Paper Tiger Roars Into Stratford Hills

With the closing of Stories years ago you had to go much further afield to get your comic fix. That problem is now alleviated with the opening of Paper Tiger (7522 Forest Hill Ave). The soft opening was this past weekend and their current hours are limited to Tuesday-Saturday 12-6 PM. The hours could change in the future as they figure out the balance of running a business, raising small children, and balancing family time.

If you’ve eaten at a restaurant in Richmond, especially Carytown, it’s likely you already know the owner Hamooda Shami’s handiwork. He’s scaled back his restaurant empire to just Don’t Look Back. The observant amongst you will notice the address is next to the now-shuttered Don’t Look Back Southside. The original plans were to make the Paper Tiger space into an extension of Don’t Look Back Southside but the pandemic had other plans. The dining communities’ loss is the collectibles community’s gain.

Owner Hamooda Shami (L) and Manager John Reinhold (R) – John is also CXO – Sales & Communications of RVA MAG

In the extensively remodeled shop, which Hamooda stated he was extremely proud of perhaps his best remodel, you’ll find all manner of goodies. It’ll be easier to show rather than tell.

The back room had the top-end rare comic that have all been professionally graded. If you’re looking for a rare edition this is the room.

Currently on the walls are prints by Jay Ryan which are for sale.

First editions ready to go. Paper Girls is awesome by the way. Don’ worry if you need current comics they’ve got that covered as well I just didn’t take a photo.

Never Give Up – Never Surrender your Star Trek collectibles. There are new and old figures to be had.

Yes, that’s a David Bowie Barbie you see on the top shelf. Not pictured are a small selection of board games that cover a nice age and complexity range.

Magna was a late addition to the inventory.

The word that comes to mind immediately is curated. Both Hamooda and Store Manager John mentioned how they had a hand in every item in the store and wanted to make sure that customers were getting the best value. To that end comics and cards (Pokemon, Magic, Sports) are graded so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Rare Pokemon and Magic cards can be added to your deck or to sit on a shelf and be admired and taunt your fellow players. There were plenty of sports cards as well including a Bo Jackson that was the subject of much discussion while I was there.

Hamooda and John are very welcoming and extremely knowledgeable about everything in the store. Looking for something in particular, they’ll help you track it down. If you’ve read this far you’re definitely the target audience so you should head on up there. Don’t go looking for an Iron Giant with 16 points of articulation, interchangeable hands/weapons, and light-up eyes because I bought the last one.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t give Carrie Piefur (Karri Peiffer) a shout-out and link to her article over on Axios about the opening. Quality work as always and she beat me to the punch.