and wanted to stop by one of San Diego's premier independent bookstores, Mysterious Galaxy...
The genres in which they specialize include fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and horror and suspense. I don't think any of Oprah's picks would be here, heh.
Our first visit was just a quick browse through. They had cool themed displays focusing on Star Wars, Harry Potter, H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe to name a few.
Bert enjoyed looking through their graphic novels section. I was excited to see the 4th volume of "The Annotated Sandman" (Superman was generous enough to gift me the first THREE volumes).
During another recent visit, I noticed that Clive Barker's "The Great and Secret Show" was on the shelf now next to "The Annotated Sandman". Horror fans will know Clive Barker as the author of "The Books of Blood Volumes I, II, and III (one of my favorites); movie fans will recognize his name from the cult movie, "Nightbreed" and more prominently, the "Hellraiser" and "Candyman" movies. Stephen King was once quoted as saying, "I have seen the future of horror and his name is Clive Barker". Indeed, he is a brilliant writer as well as artist.
By the way, we still have the Atari 2600 (we haven't hooked it up in quite awhile); it's so primitive compared to the games nowadays.
"The Lottery", a very chilling book and also referenced in in "The Simpsons" by newscaster Kent Brockman in the episode, "Dog of Death".
There were cool t-shirts by the company, Out-of-Print. Notice the font on this "Choose Your Own Adventure" t-shirt? Look familiar?
Those series of books were quite popular when I was in grade school/junior high. You, the reader, get to choose the outcome of the book depending on the options they provide.
The font is ITC Benguiat, the same font used for many Stephen King novels:
I have ALL of these books. My first Stephen King book was "The Shining" which I bought in the 5th grade. My parents were pretty lenient with my reading habits. The movie freaked me out too. Those twins in the hallway, Red Rum and "Heeeeeere's Johnny!"
One of my favorites was "Different Seasons" (in which the novella, "The Body" provided the screenplay for the coming of age film, "Stand by Me").
The Benguiat font was recently featured in the opening title sequence in the recent Netflix series, "Stranger Things":
Season 2 needs to come out like, NOW!
The last Beguiat reference, I promise, can also bee seen on The Smiths 4th and last album, "Strangeways, Here We Come" (released in 1987, the summer I started college):
The actor on the album cover is actor Richard Davalos, who played James Dean doomed brother Aron in "East of Eden". Soon after the album was released, Morrissey went solo and provided the soundtrack for my college years.
Here's the album playlist:
My favorite tracks include: "Girlfriend in a Coma", "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" and "Unhappy Birthday".
"Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" was one of the last videos the Smiths made which depicts all of the iconic places in their hometown of Manchester as well as a plethora of Morrissey lookalikes:
Another one of my favorite authors, H.P. Lovecraft. If you've ever eaten the Cthulu sandwich from Supernatural Sandwiches, well, then that's a Lovecraftian reference right there.
Of course, we cannot forget Edgar Allan Poe, master of the macabre. The t-shirt also depicts of of Tenniel's classic sketch of Alice in Wonderland.
I was admiring the printed scarf and blanched when I saw that it was $30!
The bookstore has something for all of the book nerds within us. The sales clerks are all well versed in the genres represented. In other words, they aren't "idjits". I love places like these that wear their geek badge proudly. Plus, this is an independent bookstore which I definitely support over a chain bookstore.
Who else has been to Mysterious Galaxy?
Cathy has been here, most recently for her friend's booksigning last year.
Mysterious Galaxy
5943 Balboa Ave, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 268-4747
www.mystgalaxy.com + reviews from you know where
I'll have to keep my eyes and ears open for any future book signings featuring authors of interest. It's a fun place to explore and also to consider for gifts for any geek/bookloving friends.
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