Kemp’s Comics And Treasuries

I was in Riverside today, so I thought I would stop in and see what kind of comics stores were available. After driving around the block a couple of times, I realized this was a small boutique. Looked interesting, if not particularly focused on comics. The downside. It was closed. On Saturday. Are you kidding me? I can’t visit if it’s not open. So — one star guys. Hire someone to open it on the weekends.

Fun Little Store of All Kinds of Pulp Fiction & MORE!
SITREP
Working in Riverside has it’s random perks. I get to wander down city streets and enjoy the adventure of being in a totally new place that is unfamiliar to me. On occasion, I find nice little treasures such as this Comic Book store.
SETUP
Totally looks like it is run by college students (or ME) since it is a bit difficult to navigate the stacks and figure out what kind of categorization system is in place.
«…okay okay… Marvel comics over here… DC comics over there… I think I got it… oh wait. What’s a Star Wars comic book doing here (?)»…
Anyways, the adventure is fun.
TOTAL KITSCHY
There are lots of other items like posters and figurines, and movies and cards, etc. etc., SciFi, X-​Men, 50s Pop Culture, Nightmare Before Christmas, totally random subject-​areas, etc. etc., that make it fun to just take a peek. But bring cash.
THE LOWDOWN
I think your best bet is to just come with an open mind — like I did — with no particular item in mind, but then enjoy the surprise as you stumble upon that rare find.

I was strolling through downtown Riverside and a sign caught my eye, «Comics.» So I made my way over. YIKES! was my first response. Don’t get me wrong, there is A LOT of stuff packed into this tiny shop. From comic toys, to Star Wars, to film. It’s here.
The problem is getting to anything, at all. There were a few boxes on the floor that had some comics in them, and a rack with newer releases in the corner that I couldn’t get within 4 feet of. This place is more like a packed attic than a store.
So you may find a gem or two, but you are going to have to work for it.
The woman working there was absolutely delightful.
Big minus for me, credit cards not accepted.

Comic book and collectables stores are becoming a rarer and rarer breed these days. I remember there being tons of them around in the 80s and into the 90’s. Alas… like the video arcade… they are becoming harder to find. That’s why a place like Kemp’s is always a joy to find.
Kemp’s is located in downtown Riverside on Orange Street, right across from a large parking structure. Its literally one of those «blink and you miss it» kind of places. In a word… its small. In another word… its packed!
Packed full of all kinds of fun stuff! Comic books, posters, dolls, action figures, movie and comic memorabelia, manga, the list goes on! The lady who owns the shop really knows her stuff and is a smart cookie when it comes to all things comics. Her inventory of comic stock isn’t super-​extensive, but it is current and she’s happy to help you find or order what you may be looking for.
The only minus to the store is\t its size. Its not something that can really be helped, but she has so much stuff in the shop tucked in here and there that you might feel a bit claustrophobic if more than 3 or 4 people are in the shop at any one time. So feel free to peruse and browse around the shop for treasures, just be careful when doing so!
All of this being said, its a fun place to explore and is ran by a delightful lady. If your a fan of the fantasy/​sci fi genres of comic or movies, do pay a visit and help ensure that such places don’t go completely extinct!