Superheroes, Pride, Parking Lots, and Godzilla at Gay Owned L.A. Comic Shop Revenge Of

Savas Abadsidis June 16, 2022

According to legend Revenge of… Comics and Pinball in Eagle Rock came about because friends Jeff Eyser, Joe Myers, and Joe Kuntz were dissatisfied with the comic book store options on Los Angeles’ Eastside.

They also saw a growing demand from diverse communities to experience their stories in comic books and graphic novels. Eyser and Myers already owned Hollywood production designer firm FTB, known for its contribution to a wide array of television productions including The Lost Lincoln, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, and Jersey Shore – Family Vacation, and they roped in their friend and television executive Kuntz and created a groundbreaking space of inclusivity to meet this need.

Above: From Left: Joe Myers, Jeff Eyser, Joe Kuntz. Photo by Robert Fulton via The East Sider LA

Those who visit Revenge Of, whether online, via social media, or in person, find community among shared interests of comic books, graphic novels, and collectibles. Latina comic book lovers, a 6 year Captain Marvel fan, a French Revolution history buff, and a gay graphic novel aficionado, to name only a few, are able to find content and collectibles personally curated by Jeff and Joe. As Joe loves to point out, this includes everything from the most popular to comic books that teach us to use personal pronouns correctly, an action series without guns, and graphic novels about superheroes of color.

Jeff and Joe have taken this passion one step further to create “Lotzilla,” a monthly immersive experience they produce for the community in Revenge Of’s parking lot. Using their talent as production designers, they built a life-size Godzilla situated in between destroyed buildings, Mothman, and for Pride month, the inclusion of a pride flag sitting high above the destruction. Community members meet, take photos destined for Instagram and explore a group of personally selected merchandise and lifestyle vendors who share this area with food and beverages pop-ups. All of these elements come together to create a space where all are welcome and invited to be their most authentic selves among the passions of others. Plus, everyone can enjoy the 18 unique pinball machines inside the store.

GayNrd spoke to Joe Myers.

How do you foster a community in the store?

We have a little something for everyone. From the Superheroic to the personally triumphant, the stories we keep on our shelves are a reflection of the values and aspirations we look to foster in our community.

What makes gay fan boys different?

Not to cut and paste from my therapy journal, but in my experience, QUILTBAGs had to search longer, further, and harder to find reflections of themselves. Finding, identifying, and internalizing these positive representations of ourselves feels so unique, so personal that we emote strongly when these characters, worlds, and creators aren’t afraid or restricted from boldly reaching out from the page and saying for the world to see, “I know you. I am you.”

How do you feel about comics publisher’s making characters bi or non-binary as opposed to strictly gay? Some feel like it’s a cheap shot at inclusivity.

Nah fam. We’re not here for gate-keeping. #bivisability The narrative that attraction is binary is its own portal to all manner of phobias and removes a voice from the colorful whole.

Fuck, Marry, Kill? Nightwing, Wiccan, and Jonathan Kent.

I think you already have your answer. Fuck Nightwing, Marry Wiccan and *gulp* “Ghost” Jon Kent.
Nightwing has great F-boy energy.

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A post shared by David Talaski (@davidtalaskidraws)
If you don’t know what we’re talking about, ask @davidtalaskidraws about Nightwing #92. ’nuff said.
Wiccan, Wiccan, my sweet summer child. Wiccan’s own journey and strength of will to maintain his wonder makes him an excellent partner.
Some might say, the best in the galaxy. Also, think about those visits from the In-Law.
And finally, I’d have to part ways from Jonathan. I’m so sorry Jonathan, I respect your power and kind heart, but it’s not you, it’s me.