One of the men I thank for my enduring love of comics passed away recently. Steve Koch was the owner of Comic Headquarters. Open since 1988, this was the longest standing comic shop in the area I grew up. I remember as a small child riding by, seeing Spiderman on the sign, and begging my parents to stop. But it wasn't until I could drive that I started to shop there regularly. This was the store that, (when I was doing a bit better money-wise) I visited ritualistically every Wednesday to pick up the latest issues of my favorite titles. This was where I discovered "Free Comic Day." Of all the comic shops I've frequented, I could honestly say he was the nicest owner I've encountered. I could always rely on a friendly greeting when I stopped in to the HQ. Never a nasty word said about some kid's greasy fingers touching the merch. Though its been a few years since I was a weekly shopper, whenever I went back, if he was working, I'd hear, "Keith, where've you been?" While I can't imagine the pain that his wife, Carla or his daughter must be feeling, I can't help but feel the loss of a fixture in my community.
Most of my memories of Steve are not of us talking about comics or superheroes. Of all the times I came to the store donning superhero t-shirts (some of which I bought from him), the only one he commented on was my old Beatles- Let it Be t-shirt. From what I understand, the quickest way engage with him was to talk about classic rock. Mostly I remember how approachable he was. Always wearing a genuine smile, you couldn't leave without hearing him say "We'll see you next time!"
Steve, thanks!
