Comic Book World comes to Abbeville

Comic books have been a part of popular culture for nearly a hundred years. Collecting and selling comic books is a way of life for one family. The Strong family, consisting of two brothers and their wives, set up a booth at the Comic-Con event at the Abbeville library.
Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana was one of 14 booths set up in the library last Saturday.
Close to 1,000 comic books were on display, only a tiny part of their collection.
Stronghold Collectibles has around 30,000 comic books for sale at their Lafayette store off Johnson Street.
The business comprises of Chris, Kristina Strong, and John and Stephanie Strong.
The four sat behind a table full of boxed comic books, hoping to either introduce someone to the comic book world or possibly have a five-minute conversation with someone about why they like or dislike a certain comic book or character. They also gave free comic books away to introduce new readers to the comic book world.
“We love comic books,” said Kristina. “We love talking about comic books and sharing them with the community. There are so many great reads and great artwork.
“Not everyone buys a comic book to read. Many love the artwork and will study each page.”

What are comic books?

A comic book is a type of entertainment that combines words and pictures to tell a story. Comic books can be about superheroes, science fiction, horror, romance, and many other genres. They are typically published in a magazine format, usually around 20-30 pages long.
The average price of a book today ranges from $3 to $8, depending on page count. In 1980, the average price of a comic book printed on newsprint paper was 40 cents. Nowadays, they are printed on magazine paper.
Kristina explained there are different reasons why someone is into comic books.

The love of the art in the books

The art in today’s comic books is superior. The artists who create comic books are talented and can bring the stories to life with their drawings. Strong said the art can be just as important as the words.

Great stories

She said comic books are a unique form of storytelling that combines words and pictures to create a truly immersive experience. Comic books, like other books, can transport people to another world.
Comics now cater to different age groups, genders, and cultural backgrounds, making the medium more inclusive and diverse than ever before.

Love for Superheroes

One of the most popular genres in comic books is the superhero genre. Superheroes like Superman, Spider-Man, and Batman have become cultural icons and have captured people’s hearts worldwide. Their stories often involve themes of justice, morality, and heroism, which can inspire readers.

New releases each week

Kristina said every Wednesday is Comic Book Day, which is when new comic books are released.
“The comic industry in Acadiana is excellent,” she said.  “We have young and old customers that come in.  We have young customers who come in with their parents. We also have people in their 60s and 70s buying comic books. They have been buying comic books their entire life, and they are still buying them.”
Strong said their store’s most popular comic books are “Absolute Batman” or “Ultimate Spider-Man.”
“Both are from virtual universes,” she said.  “You have your main Spider-man and Batman, who has been loved for decades. These are the new twists on the stories where they focus now and do not have the characters’ back history. The new Batman does not have a mansion and is not a millionaire. It is a different take on Bruce Wayne. Spider-man is married and has kids.”

Comic books are still collectible

Strong said comic books are still desirable, and many collect them.
The most expensive comic book, “Action Comics #1,” which introduced Superman, was sold for $6 million in 2024. In 2022, the second most expensive comic book, “Superman #1,” was sold for $5.3 million.
The most expensive comic book in the Stronghold store’s collection is a 1964  “X-Man” comic book that is on sale for $1,100.
She said there are also comic books as low as $1 and $2 for sale. 

Comic books have a purpose

“Everyone needs an outlet of some kind,” said Kristina. “Comic books can put you in a fantasy world with a superhero or in a romantic world.  A comic book can do that with its words and the fantastic art.”