As we were walking down Floral Street in Covent Garden London we saw the TinTin Shop. I got thrilled and had to go inside and check it out.
Sadly they did not let me take any photos while in the shop but I can tell you it was filled with all thing TinTin! From all sorts of comics to all kinds of merchandise.
It’s amazing you should definitely visit it!
Blek and Asterix are back. Two Greek-translated comics I grew up reading — one borrowed from a cousin, the other discovered by chance during a summer holiday. Different paths, same joy. So glad to read them again.
I’m so glad that these two comics have made a comeback. Blek is published by Μικρός Ήρως and Asterix by Μαμούθ Comix.
I don’t remember which of the two I read first, but Blek and Asterix were two comics I would read occasionally when I was a kid. Both were translated into Greek as ΜΠΛΕΚ and Αστερίξ.
The very first time I read Asterix was when I was about 11. My cousin lent me all the issues that had been published up to then.
What a blast. The art was amazing and the stories were such humorous adventures. It was a sad day when my cousin — after repeatedly asking me to give the comics back — finally came over and picked them up herself. She had actually borrowed them from her best friend, who understandably wanted them back.
Blek was a comic I picked up by chance because I didn’t have anything else to read during my summer holiday at my dad’s village. It was an anthology of comics — I wasn’t that interested in Blek’s adventures, but I was amazed by several other comics featured in it, like Aria and The Leopard from Lime Street.
The reason I read them only occasionally was simple: my pocket money wasn’t enough to buy all the comics that were coming out. Later, they stopped being published altogether.
So I’m happy that I can read them again now — as an adult who still feels as excited as a kid.
One comic changed everything. X-Men #14, translated into Greek by ΜΑΜΟΥΘ COMIX in 1987. Bigger format, stunning art, three stories. Magneto on the first page. I’ve never looked back.
The comic book that got me hooked on superhero comics was X-Men issue #14.
It was a Greek translation published by ΜΑΜΟΥΘ COMIX (Mamouth Comix) way back in 1987. It was so different from all the other comics I was reading at the time — the format was bigger, it had coloured pages, and it featured three superhero stories.
The stories were written almost a decade before I got the chance to read them, but they still felt so fresh. The art was stunning.
On the cover was the original artwork from New Mutants #4 — an amazing cover by Bob McLeod, featuring the whole team with horror on their faces as they tried to escape a collapsed building.
The first story was from The Uncanny X-Men, written by Chris Claremont and drawn by John Byrne. I vividly remember the first page: Magneto in a powerful, commanding stature.
I was hooked, inspired, and entertained — ever since
I still love reading it after all these years.
Thessaloniki is one of my favourite places to visit — and Triantafyllos Venetis’ comic kiosk makes it even better. A treasure trove of old and new comics, run by a passionate fan who makes everyone feel welcome. I met friends, made new ones, and found some favourite comics. I’ll definitely be back.
Thessaloniki is one of my favourite places to visit, so I was thrilled when I got the chance to step into Triantafyllos Venetis‘ magic world.
Triantafyllos runs a regular kiosk in Thessaloniki — but this is no ordinary kiosk. Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of old and new comic books. Over time, it has become a regular hangout for comic book fans from all over.
What makes it special is Triantafyllos himself. He’s a huge comic book fan, just like us. That passion makes it easy to visit, browse, and chat for as long as we like.
During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting old friends and making new ones. I also found several of my favourite comics — which was an added bonus.
I will definitely visit the Magic World again.
I grew up reading comics, and every time I read one, I gained something: inspiration, imagination, knowledge of the world, and an escape to another reality. Here’s why my love for comics is huge — and always will be.
Yes, my love for comics is HUGE.
I grew up reading them, and each time I read one, I gained something: inspiration, influence, expansion of my imagination, knowledge of different places, and a deeper understanding of people and societies.
Above all, comics were entertaining. They were a way to escape to another place… to another reality.
That’s why I draw my own characters. That’s why I share my fan art. That’s why I’m building my own universe.
For all of that, I will always love comics — and support them as much as I can.
Costas on Comics 