Plot ends on local comic book store

by Lauren McDowell
Staff Writer

After 14 years of business, Jerry Ski, owner of Uptown Mini Maul, and employee Rusty Rittenhouse closed the comic book store's doors last Wednesday.

The two spent last week packing the remaining comics, toys, collectibles, custom T-shirts and novelties Ski acquired since the store's opening in 1987.

Increased rent prices in the building and lack of parking in the area forced the store, located at 19 W. Washington St., out of business, Ski said.

"It's hard for people to stay alive in this town because of the parking," he said. "I can't get a customer to come into my store."

Furthermore, lack of Ohio University interest in the parking situation, but continuing influence in the city's local business scene is a growing concern, Ski said.

"You have to be a large business or you won't succeed," he said. "There is an 800-pound gorilla competing with the city."

The store, offering more than 125,000 comic books dating as far back as the 1950s, was a childhood favorite of many Athens residents, Ski said.

"A lot of kids grew up in my store," he said.

Rittenhouse is one of those children with fond memories.

Working with Ski was the best part of his job at the Mini Maul, Rittenhouse said.

"It's like a dream come true to work here," he said.

Signs that the Athens resident and OU senior would soon be unemployed were first noticeable this summer, Rittenhouse said. He had worked at the store since June 1999.

"I kind of got hinted when rent was raised," Rittenhouse said.

Despite the store's closing, Ski will not be unemployed entirely.

Woodcarving and neon sign making are two other fields that occupy his time, Ski said. His recent sign-making projects include WG Grinder's, 120 W. Union St., and the new Goodfella's Pizza store, 270 E. State St.

Rent prices and lack of parking are not the only explanations for the closing, said Joanna Estep, OU junior and general arts major. Comic books are not the business they used to be.

"It's not popular right now," Estep said. "It's really difficult for comic distributors to stay in business."

Because of cartoons and children's books, many readers see comics as entertainment for children, she said. But most comic books deal with very adult entertainment.

"It's like a stereotype that people have a problem with handling," Estep said.

For now, Ski said he will use the time off for much needed rest.

"It's time for me to take a break because I am tired of swimming upstream," Ski said.