Let's Get Graphic
- TJ Smith
- Aug 8, 2017
- 2 min read
What's this?! A book store review?! Finally?! You betcha, folks! I finally went to a new book store! So introducing Graphic on Cuba Street, Wellington! If you don't know Wellington then just imagine the coolest artsiest hipster city you can and you're probably getting close. Our capital city features all kinds of fun and alternative places including pop up saunas in the winter, an underground market and the world-renowned Weta Workshop, birthplace of Sir Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings. If you're more into learning stuff, Wellington's got you covered there too; our national museum, Te Papa, sits right on the water front and features such celebrities as the Earthquake House, the Colossal Squid and that random rock ball fountain thing that rolls around in water and everyone wants to touch. But young or old, short or tall, fuzzy-haired or squeaky bald, if you're in Wellington, you need to get to Cuba Street.
Cuba has a little something for everyone. Get Jolly with Roger at the pirate-themed R Bar, find healing solace in the natural remedies of the Wellington Apothacary, try out flavours from all over at the Wellington Night Market or just wander through the many clothes stores to find something new to spice up your style.
But, nerds and collectors, come one and come all for Cuba Street features the Queen of the Comics; Graphic! This recently upsized comic oasis was first started in 1982 as VMS, making it New Zealand's oldest comic book store. After graphic novels started to gain traction, the store became Graphic and is now a Cuba Mall staple. If you're looking for anything fandom or geek, Graphic should definitely be one of your stops. Featuring an amazing array of comics and graphic novels all arranged by genre, Graphic should have you covered for anything you might need. Can't find what you're looking for? Just ask! The staff are super knowledgeable and friendly. And if you can't get to Wellington, don't worry! Graphic has a website which includes a fully functioning online store so anyone from Cape Reinga to Bluff can sate their graphic novel needs.
It may not look like much on the outside (give them a break, they just moved; they're getting the store front together) but Graphic is pretty awesome! One thing I will say is your wallet might cry a wee bit. Apparently comic book devotion is an expensive hobby. Even if you can't afford it though, it's well worth perusing this store; I never knew just how many Marvel comics there were (spoiler alert: they had nearly two entire bookshelves worth and that was just in store!).
Check out Graphic's website here and make sure to drop by if you're ever in Wellington! They also have a Facebook so give them a like on that too!
Happy reading!
