I can't believe I won this!

[shaxper]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %3AIT&rd=1

I'd been looking to obtain the full Dark Horse run inexpensively (I've only read the Fantagraph issues, and just recently obtained the Mirage run), and now have all of the first 85 issues autographed by my favorite comic book legend for only $2.50 an issue. I'm thrilled!

[cynlee]

CONGRATULATIONS!

That is nice!

[shaxper]

Thank you

[Stan Sakai]

autographed by my favorite comic book legend for only $2.50 an issue. I'm thrilled!

Congratulations. The seller probably shops at Gary's Bookstore. I sign all the comics, trades, and calendars that Gary gets.

Unfortunately, Gary does not do mail orders. He doesn't even have a computer or telephone answering machine to take orders. In fact, he still uses an old rotary phone.

[shaxper]

Unfortunately, Gary does not do mail orders. He doesn't even have a computer or telephone answering machine to take orders. In fact, he still uses an old rotary phone.

I guess Gary's keeping the spirit of Feudal Japan alive by resisting the onslaught of technology

Where is Gary's bookstore, and does he answer his phone?

[Stan Sakai]

Where is Gary's bookstore, and does he answer his phone?

Gary's Corner Bookstore is no longer there. The corner lots were sold before Gary knew about it and could submit a bid.

He has a drastically scaled down operation out of a "club house" in his back yard. It has no electricity, so you've got to use a flashlight to see what's on the racks. He only takes catalogue orders for a bunch of his old time customers.

Yes, he does answer his phone when he is around. You've just got to catch him at the right time.

[shaxper]

That sounds like a very sad story. Poor Gary.

[Stan Sakai]

That sounds like a very sad story. Poor Gary.

Don't feel too bad. Gary does have another job, and has had one even when he had the Corner Book Store. He maintains the current "book store" so he can keep in touch with the customers who have become good friends over the years.

He had the CBS for about 27 years, so you can imagine how friendships have developed over time.

[hakucho]

Wow, Gary sounds like an amazing guy

And congratulations, Shaxper-san! You lucky guy you... ^^

[Maka]

I'd been looking to obtain the full Dark Horse run inexpensively (I've only read the Fantagraph issues, and just recently obtained the Mirage run), and now have all of the first 85 issues autographed by my favorite comic book legend for only $2.50 an issue. I'm thrilled!

Congrats Shaxper! I bid on that auction, but I'm glad it went to a true fan. Enjoy the reading, there are some great stories in there.

Mr. Sakai, I have a question about Gary's CBS. The painting of UY that used to be on the outside of the store (I personally don't remember it, but I saw it on this website a while ago), did you paint that? And what ever happened to that? I was a customer of Gary's from 1989 - 1992 and that was my first comic book store (so I remember it fondly). I just started collecting comics in college and I discovered many treasures in that small packed place.

Peace,

maka

[Stan Sakai]

Mr. Sakai, I have a question about Gary's CBS. The painting of UY that used to be on the outside of the store (I personally don't remember it, but I saw it on this website a while ago), did you paint that? And what ever happened to that?
Peace,

maka

That image of Usagi was cut out from pvc board (like thick plastic--what pvc pipes of made of), and painted. Gary had that and a few superhero cutouts made. He gave me the Usagi one before he closed the CBS. I've been meaning to repaint it and use it as part of my booth display at San Diego, but never got around to it.