An Interview with Thor of Comic Store Heroes
An Interview with Thor of Comic Store Heroes
I had the pleasure of an exclusive interview with Thor Parker, of Comic Store Heroes. The Midtown Comics reality TV show appears Friday, July 13th on National Geographic.
Russell: A lot of people may not believe your name is Thor. What is your actual name, and what is your position at Midtown Comics?
Thor: My Real name is Thor Parker. I’m the Social Marketing and Events Director for Midtown Comics in NYC. Thor is my real name. I know my dad was adamant about me having a name that would stand out when roll was being called in school. I’d say he made the right choice with Thor. I may not have loved it growing up, but now it’s a huge part of who I am.
Russell: So you're starring in the new show Comic Store Heroes, and it's been compared to Kevin Smith's new series Comic Book Men, how do you think your show is different?
Thor: We’re fans of Kevin’s show and what it brings to the table, but we wanted to take things in a different direction. We wanted to try and work passed the typical stereotypes about comic book fans and show that comics and the comic community have the ability to help people find acceptance, become part of an extremely welcoming family, and really make a difference in people’s lives. I know if it wasn’t for comic, I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am now. Thanks Stan!
Russell: Admit it, you would molest Stan Lee if he would let you… wouldn't you?
Thor: I try not making a habit of molesting 89 year old men. But if I was given the chance to shake his hand and pick his brain over a drink I would happily.
Russell: When did your love of comic books start, and which comic would be your holy grail? Have you attained it yet?
Thor: I’ve been a big fan of comics since my elementary school days. I got into collecting comics through the Marvel comics trading cards. I know a lot of people my age that collected those cards like crazy back then. I think I still have a full set with the holograms that are currently going for .32 cents on Ebay! As I got older I went from being a big Marvel fan to reading more independent comics like Daniel Clowes, David Boring and Art Spiegelman’s Maus. These day’s my favorite comics are Sandman Mystery Theatre and anything by Johnny Ryan. If I was ever going to spend an ungodly amount of money on a comic it would probably be Adventure Comics #40 which is the first appearance of the Golden Age Sandman from 1939, but I think I’d rather pay off some credit cards and buy a motorcycle.
Russell: What made you decide to move to NYC? You know the Florida music scene misses you, where can they follow you online now?
Thor: I moved to NYC after I got married. I had just come back to Tampa from living in Pennsylvania for a year while my wife was going to school. I couldn’t find any work in Tampa, and it was way too hot. I came to NYC to visit some friends and saw that Midtown Comics was hiring. I dropped of my resume and had an interview the day before I headed back to FL. I told them I’d move up to NYC the next day if they gave me the job and thankfully they did. I got the call on a Thursday and I was at work that Monday. I’ve been working at the store and living in NYC ever since. I miss the FL music scene too. It’s too easy for bands to get lost in the shuffle here in New York. The Tampa/St. Pete scene is more like a family and I’ll always remember fondly being a part of it. These day’s I’m on youtube a bit for Midtown Comics, I’ve got the National Geographic show coming up on July 13th and I’ll be on a Vh1 show about collectibles that should start airing later this year.
Russell: Ok, ok… enough about comics. When is The Simpletons reunion happening?
Thor: We actually had a simpletons reunion just recently here in New York! Our singer and guitarist, Eric lives here in NYC and our bassist Greg was coming up to see the Refused reunion show with me. We got together for the night and practiced a short set for an hour or so before playing for about 10 friends. It was amazing how easy it was to come back to all of those songs. Some of the greatest memories of my life came from being in that band at it was really special to be able to go back in time and relive those moments and those songs. I’ve got video of the show, but I’ve been too lazy to throw it online..
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED - 2012
Interview by: Russell Fama
Songwriter, Comic Hero & Geek-Enthusiast