While they don’t have capes, or go on crusades, Mark and Will Davis have put a heroic effort into bringing comics to the Pine Belt. The brothers and lifelong pop culture enthusiasts started selling and trading comics and collectables a few years ago. At first, they kept their spidey-swapping online; later attending shows to sell their wares, but once they decided to commit to running a retail space, they had a few big decisions to make.
They soon went from thinking about the “Foot Clan” and started thinking about foot traffic. They decided that downtown Laurel would feature more foot traffic than anywhere else they could set up locally. “Laurel is a cozy little town and people get to get out and walk around town,” Mark explained. “It just made sense.”
After that, they had to decide on a building. They found a location that they liked but had a hard time locating the owner. They decided to keep looking, but they couldn’t find anywhere they liked as much as the storefront at 320 Oak Street. They were finally able to get the right contact info and started a two-week non-stop effort to transform the inside of the shop into the perfect hangout for collectors.
On Friday, April 28th, at 1:30 p.m. the Jones County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of that feat of strength and to congratulate the brothers on officially opening up their store, Fraction Comics.
“Downtown is filling up with things that people need and things that people want,” Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee said during the brief ceremony. “We thank you for being a part of downtown. We thank you for being a part of Laurel.”
While the store officially specializes in comics, toys, and vintage memorabilia and collectables; Mark and Will unofficially specialize in hospitality. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, they emphasized that they want to build relationships with their customers so that they can personalize their experiences. “If we find something that you are looking for, we will contact you personally,” Will explained. So, when a collector comes in looking for something very specific, they will find it in the store, or know to be on the lookout for it. However, those who just wish to browse are also welcome to check out the store. “I don’t sell used cars,” Mark joked, “You don’t have to feel obligated.” Its just “your friendly, neighborhood” comics store!
Fraction Comics is open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. They are closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
