As part of our quest to amplify women, LGBTQIA+ and marginalised voices within arts and culture, we’re starting a brand new series of interview profiles featuring owners of small independent businesses from across the world. In this first profile, co-editor Alfie talks to Lucy Braithwaite, owner of First Age Comics - from a market stall to a popular shop on Moor Lane in the heart of Lancaster, Lucy reveals when her passion for comics began and the complexities of running a small business.
Alfie Whitby: A little bit of research online and I’ve discovered First Age Comics has been a retailer of comics, toys and collectables in Lancaster since around 2006 (is that right?). You’re also a family-run independent business too. Looking back, before you even started your business journey, when did your passion for comic books begin?
Lucy Braithwaite: From very young I was reading lots of UK-published comics like the Beano but also things like Mandy, Judy and Bunty. Those titles didn’t survive like 2000AD did, so now I collect these. They’re still fascinating to me. I also love books, and my husband is a huge collector of US comics like DC’s Green Lantern and so we have a good few areas covered.
AW: What inspired you to open up your own shop? Is there a story behind the name?
Lucy: I’ve always had a vague idea about a toyshop or a bookshop. I struggled at school but managed to scrape a Business A-Level with that in mind. I was too worn out to consider university, but I did get a job selling Star Trek merch at the exhibition they had in Manchester. It was difficult but I did love it. It was a confidence-boost because I had to talk to people if I wanted to be there. Eventually I got made redundant from an office job and saw an empty stall in our collector’s market. I sold off all my Star Trek stuff to get it going and added some comic boxes. It became clear quite early on that mainstream comics were essential for survival. The name First Age is a Lord of the Rings reference, with a nod to the fact that we sell different eras of back-issues, Silver Age, Bronze Age, etc. Obviously I have much better names in my head now but after 18 years it seems too late!
AW: Do you have any favourite moments or events that have happened while running the shop? Tell us about some of your favourite memories!
Lucy: When my daughter was born my husband Mark took over the stall for a while. I’m grateful that I was able to spend some of my pregnancy just peacefully reading at the stall, and then having somewhere that I actually did want to go back to. I met so many new friends there - the other stallholders were eccentric and funny. The customers helped build us up. When my daughter was six she cut the ribbon on the shop we moved into. She was dressed as Batgirl. A tiny boy turned up as Superman and another girl arrived as the the 11th incarnation of The Doctor. At all the events we did, people of all ages turned up in cosplay that they’d put everything into. I like to see people from all walks of life, just take joy from whatever it is they’re a fan of. We don’t have the capacity to do big events anymore, but I still see that.
AW: Over the years, has First Age Comics faced any tricky challenges? What piece of advice (that you wish you’d had) would you give to someone thinking about opening their own comic book shop today?
Lucy: I’m probably STILL not qualified to give any business advice. Career-wise, I definitely shouldn’t have started up a comic shop. But then a lot of things have happened with the economy that have stunted the growth of the business. Brexit was the final straw when we stopped doing the new imports every week, but even before that, the system of ordering new comics from the US was from a monopoly that wasn’t at all retailer-friendly. This, and juggling customer subscriptions was very stressful. I wish I’d been stronger and quicker with some decisions. The temptation, when you need your business to work, is to try to please everyone. That doesn’t always serve you best in the long-run. We have a much more relaxed business now. Don’t take advice from the “you should” people, who haven’t been self-employed is one thing I would add. Build your peer support in any way you can. It’s fine to ask for help and be honest about how hard things are. I don’t buy into the entrepreneur stereotype, of presenting yourself as being superhuman and infallible.
AW: Do you have a favourite comic book or collectable in your shop at the moment?
Lucy: Misty is a favourite comic of mine, so I have to order the collected editions in duplicate so that I can have one. I’m a sucker for little toy cars and figures. I found a vintage Sindy doll that I was going to sell but she hasn’t quite made it to the shelves yet.
AW: What does the future hold for First Age Comics?
Lucy: Well, we’re gearing up for summer visitors because we seem to have become a destination for tourists. Our customer base has changed to people seeking out vintage toys and back-issues rather than new stuff, so we’re quite happy to accommodate that. Longer-term I want to expand on the new merch and comics again. In the meantime we’re building on the live-stream selling. So many local comic shops have closed down and this serves people who don’t have one nearby. I would just like things to get easier for all self-employed people and small businesses I think.
You can visit the shop on 3 Moor Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1QD, England
For more information, check out First Age Comics Facebook Page
Words and interview: Alfie Whitby (they/them)
If you run a small independent business and would like to be considered for a feature, please get in touch. Our focus is amplifying women, LGBTQIA+ and marginalised voices within arts and culture.
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