Interview: Nathaniel, Comic Shop Employee

By Rob Last edited 226 months ago
Interview: Nathaniel, Comic Shop Employee
Gosh shopfront.JPG

One of the things we want to start doing more of here on Londonist is running interviews with 'normal but interesting' Londoners. That is, day-to-day types who make this city what it is.

To kick off the process we emailed our favourite comic shop, Gosh! on Great Russell Street, to see if anybody there would like to answer a few searching questions.

Below is our interview with Nathaniel, one of the hard-working till hops who supplies London's comic fans with their fix, day in, day out.

If you would like to answer the Londonist Questionnaire or know someone who you think would interest our readers then get in touch.

Age, occupation, where are you from, where are you now?

I’m 26 years old. I work in at Gosh! Comics, I can’t exactly remember what my original job title was, and I probably do a lot of different stuff now anyway. I’m from London, I’m originally from Cumbria, but have been here since I was three. So, in answer to your question, London basically.

What does a day in the life of a Comic Shop employee entail? Would we be wrong in thinking that it’s just like living in one long, hilarious Kevin Smith movie?

You’d be wrong, it’s much funnier than that. Despite people’s perceptions we don’t just sit around reading comics all day. There’s always something to do and often about three things that need doing at once, especially if you happen to be at the till.

Most popular comic right now?

Probably Marvel Comics’ New Avengers.

All comic-movie adaptations suck. Discuss.

It’s no more true than saying “all movies suck”. Some are great some are appalling and the rest are somewhere in between.

Most famous ever customer?

It would probably have to be Paul McCartney, but that was before my time.

Who’d win in a fight: Fathers 4 Justice or Justice League of America? Why?

The Justice League of America would win. They’ve got superpowers whereas the Fathers 4 Justice are just normal men in costumes. It’s obvious when you think about it.

Do you actually know of any superheroes who have child custody issues?

Not off the top of my head, but there are bound to be some. Those comic book writers don’t miss a trick to stick their emotional hooks into it’s audience.

Simpsons’ Comic Book Guy – comedy gold or worst thing that ever happened to you?

Comedy gold. He was around before I was working in a comic shop though. There’s as much truth to him as otherwise.

Favorite bar or restaurant?

My favourite restaurant is probably Topo Gigio on Brewer Street. It’s a really great Italian family restaurant and I’ve been going there with my family since I was a nipper.

What advice would you give Ken Livingstone?

Don’t read the Evening Standard.

What London place or thing would you declare a landmark?

The New Piccadilly Café in Denham Street.

The world is ending in 24 hours. How would you spend your last day in London?

Well in reality I’d probably spend most it on the floor of my bedroom crying, and feeling sorry for myself and the rest of it saying my goodbyes, but I’d like to spend it walking about the City. Hopefully it’d be deserted like it is on a Sunday mornings. Bliss.

Last Updated 16 May 2005