Happy Birthday, Star Clipper!

Neon Memes • Most of the metro area's comics shops two decades back ranked as dismal little travesties; as a result, most long ago closed. Not so Star Clipper (6392 Delmar Boulevard, 314.725.9110), which celebrates its 20th anniversary tomorrow, Friday, October 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. Owners A.J. and Ben Trujillo have continued its founders' tacit mission of making Star Clipper the area's top shop for devotees not only of the mainstream ("Did you believe Robinson's new Superman?") but also of the alternatives ("Dark Horse is finally producing a Solomon Kane worthy of Robert E. Howard!") and the indies ("Had you heard that Kevin Huizenga's doing a new series for Buenaventura Press?"). The Trujillos have done so by maintaining an extraordinarily well-stocked and handsome store―Star Clipper could almost fit into Plaza Frontenac―and by employing knowledgeable, personable staffers like Nick Kuntz and Jon Scorfina. It may well rank as the sole local comics shop that "grown-ups" need have no qualms about visiting. According to a circular from the store, tomorrow's celebration will feature "unique pieces from 15 local artists commemorating Star Clipper's 20 years," as well as noshes and tipples and other draws. Will I myself be attending? You betchum, Red Ryder! ―Bryan A. Hollerbach, Managing Editor