ENTERTAINMENT
COMMEMORATION AND COMIC BOOKS: CELEBRATING THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY RACHEL GOLDMAN On April 15th, 1980, Paul Howley, a lifelong fan of comic books decided to settle down in Worcester, Massachusetts to pursue goals of starting a business and a family. With the use of invested earnings from working at various comic book conventions, Howley opened That’s Entertainment as a comic bookstore on Chandler Street. Originally, Howley did everything himself such as keeping track of stock, working the cash register and chatting up customers. In 1992, Howley moved That’s Entertainment to the store’s current address on 244 Park Avenue. Upon seeing that the store’s space increased from 1,000 to 7,000 square feet, Howley, then equipped with only one or two extra staff members and a small stock of items, remarked: “We’ll fill this place”. In the years since Howley’s skeptical appraisal, in tandem with the increased square footage, the variety of items sold at That’s Entertainment has expanded from comic books to collectibles that honor all aspects of nerd culture from vinyls to video games and board games and even trading cards. According to store manager, Ken Carson, the diversity of the store’s stock in collaboration along with a more mainstream nerd cultural presence in society, has led to That’s Entertainment becoming an iconic cultural hub of Worcester. Despite taking pleasure in the store’s obvious success, Carson maintains that his priority as a manager is continuing Howley’s vision for the store as a “friendly comic book shop”, a place where people feel the same sense of “wonder and belonging” that he originally felt as a customer in the 1980s. Ultimately, Howley’s goal was to create a place where people of all genders, ages, ethnicities and orientations intersect and bond over common interests. In celebration of That’s Entertainment’s legacy and community, there will be two special events. These events were originally planned for April, but the schedule has changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the virus has postponed these celebrations, fans can preview these events and look forward to them once new event dates have been finalized! The 40th anniversary of That’s Entertainment will kick off with an event featuring legendary comic book artist, Jim Sternanko. Fans will have the special opportunity to meet and receive an autographed item from Sternanko. Some of Steranko’s most notable achievements include the following: co-creating Nick Fury, Agent of
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S.H.I.E.L.D., a volume of comic books which focused on the iconic character Nick Fury in the Marvel Franchise; writing and drawing for Captain America, The Hulk, Superman and X-Men for which he created the franchise’s classic logo and even conceptualizing the appearance for Indiana Jones. According to Sorana Gatej, the Marketing and Events Manager for That’s Entertainment, Steranko’s appearance for That’s Entertainment is even more special within the context that Steranko rarely ever makes appearances at comic bookstores. However, upon learning of That’s Entertainment’s history, Steranko was very enthusiastic about taking part in the store’s anniversary and even offered to design an original poster for the event. Gatej characterizes Steranko’s visit as something that is simultaneously surreal given Steranko’s influence in the comic industry as well as surprisingly intimate. Customers that have read, identified with and felt moved by Steranko’s work throughout the years will have the opportunity to meet their hero and enhance their comic book collections with a signed copy of work. Gatej described Steranko as someone that loves to socialize and share stories with customers. The second event for the comic bookstore will feature a more intimate and personal gathering as the Worcester public receives the opportunity to speak with local hero, Paul Howley. Howley is the owner and operator of the store, he has formed many friendships with customers in the community throughout the decades. Carson, who has been a customer since That’s Entertainment opened and now operates as the Manager is excited for Howley to witness firsthand what he considers to be the most gratifying aspect of working in the store, which is seeing how the kids who frequented That’s Entertainment in the 1980s have since grown up and now bring their kids and grandkids to the store to share pleasure in their experience. For generations, That’s Entertainment has been an iconic part of Worcester’s cityscape and community. From their Lois Lane street sign to their colorful posters and treasure trove of collectibles, That’s Entertainment is a unique place for creativity, fun and imagination that all ages can enjoy. As the “friendly comic book shop” celebrates 40 years, the team that runs the store looks forward to continuing their passionate work and helping comic book aficionados and superhero fans of all kinds find a place where they belong.
