ummer is at long last over and once again it's time for the Yellow Springs Street Fair.  Naturally we're having a sale; from Friday the 12^th to Sunday the 14^th all used books and back issue comics will be 25% off and everything else in the store is 20%.  In anticipation of the event, thousands of newly arrived used books are being shelved, and we've substantially increased our selection of Tarot cards, t-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers and pins.

"Have you heard the big news?" It;s a question I've been asking a lot in this past week or so to our regular customers. The concept of big news can be subjective, but I think this is pretty big.

Starting August 29th, Dark Star Books will no longer be selling new, single issue comics or running a comic subscription service. On that date, Super-Fly Comics & Games will open on 134 Dayton Street in Yellow Springs. Super-Fly will be a new, independent store from Dark Star, but will be owned and operated by myself, Dark Star manager Tad Cleveland and Dark Star employee Tony Barry. We're the young, skinny white guys. I'm the one with the beard and glasses. Tony is the one with the beard and glasses also. But he occasionally has different colored hair. Okay, so we're pretty plain on paper, but hopefully you loyal 'Star fans know who we are.

Here's some specifics, from the Super-Fly myspace ( http://www.myspace.com/superflycomics)

"So yes, Super-Fly will be opening its doors August the 29th, which, coincidentally, is the first day of school here in Yellow Springs. Not planned, but some nice serendipity. Serendipity has been the watch word for this entire enterprise, from when Tony and I decided to start this crazy venture, to storefronts we wanted being open, the rented, then finding another (better) one right after. There's the not-really perfect serendipity of the opening day being the Wednesday after I get married, but this is how the cards were dealt and everyone, my future-wife especially, has been very supportive.

"So the nitty-gritty: Super-Fly came about because Dark Star, great as it is, was just kind of out of room. Used books did great. Comics did great. Of course, the book people and comic people never really intermingled, or went to the opposite sides of the store to check out something new, which always made the demographics of the place rather skewed. Tony and I have both always wanted to have our own shop, and then one day it hit us: buy the comic business of Dark Star and open it in its own store. After negotiating with Dark Star owner Mary Alice Wilson, an agreement was made and here we are. Dark Star gets to focus on books, we got to focus on comic books and role-playing games and videos and video games and well, the nerd shit. That's not to say Dark Star is out of the nerd business, they'll still have graphic novels and manga (like any good bookstore should), as well as Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon cards. Of course, we'll have all those things too, but it's a big enough schoolyard for everyone (except Wal-Mart, they can get the hell out). Dark Star will carry back issues, mainly because of the large volume and variety that being a comic shop for 25 years grows. We won't have back issues, but we will have discount sets of comics, as well as 25 and 50 cent comics, mainly because of the volume of comics two guys who have been reading comics all their lives have acquired.

"Super-Fly (named so because, let's face it, it's an awesome name. No relation, but all respect, to Youngblood Priest), is going to hit the ground running. All of Dark Star's new comic product, as well as the comic pull file system, will belong to us (like all your base). We'll have some other surprises when we open as well. things even the most loyal Dark Star customer hasn't seen. That said, we're still going to be new, so there are going to be plenty of areas that we're going to grow into.

"One thing our little shop will have is a lounge for folks to hang out, play games, cards, Magic, Chess, whatever in a nerd-friendly environment. We're going to be expanding on that shortly, but one thing you can never have enough of is places to hang out with cool people. Like we say in the profile, it's not just a store, it's a way of life.

"Ultimately, what Tony and I want to do is continue the tradition of customer service and fun that we had at Dark Star. I've met a lot of great people working their, and I'm hoping that all of those people will be following us over to Dayton street. We also look forward to bringing that service and friendly atmosphere to Super-Fly that so many other comic and game shops lack. It's not a boys club, it's not a tree house, it's a place for everyone, nerd and nerd enabler alike.

"We look forward to the opportunity to hang out with you in our new place."

To reiterate, Super-Fly opens on the 29th. My last day is the 21st, Tony's is the 24th. Dark Star will continue to have Graphic Novels, Manga, trading card games and back issue comics. For more Super-Fly info and breaking news, visit our MySpace (superflycomics).

