Alternate Reality Comics started in 1995 when I, Ralph Mathieu, bought Dungeon Comics (established in 1987). I've read comics since 1975 and always wanted to do something within the comic book industry. So when this opportunity to own a comic store came up, I didn't have to think twice about whether this was something that I should do.

I got seriously addicted to comic books in 1975, when, while reading titles such as House Of Mystery and House of Secrets, my eyes were drawn to the ads for DC's superhero titles. So it was off to the local 7-11, where I picked up an issue of Flash and started picking up all of DC's titles, followed shortly thereafter by getting whichever Marvel Comics I'd see at the store, as well as Warren comic magazines such as Creepy, Eerie, 1984, etc.

Owning Alternate Reality Comics has been a delight from the first day, because I get to share my love of comics with people just about every day and turn them on to the myriad of wonderful new fantastic comics, manga, and graphic novels that this medium has to offer. Additionally I met my wonderful wife, Katherine (Kate), here at the store and she shares my passion for this medium.

Hi, I'm Katherine. I discovered comics in the early 1990s while working at a small chain bookstore which had a couple of spinner racks. We weren't allowed to read books while on duty, but comics were fine. I picked up Spiderman 2099 and Morbius: The Living Vampire and thought they were were better than about 90% of TV at the time. I've been reading comics ever since.

How delighted I was when I came to Las Vegas to go to school and discovered a nice comic book store right across the street from UNLV!

Through the store, I met Ralph. In 1997, I married him for entertainment value -- and I'm never bored.

In 1998, I helped found Sequential Tart, a webzine by women who love comics.