Why you want Mike Richardson in your Store - by Randy Stradley
I have known Mike Richardson for nigh on thirty years now. When I first met him he was running a comics shop. And, for a while before we started Dark Horse Comics, I worked alongside him and managed one of his comics shops. So when I was asked, "Why would you want Mike Richardson to work in your comics shop?" a number of reasons sprang to mind.
1. His encyclopedic knowledge of comics history. He could explain to your customers how the current events in the latest Marvel or DC titles have their roots in the past, or how every artist working today—whether they know it or not—owes a debt of gratitude to the artists who came before.
2. Mike is a natural salesman. Trust me. He can convince the customer who came in to purchase a single comic book that the additional purchase of a stack of graphic novels makes all the sense in the world. No high-pressure tactics, just an affable enthusiasm for the material
3. Worst-case scenario? He's handy to have around. At six foot nine, he can reach every item on the top shelves, and every comic hanging up on the walls of your store. Perhaps you could have a "seven feet and higher" sale to commemorate his presence in your store. And make him dust those shelves while he's up there.
Just remember to send him back to Dark Horse when you're done with him, okay?
—Randy Stradley
VP Publishing
Dark Horse Comics, Inc.