One of my biggest regrets is that there wasn't more crossover in the book and comic book markets. Like chocolate and peanut butter, these really are two great tastes that taste great together. I love both equally, although you could make the argument that I'm choosing one over the other here. For those of you that consider yourselves book readers and not comic book readers, I encourage you to check us and the graphic novels at Dark Star out. Comics are so much more than super-heroes, and they have as much to offer as your favorite novels. Comic book readers, I make the same plea. I defy you to say you can't find something cool to read at Dark Star. With no hyperbole, I can tell you Dark Star is one of the finest book stores that I've ever been to. One of the great things about a small town, it's not that far to go from one store to the other.

In any case, I hope to see all of you at the new store. I also hope to see all of you still shopping at Dark Star. Working here has been one of the most rewarding and challenging jobs I've ever had.

I'll see you on Dayton Street,
Thacher E Cleveland

I know what you're doing, sitting there, still whistling your jaunty tune (it's impossible to get out of your head, isn't it?) and thinking you've got all the time in the world to get your Potter on. I'm hear to let you know that's not the case. As of now, we've sold half of our pre-order of "Deathly Hallows," and every day we seem to be getting more and more folks coming in to get theirs. Don't be that guy, or that girl, or that guyirl, who comes in at 11 to buy it and, Bob's your Uncle, we're already sold out. As I've said before, we're taking pre-payment until 11:30pm Friday night, and after that we'll be preparing the books and coupons to be handed out at 12:01am. We'll be using the Mugglenet counter to make sure that everything is on the up and up, unless it's obvious that it's been cursed by Death Eaters.

Remember, it's 20% off until 11:30 that night, and you also only get the coupon for the pre-payment. After Friday night the book will be cover price. Ghastly, beastly, cover price.

Other specifics: Magician Amon Hogue will be performing outside 6pm to 10pm that night, and if you haven't seen his act yet you're missing out on some real magic (of the non-wand wielding variety). We'll have the movies running and food for munching all night.

The costume contest will be decided in the post 11:30-pre Midnight timeslot, and will be judged by the able-bodied Dark Star employees. Non able-bodied don't get a vote. There will be one prize for each of the two age groups (0-15 & 16-100), and that's a $25 gift certificate. There may be some other little bonuses for folks displaying special merit and creativity, but that'll be solely at our digression. Come in costume, because who knows, maybe you'll be the only over 16 year old that wears a Wal-Mart cape that night and you get yourself a prize. Of course, now everyone's going to be wearing Wal-Mart capes, so people wearing Wal-Mart capes are disqualified. I saw people in costume at "Order of the Phoenix" and there wasn't even a prize, you can put some effort into this. Remember, it's supposed to be fun, so let's keep it that way. No Unforgivable Wardrobe Malfunctions.

One week from now I'll be getting food and the like ready, getting ready for the night of our Muggle-lovin' lives. You, hopefully, will be dusting off your point hat and dress robes and getting ready to head down to the 'Star.

According to my counter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out in 13 days. That sounds kind of ominous, especially seeing as how today is the 7th and everyone expected the book to come out today (cause it's the 7th book, coming out on 07/07/07 would be neat). What it means is that time is drawing near, and if you haven't gotten your copy paid yet your time is running short. Tick tock, Clarice.

All is not lost, my friends. You still have those 13 days to come in, pay for your copy at a 20% discount (that's $27.99!) and get a $10 gift coupon when you come in and pick up the book (which means it's practically $17.99!). Unless you've been living under a rock and have never heard the phrase "unless you've been living under a rock," I'm using it to describe people that may not have heard that we're going to be throwing a party Friday, July 20th to count down until the books are handed out to those that have pre-paid for them. We're going to be accepting pre-payment for them at the 20% discount and get a coupon offer until 11:30pm the night of the 20th. Then, when 12:01 hits, we can hand out books and coupons to the assembled so folks can hurry and get to the reading and not worry about fumbling with wallets and purses. Also, it'll be late, and we'll want to go home and read it too.

We have yet to pre-sell all the copies that we'll be getting, but that doesn't mean you should wait until the last minute to get yours. There could be a sell out! To be absolutely sure, you should stop reading *right now* get in your care and come down to the store and get your copy reserved. If you're the risky, gambling, devil-may-care type, sure you could wait until the 20th and stroll in, whistling a jaunty tune and pay for it then, but if we're sold out we reserve the right to point and laugh. Where will your jauntiness be then?

