For comic book lovers and collectors, Mile High Comics is a must-visit destination. This iconic store, located on 4600 Jason St., off the Pecos exit on I-25, boasts 10 million comic books and 300,000 trade paperbacks, as well as toys, cards, posters, and other collectibles.
The company was founded by Chuck Rozanski in 1969 and has since become one of the most successful comic book specialty shops in the United States. Mile High Comics started as a mail order business in the basement of Chuck's parents' home in Colorado Springs and grew to 8 physical locations at its height.
Via Mile High Comics
In 1977, the company purchased the Edgar Church Collection, the largest and highest-quality Golden Age comic book collection, which helped it expand its influence nationally and brought a geometric rise to the price of rare comic books. In 1980, Mile High Comics placed an advertisement in Marvel comics, listing prices for back issues and helped establish the back-issue market as a valid commodity.
Mile High Comics is a popular destination for families and comic book enthusiasts alike. The store's 45,000 square-foot layout, with lofty ceilings and wide aisles, has been called a “hidden fortress of pop-culture media”. The store offers an unfussy and friendly shopping experience, making it easy for customers to find what they are looking for.
Mile High Comics has also been at the forefront of several historic comic book sales. In January 2022, the store brokered a private sale of the Edgar Church/Mile High 8.0 copy of Action Comics #1 (1939) for $5.3 million. This copy of the first appearance of Superman is tied for the highest graded copy of Action Comics #1 certified by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), and its sale puts it ahead of other iconic comic books like Amazing Fantasy #15 and Captain America Comics #1.
In addition to its impressive selection of comic books and collectibles, Mile High Comics has a strong commitment to the community. The store has hosted all-ages drag shows and is known for being inclusive and welcoming to all. Drag For All Ages was held every first Sunday of the month. The show raised money for charity and was meant for attendees of all ages.
Via Mile High Comics
However, the events have faced regular protests, mainly from the far-right neo-fascist group, "Proud Boys". The group, known for promoting political violence and admitting only men as members, was started in 2016 and believes that men and Western culture are under siege. At the latest event, around 30 protestors, including several "Proud Boys" in militaristic attire, screamed that allowing young people to perform in a family-friendly drag show constituted child abuse.
Despite the protestors, the event was a success, with over 400 attendees and 75 supporters showing up to form a "Parasol Patrol" group to shield the visitors and performers from the noise and view of the protestors. The group encourages peaceful decorum and does not engage with the protestors, recognizing their right to express their opinion as enshrined in the Constitution.
If you're in Denver and looking for a unique shopping experience, be sure to check out Mile High Comics. And for those who can't make it to the store, be sure to subscribe to their weekly newsletter, In The Know, for the latest entertainment news sent straight to your inbox.
Via Mile High Comics
About the Author: Frank Somma is an avid comic book fan and horror movie fiend. He is a community orginizer, event coordinator, and graphic designer/video editor. When he's not geeking out over comics and movies or staring at a computer screen you can find him diligently working on a 20 acre organic farm. Geek | Techie | Farmer
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