“Alternate Reality Comics started in 1995 when I, Ralph Mathieu, bought Dungeon Comics (established in 1987). I’ve read comics since 1975 and always wanted to do something within the comic book industry. So when this opportunity to own a comic store came up, I didn’t have to think twice about whether this was something that I should do.
I got seriously addicted to comic books in 1975, when, while reading titles such as House Of Mystery and House of Secrets, my eyes were drawn to the ads for DC’s superhero titles. So it was off to the local 7-11, where I picked up an issue of Flash and started picking up all of DC’s titles, followed shortly thereafter by getting whichever Marvel Comics I’d see at the store, as well as Warren comic magazines such as Creepy, Eerie, 1984, etc.
Owning Alternate Reality Comics has been a delight from the first day because I get to share my love of comics with people just about every day and turn them on to the myriad of wonderful new fantastic comics, manga, and graphic novels that this medium has to offer. Additionally, I met my wonderful wife, Katherine (Kate), here at the store and she shares my passion for this medium.”