Located at 4258 N. High Street, Columbus, The Laughing Ogre has been a fixture for area comic fans for over two decades. They stock a wide variety of comics, graphic novels, and collectibles. Learn a little bit more about the store’s origins and the store’s founder, Gib Bickel.
1. What was the first comic you remember buying?
Amazing Spider-Man #149 – Two Spider-Men!
2. Where did you get your comics growing up and what made you want to run your own comic shop?
I walked on Broadway in Greenville, Ohio from Bonfiglio’s Pharmacy to Sir Walter’s Pipe Shop to Marsh’s Grocery. Three stops at three spinner racks. As a kid, I wanted to retire with a used book store full of my favorite books to recommend to buyers daily. Now, I do that very thing with comic books.
3. How did you choose the name of the shop?
We wanted a character to represent the store and chose the Ogre. Daryn Guarino made up the name as an inn in a fantasy roleplaying world where our characters adventured.
4. What is the most interesting part of owning a comic shop?
Talking to customers. Suggesting books based on what they’re interested in.
5. What is the prized comic of your collection? Is there a comic you would love to own, but don’t?
When we opened the store I had 60 boxes of comics, and I kept 4 books. Amazing Spider-Man #149, Bone #1, Groo #1 and Secret Origins #10 (The Phantom Stranger). Bone #1 is probably my most prized. I would love to own Amazing Fantasy #15.
6. What changes have you seen in the comics world over the years, both on the production and fan side of things?
The biggest change from 1994 until now is the prevalence of collected editions, or graphic novels. In 1994, there were so few collections, everyone had to find back issues to read a favorite story.
7. Who are some of your favorite national artists? Local artists?
My favorite comic artists are Mike Mignola, Charles Vess, P. Craig Russel and Mike Kaluta. All but one of which have been to our incredible local convention, Cartoon Crossroads Columbus! As have my favorite cartoonists (someone who writes and draws their own book) Jeff Smith and Terry Moore. I enjoy all the local work. Every book has a voice, and Columbus is blessed with a multitude of those voices.
8. Who is your favorite character?
Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine and Aunt Petunia’s favorite nephew, the ever lovin’ blue-eyed Thing!
9. What comic series/graphic novel/etc would you recommend to someone who was just starting to get into comics and why?
Bone is probably my go-to book for new readers. Action, humor and great illustrations make it highly recommendable. Jeff describes it as mix of Looney Tunes and Lord of the Rings.
10. What has you most excited about the future of comics?
The great wealth of new creators telling their own stories. More than just super heroes, we have great sci-fi, horror, adventure, every genre is represented. Although I’d like to see more westerns!
Find more information about Gib and Laughing Ogre, go to laughingogreohio.com.