Evan Scola

Home … Worcester

Job … Events Coordinator for That’s Entertainment, New England’s largest collectible store, on Park Avenue. I have organized events like Free Comic Book Day, 24 Hour Comic Day as well as comic artist and creator signings. 

Passion … All things pop culture. I love drawing, reading comics, movies, books and games. I’m very lucky that I work where I’m surrounded by my passions.

Pet peeve … I have too many to name and I’d be afraid that I’d leave one out.

The most bizarre request I’ve received is … For some reason every once in awhile we get phone calls from people looking for male strippers. I guess they see That’s Entertainment and think “Comics, video games and male strippers!” None of the guys here would be opposed to doing it I just think there might be some pretty disappointed ladies if any of us showed up.

Best advice I received recently ... If you ever go back in time don’t touch anything!

One thing I know for sure is … Some of the greatest stories ever told have been in comics. I feel some people just need to get over the idea that comics are only for kids. Comics and graphic novels are just another form of entertainment that everyone can enjoy. It’s sad that some comic stories are only appreciated once they have been made into a movie.

If I have a claim to fame it’s … When I wore glasses, children on the street used to call me Harry Potter. So I guess I was semi-famous for a little while. I’ve since gotten contacts.

The most popular item I see moving off the shelves these days is … New comics will always be our number one seller but we have been selling more and more vintage video games. You can’t buy or sell old video games like Nintendo, Super Nintendo or Sega anywhere else in the city. A lot of people want to relive their youth and old video games are a really cheap and fun way to do it.

The comic/graphic novel/character I’m most into these days is ... With the hype for the new Watchmen movie coming out next year I’ve been re-reading the graphic novel. The comic issues originally came out in the 80’s, but it’s such a great story that it’s considered “the most celebrated graphic novel of all time.” I recommend it to almost any adult who is looking to get into comics.  

The toughest/coolest superhero is … I’d have to say the coolest would be Rorschach from Watchmen. He’s a vigilante that wants to fight crime but he is also completely insane. He is just one of the many complex characters in the book, but for me he really stands out. Unlike other superheroes he will do anything needed to make sure evil is punished, even if it means breaking the law himself. I also like Aquaman because he can talk to fish.

Your thoughts on Superman as he turns 70 … Is it bad to say I’ve never read a Superman comic? With such a huge variety in titles of comics, Superman just never appealed to me. However I do understand his popularity and how his book is still going strong after 70 years. He is an American cultural icon. He stands for truth, justice and the American way. I almost feel un-American for not reading it now.

What are the best movies that have been made from comics, and the worst? … That’s a tough one. I won’t lie there have been many terrible comic movies. Judge Dredd, Howard the Duck, The Punisher with Dolph Lundgren are just a few of them. In my opinion the best and worst movies are coincidentally both Batman movies.

I really believe that Batman and Robin with George Clooney is the worst comic movie ever made. I’m surprised that movie studios still made comic book movies after that came out. My favorite is the latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight. Unlike the earlier Batman movies this one is realistic, believable and there is nothing hokey or cheesy about it. I really can’t say enough good things about it.

A store like That’s Entertainment is essential to Worcester because … We are a completely unique store. We sell items for everyone that you really can’t find anywhere else in one place. Video games, toys, Japanese imports, everything. You really don’t know what you’re going to find. Every employee here was once a customer so we love what we do. We’re a family-owned store and have been around for over 28 years so we must be doing something right.

Which games would you suggest to promote deep thinking? … I think it’s funny when I hear people say that certain board games and card games can be a bad influence on children. A lot of games like Dungeons and Dragons, and Magic the Gathering help support math skills and deep strategic thinking. Most games are just like chess with a lot more pieces.

You have to flee the city under cover of the night and can only bring along a few select items, what comics/graphic novels/DVDs make the journey with you? … The graphic novels I would bring would be Y the Last Man, The Walking Dead and Optic Nerve. The DVDs I’d have to bring would be seasons of Lost, Deadwood and Six Feet Under. o