TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Have you heard the term "superhero fatigue," suggesting that we're tired of movie after movie, plus streaming series starring superhuman characters?
It may be a widespread take in pop culture, but you wouldn't know by looking around Tucson ahead of Free Comic Book Day.
"You have your Superman, Batman... I kind of gravitated more toward the nerd like Spider-Man," said Jeremy Ortiz.
If I told you to stop by Space Monkey, 7431 E. 22nd St., you'd be justified not knowing what in the world lies inside the Eastside store, but owner Tony Wolff knows. So what's with that name?
"(It's) kind of a joke with my daughter," Wolff says.
The funny name is just a way to get potential customers through the door, and they show up week after week.
"It's just kind of splintered off into different other DC comic books, Marvel comic books," said regular Frank Zepeda.
Tony started Space Monkey Comics a few years ago, and being a nerd himself, he loves Spider-Man— meaning he knows that "with great power comes great responsibility."
He says his responsibilities to his customers mean more than the bottom line.
"A lot of customers I consider friends," Wolff said.
But all you have to do is look at the expansion to know business is booming. Last November, Wolff took over the neighboring space off 22nd Street and Prudence, doubling his footprint.
"Seeing like how far he's come within a year or two years, it's just pretty cool," Zepeda said.
Jorge Sesteaga told me digital media is good enough for some, but the tangible turning of the page is what keeps him coming in weekly for his fix.
"It feels like more, more real in a way," he said. "That's what I love so much about it, that you can just immerse yourself in that world and feel like you're part of it."
The same goes for Zepeda and Ortiz... and honestly, all of the regulars whom Wolff knows by name.
Tony Wolff: "They, like, start reading one thing and get hooked on something else."
Dan Spindle: "You're thrilled to feed that addiction?"
Tony Wolff: "There's definitely worse things people can be spending money on."
There aren't any secret identities or alter egos here. All are welcome to disappear into a world of make-believe, one colorful panel and dramatic title at a time.
"Every time someone asks oh you're into comics, I always recommend Space Monkey," Ortiz said.
Space Monkey Comics is located at 7431 E. 22nd St. You can also visit them online: www.spacemonkeycomicsaz.com
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Dan Spindle co-anchors Good Morning Tucson on KGUN 9 and is an award-winning storyteller whose work has earned him honors from the Rocky Mountain Southwest Emmys, the Associated Press and the Utah Society of Professional Journalists for both anchoring and reporting. Dan is passionate about history and loves to explore the Grand Canyon State. Share your story ideas with Dan by emailing dan.spindle@kgun9.com or by connecting on Instagram, or X.
