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A wide selection of comic books are for sale at Fantastic Comics on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011 in Berkeley, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Staff)

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Small business

Small Talk profiles and related news.

BERKELEY -- In the world of comics, spinoffs are the norm.

In Berkeley, it's hit the real world, too, with two new comic bookstores opening this year. Both have ties to longtime fixture Comic Relief, which closed its doors on Valentine's Day.

Brothers Uel and Jeff Carter took over Comic Relief's space at 2026 Shattuck Ave. with comic book creator Erik Larsen and started Fantastic Comics in May.

About three miles away, at 3090 Claremont Ave., Jack Rems purchased the entire inventory of Comic Relief and opened The Escapist Comic Bookstore in March next door to his Dark Carnival Bookstore, which he also owns.

"Berkeley seems to have always had a little civil war of comic bookstores, but I think us both being here helps each other," Rems said. "Just as if there were only one bookstore in Berkeley, it would be really sad if there was just one comic bookstore here."

Comic Relief lost its luster as an industry icon after its founder, comic book veteran Rory Root, died in 2008.

Comic Relief was known for its large inventory, and Rems tries to give people the same "overwhelming feeling" when they walk into The Escapist's 1,700-square-foot space.

"There's a frightening array of stuff here, and you want to give the customer the impression that you have everything," Rems said. "I don't set out to do that, but we are very heavily stocked."

At Fantastic Comics, Uel used much of his personal collection to jump-start

Uel, who once worked at Comic Relief, says he's always bought large quantities of comic books with the idea of one day opening his own store.

When Comic Relief closed, the brothers knew right away that they wanted its space. With the help of Larsen, and another silent investor, they moved quickly into the 2,850-square-foot space and opened May 1.

"I think it worked out really well because this storefront has long been known for being a comic bookstore," Uel said.

At Fantastic Comics, the owners have tried to give the space a bright and open feel.

"We want to change people's perception of the dark, dingy stores with comics packed to the rafter, and make it much more friendly for the first-time customers," Jeff said.

The owners of Fantastic Comics believe the two stores can coexist because they serve different roles and populations.

"They are in a much more suburban area and cater more toward families, and we are more of the school and foot traffic crowd," Jeff said. "If someone comes here looking for something we don't have, we tell them to definitely look there."

While traditional bookstores have been hit hard by online sales and e-books, comic stores have experienced a slower bleed because of the collectibles factor.

"People still want to physically be able to touch comic books and hold them," said Gareb Shamus, chief executive of Wizard World, which runs the popular Comic-Con event.

"The stores that do well are ones that give people a unique experience and a reason to want to get out of their house and go to the actual stores," he said.

Susan Ali, a UC Berkeley student and comic book fan, said she was worried when Comic Relief closed but was relieved to see the void quickly filled.

"It's very important because comic stores provide a form of literature that traditional bookstores just don't have," she said. "It's just awesome that we have them in Berkeley."

Contact David Morrill at 925-977-8534.