Inspired By Lack Of Representation As A Young Fan
Ariell Johnson grew up an avid fan of cartoons and comics in Baltimore, but noticed a lack of heroes who looked like her, particularly black female characters. Storm from X-Men opened her eyes to the possibility of greater representation.
Johnson dreamed of opening a welcoming comic shop since college, but the industry skewed heavily white and male. She initially felt unwelcome in the spaces created by and catered to that traditional demographic.
Turning Her Vision Into Reality
After working various jobs while searching for the perfect location, Johnson opened Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in Philadelphia in 2015. It combined her twin passions of comics and coffee into an inclusive hub for all fans.
Before it even opened, Amalgam amassed over 1,000 Facebook followers excited by the groundbreaking concept of a comic shop owned by a black woman. The fan community swelled quickly thanks to press coverage hailing Johnson’s barrier-breaking achievement.
Prioritizing Inclusivity And Representation
Johnson stocked about 250 diverse titles at Amalgam alongside coffee and snacks in a relaxed atmosphere. She spotlights independent and LGBT comics alongside superheroes, providing fans underserved representation.
Prominent figures like Russell Simmons showed their support. But Johnson is most gratified by black female fans who find inspiration in seeing someone who looks like them thriving in the geek world.
Pioneer In The Comic World
Several years since opening, Johnson continues showcasing that comic fandom comes in all genders and backgrounds. In creating an inclusive space, she empowered groups overlooked in the past.
She was honored on a Marvel comic cover in 2016 as she remained the lone black female comic shop owner on the entire East Coast. But through Amalgam, she has opened doors for others and changed perceptions of who belongs.
