For Michael Raphael, comic books aren’t just a hobby but a lifelong love story. He reads them, collects them, restores them, talks about them, and now, he’s giving them away.
On Saturday, May 3, Raphael will welcome fans and first-timers to his shop, Spineworks Comics NYC, for Free Comic Book Day — a nationwide event held annually on the first Saturday in May.
From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., visitors to his boutique shop in Middle Village can pick up free comic books and explore a collection filled with color, characters, and community.
While the print industry struggled in recent years, Raphael believes comic books remain a rare bright spot.
That belief forms the foundation of his store, which carries everything from the latest issues and beloved back catalogues to toys and action figures, with prices starting as low as $3.
“We don’t raise our prices. We’d rather sell the books at cover price to our customers than have them sitting on our racks,” Raphael said. “I’ve also been a consumer, so I understand that people want to be treated with respect and courtesy when they walk into a store.”
Spineworks Comics NYC is more than just a shop. The store at 74-10 69th Road is a place where fans can not only buy comics, but also breathe new life into them.
Raphael specializes in pressing and cleaning older issues, a process he proudly refers to as “rejuvenation.” The goal is to increase the comic’s value by restoring its appearance — a skill he’s been honing since childhood.
“I’m like a plastic surgeon of old books,” he joked.
The service costs between $18 and $30 and typically takes about 45 days. He also offers signature-witnessing — he’s certified by the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) to verify that a particular artist or writer truly autographed a comic.
Raphael’s love for comics started early. He vividly remembers being about eight years old when his Uncle Billy gave him a black-and-white Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic in 1986. It was love at first sight, and the moment he realized he wanted to make comics even more vivid.
From then on, Uncle Billy only lent him used comics, which may have been his greatest gift. With worn-out issues in hand, Raphael taught himself how to fix them. It was the beginning of a hands-on education that would eventually become a full-time career.
Growing up in South Ozone Park and attending John Adams High School, Raphael always found time for comic books. They were more than entertainment — they were a guide.
“I was reading comic books all the time, and they kept me on the straight and narrow,” he said. “Through comic books, I learned vocabulary and the core values of being a good person. Superheroes are great role models. If you want to be a good parent, read a comic book with your child.”
After high school, Raphael studied sociology and economics at Hunter College while working various jobs. He eventually landed a managerial position with Avis Car Rental, which led to a successful 13-year run in Corporate America. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, his hotel-related job ended in 2020.
Once again, what seemed like a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Partnering with his friend Lenny Serna in Kissimmee, Florida, Raphael launched a comic restoration business out of his Howard Beach home.
What started with a single press in his basement soon expanded. The dining room became “The Lab,” and growing demand led him to hire staff and open his current storefront. Today, he has three full-time employees and up to 15 part-timers, and he’s even looking to bring on another full-time worker.
The shop’s inventory reflects today’s dynamic comic book world. While DC and Marvel still dominate the market, Raphael also stocks many Image Comics titles, horror publications, and independent works.
He warns that older fans may be surprised by modern changes, saying that Batman is no longer rich, Superman isn’t really a nice guy anymore, Wonder Woman comes from Hades, and Green Lantern is female and from a distant universe.
Raphael also credits newer entries like the Marvel Rivals video game with helping to expand the comic book universe for younger fans.
“I have always had a special interest in the Hulk and Captain America,” he added. “But I would say Batman is my favorite because he’s always doing the best he can with what he has got… we should all strive to be like him.”
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just comic-curious, Raphael hopes you’ll swing by on Free Comic Book Day and discover something new — or rekindle an old passion.
After all, as Raphael’s journey shows, you never know where a single comic book can lead.
