- Nivana Comics is celebrating the release of Amazing Spider-Man No. 1000, like many others around the globe.
- The comic book industry earn millions annually, despite that smaller community comic book stores are struggling to keep customers coming back.
- Nirvana Comics are hosting various events from Oct. 15 to 17.
- Other Knoxville comic book stores like McKays and Tall Man Comics have closed.
- Nirvana Comics welcomes world renowned artist to East Tennessee
- Knoxville comic book, toy store closing after 10 years
- Knoxville McKay’s set to permanently close after 40 years
Tenn. (WVLT) – Every year, an estimated $1.94 billion in comics and graphic novel are sold in the U.S. and Canada, according to ICv2, a trade publication and market research
Grant Mitchell, co-owner of Nirvana Comics in Knoxville, said that small businesses like his are facing economic challenges, but comic sales are up and so is community support.
Nirvana Comics took it one step further by using this rare opportunity of a newly released iconic American character, Spider-Man, to build community engagement.
Nivana Comics is celebrating the release of TheAmazing Spider-Man No. 1000, like many others around the globe.
“We really wanted to make this matter, not just like have another book come out this week. We want to make it a celebration,” said Mitchell.
The store is hosting a series of events featuring Joe Kelly, a writer of TheAmazing Spider-Man.
Kelly is an American comic book writer, penciler, editor and animator who has written many iconic titles like 2099: World of Tomorrow, Deadpool, Uncanny X-Men, Action Comics and JLA. He also has award-winning work on The Amazing Spider-Man and Superman.
- “An Evening with Joe Kelly:” Kelly’s time in television at Central Cinema on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026
- Q&A on Friday Oct. 16, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Nirvana Comics event space
- Tickets are $25 each
- Ticket holders are entered into a raffle to receive the new issue comic.
- After the event there will be a signing.
- $15 for a raw book signature
- $25 for signature with authentication
- Store signing on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
According to Nirvana Comics The Amazing Spider-Man reaching 1000 issues is a “crazy huge launch.” The first issue came out in 1963 and only two other comics, Action Comics (first appearance of Superman) and Detective Comics (first appearance of Batman), have reached 1000 issues.
“We have people we’ve never seen before coming in. Everyone was really excited for this,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell said the events are meant to strengthen Knoxville’s close-knit comic community and give fans a chance to connect with creators.
“When life gets hard and, you know, it can get a little scary, comics sometimes make it a little bit better,” said Mitchell.
Other Knoxville comic book stores, like McKays and Tall Man Comics have closed, but despite the struggle, Nirvana Comics are willing to pay a little extra to host events, like store signings, to stay connected in their community.
“This is not just a store, it is a community space. When they have that, they’re going to show up and support you,” said Mitchell.
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