Clearly, we've sold you on getting the book from us. I mean, you're not some Death Eater who shops at Wal-Mart or Amazon, are you? And if you don't know what a Death Eater is, well, this email probably isn't for you. You want to know about the party, because you live to party. Fair enough, let's get to it.

- We will have our friendly magician Amon Hogue performing with his special brand of wizardry.

- We will have the Harry Potter movies playing, so that you can cry (like I do) when that guy dies in the fourth one. It's sad, and real men can accept their feelings and emotions, and if you can't accept it I'll punch you for making fun of me.

- We will have wonderfully tasty food that we will most likely give some fancy Harry Potter name, but will be yummy regardless.

- We will have a costume contest, with two divisions for the young (tiny babies to 15 year olds) and old (16 year olds to Dumbledores). We, the highly qualified staff of Dark Star, will judge you, and the winner of each division will get a $25 gift certificate. Yeah, I bet you want to dress up like Harry Potter now, don't you? If you can do magic, it'll really help your chances of winning.

- I will say "I told you so" when we find out Aunt Petunia is a squib. I mean, c'mon, somethings going on with her.

We may well have for surprises for you, but that's where we are right now. You will believe a store can throw a midnight party and not get snowed out. Yes, I'm still bitter about that.

I just got back from vacation, and boy are my arms tired. Of course, that doesn't really make any sense, since we drove...

Anyway, we're back, and just in time for Street Fair. Yes, it's this weekend, the second Saturday in June, as it has been since they first laid streets in our quaint little village. This means we put on our biggest smiles, our flashiest wares and greet our visitors with that extra-special Yellow Springs panache everyone has come to know and love. And the standing. There's lots of standing.

Of course, given that it's pretty much Yellow Springs Christmas (or the popular Winter holiday of your choice), we trot out our best deals and this year is no exception. This Saturday & Sunday it'll be 25% off everything in the store, especially the things for sale. Seriously, 25% Off Everything. Given that we are in the business of business, the only things that are excluded are our already discounted items. Example: 25 & 99 cent comics, 50% Off Graphic Novels and our deep discount paperbacks (we'll get back to this one), all very affordable already, so no 25% off for them. The rest of our thousands of used books? Yes. Our wide and powerful selection of graphic novels? Si. Comic books, from recent arrivals to classic collectible back issues? Hai. New books? Some other foreign word that means yes.

Deep discount paperbacks, you ask timidly? Yes, I respond vociferously! We'll have tons of paperback books for a quarter. That's two bits, to you frontier folks. You'll be sure to find some great reads at an already super-discounted price. So good you'll want to bring a dumptruck.

If you're one of those folks that doesn't make it to the Springs that often, this is the weekend to come. It's also the perfect time to sign up for our great Harry Potter pre-order special. The final book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," goes on sale on July 21st, and we're offering it at 20% off cover price for those that pre-pay for it. As an added bonus, when you come in to pick up your copy, you'll get a $10 Gift Coupon to use on your next visit. Can't wait for the new book? Neither can we, which is why we're going to be open until midnight the night before, with Harry Potter Movies, Games, Food and an all-ages costume contest, counting down the minutes until you can get your hands on a copy.

This weekend is the time to come to Yellow Springs. Not just for us, although 25% off everything is a hell of a draw, but the music, the fun, the drama and the pathos that is Street Fair. And the food. My god, the food. I know I'll be packing my extra stomach that day.

Oh, and here's a little secret: we're starting the Street Fair sale, this Friday, in a special preview. All day Friday, 10 to 8pm, bright and early for Street Fair Saturday 9 to 7, and then on Sunday from 11 to 6, 25% off everything in the store.

25 years of Dark Star and you still can't beat us. It's almost a shame...

For those of you that were here, that's just stating the obvious. For those of you that weren't, wallow. Wallow in despair. Okay, you can stop wallowing. Just promise me you'll do better next year.

In all seriousness, I'd like to thank each and every one of you that came out on "the Day" (as we kept calling it). For the first time ever we had a line at the door when we opened, and once we did things did not let up for several hours. Everyone was in high spirits, even those of you that had to wait in line. All of your energy, love and enthusiasm for comics led to not just the best FCBD we've had, but the 2nd best single sales day in recorded history! For us, not everyone in recorded history. But we're working on that part.

