The owner of two Samurai Comics stores in Phoenix opened a temporary location next to Atomic Comics in Mesa, which closed abruptly last week amid bankruptcy proceedings.
Mike Banks and his staff, which includes several former Atomic employees, had the makeshift space at 1120 S. Country Club Drive, Suite 107, ready for customers who showed up at Atomic Comics for their weekly new releases.
"Ever since (Atomic Comics owner) Mike Malve called me on Sunday with the news about Atomic I've been pulling 20-hour days trying to step up and fill that void," Banks said.
He said the lease is only for a few months, but he has his eye on long-term plans for expansion into the East Valley.
He owns two Samurai stores in Phoenix: One at 10th Street and Camelback Road and another at 107th Avenue and Indian School Road.
Banks' business has been working with Atomic's distributor and also helping other local comic book stores meet demand.
Atomic had four locations, including one at Chandler Fashion Center.
