Borderlands Comics: A Hub for All Things Geek in Greenville
In the heart of Greenville, a true treasure for comic enthusiasts has taken shape. Robert Young, a passionate advocate for all things comics, embarked on a remarkable journey to create a new home for Borderlands Comics and Games, laying down a whopping $1.3 million and investing three years of hard work to make it a reality. The store, which opened its doors almost two years ago at 410 S. Pleasantburg Drive, spans an incredible 16,000 square feet, making it four times larger than its previous location.
Transforming Geek Culture
Young is enthusiastic about the vision behind this revamped space. He describes it as “a department store for geeks.” His gut feeling told him that creating a warm and welcoming environment could change everything for the community. The results, according to Young, have been nothing short of astonishing. “After the move, we had the best year the company’s had in 33 years,” he shared with excitement. Sales continued to soar even amidst a challenging economic backdrop, and Young admitted, “It’s almost awkward to say. It’s a level of success I never expected.”
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Young’s story began in 1991 when he arrived in Greenville at just 21 years old to manage what was known as Heroes comic store. Following a childhood filled with struggles due to seizures, which prevented him from pursuing a military career like his father and grandfather, Young turned to his love of comics instead. By the time he was 22, he was overseeing multiple stores across three states. “I didn’t know how that would affect my life,” he reminisced, grateful for the opportunities he received.
From Dreaming to Doing
Years later, Young had a chance to join Borderlands when a former co-worker purchased the Greenville location. Initially occupying a mere 800 square feet, the store thrived and soon moved to a larger space, becoming a local institution for nearly three decades. However, Young took a detour, working in corporate positions that, while successful, left him yearning for his first love—comics.
“I tried to buy the store every year,” he chuckled, reflecting on his persistent attempts. In 2010, an unexpected twist arose when his co-worker, Stan Reed, presented him with a purchase offer written on a dinner check. Despite doubts about affordability, Young found the prospect overwhelmingly exciting. His wife, Michele, questioned their ability to manage it, but Young replied, “Because I’m going to buy it.” With Reed financing the deal, Young’s journey as the owner of Borderlands began.
The Secret to Success
From dawn till dusk—literally, Young worked tirelessly, often clocking in from 6 a.m. to midnight. “I just didn’t want to fail. I had a family to feed,” he said with determination. Over the years, Young developed an approach that revolved around the belief that “you don’t have to be better than your competitors, you just have to be the last to quit.” Persistence and the willingness to learn from failures became cornerstones of his philosophy.
Growing and Giving Back
Thanks to a mix of hard work, determination, and a sprinkle of luck (thank you, DC Comics’ New 52!), Young’s store blossomed. More than just a vendor of comic books, Borderlands offers a diverse array of products. With 30,000 comics priced at just $1 in a dedicated bin, there’s something for everyone, even if they once sold a comic for a staggering $40,000! From Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering to vintage video games and unique collectibles, if it’s “geeky,” it’s likely available under their roof.
A Love for Community
The Youngs don’t only focus on personal success; they’ve actively endeavored to give back to the Greenville community. During their Black Friday sales, they offered discounts for customers who donated canned food, leading to a remarkable 4.5 tons of food collected for the Harvest Hope Food Bank over the years. They’ve also supported various charitable causes, collectively making an impact of over $250,000 within the community.
Looking Ahead
And there’s more on the horizon! The couple started hosting annual South Carolina Comicons, which now fill the Greenville Convention Center with thousands of enthusiastic fans each year. The next one is set for October 27, with another weekend event in April—an exciting prospect for the thriving geek culture in Greenville.
As Robert Young puts it, with a heart full of gratitude, “Every year, I walk the line and thank people. I appreciate them.” It’s this sense of community that is at the core of Borderlands Comics and Games—a shining example of how passion, persistence, and a love for the art can create something magical.
