BLACKBIRD'S TEAM
We have some pretty incredible people who make this all possible
Comic Book Dave
Founder of Blackbird/Cyclops Fanatic
Growing up we didn’t have a comic shop in my small town. We had a newsstand. At 12 years old I would ride my bicycle to that newsstand every week. I would pick up my paper route, run the route, and then purchase my comics with my earnings!
Favorite drink: Let the Good Times Roll
First comic book: Brave and the Bold #128
Candice the Caffeinated
Founder of Blackbird/First of Her Name/Queen of the Caffeinated/Defender of the Downtrodden
“My first cup of coffee was given to me by my Memaw (my gran). I was 12. She percolated a strong brew and put sugar and condensed milk in until it was a sweet and creamy concoction that I can still call to memory today. I have had coffee every day since that day. Coffee represents warmth and comfort to me and I love that I am able to share that with others daily.”
“I am a voracious reader. My love of reading started at 12 (coffee and books!) with The World According to Garp and the flames were fanned with the subsequent readings of Dune and Interview with the Vampire. Dave and I actually met over a comic book: SPAWN! We have, since then, shared our love of reading and coffee for decades and now hope to share that love with everyone we meet.”
Favorite drink: The Brown Sugar Cold Brew
First comic book: Spawn (1992)
Karli
Renaissance Woman
I have a dragon collection so in case that doesn’t make it obvious that I love dragons… I LOVE DRAGONS! I’ve always loved to read but I only started reading comics in the last two years. Where I grew up there weren’t any shops around me so I was never introduced to them. Percy Jackson is the series that I remember kick-starting my love of reading. Since then I’ve also held a love for mythology. My partner and I have vocalized this love through the names of our cats: Pluto and Orpheus! This is also a nod to our love of the musical Hadestown. My favorite thing about working at Blackbird is the endless positivity from coworkers and customers. Everyone is genuinely so kind and it makes me grateful to be a part of this store.
Favorite drink: The Atom Eve
First comic book: Bone
Eryn
The Librarian
Eryn (he/him/she/her) loves books in every form they come.
Studying history at the University of Florida filled Eryn with a passion for research and organization that translates directly into how she handles comics. Mix in her background in writing and you can understand how she sees every comic as a special story and unique artifact. And since he grew up just down the street from the shop, this community means even more to him! Chat him up about weird DC Comics, manga and music.
Favorite drink: the Naughty Chai
First comic book: Spider-Man Spider Clan #1 (the Italian edition)
Piper
The Baby Barista
I am the Baby Barista and I love drawing, drinking coffee, and sacrificing baby goats to the one-eyed god.
Favorite drink: Oatmilk Latte
First comic book: My Little Pony #1
Courtney
Lead Barista
Courts was harvested from the finest orchard in northern Virginia, and is proud to be an organic and ethically farmed Barista. She enjoys roller skating, cooking, and being baked into pies. Courts likes books about love, and loves books about friendly monsters. Her favorite part of working at Blackbird has been using the customers as guinea pigs for bold new drink recipes.
Favorite drink: Alpha Flight Cold Brew
First comic book: Lumberjanes
Parker aka the Bug
eCommerce Specialist
Bug likes being creative and expresses this through writing, drawing, and painting. She is also a video game aficionado and enjoys Overwatch and Minecraft.
Bug’s favorite thing about Blackbird is the staff (especially Karli) and that everyone is always so welcoming. “Every member really fits in the store and we all get along really well and I think everyone has a place here because we ARE so different.”
Favorite drink: Bad Bambi.
First comic book: Adventure Time #1