In the 1980's...
Manhattan Comics & Cards ("Backdate")
228 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10011
Hidden under the Chelsea Hotel in New York City was a small hovel of a comic book store, where TV shows, movies and other ideas were born. And some friendships made, as discussions about the relevance of Captain America, Nexus or Grim Jack filled the air.
--- C.M. Griffin
Manhattan Comics and Cards, formerly Back Date Magazine, was located on 23rd Street, next to the Chelsea Hotel. This old school comic book store was a place where art students, comic book fans and professional artists would come down to pick up their new comic books, and get together to talk about their love for comics. It was kind of like “Cheers,” an 80’s show about a local neighborhood bar where everybody knows your name….
We would get together, regularly, and go and have brainstorming sessions, exchanging ideas in local bars and restaurants, talking about comics, movies and art, and generating new ideas… IDEAS!
Believe it or not, Backdate Magazine is a box store, now. I can remember the great synergy and camaraderie at the shop, offered by Jeff and Peter, the shop owners, and all the very talented usual suspects—Ed M., C. M. Griffin, Mark Thorner, John Penman , T. J. Glenn, and many, many more---you all know who you are! The abundance of good will and great ideas, from the comic book pros, the staff and all the regulars inspire me, to this day.
In the spirit of “Backdate” is born the Dare2Draw.
By artists for artists, finding and sharing resources, mentoring and networking will be what drives The Big City Dare2Draw community.
Thank you, Jeff Rosoff, wherever you are!
Charles D. Chenet
charles@dare2draw.org
Big City DARE2DRAW
