New Prestige Comics store brings nostalgia to Commack
Chris Mandemaker's new store features vintage comics, toys and records from the '70s onward. Credit: Thomas Shockley
Before Prestige Comics & Records opened in August in Commack, a sign on the window pledged: “Something big is coming.”
Owner Chris Mandemaker wasn’t just referring to the animatronic “Star Wars” Wookiee co-pilot Chewbacca on display towering 7½ feet tall. His store offers a supersized selection of vintage and new comic books, toys and music.
“The merchandise mostly spans from the ’70s to the present but some items are older,” says Mandemaker, 37, who lives in Smithtown. “I grew up reading comic books with Batman, Green Lantern, Spider-Man and X-Men.”
“My dad introduced me to them,” he adds. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve told my parents I wanted to open a comic store.”
A few years after graduating from Binghamton University with a degree in English, Mandemaker launched Prestige Comics as a side hustle. While working in various editorial and retail jobs, he sold comic books online and at events. The experience paved the way — POW! ZAP! WHAM! — for the physical store in the Northgate Shopping Center.
Comic books lean toward DC and Marvel, but ones by independent publishers are also in the mix. They’re all typically priced $1 apiece, 20 for $10 and 50 for $20. Rare issues run higher.
“I have a few comics that are a few hundred dollars but nothing too crazy,” he says. “I like to offer everything at as low of a price as possible, so it’s easy for people to get into collecting.”
Toys run the gamut. Beanie Bouncers ($7.99) come in delightful designs, including “Wicked"’s Elphaba, while bendable plush superheroes ($5) pack fun flex appeal. A Lego "Star Wars" Cloud City set, released in 2018, recently sold for $1,500.
Vinyl LPs, in the store’s music department, handled by one of Mandemaker’s friends who rents space in the shop, mostly sell for $10-$30.
Upcoming trivia nights will create a community space at the store. A Green Lantern-themed evening, inspired by the new TV series, is set for Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. Events will be announced on Instagram.
Mandemaker appreciates the enduring cross-generational appeal of comics. “I have a lot of older customers,” he says. “But there are also lots of kids coming in. Spider-Man’s just as big now as he has ever been.”
Prestige Comics & Records, 1139-7 Jericho Tpke., Northgate Shopping Center, Commack, 934-221-0247, Instagram: @Prestige.Comics.Records
