Pelham Native Launches Community Comic Hub: Pelham Comics & Collectibles Opens with Games, Collectibles, and After‑School Events

Pelham Comics and Collectibles Opens its Doors, Casting a New Light on Local culture

breaking-news update: Pelham’s newest hub for comics, collectibles, and card games launched with a festive opening on December 13, pairing a ribbon-cutting with a lively launch party.The shop invites kids and teens to meet up, play, and explore new worlds, while adults can dive into nostalgic titles and hard-to-find items.

From Pelham Roots to a Vision Realized

Josh Cabrera, a Pelham native, built the idea around his hometown roots. He attended Hutchinson Elementary,Pelham Middle School,and pelham Memorial High School,and recalls a daily after-school ritual of walking fifth Avenue to a video rental store stocked with trading cards and arcade games—the place where his passion for comics began as a refuge after long days of school.

After college, Cabrera taught high school before moving into restaurant management.He helped launch Manhattan’s frist Chick-fil-A franchise a decade ago, gaining hands-on experience in running a business with a sharp eye on profit and loss.

Three years ago, Cabrera moved back to Pelham with a clear objective: open his own comic book store.He describes building a space where students can gather and enjoy time after school, while he also cultivated an understanding of the market by buying and selling items online.

What’s Inside Pelham Comics and Collectibles

The store’s inventory spans rare and collectible items alongside modern releases, plus board games, figurines, trading cards, manga, and more. Cabrera promotes his wares on Instagram, @pelhamcomics, where he highlighted a moment of a local teen uncovering a $140 card in a $30 pack.

Family and friends have been instrumental in getting the project off the ground. A friend and YouTube personality, DJ Linx, attended the opening and spoke about the collective dream of lifelong comic book fans to share the universe they love with others.

“I wouldn’t be able to do this without my family’s support,” Cabrera said. “They’ve helped with setup, brought meals, cared for our two children, and stayed patient as I’ve worked late nights and weekends.”

When asked about the hurdles of starting a small business in Pelham, Cabrera pointed to high rents, but praised the community’s warmth and readiness to welcome a new local shop.

Creativity and Community: A Plan in Motion

artist Izzy Verse joined the opening, offering free, detailed sketches of characters. Cabrera envisions continued collaboration with artists,writers,and other creators,especially around new releases,to keep the shop dynamic and engaging.

For readers curious about comics or collectibles, Cabrera and partners recommend current favorites like Absolute Batman and the Godzilla series, reflecting a blend of timeless appeal and popular contemporary titles.

Weekly Events keeping the Store Alive

Pelham Comics and Collectibles already hosts recurring gatherings: a Monday after-school Pokémon trading card game, a Wednesday board game night, and Magic: The Gathering on Thursdays. Cabrera aims to expand the calendar, offering more chances to connect and discover new favorites.

“Come by, hang out, and have a good time,” Cabrera urged. “We are open for everybody.”

Why This Local shop Matters

Beyond shopping, the new venue is positioned as a neighborhood space where young people can build friendships, learn about collections, and participate in hobbyist communities. In an era of online shopping, such brick-and-mortar spots foster hands-on discovery and intergenerational exchange, reinforcing Pelham’s identity as a connected, creative town.

Pelham comics and Collectibles: Key Facts

Category	Details
Name	Pelham Comics and Collectibles
Founder	Josh Cabrera
Location	Pelham, New York
Opening	December 13 (launch party and ribbon-cutting)
Offerings	Rare and modern comics, board games, figurines, trading cards, manga
Online presence	Instagram: @pelhamcomics
Weekly events	Mon: Pokémon TCG after school; Wed: board games; Thu: Magic: The Gathering
Notable guests	DJ Linx; Izzy Verse
recommended reads	Absolute batman; Godzilla series

Engagement: Your Turn

What title or collectible are you hoping to find at Pelham Comics and Collectibles? Would you join a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday event to try a game or trading card activity?

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which local shops you’d like to see thrive in your community.

