Comic book enthusiasts now have a new venue in Ames to purchase collectable statues and a wide array of books.

A collection of more than 500 comic books predating 1985 that have been gathered from conventions held across the United States are available to consumers at Old Curmudgeon Comics on Mortensen Road.

Owner Chris Pellack, a 12-year resident of Ames, said he has been interested in comics since his older brother left his collection at their childhood home when he went to college.

Pellack said he considers the comics in his shop his hobby.

“It’s not really a collection if I sell them,” Pellack said, “It’s turned into my hobby.”

He said his prized possession is his Captain America shield he has had signed by Stan Lee and Evan Dorkin, among others.

Pellack said he has previously worked for Mayhem Comics and Games, but he decided to depart from the shop and go in his own direction.

He said he ended up at his location, at 4720 Mortensen Road, because he knew west Ames was expanding.

“I originally came here because I noticed there was space available over here. I was shown a couple of shops and ended up here,” Polleck said.

He said there is a lot of foot traffic that crosses by his shop from residents heading to West Town Pub.

Along with owning Old Curmudgeon Comics, Pellack said he makes time each semester to talk to the students taking human development and family science courses to explain the importance of introducing children to comic books.

“When [children] see a picture … the picture-is-worth-1,000-word thing comes true,” Pellack said.

He said children can become easily intimidated by 150-page books without pictures. He said it’s easier for children to wrap their minds around books with a lot of pictures.

Pellack said the comics aren’t just aimed at children; they cater to a wide variety of people.

He said if anyone has a specific comic they would like to get on a regular basis, he gives 20 percent off to those who request a series.

Pellack said he would like to see the shop expand in the future if he gets enough business.