03.28.2024

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Today’s Forecast

48º | 100% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:32 a.m. | Sunset 7:06 p.m.

📖 This one’s for the ~~history~~ comic books

Newbury Comics’ Boston history

The exterior of the original Newbury Comics store, seen from Newbury Street in Boston

This is the store where it all started. | Photo via LGagnon on Wikimedia Commons

If you’re a local music or comic collector, you likely have at least one memory at Newbury Comics. The locally founded store started as the sound of the underground and a place for locals to discover media. Decades later, it’s become a pop culture legend that has a special spot in the hearts of Bostonians.

💥 The early editions

Newbury Comics’ story spans back to 1978. Founders and MIT roommates Mike Dreese and John Brusger opened the first store in a converted studio apartment on Newbury Street with a love for video games and Brusger’s comic book collection.

By 1982, Newbury Comics opened its second store in Harvard Square. The business continued to expand, including a store in Faneuil Hall that opened in 2008, and it currently has approx. 30 stores in the northeast. However, the original location at 334 Newbury St. closed in 2018 and relocated to 348 Newbury St.

Did you know: Newbury Comics jokingly dubbed its incense-infused aroma Toothé? If you’ve set foot inside one of the stores, you know the smell.

Exterior of the Newbury Comics store at The Garage Harvard Square. — Shopping at The Garage in Harvard Square means a trip to Newbury Comics.
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Photo via Rhododendrites on Wikimedia Commons

🎧 The plot twists

As the name implies, Newbury Comics began by selling comic books. Shortly after it opened, the store earned a reputation for selling music — specifically alternative and punk records. By 1980, ~90% of the store’s revenue came from music sales.

Since then, music sales have declined nationally, but Newbury Comics prides itself on its ability to morph to trends. You can still find vinyl records and comic books, along with apparel and pop culture merchandise in the mix.

While other media retailers have left our city (we miss you, Virgin Megastore), Newbury Comics has solidified its legacy in local history. Add it to your calendar: In 2019, former Mayor Marty Walsh declared April 6 Newbury Comics Day in the city.

Events

Thursday, March 28

Museums at Night | Thursday, March 28 | 5-8 p.m. | Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge | Free | Enjoy an evening of art, food, and fun while celebrating the opening of the exhibition “Future Minded: New Works in the Collection.”
Josh Blue | Thursday, March 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Wilbur Theatre, 246 Tremont St., Boston | $29-$39 | The comedian and winner of “Last Comic Standing” performs The Freak Accident Tour.”
Dvořák Symphony No. 7 & Elgar Cello Concerto | Thursday, March 28-Saturday, March 30 | Times vary | Symphony Hall, 310 Massachusetts Ave., Boston | $52-$149 | Venezuelan conductor Domingo Hindoyan and Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández make their Boston Symphony Orchestra debuts.
Plasma LIVE | Thursday, March 28 | 10 p.m. | Legacy, 79 Warrenton St., Boston | $20-$40 | The recent “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant performs live with guest Lexi Baby!

Friday, March 29

What does umami even mean? | Friday, March 29 | 7-8 p.m. | curds&co, 288 Washington St., Brookline | $65 | This class will teach you to savor the savory by pairing cheese with other side dishes.
Pink Panther - A Pink Floyd Experience | Friday, March 29 | 10 p.m. | Middle East, 480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge | Free entry | OneEyeJack presents a show that pays tribute to the psychedelic rock legends.

Saturday, March 30

Spring Wine Fest | Saturday, March 30 | 2:30, 5, or 7:30 p.m. | Time Out Market, 401 Park Dr., Boston | $39-$69 | Sip your way through wine samples with a live band and food for purchase.
Funkiversary Party | Saturday, March 30 | 7:30-10:30 p.m. | Night Shift Brewing, 87 Santilli Highway, Everett | Free entry | Celebrate the taproom’s 12th birthday with music by Soulelujah and funky beers on tap.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Civic

Mayor Wu announced her support for Avangrid’s New England Wind 1 offshore wind proposal. If accepted, Boston would be the first US city to use the clean energy source. The city also established a non-binding agreement to purchase 15 megawatts of energy — enough to power 5,000+ homes.

Opening

We’re holey excited for Rebelle Bagels to make its debut in Kendall Square this week. Owner Milena Pagán — an MIT alumna — is relocating the shop to Cambridge from its original location in Providence. The restaurant is know for its handmade bagels and sandwiches. (Boston.com)

Seasonal

It’s almost Swan Boat season. The historic pedal boats will migrate back to Boston Public Garden lagoon on Saturday, April 13. Tickets will be available through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2.

Coming Soon

Mr. H is getting ready to bring new flavors to the Seaport District. The modern Chinese and Taiwanese restaurant is moving into the former site of Legal Test Kitchen. The concept comes from COJE Management Group and is expected to debut this spring. (Boston Restaurant Talk)

Edu

Local universities continue to get pricier. Boston University, Tufts, and Wellesley are among the New England schools that have $90,000+ costs of attendance for the 2024-2025 year (which includes room + board). At BU, this represents a 42% increase over the past decade. (Boston Globe)

Drink

Cheers to the Boston Marathon runners. Samuel Adam’s 26.2 Brew is on tap at its Downtown Boston Taproom through Marathon Weekend. The gose-style ale is made with sea salt and coriander; four-packs of cans are also available at the brand’s Boston locations.

Finance

2024: The year of the one-card wallet. If you’ve dreamt of using one credit card for everything, wake up and get this card. Not only does it offer 0% intro APR well into 2025, but cardholders can also earn up to an industry-crushing 5% cash back, with no annual fee to boot.*

Wellness

Therapy isn’t a luxury — it’s an essential tool for navigating life’s complexities. Invest in your wellbeing with 25% off your first month of BetterHelp.*

The Buy

Jenni Earle Bandanas. Try a new trend this spring with these bandanas – perfect to tie around your neck, hair, or handbag.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Michael

From the editor

While growing up, my dad used to take me to Newbury Comics as a special treat. I remember one time we went there to buy a soundtrack to the TV show “Dexter’s Laboratory.” Definitely a niche item, but Newbury Comics has always been a safe place to support my nerdy interests.

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