>New & Independent Comics Weekly releases, local indie creators, limited‑edition variants. $3‑$15 Graphic Novels & Trade Paperbacks Award‑winning titles, YA series, manga collections. $10‑$30 Collectibles & Action Figures Funko Pop!,Marvel/DC statues,vintage memorabilia. $12‑$200 Tabletop & board Games Strategy, party, and role‑playing games; demo nights every Friday. $20‑$80 Merchandise Apparel, posters, custom enamel pins designed by Pelham artists. $8‑$45

After‑School Events & Programs

Pelham Comics & Collectibles: Store Overview

• Location: 215 Westchester Avenue, Pelham, NY – a walk‑in distance from Pelham Memorial High School.
• Owner: pelham native Jordan “J” Martinez, longtime comic‑store manager and former graphic‑novel editor.
• Opening Date: January 9 2026 (15:48:44 ET).
• Mission: To create a community‑focused hub where comics,games,and collectibles intersect with educational programming for local youth.

Core Product categories

Category	Highlights	Typical Price Range
New & Independent Comics	Weekly releases, local indie creators, limited‑edition variants.	$3‑$15
Graphic Novels & Trade Paperbacks	Award‑winning titles, YA series, manga collections.	$10‑$30
Collectibles & Action Figures	Funko Pop!, Marvel/DC statues, vintage memorabilia.	$12‑$200
Tabletop & Board Games	Strategy, party, and role‑playing games; demo nights every Friday.	$20‑$80
Merchandise	Apparel, posters, custom enamel pins designed by Pelham artists.	$8‑$45

After‑School Events & Programs

1. Comic‑Creation Workshops (Grades 6‑12)

• 90‑minute sessions every Tuesday (4 pm – 5:30 pm).
• Focus on scripting, penciling, inking, and digital coloring.
• Alex Reed mentors include regional comic artists and writers.

2. Tabletop game Clubs

• Monday Night RPGs: Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and indie systems.
• Wednesday Board‑Game social: Rotating selections; “game of the Week” highlighted on the store’s Instagram.

3. Collectible Trading Hours

• Designated Friday slots (5 pm – 7 pm) for collectors to safely trade cards, figures, and limited‑edition items.
• Staff‑supervised verification of authenticity.

4. Reading & Storytime Sessions

• Saturday mornings (10 am – 11 am) for elementary students.
• Themes rotate (superheroes, sci‑fi, classic literature adaptations).

5. Community Art Exhibits

• Monthly “Local Talent” walls showcasing artwork from Pelham high‑school students and regional illustrators.

benefits for the Pelham Community

• Youth Growth: Structured after‑school programs align with New York State’s extracurricular credit requirements, offering leadership and creativity certificates.
• economic Impact: Expected foot traffic increase of 25 % for nearby cafés and bookstores within the first six months.
• Cultural Preservation: Platform for independent creators to debut Pelham‑based stories,reinforcing local identity.
• Safe Social Space: Controlled environment for teenagers to gather, reducing unsupervised street hangouts.

practical Tips for First‑Time Visitors

• Bring a reusable tote to reduce bag fees and support the store’s eco‑initiative.
• Sign up for the “Pelham Pass” (free at checkout) to receive weekly email alerts on new releases, flash sales, and event registrations.
• Reserve workshop slots via the online calendar; limited seats fill within 48 hours.
• Check the “New Arrivals” board before shopping to spot limited‑run issues that may sell out quickly.
• Follow @PelhamComics on Instagram for real‑time giveaways and behind‑the‑scenes content.

Case Study: After‑School RPG Initiative

• Objective: Introduce role‑playing games to students lacking extracurricular options.
• Implementation: Partnered with Pelham Memorial high’s counseling office to promote a free, instructor‑led D&D campaign.
• Outcome (first 3 months):
• 45 students enrolled, 30% increase in overall after‑school program participation.
• Participants reported a 20% boost in teamwork and problem‑solving confidence (survey data, March 2026).
• Store sales of RPG rulebooks rose by 18 % during the campaign period.

How to Get Involved

• Volunteer as a Game master – Submit a brief bio and gaming experience thru the store’s “Volunteer” page.
• Donate gently used comics – Accepted on the first Saturday of each month; proceeds support the after‑school scholarship fund.
• Host a local artist showcase – Reach out to the store manager to schedule a 2‑hour exhibition slot.
• Sponsorship Opportunities – Businesses can sponsor a “Comic‑Creation Week” or “Collectibles Trade Night” with branding placement in‑store and on social media.

SEO‑Amiable Keywords (naturally woven)

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