Rah-Coco’s Collectables

Five of us were in town for a Conference in Providence, RI, so we decided to hit some of the local comic shops. The first one we traveled to was small, with a few short boxes of comics and 4 – 5 comics on the new rack. The lady seemed disinterested in us being there and even less interested in comic books. The next day, we found Rah-Coco’s Collectables online, so we made the trek from our hotel to this comic shop.
Although it wasn’t the easiest place to find, it was more than worth the 2 mile walk… the store owner gave us better directions back, which cut our walk down to less than a mile. Tourists!
This was one of the coolest comic book experiences that we have ever had. As soon as you walk in, you know that this is a guy that cares about the comic book world. We were warmly welcomed upon our arrival. This place is filled with new comics, old comics, toys, trading cards, etc.
We spent about over an hour looking through all the collectibles and spent at least half of that time having nerd conversation with the owner. He was so knowledgeable and extremely helpful. He even was willing to look for specific comics at another location so that collections could be completed. At the end of our hour, he even gave us some freebies as we left. Really cool guy.
This guy is the reason why the trip to a traditional brick and mortar store is better than getting your comics digital. If you live in the area, get a subscription to this place. He says he gives a 20−25% discount on subscriptions and includes free bags and boards. He is also willing to ship anywhere in the country. I couldn’t recommend this place more. Wish I could give it 10 stars!!!

It’s quiet on these back streets. Almost too quiet.
«Are you sure we’re in the right place?» I ask my fiancé.
«Google says West Park Street… see that’s Jewett so this has to be it.»
«…Okay.»
Not convinced, I maneuver the car up a street labeled Selwyn Way and we both squint as though that will somehow make this fabled comic book store appear.
Lightning cracks and the side of the nondescript building we are idling in front of is briefly illuminated, revealing painted lettering. «RAH-​CoCo!» we exclaim.
We make our way through a tall chain link gate and up the side stairs. A sign reading «Collectables» hangs from the railing, and inside the open doorway we spy familiar signs — a glass display counter, colorful covers and bindings, collectors cards, character busts, colored pencils, columns of cardboard boxes.
An unseen barking dog announces our entry and we are cautious, captivated.
«Hello!» a friendly male voice calls, and we turn to each other, smile, and return the greeting. This is going to be awesome! Animated conversation commences, in-​depth browsing of motley titles is undertaken, and purchases with a generous student discount (20%) are made. We retreat to our vehicle with a stack of trade paperbacks including Gail Simone’s Birds of Prey and Greg Rucka’s Wonder Woman, with an invitation to attend the Free Comic Book Day RAH-​CoCo participates in which happens to fall on my birthday this year.
Okay, so there was no lightning, but the rest is true. If you are expecting this comic book store to jump out and grab you, it’s not going to. And Google Maps won’t be any help either, sending you up into a residential cul de sac and forcing you to turn around in someone’s driveway. RAH-​CoCo is actually on the other side of West Park Street, which somewhere along the way got bisected. I’ve attached a screen shot of Google Maps to help clarify this; the location indicator in Google Maps is what corresponds to their address, but I’ve placed the Streetview marker on the actual location and included the Streetview image of the storefront.
This is a store for folks who love taking their time, combing through comics and comic detritus. The genial store-​owner has resisted mall culture and survived the changing neighborhoods of this city for the last 30 years. The store is not that neat or organized but that’s a large part of its charm, and it definitely resists comparing to a rummage sale. Talking to the owner of RAH-​CoCo and exploring his store gave me a tangible sense of a comics community and revealed a soul that can’t be found at Newbury Comics, making our trip to the back streets of Smith Hill into an awesome adventure.