"Richmond has more comic stores per capita than almost any other city I've been in. I have to believe the VCU art scene has a lot to do with it. There're a lot of folks working professionally in the biz that reside in Richmond, and that creates some excitement." 

Patrick Godfrey is the co-owner of Velocity Comics at 904 W. Broad St. and Velocity Comics Express inside Chop Suey Tuey at 2913 W. Cary St. Godfrey also operates OddGod Press, an independent publisher of comics and graphic novels. Velocity Comics is a progressive comic shop dealing in everything from the big summer blockbusters to work from local Richmond creators. They carry an extensive collection of new comics, back issues, graphic novels and all sorts of comic paraphernalia.

When did your love of comics begin?

Wow, um… in the womb? I literally have no recollection of a time I wasn't surrounded by these things.

Where did you buy comics when you were growing up?

There were a lot of grocery store and drug store purchases, until I discovered a comic specialty shop in, like, 1981. Everything changed at that point.

Who was the first comic character you fell in love with? 

In a romantic-type way? Jean Grey, a.k.a Phoenix, specifically as drawn by John Byrne in Uncanny X-Men when I was about 9 years old. Platonically, I was drawn to Daredevil pretty early on. Blind lawyer, extra-powerful senses, fighting ninjas… good stuff.

How have you seen the industry change over the years?

The comic industry is a volatile one, with change being the constant. It's been interesting to watch the rise of creator-owned material as viable, and after the entire market crashed in 1996 seeing Marvel and DC re-focus on quality storytelling over gimmick sales tactics has been nice.

What was the best era for comics?

I'm of two minds: the mid to late-1980's gave us "Watchmen," "Maus," "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns," Frank Miller's "Daredevil," [Chris] Claremont & Byrne's "X-Men," Alan Moore's "Swamp Thing," and the black and white independent explosion. Not an easy era to top. But I think the overall quality and diversity of comics today is better than it's ever been. There's literally something for anyone today, which wasn't the case 20 years ago.

What made you want to open a comic shop?

It was a case of right place, right time. I was working at Grace Street Comix back in 2003 when the opportunity presented itself, with about an hour to decide. My business partner and I dove in without having a clue how to run a business. Several years and lots of mistakes later, we're not only still standing, but thriving!

What book is your most prized part of your personal collection and why?

I've got a copy of the first "Hellboy" issue signed by creator Mike Mignola the first time I met him. It's not the oldest comic, nor the priciest, but my regard for Mignola exceeds that of anyone else in the industry. It also reminds me of good old times.

Why is Richmond a good city for comics?

It really is, isn't it? Richmond has more comic stores per capita than almost any other city I've been in. I have to believe the VCU art scene has a lot to do with it. There're a lot of folks working professionally in the biz that reside in Richmond, and that creates some excitement.

What is the biggest misconception about comic books and those who read them?

We're not ALL Lotharios and Casanovas. We have to work at scoring with the ladies just as hard as everyone else.

If somebody walked into your shop today and said they had never read comics, what would you recommend they start out with?

My staff would probably laugh them out of the shop. KIDDING! I take a great deal of pride in the fact that Velocity Comics has a rep for being able to put the right book into the hands of anyone, from the neophyte to the seasoned cynic. There's a method to our madness, but it boils down to great communication and a deep well of knowledge about the product we carry.

What is your professional opinion of the "Iron Man" and "Incredible Hulk" movies that came out this summer, and what pre-release thoughts do you have on "The Dark Knight" and "Wanted"? (This question was answered before the 6/27 release of "Wanted")

I thought "Iron Man" and "Hulk" were both terrific. It's nice to see what these movies look like when they're controlled creatively by the folks who own the characters. It'll be tough to beat ‘The Dark Knight', though. I predict Oscar noms for that one, and maybe the biggest grosses of the summer. ‘Wanted' has a lot going for it—great up-and-coming director, great cast—but I'm dubious about how far they've strayed from the source material. I will commit to a level of cautious optimism.

If you could have one super power, what would it be?

It would be great to stop time and walk between the seconds—it would up my productivity so much more, and I could finally burn through the stack of DVDs I have waiting to be watched and books that need reading.

Outside of the realm of comics, what are your favorite kinds of books to read? 

When I've the time I like good genre fiction. Vonnegut's probably my all-time favorite, and I like Elmore Leonard & Chuck Palahnuik.

What's your favorite place to be in Richmond?

I can't name just one. I love being on the downtown expressway in the heart of the city (exit 74 off of 95 North?), it provides the best view of hills, the architecture, the people. On Sunday morning's Millie's brunch is hard to beat. I have deeply fond memories of taking my kids to the triangle playground at Lombardy and Park when they were younger. 

What's your favorite thing to do when you're not manning the shop?

Going to see movies, eating with friends (especially sushi), taking my daughters to King's Dominion.

What's one of your favorite comic convention memories?

As a publisher: last year at the San Diego Comicon (the big one) Thomas Lennon (Lt. Jim Dangle on "RENO 911") stopped by our table and hung out for a few minutes, throwing anecdotes at us like we'd known him for years.

Who are your favorite local comic writers and artists?

There's a lot of love to spread around, as most of ‘em are pals and peers. Artist Jim Callahan is mere seconds away from breaking huge in the biz, as is writer (and Velocity co-owner) Jesse Bausch. I co-published their debut book "Strange Detective Tales," and can't wait to see where they go. Also worth checking out: Rob Ullman, Kerry Talbott and John Ownby. Whenever these guys squeeze some comic art out of their busy schedules, it's amazing! Comics' power couple Rawn and Meg Gandy is also each terrific. Tom Batten and Matt Deans, Kelly Alder, Oura… I could go on all day! There are metric tons of talent in this town.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to break into the business as a writer or artist?

Don't focus on the goal, focus on the process. Write and draw constantly, hone your craft. Desire and talent matter little without work ethic. And oh, yeah -- network!

Where do you see the comic industry going in the next few years as everything becomes digitized?

I don't think digital downloading will affect the sales of comics in the next few years. Reading is a more tactile experience than, say, movie-watching or listening to music. People like to hold the material in their hands. I see magazines and newspapers reducing in circulation, as they are disposables (i.e. read them once and never pick them up again). Books and comics aren't going anywhere any time soon. Yeesh, I hope not.

Who do you think is a Skrull?

Clearly YOU'RE  a Skrull, using alien bait-and-switch techniques to downplay suspicions and increase paranoia! I'm on to you!

[Editor's note: If you don't get the 'skrull' reference, you need to make your way down to Velocity Comics to check out the Marvel Comics event of the year, "Secret Invasion."]