Owner of Empire Collectibles Comics & Games takes life-long hobby to next level

In looking for something extra special for National Comic Book Day, then look no further.

In looking for something extra special for National Comic Book Day, then look no further.

Tucked in the middle of East County in the College area, Empire Collectibles Comics & Games is the result of a long-time hobbyist turned entrepreneur. Now, having just celebrated its first anniversary, Owner Bob Koppy said he read and collected comic books since the mid 60s, getting serious about his collection around 1970. After gathering an extensive collection, he decided to continue to purchase more with the idea of opening up a store as he got to retirement age.

Empire Collectable carries books from 1933 up to modern comic books, pulp magazines from the 20s, 30s and 40s, trade paperbacks and hard cover reprint books and it includes gaming.

“I like the social aspect of it,” he said. “I brought in new style board games, collectible card games, and role-playing games.”

Koppy said the hottest trends are Silver Age comic books, any first appearance, in particular if that first appearance is going to be featured in a movie. “That puts the book on fire,” he said.

He said Harley Quinn is going to be in the new “Suicide Squad” movie. They are talking about the Punisher on Netflix, so supply and demand takes effect so the book goes up in value.

He said Silver Age (1956-1970) are always in high demand and then early Bronze Age (1971-1976) are probably the most sought after heroes as far as comic books go.

“We are continuing to grow, continuously have collections coming in and continue to expand on the gaming side,” he said. “In about two months I’ll have a new room opened for gaming, which will move us from eight people to 28. Recently became part of the Wizards pay network, with the very popular Magic Gathering. We report events (play time) to them and as we move up the ladder we are able to order from them promo cards, free releases and a number of benefits. It helps customers get the extras they are always looking for.”

Koppy said he advertises he is buying collectables and uses every outlet he can in social media (Facebook, Yelp, Google Plus) and put the word out that he is always buying. He said there is a lot involved in comic book collecting. It is good to know how to grade comic properly and how to detect restoration, he said.

“We probably have one of the nicest selections of Golden Age and Silver Age books in San Diego, and that also includes the Bronze Age,” he said. “There are not many stores that do back issues, but I’m fully devoted to keeping the back issues going. We are very strong on promoting Magic the Gathering, it’s probably one of the best gaming we do here.”

Koppy said simply, the better the condition, the better the value.

To find out more visit Facebook/EmpireComicbooks.