With the help of multi-million dollar movies and television shows starring Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, being a comic book reader has its perks. Can’t wait until the next season of “The Walking Dead” is available on Netflix? Then scoop up the graphic novel from Columbia’s own Rock Bottom Comics.

The store is located on Walnut Street, next to Ernie’s Cafe. The store first opened Oct. 1, 1973 by owner Glen Brewer. It is the second oldest comic book store in Missouri with a clientele ranging from children to 70-year-olds.

Rock Bottom Comics has a little bit of everything, from the latest Marvel and DC comics, to a Bugs Bunny comic book printed in 1945. Manager James Cagle started working at Rock Bottom Comics in 1987. He says his love for comic books and interacting with other fans made his job a perfect fit for him.

“My favorite thing about work is when I introduce someone (to) their new favorite book, when I help them find the special thing they didn’t know they wanted,” Cagle said. “I enjoy being able to build relationships with people. It is generally fun, and you never know what you’ll walk into at work. To Glen and me, the fact that our living is tied into this is really secondary.”

The store carries new issues, back issues, graphic novels, Magic cards, action figures, and tries to provide as much variety as possible so all customers have the chance to find that “special thing.”

According to Cagle, the demographic of customers has changed significantly in recent years. He said roughly 40 percent of Rock Bottom’s customers are female, and he adds he’s noticed a rise in the number of female creators in the industry.

“It used to be that I would see the guy dragging his significant other into the comic book store and she would stand there and roll her eyes,” Cagle said. “Lately, I’ve seen the exact opposite, where a gal dragged her significant other into the store and made him stand there while she buys some comics.”

To Rock Bottom Comics, customer service and common interest is what sets their store apart from competitors like Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.

“You could always stop by,” Cagle said. “One of the best ways to learn where to start is to talk to me, Anthony, or Glen, or to just walk around the shop and find that one thing that jumps out at you.”