The Comic Den. Show Up for the Stories, Stay for the Inspiration.
“When I check out of this world, I want to be able to say I tried to help as many people that I could with the platform that I had. I’m using comic books to maximize that. To reach people and give them the best encouragement that I can.”
Josef Woods, owner of The Comic Den
Based in Los Angeles, The Comic Den has a unique heart and soul that is felt as soon as you enter the shop. Comic book readers will feel at home with the wall of new releases, graphic novels, and an indie section that celebrates local talent. But what makes The Comic Den special, is its owner Josef Woods.
As a lifelong comic book fan for more than 40 years, Woods combines his passion for comic book stories with his drive to build community and mentor young readers.
Woods got into comics at a young age with series like X-Men by Chris Claremont and Alan Moore’s Watchmen. “The love for comics kept me out of trouble. Where I grew up there was a lot of gang violence and drugs, but I worked at a grocery store that kept me able to buy comics,” said Woods.
Working at a grocery store did more than fund Woods’ passion for comics, but was critical in his career. Woods would go on to manage several big box chain stores such as CVS or Michael’s. His personable style empowered team members to increase sales and he generated regulars who specifically would go to the locations where he worked. In a world of rampant capitalism, Woods ensured his stores reflected a fusion of leadership, community, and sales driven success.
The love of comics never left, and Woods founded a nonprofit named Soulgeek Empowerment. The organization connects donated comics with elementary to high school readers. “We give away comic books because I want kids to read. I want them to build up creativity and vocabulary. It’s my way of taking my comic book nerdiness and expanding it to the highest degree,” said Woods. “After a while parents would ask me if I had a store and that kind of hit me. It was in my heart to open and run a comic book shop.”
The Comic Den opened its doors in 2025, but visitors would find that hard to believe. Woods has regulars who fill the shop on Wednesdays–or New Comic Book Day. Then there are Eisner-nominated comic book creators, writers from major shows, celebrity comic book signings, and major artists who stop by to chat with Woods.
“My true celebrities are my everyday community shoppers. I also get kids who know me from my nonprofit who run up to me asking, ‘Mr. Joe, Mr. Joe, do you remember me?’ It makes me tear up.”
Woods’ genuine love of mentorship runs deep and even spending just a few minutes leaves visitors feeling like they can take on the world. Despite identifying as an introvert, Woods is more than happy to share his knowledge of comics and celebrate local creators.
“The local guys really support me because I’ll talk about their work into people’s hands. There’s a creator who spent 12 years in prison but sells his comic books here. It’s really powerful and inspiring to me because it shows how if you believe in yourself, you can change your life around,” said Woods.
Located at 4912 W Slauson Ave in Los Angeles, The Comic Den celebrates its diverse readership. “I wanted to get a location where I can have my own community. I get a widespread group of individuals and I love seeing customers bouncing comic book knowledge off of each other,” said Woods.
In addition to the community Woods has built, one of the sources of pride is his display of new comics. “I love the people at Golden Apple Comics and I used to do a ‘walk the wall’ on social media and I remember thinking how one day I was going to do my own walk the wall at my store,” said Woods. “This is in my DNA, you know? To run a comic shop, you have to have passion and be service-driven. I’m willing to come here seven days a week and make my customers always feel welcome.”
While The Comic Den is relatively new to the local comic shop scene, the store has already received celebrity status with its connection to the hit-show The Comic Shop created by Cheyenne Ewulu.
“I was open for about three weeks when Cheyenne walked through the door. She mentioned how she had heard The Comic Den was a Black-owned comic book store and after walking around a bit, she asked how I felt about having a TV show shot here,” said Woods. “Cheyenne really embraced the store and I love how it has become this haven.”
Despite opening in 2025, The Comic Den clearly is filling a need for a community that embraces storytelling through sequential art. The Comic Den serves as a reminder of how much impact local business can have.
“Locally owned small businesses enrich our local Main Streets by investing in their communities, providing goods and services, and creating two-thirds of net new jobs,” said SBA Pacific Regional Administrator Steven Snow. “In addition, small businesses, such as independently owned comic book stores, serve as gathering places for the community, and provide welcoming spaces where neighbors can connect, something that an online comic book buying experience can’t replicate.”
Woods likes to remind customers about the importance of comics in his life. Superheroes like Superman or Miles Morales, in addition to Woods’ faith, work in tandem as a moral compass. It’s this celebration of goodness that makes visiting The Comic Den so inspiring and why after one visit, it’s easy to want to go back.
“When I check out of this world, I want to be able to say I tried to help as many people that I could with the platform that I had. I’m using comic books to maximize that. To reach people and give them the best encouragement that I can,” said Woods.
The Comic Den is located at 4912 W Slauson Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90056. When you stop by, be sure to have time to talk with Joe. You’ll be happy you did. For more about The Comic Den, be sure to follow them on Instagram @thecomicden or visit https://thecomicdenllc.com/. For details about The Comic Shop series, check them out @thecomicshopseries.
This interview was written by Seth Adrian Romo with assistance by Samuel Mason White. All quotes were edited for clarity.