By Pete Smith
Carmel’s comic book fans are sure to remember The Foolery, a Main Street mainstay for Carmel kids looking for diversion or a place to trade baseball cards in the ’90s.
Owner Bob Williams first opened the store in 1988 and ran it for eight years, before deciding to sell the business in 1996. The Foolery changed hands several times before it closed its doors for good.
The former space is now occupied by The Olive Mill, a small batch and artisanal olive oil and balsamic vinegar store.
But Williams recently attended Comic Con in Indianapolis this year and the throngs of people showed him that his passion still had a large following.
“I went as an observer,” he said. “I was just blown away by the sheer size. It was insane.”
So now he has plans to rebuild, starting over at a storefront at 25 W. Main St. nestled between The Christian Science Reading Room and the Old Town Tavern.
The Foolery has plans for a soft opening on April 4, but Williams is planning a grand reopening on April 29 to coincide with the release of the “Amazing Spider Man 2.” He said the release of lots of super hero movies in recent years have really renewed interest in comic books.
But that won’t be the Foolery’s only focus. It will also offer sports cards, Pokemon cards and supplies for Magic: The Gathering. That in addition to a supply of classic vinyl records, Colts and Pacers collectibles, and a complete line of candy and soda.
“It’s been in my blood forever. I definitely missed it and I’m excited to get back into it,” he said of running a comic book store.
And this time around he plans to make it a family affair. His wife and 12-year-old son plan to pitch-in to make the business feel like home.
The store will have an eBay and online presence as well. For updates visit www.thefoolery.org.
