February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of African Americans in various fields. One of the remarkable stories that deserves recognition is that of Ariell Johnson, the owner of Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, the first black female comic book store on the East Coast.

How Ariell Johnson Became A Comic Book Fan And Entrepreneur

Ariell Johnson was born and raised in Baltimore, where she developed a love for cartoons and comics from a young age. However, she noticed a lack of representation of black female characters in the media she consumed. She was inspired by Storm, the powerful mutant leader of the X-Men, who showed her the possibility of greater diversity in the comic world.

Johnson dreamed of opening her own comic shop since college, but faced many challenges along the way. The comic industry was dominated by white males, who often created unwelcoming and exclusive spaces for fans of different backgrounds and identities. Johnson felt alienated and discouraged by the lack of diversity and inclusion in the comic scene.

But she did not give up on her vision. She worked various jobs while searching for the perfect location for her comic shop. She finally found it in Philadelphia, where she opened Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in 2015. The name Amalgam reflects her desire to combine her twin passions of comics and coffee, as well as to create a space that celebrates the fusion of different cultures and perspectives.

How Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse Became A Hub For Diverse And Inclusive Fandom

Before it even opened, Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse attracted a lot of attention and support from fans who were excited by the groundbreaking concept of a comic shop owned by a black woman. The shop quickly gained over 1,000 Facebook followers, and received positive press coverage from various outlets. Johnson’s achievement was hailed as a historic and revolutionary moment for the comic industry and community.

Johnson stocked about 250 diverse titles at Amalgam, ranging from mainstream superheroes to independent and LGBT comics. She wanted to provide a platform for creators and fans who were often marginalized or ignored by the mainstream comic culture. She also offered coffee and snacks in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where fans could hang out, chat, and enjoy their favorite comics.

Johnson received support and recognition from prominent figures in the comic world, such as Russell Simmons, who visited her shop and praised her work. But she was most gratified by the feedback and appreciation from black female fans, who felt inspired and empowered by seeing someone who looked like them owning and running a comic shop. Johnson became a role model and a mentor for many young girls and women who wanted to pursue their dreams in the geek world.

How Ariell Johnson Changed The Comic World And Made History

Several years since opening, Johnson continues to showcase that comic fandom comes in all genders and backgrounds. She has created an inclusive and welcoming space for fans of all kinds, and has empowered groups that were previously overlooked or excluded. She has also participated in various events and initiatives that promote diversity and representation in the comic world, such as the Women in Comics Collective and the Black Comic Book Festival.

Johnson’s impact and influence have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, she was honored by Marvel Comics, who featured her on the cover of Invincible Iron Man #1, alongside the new female Iron Man, Riri Williams. Johnson became the first black female comic shop owner to appear on a Marvel cover, and the second person ever, after former President Barack Obama. Johnson was thrilled and humbled by this recognition, and said that it was a dream come true.

Johnson remains the only black female comic shop owner on the entire East Coast, but she hopes that she will not be the last. She hopes that through Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, she has opened doors and changed perceptions of who belongs and who can succeed in the comic world. She hopes that her story will inspire more people, especially black women and girls, to follow their passions and create their own spaces in the geek world.

You can learn more about Ariell Johnson and Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse by visiting them here (https://www.facebook.com/amalgamphilly/).