We have a thriving, diverse coffeehouse culture here in the Philadelphia area, but it just got even more interesting and diverse with the opening of Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in the Kensington section of Philly. Owned and managed by Ariell R. Johnson, the new, crowd-funded shop is the first comic book store in the region run by an African-American woman.

Johnson told the local press that “I got the idea for the shop when I was attending Temple University…I would buy my books at Fat Jack’s, go across the street to Crimson Moon, and read everything I bought.” She plans to use Amalgam to host book signings, film screenings, community nights, and diverse workshops.

If you’re in Philly and want to check out the store, it’s located at 2578 Frankford Avenue and is open Monday through Saturday.