For the doubtful, the evidence. Photographic...









...and the videographic...




We've even managed a little store rearrangement this week to make permanent room for the thousands of 25 & 99 cent comics we've got. And don't worry, we've got stock we've been rotating in to keep them fresh. Think you found all the stuff you wanted on FCBD? Don't worry, there's more!

What can we do to top this momentous occasion? Well, don't you fret. Yellow Springs Street Fair is coming June 9th (the second Saturdays in June and October), and given that it's our 25th Anniversary, we'll be doing 25% off everything in the store that day! Yes, everything! Used books, Graphic Novels, Manga, New Comics, New Books, T-Shirts (even the new kick-ass Dark Star Zombie shirts), Magic Cards and, well, everything. The catch, of course, is it won't include anything that's already on discount, like those 25 & 99 cent comics, our wide selection of half-priced Graphic Novels and Manga, and even our discount books. Yes, you'll be seeing more of those discount books soon, believe you me. We've got plans.

For you wizards and Muggles out there, we'll be having a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows midnight release party the night of Friday, July 20th. We're offering the book at 20% off cover price (which makes your price $27.99) and also giving away a $10 gift coupon when you come and pick it up. That night we'll be having movies, food, magician Amon Hogue and an all-ages costume contest as we count down the minutes to midnight and the final Harry Potter book!

Free Comic Book Day was just the beginning of Dark Star 25th anniversary summer of love, people. And you can't fight the love...

In our mad zany post-Free Comic Book Day Madness, we found stashed behind boxes and books a bag of about 30 books-on-tape.  Included were two Louis L'Amour westerns, a Stephen King audiobook "Blood and Smoke" which has not been reprinted in paper form (for these, check the terror and western sections, respectively), an audiobook version of the book the Horse-Whisperer was based on, several Danielle Steel, Sandra Brown, Lillian Jackson Braun, and Tom Clancy audiobooks (these will be in the audiobooks section), and quite a few others!

Come on in, check them out, and stay tuned for more...

Is that a joke? Really? That many reasons? What could they be? Well, let's crunch the numbers, shall we?

- 2,190 Free Comic Books. Spider-Man, Marvel Adventures, Justice League, Disney, Simpsons, Lone Ranger, Archie, Battlestar Galactica, Peanuts, Sonic, Transformers, the first issues of Robert Kirkman's werewolf comic "The Amazing Wolf-Man" and Gerard Way's (of "My Chemical Romance" fame) the "Umbrella Academy," and yes, even more.

- 8,850 comics for just a quarter. Not just bird-cage lining, either. Spider-Man, Batman, Avengers, Thor, assorted Manga. Even long forgotten cult favorites like Alpha Flight, Defenders, Young Heroes in Love, the Ray and many more. Looking for giant slabs of series to read? Here's your shot.

- 2,400 comics for a dollar. Looking for something a little more rare? More recent, interesting...dare I say "mature" titles, like Spawn, Astro City and Powers, as well as horror and Manga comics. You may even find some gems (like Frank Miller Daredevils), but that would be telling.

Need more, do you? Okay, how about #13,441: The collection of Rex Stout paperbacks we've just acquired, the perfect item for the devoted collector or casual mystery reader. #13,442: Japanese language children's books! Fairy tales, story books and educational texts, all in colorful native kana. #13,445: Our wide selection of Ohio County Histories, Ohio History & Geneology books. Interested in learning about the place where you live? Now's your chance!

The best thing about #13,441-13,443? All those books are going to be 30% off. Of course, that goes for all of our 40,000 used books we have under our roof. I could count that as another 40,000 reasons, but it feels like that would be cheating somehow...

#13,444: Yellow Springs magician Amon Hogue will be doing his very special brand of magic to delight the young and old. Think you know magic? Trust me, you won't be able to wrap your mind around the kind of tricks Amon weaves. For more info, be sure to check out his webpage, www.amonhogue.com or his MySpace page, http://www.myspace.com/AmonH.

#13,445:



$16.95, size M through XXL. Available for the first time on May 5th.

Free Comic Book Day, this Saturday, May 5th. This is it people. If I haven't convinced you to come by now...well, just show up, okay? It'll be awesome.