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Barrow’s Atomica Comica Comics store announces impending closure

By John Freeman on June 14, 2023

Atomica Comica Comics, a comic shop in Barrow-in-Furness has, sadly, announced it will close in July, victim to low footfall and a drop in sales.

Run by Luke Askew, who had been running a comics business in the town for several years before opening the shop, the store had a loyal customer base. But in troubled times for many high streets, it sadly wasn’t big enough to sustain the store in the face of rising costs, which will close on Saturday 15th July.

“Well this is something that I didn’t forsee writing, but unfortunately it’s true,” Luke announced on the shop’s Facebook page earlier this week.

Atomic Comica's Luke Askew in happier times — *Atomic Comica’s Luke Askew in happier times*

“With considerable rising costs, no footfall and poor overall performance, a decision needed to be made.

“I am so sorry to let you all down but I cannot keep your local comic store afloat.”

Determined to the end to keep customers happy, pre-orders will be fulfilled until early July, and Luke is offering to provide advice on other reliable retailers to take over accounts.

In a closing sale, all back issues instore are now just £1 each, with 60% off everything else – excluding new titles.

One of the British comic stores we have previously featured as a Comic Retailer Spotlight, the news has been greeted with dismay by local comic fans, although many were also quick to praise Luke and team for his hard work over the past ten years promoting and selling comics in the Cumbrian town.

“Sorry to hear about this, Luke. It absolutely bites,” said Ste Mulgrew. “I was there right from the start when you opened up shop in Barrow market back in 2013 and had been a regular customer ever since.

I even attended all the Comic Book Days and have a lot of good memories.”

“I’m truly gutted for the shop closing,” said Ethan Fitzpatrick, “but everyone should give you a round of applause for you… you doing it for ten years and you should be very proud of yourself.”

We’re sorry to learn of the impending closure via occasional downthetubes contributor Sim Leech. We wish the team at the shop every success in future endeavours at this difficult time.

• Check out Atomic Comica Comics at 21, Cavendish Street, Barrow LA14 1SF | Facebook | Instagram

• Check out the downthetubes British and Irish Comic Shop Map (information always welcome)

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.