Over the past two decades, comics have undergone a cultural paradigm shift from appealing to niche nerd audiences to asserting mainstream appeal in literature and film. This is partly due to the general appeal of Marvel Comics, a publisher of comic books since 1939 that were made into spin-off films from its classic comics beginning in 1944 with Republic Pictures’ “Captain America.”

In recent years, comic books turned movies have focused on the journey of superheroes. Movies like “Spiderman,” “Black Panther,” “The Avengers” and dozens of other cinematic stories have brought in billions of dollars for Marvel, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.

Uvanni wants people to realize that comics aren’t just about superheroes. There are historical comics that focus on real events, narrative graphic novels, and much more.

Many potential customers who walk into Uvanni’s store have never read a comic or graphic novel, he said.

“With someone who isn’t into comics or doesn’t know them very well, the goal is to find out what other art they consume through conversation,” Uvanni said. “If they can give me a point of contact, I can find a recommendation.”

It’s because Uvanni has an encyclopedic knowledge of comics, though he’s too humble to admit it.

He’s been reading comics since he was a kid in central Florida.

“I always used to call myself an omnivore when it comes to comics because I love everything from mainstream superhero comics to weird underground comics from the

From the 60s and 70s to manga to experimental art comics and everything in between,”

Uvanni previously worked as a comic book order manager and director of programs for Coliseum of Comics, the Southeast’s largest comic book and game retailer.

He always dreamed of running his own comic book store. During the pandemic, the desire for an arts-focused community brought him and his wife, quality food safety manager at ADM Milling Company, to the Hudson Valley.

For Uvanni, operating Pure Folly Books has been both challenging and rewarding.

He experiences a learning curve when it comes to the business logistics of owning a comic book store and a flurry of inspiration from conversing with customers interested in comic books.

“It was a slow winter,” Uvanni said.

He opened Pure Folly Books in December and is learning to navigate the difficulties of owning a small business in the wake of a global pandemic.

Uvanni anticipates increased customer interest and sales with the warmer weather.

The global comic book market is expected to grow from $9.21 billion in 2021 to $12.81 billion in 2028 according to Fortune Business Insights, an India-based global market research firm.

Uvanni also plans to become more involved in the Hudson community. On May 7, he participates in Free Comic Book Day and will give away free comics to anyone who visits his store.

“And just because you might not want to jump into the superhero universe doesn’t mean there isn’t amazing art that isn’t there to be shown,” he said. -he declares.