Local Comic Shop Creates Community

by Sean Murphy

CCNN Live's story on Korka Comics

While from the outside, it appears as just a comic story, to the people inside Korka Comics is more than a store, but a home where creativity, identity, and community come together. 

Jesus Marquez, a regular customer and artist, says comics give people a sense of connection. 

“No matter where you come from or who you are, you can find some kind of association with a comparable character in some way, shape, or form," he said. "I'm an artist, so like when I first started drawing, that was my go-to references. Any comic book, open it up to any page, and you could take any one of those little squares and make a whole piece out of it. You got to kind of create your own voices in your head when you're reading the comic books. So it sparks your imagination.”

Inside the store, adulthood feels optional. It's a place where they can relax, lose themselves in a different world full of interesting characters, and let their creativity run wild.

Employee Sheila Rodriguez says the store offers comfort and familiarity. 

“You just always find comfort in it. It's a place that you can go to just, you know, to feel familiar. I want them to feel like they have a place where they belong. Even if maybe there's not anything that piques their interest right away. I feel like there's everything — like there's anything for anyone in here,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez also believes the store does more than sell physical media, it preserves a community. 

“It’s not just inspiration to create art, it’s inspiration to look within yourself and discover things about who you are.”

She describes the shop as a home for people who love art, storytelling, and creativity in all forms.

The place where creativity finds home, it usually looks a lot like this. A small shop and proof that the best stories are still being written. In this small shop, creativity doesn’t just survive, it belongs.