Mike’s Comic Hut Bags (1987)
Ilke over at George Perez’s website sent along some images and info pertaining to a Swampy sighting within some comic shop promo materials. While living in New York City, George Perez’s local comic shop was Mike’s Comic Hut. For a little while Perez drew promo art for the Flushing, Queens based store. He created a series of illustrations that were printed on Mike’s shopping bags. The one below, from 1987 depicts Swamp Thing.
circa 1987
It’s certainly a small sighting but neat non the less. Gumby appears to be on top of Swamp Thing.
Through very smart, complicated advancements in space-age technology, I was able to blow-up the image of Swamp Thing, refine the quality, reconfigure the pixel ratio and VOILA! A crystal clear image of Swamp Thing.
Just kidding, and shame on you for believing such technology could ever possibly exist.
I’d love to find an actual bag (above). Having a piece of Mike’s legacy and a George Perez collectible would be pretty cool. Below are some of the other illustrations that made it on the shop’s bags. The detail is impressive. I hope George was compensated with free comics for his effort.
circa 1983
circa 1980
Detail from the 1987 bag. It appears that the Hut changed names at one point.
Mike’s shop closed it’s doors in 1993.
He passed away the following year.
rootsoftheswampthing.com 
Mike Berman of Mike’s Comic Hut popped into my head today as I was watching a matinee of “Thor: Ragnorak”. I wondered what Mike thought about seeing all these great Marvel (and to a lesser extent, DC) finally getting the real big screen treatment. Cannot tell you how sad I am at learning poor Mike passed away in 1994. I was born and raised in Flushing and proud to say not only was I one of Mike’s original customers (when he sold comics out of a few ratty boxes as part of a collectibles/antiques store), but I also suggested he should have his own place. I’m so glad he listened because Mike’s Comic Hut, nicely nestled next to my favorite all-time movie theater the UA Quartet was a huge hit. Mike looked like and reminded me of the late artist Bob Ross. Big smile to go along with his afro and a kind hearted soul. Rest In Peace, Mike, and thanks for your love of comics that lives through me to this day!
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Ray, thank you so much for sharing this! I Do you by chance have any of those bags kicking around from Mike’s Comic Hut? I’d love to see pics. Regards -John
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I wish I did. I once met George Perez at Mike’s Comic Hut on my way home from school and he penciled a quick Thing/Ben Grimm for me. What I would give to still have that right now!
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no way!! I heard stories about how Perez would get some of his comics from Mike’s with trade for his drawings. that’d be a dream come true to have him as your resident LCS artist
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Hello Ray, I remember Mike’s when he was 1st under the UA Quartet. He used to hook me up with free comics if I fetched him his Chinese take-out from down the block. After he relocated to the old sew shop(name escapes me atm) he had the greatest setup which included all the latest arcade games, I can’t tell u how many quarters I dropped on Gauntlet! I actually got a job working there, bagging and stocking lol, and can still remember George P. dropping in from time to time. It usually caused quite a stir, but George was by all recollection a genuinely good and jovial talent. I miss those days, so thanks for posting and allowing me to share. ..I believe I still may own a few of those bags!
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I have a couple of these bags.
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That’s awesome. Have any extras you’re interested in selling?
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Sure, I’ll figure out a price and post back here once I do.
There is (1) 1983 white bag that is in pretty nice shape besides a single crease where the bag was folded in half.
There is also (1) 1980 brown bag that has lots of damage via folding and a couple of small tears around the bag perimeter, but the art is preserved.
Both bags are around 10″ wide by 13 1/4″ long.
Please feel free to give input.
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What a trip down memory lane! I remember my mom took me to that block once to visit my grandfather who worked at a Big and Tall clothing store across the street from there, and when I saw Mike’s Comic Hut I ran there first and didn’t want to leave.
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