and new ones continue to discover this little pocket of nerdiness.
Zeppelin Comics is so much more than just a comic book store. “We didn’t want to leave the customers behind,” Isaac said while his co-owners nodded in agreement. In the eight years between opening day and the transition to new ownership, Zeppelin Comics has been a hub for Solano County’s nerds. By continuing on through obstacles, the nerdy community will only continue to grow.
The goal is for Zeppelin to become a third space for Benicians, and our neighbors.
A third space is a place outside of the home and the workplace, where social gatherings take place, but where hanging out solo is also welcomed. The newly installed wheelchair ramp, Pride flag, and cozy chairs build a comfortable ambiance where any person would feel welcomed. And the space will continue to evolve with more accessible ways to hang out and get comfy.
Looking further into the future, Zeppelin Comics aims to be a catalyst for creativity. Jerome shared that they want to boost local artists by carrying handmade items and holding events such as themed markets, artist alleys, and mini comic conventions. Each of these provide places for people to gather under the premise of a common interest while also boosting small businesses and artists.
Comic books are for everybody.
Newbies may feel more comfortable dipping their toes in with a graphic novel or a manga because they share a more similar storytelling structure with the traditional novel. If you feel ready to dive in, Zeppelin carries the famous Marvel and DC comics alongside a niche and eclectic collection of independently published comics.
In addition to the comics, Zeppelin is a great resource for nerdy games. Not only do they sell game pieces like dice sets for Dungeons & Dragons, but they also hold game-play events. In the summer, Zeppelin was able to host a handful of extremely well-attended events. The Dungeons & Dragons players begged to continue the storyline while the Magic: The Gathering players are campaigning for more Draft Nights. If you, or somebody you know, is interested in socializing in new ways, or learning a new hobby, Zeppelin is a great resource because of the knowledgeable staff.
The road ahead may be long, but Zeppelin’s crew is ready to do the work.
Ash’s answer to the question of how Benicia can help was as simple as this: “shop local.” Shopping small is not only good for the local economy, but it helps small groups of people—like Zeppelin’s—put down roots and create thriving communities. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or treating yourself, be sure to add Zeppelin to your list of stops.
Zeppelin Staff Recommendations:
Ash recommends The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V and Filipe Andrade. Laila is an Avatar of Death cast down to Earth to live life as a mortal. She must adjust to mortality as she fights to stop humanity from uncovering the secret to immortality. Rich images and a unique storyline come together to create an otherworldly experience.
Isaac recommends Static: Shadows of Dakota by Vita Ayala, ChrisCross, and Nikolas Draper-Ivey. This pocket of the DC universe follows Static, a hero with electromagnetism powers from Dakota City. In this limited series you are able to enjoy a traditional superhero comic that includes nuanced, authentic criticism of American society.
Jerome recommends Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera. In a community where the children go missing and never come back, a mysterious woman arrives. This monster-hunter takes on the burden of killing beasts and saving children in an ongoing series likely to be enjoyed by horror fans.
