It’s a blend that is distinct, special, and fresh. For Olathe couple Michael and Vania Gladney, merging their loves of coffee and comic books was a match made in heaven.
“Comic Coffeehouse is a beautiful compromise. My husband and I had similar dreams of owning a business. I wanted a coffee shop. He wanted a comic bookstore. We worked together to create a vision that allowed both of us to achieve a version of our dream,” Vania says.
Dream big and dream come true indeed, as the pair opened the unique-style coffeehouse in March 2022. There are comic books on the walls, comic books to read on tables, comic books for sale, and coffee being brewed. Whether being a first-time visitor or a regular, the nostalgia vibe is ever-present and invites one’s inner geekiness to be on full display.
“My hope is that every customer who comes in feels welcomed, accepted and valued,” Vania says. “We want to curate a space of safety for each patron to be authentic in their nerdiness.”
On the menu, the drink selections offer a variety of options. Among the superhero specials, as the drinks are called, are Poison Ivy, a honey lavender matcha; an iced americano with green mint cold foam named Sequoia; a white chocolate and rose latte dubbed Krakoa; and a white chocolate and brown sugar latte referred to as Groot. One customer favorite, though, holds sentimental value.
“Before opening this shop, I was not a coffee drinker at all, but now I enjoy it all day long. The Lois Lane might be my favorite drink because it was crafted with my wife in mind,” Michael says. Adds Vania, “it’s a delicious blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.”
Celebrating its two-year anniversary last month, the coffeehouse has a wide selection of comic books at the coffeehouse for sale, including indies and well-known ones, including Wonder Woman, Batman, X-Men, and Star. Locally, Dark Moon Comics, where Michael is the editor and publisher, are available. In fact, Vania now counts herself among a growing number of comic book fans.
“I’ve developed a level of love and respect for written comics, since starting this adventure. I’m particularly fond of the stories Michael has edited and written with Dark Moon Comics,” she says.
On top of their success, owning their own business has been a super heroic adventure all its own and something they both have fun doing.
“It’s easy when you’re married to the best teammate you’ve ever had,” Michael says. “Owning this shop genuinely brings me joy. I get to pursue a passion with comics, network and be surrounded by the things I love every day.”
Comic Coffeehouse is located at 1857 S. Ridgeview Road in Olathe.