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Who says comics can’t bring families together? (Don’t answer that, patient partners who’ve lost loved ones to hours of back issue bin dives.) One father and son team have found themselves bonding over a comic book store in Northern Ohio — but it’s not because they’re headed there every Wednesday to pick up the latest issues of their favorite titles.

“I’ve worked in comics my entire life since my father owned this grandiose collection and about half a year ago he took over our local comic store he’s gone to most of his life, since it’s been here for over thirty years,” explained Reddit poster notalkingskeletons (AKA Tony Tekavec) in a post titled, fittingly, My Family and I Bought a Comic Store.

The store in question actually has some history behind it — it’s Willoughby, Ohio’s Comic Heaven, opened in 1994 and run all the way through 2024 by Jim Williams, known in the local industry for being particularly supportive of local talent. Williams’ sale of the store was local news at the time, with original owner Jim Williams’ retirement was even noted at the time by Miles Morales and Jessica Jones creator Brian Michael Bendis, who credited the man with helping him out when he was first getting started in comics.

That attitude stays in place with the store’s new owner, Anthony Tekavec, who purchased the store after years of being a customer — and years of comic collecting of their own, as well. It’s a passion that’s now been passed on to their son, Tony, who wrote the original Reddit post and now co-manages the store.

“When I was younger I’d always question how my dad sifts through rows and rows of boxes for hours. Now, since I’m the one who has to individually price and learn about all these key [issues], I’m super fascinated with it and want my own few comics to have myself,” he said in a subsequent comment.

The Reddit post has launched new online interest in the store, and it’s something the Tekavecs intend to build on, sharing that they’re planning on launching a website and online sales portal in the new year to help fans find the comics they’re looking for. In the meantime, you can find them on Facebook — and in person in Willoughby, Ohio, as well, of course.

Get ready for what's next with our guide to upcoming comics, how to buy comics at a comic shop, and our guide to Free Comic Book Day 2025.