Rene Rosa is a store clerk at the New York City comic book shop Jim Hanley’s universe.

I spoke with him briefly on his thoughts on the history of the comic book shop, where it’s place in a community lies and what he feels is the biggest threat to keeping them in business.

Interestingly enough, what I learned from him is that keeping a comic book store open is

a lot like keeping any other business opened – returning customers. Rosa takes pride in the fact that him and the staff at Jim Hanley’s are very friendly and have a strong customer base.

Their main greeter and cashier, Larry, has been at the store for years and while his checkered smile and receding hairline may not say “salesman,” Larry is one of the most helpful clerks on the floor.

I have an interview scheduled with the store’s manager, Steven, this Thursday where I will interview him and get his point of view.