COMIC RELIEF • Beyond the Panels at Cashman’s Comics

The word iconic is often overused, attached to anything that enjoys a fleeting moment in the spotlight. True icons, however, earn that distinction through longevity, consistency, and the lasting impact they have on the communities they serve. They become woven into the fabric of a neighborhood, creating memories that span generations.

For 30 years Cashman’s Comics has done exactly that, standing on the same Madison Street corner through changing times while welcoming everyone from lifelong collectors to wide-eyed newcomers discovering their first superhero. Three decades later it has become far more than a place to buy comics—it is a landmark, a gathering place, and an enduring symbol of the community that has grown alongside it.

I stopped into the shop to chat with owner John Cashman about the anniversary his store is celebrating this month and to discuss his feelings about his business upon reaching such a significant milestone.

The Cashman’s Comics story actually began before his purchase of the store from original owner, Doug Stefaniak.  Cashman had worked at the store under Stefaniak for “two or three years” before it became available for sale.  As Cashman describes it, “1996 was a big year for me.  Bought a store.  Bought a house.  I got married that year. My first child was born.  All the big things.”

When I asked him what he remembers about those early days as a business owner, he recalled, “Well, let’s see.  Marvel Comics  filed for bankruptcy.  The UPS drivers went on strike. What I remember is a series of disruptions.”

Those early events would act as a training ground for an industry that was undergoing an evolution.  When queried what has changed the most in the comic book industry over the years, he listed several things, some rather obvious. “First, there are more titles than ever.  It’s not just Marvel and DCanymore.  There are a lot of independent companies.  Many have one title that quickly lifts them into important status. I kind of split my store in half now.  One side is DC and Marvel. The other is all the independent titles and small publishers.”

“Distributors have consolidated and split apart, so I need to deal with more of them. The internet has clearly changed things, not just in digital distribution, but in how information on new titles spreads.”

When asked the flip side of what has stayed the same, he responded, “People still want the tangible object.  Some people are readers, others are collectors.  Some titles may go up in value over time.  Those things have stayed unchanged.”

One new trend that combines a little of the new and old is what Cashman terms“gambling for comics,” where the book is sold in an opaque package.  It may be a nondescript title.  It may be a collectible comic with high value.  You don’t know for sure until you purchase it.

In terms of collectibles, I asked if there were any particular releases that generated a memorable level of excitement. “Oh, definitely the Death Of Superman. It was before I bought the store.  It was on every major news network.  Doug would have me drive to Detroit to pick up cases of 200 and they would sell out immediately.  We’d have to go right back for more.  I don’t think we will ever see that again.”

When I suggested to Cashman that the community has always been a key factor in whether a business “makes it” in Bay City, he immediately agreed.  “I can confirm that.  People know about us and now seek me out for help.  I’ve also always been a big proponent of childhood literacy.  I have donated hundreds of titles for this purpose.  Back in 1998 the Bay County Library System approached me with a desire to buy graphic novels for their collection, and I have kept them supplied ever since."

With 30 years in business, Cashman has also seen his customers grow up, eventually bringing their kids or grandkids into the store.  Sometimes he is humbled to learn that role went beyond being a shopkeeper.  “I had a customer who used to come in with his Grandma.  His dad had died in the military.  He finally told me one day, ‘You don’t know how much you helped me through that time.  I looked up to you as a father figure.’”

Who wouldn’t be moved by a moment like that?

If there is a “dirty little secret” in all of this, it is that Cashman was never really a comic reader as a kid.  Many will know him as one of the more accomplished rock drummers in the area and he spent a lot of his time on that.

These days he relies on his two employees, Dan “Dano” Brant and Keith Sauer, to keep him up to date. As he puts it, “They read everything and keep me up to date.  Their knowledge of comic books far exceeds mine.”

As a 30th anniversary is obviously an opportunity for reflection, I asked Cashman what accomplishment makes him most proud.  His answer was heartfelt.   “Well, I can tell you I remember a lot of ramen noodles and mac & cheese when I first started.  I am sure that version of me would have my mind blown by how this has grown.  But if I had to pick one thing, it would be that I finally made my parents proud.”

For context, Cashman indicated his mother Kitty was always on “Team John,” especially when it came to his interest in music and drums.

His dad was a tougher nut to crack. 

“My dad, William Cashman, was a ‘Retail Guru,’ having worked for the Kresge / K-Mart Company for over 40 years. He started as a stock boy in Dayton Ohio at a Kresge 5 & Dime store where he met my mother.  She was the store window designer and sign painter. He eventually worked his way up the company ladder to become the head of Far East Operations for K-Mart in Hong Kong and then later retired as a Senior Buyer for the K-Mart Corp in their heyday.”

“When I bought the store he asked me, ‘why in the world would you want to sell funny books?’” It took him a long time to come around. By the time he passed away in ‘2006, he was finally able to see I was successful at this. That meant a lot to me.”

I asked Cashman what advice he would give to someone who was interested in reading comics but doesn’t know where to begin. “I always ask new customers if I can find something that interests them.  That tells me a lot about the person right there. I can steer them in the right direction.”

He went on to say that a running joke between him and his clientele is that running a comic book shop is a lot like living in the middle of the TV show “The Big Bang Theory.”  He reminisced, “I’ve actually had to break up a heated argument over who would win a fight between the Hulk and Superman.  I had to settle them down and remind them that no one would win, because these are just drawings on a piece of paper.”

With 30 years under his belt, I finally asked Cashman what the next chapter looks like for himself and the store.  Unsurprisingly, this is a topic that is very much on his mind.

“I know I am at the later part of my career.  People ask all the time when I will retire, but it’s mainly because they are interested in buying the store.  Honestly, I don’t know what is next, but I can start to see myself winding down my role here.”

Cashman’s Comics is located 1018 Madison Avenue in Bay City.  The store will have special events and sales throughout the month of July to celebrate the anniversary.  It would be an excellent time to make a pilgrimage if you are a longtime customer or if you want to simply visit a store that is a throwback to simpler times.