Suburban Chicago Comic Book Store Owner Holds Contest to Give Away Store

The owner of Chimera’s Comics in a Chicago suburb is giving away the shop to "someone who will love it, someone with passion and ideas and ambition to make this store amazing."

A suburban Chicago comic store could be yours with the written answer to just one question: "What makes a great comic book store?" 

The owner of Chimera’s Comics in Oak Lawn is giving away the shop to "someone who will love it, someone with passion and ideas and ambition to make this store amazing," Carmelo Chimera wrote on the brand's website.

The 1,500-foot store has been open six years, Chimera wrote, and has acquired a loyal following for its comics, games and toys.

Chimera, also an attorney, owner of the shop's La Grange location and founder of the publishing arm of the brand, wrote that he can no longer devote the time to the Oak Lawn store, so he decided to give it away.

"There has been a comic book store in Oak Lawn since I was a baby," he wrote. "It’s where I grew up. But the store needs someone there who will love it and take care of it the way I can’t anymore."

The winner will get the store, its inventory and fixtures, he said.

But he made one thing clear: "This is not a raffle, not a drawing or a lottery. This is entirely merit-based and I will decide the winner in my sole and absolute discretion."

Applicants are asked to submit a small application fee and answer, in 500 words or less, what makes a great comic book store.

The contest ends Feb. 28 or when Chimera receives 2,000 applicants.

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