Rich Conley, President of Heroes & Fantasies, had a dream to create the type of comic book hobby store that he always hoped he could find as a teenager growing up in metropolitan Chicago, Illinois in the 1960's. In those days, now called "the Silver Age of Comics," new comic books were mostly found in drug stores and "dime stores." Old comics were found at Garage Sales, and, occasionally, at used bookstores, that were often very scary places to go to! There were also very few toys, apparel, games, or giftware of interest to fans of the comic art form.
The realities of household, family, and career put these ideas on hold through the 1970's and early 1980's, though the comic collecting hobby had begun to blossom, with regular local comic book shows and conventions. Most often, Rich came back from these shows with even more comics than he started with, even though his stated goal was to "sell down some of his collection." It was just so much fun, that Rich decided it was time to try to realize his teenage dream, and adopted the slogan, "Where everyday is like a Convention!" And, we entered San Antonio's entertainment industry in 1987 when we opened our first store in Northwest San Antonio, in the Ingram Square Shopping Center. Initially carrying only comic books and classic records we assumed the name "Comics and Records Unlimited." Within six months, the nasty habit of expanding inventory on a daily basis forced us to move into larger space within the same shopping center.
In 1989, driven by the ever-increasing public interest in comic books, and surging sports card industry, we opened our second store in the Embassy Oaks Shopping Center, on Bitters Road. We continued to diversify our product offerings, adding collectible toys, games, apparel, posters, themed jewelry, statues and giftware, novelties and more. In early 1990 we bought out a struggling competitor who also had two stores; one at Blanco Road and I-410, and the other at Austin Highway near the I-410/I-35 merge in Northeast San Antonio.
Later in 1990, we decided to try a "Disney Store" approach at the most successful mall in the city; North Star Mall. And, we adopted a more encompassing name, "Heroes & Fantasies." At that same time, we divested ourselves from records and music-related collectibles. By 1993 we had expanded to become one of the largest (per industry records, we were #2 in the country) privately-owned comic/card/gaming specialty operations, with eight thriving outlets. Over the years we have relocated and closed several locations. And in 2001, after having expanded northward into New Braunfels, we opted to sell two locations to Jack Mahaffey. Our intention is to observe their results as compared with ours to help determine the feasibility of a nationwide Heroes & Fantasies franchise offering. The two independent stores still bear the Heroes & Fantasies name and operating philosophy. We have also helped other business-minded fans get into this business by offering inventory floorplanning support and business systems. Give us a call if you are serious about entering the trade!
The latest major change to our company, involved combining and relocating of two small stores, resulting in an expansion to one of the largest collectibles stores of its type in Texas, covering over 6,000 square feet. This collector's museum, located on Hwy 410 at Summit Pkwy, features largest variety and selection of all the items we've already discussed, including a display room of multiple life-sized Star Wars figures you won't find elsewhere! We also have a family-friendly game room that can seat over 100 players for events of all kinds.
In addition to our "brick & mortar" presence in South Texas, we also operate an online store and deal as PowerSellers on eBay. We help hundreds of people realize top prices for their collections by doing consignment sales both locally and worldwide through the internet. If you are nervous about selling online, stop in an visit us for a no-obligation professional opinion.
As Heroes and Fantasies continues to grow and evolve, we owe thanks to all of you who visit often and allow us to share in your favorite hobbies.
