By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
In the heart of Queens, where comic book culture thrives with an ever-growing fanbase, one comic shop is making waves by offering something unique that goes beyond the typical comic book store experience. Spineworks Comics NYC, owned by Michael Raphael, has become a go-to destination for collectors, enthusiasts, and even newcomers looking to dive into the world of comics.
Spineworks Comics NYC, tucked away in the quieter neighborhood of Middle Village at 74-10 69th Rd #2FL, is a hidden gem compared to other more widely known comic book shops in the area, offering a unique blend of expert services and personalized care.
Before opening Spineworks Comics NYC, Raphael had a steady job in a different industry, but his passion for comics never faded. He spent years collecting and learning the intricate details of comic book preservation, while also working in other fields. However, it was during the uncertain days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 that Raphael found himself reevaluating his future. With the world in lockdown, he realized his job wasn’t fulfilling him, and he saw an opportunity to turn his lifelong passion for comics into something more. After months of reflection, Raphael took the leap and opened Spineworks Comics, focusing on providing high-quality comic book restoration and a specialized customer experience—something he felt was missing in the comic book world.
With a focus on high-quality services like comic pressing, restoration, and grading submission assistance, Spineworks Comics NYC is elevating the comic book experience for its customers.
What truly sets Spineworks Comics NYC apart is Raphael’s unwavering commitment to quality. Unlike many comic shops that cut corners with low-grade equipment, Raphael has invested in industrial-grade heat presses, ensuring that every book that enters the shop receives top-notch treatment.
“We don’t use machines from eBay or Amazon or even Temu,” Raphael says. “We spend quite a bit of a chunk of money on our machines, but I need them to be uniform. I need them to produce the same results. I need them to be in top shape, and I need the quality to be there. They need to be done correctly.”
Pressing a comic book may seem simple, but Raphael emphasizes that it requires skill and attention to detail. The process isn’t just about flattening out creases—it’s about preserving the comic’s aesthetic value without damaging its integrity.
“My job is to take whatever book you give me and make it as beautiful as possible without defacing or destroying it,” he said.
Whether a comic is worth $1 or $10,000, Raphael and his team treats every book with the same level of care. With a daily volume of 30 to 50 books pressed, Raphael’s focus remains on uniformity and precision—ensuring each book is restored to its best possible condition.
At Spineworks Comics NYC, the range of services goes far beyond simple pressing. Michael Raphael and his team specialize in a wide variety of comic restoration techniques, offering everything from basic pressing to detailed conservation work.
Conservation is a huge part of the shop’s offerings. For customers who bring in comics that are falling apart or badly damaged, Spineworks Comics NYC will go above and beyond to ensure the book is preserved for years to come. Raphael’s team can repair spines, reinforce weakened pages, clean off stubborn marks, and even reconstruct a comic if needed.
“We’ll do everything we can to preserve the book in its best possible condition,” he said.
For many customers, pressing their comic books is an essential step before having them graded by companies like CGC (Certified Guaranty Company). While pressing won’t guarantee a higher grade, Raphael’s service can help improve the appearance of a book and make it look as pristine as possible before submission. The shop is trusted by collectors to handle books of all value ranges with precision.
What truly makes Spineworks Comics NYC stand out isn’t just its services, but its emphasis on personalized customer care. Raphael understands that each comic book is important to its owner, and he takes the time to carefully explain the process for each book.
“We take the time to go over every book with our customers,” Raphael said. “We explain what can be fixed and what can’t. We’re not here to upsell services you don’t need.”
In fact, Raphael prides himself on being transparent with customers and providing them with only the services they truly need.
“We don’t charge for unnecessary services,” he said. “If a comic doesn’t need pressing or restoration, we’ll tell you that.”
In addition to pressing and restoration, the shop offers submission assistance for customers who want to have their comics graded. Spineworks Comics NYC takes care of the entire process—from carefully packaging comics to submitting them to grading companies, ensuring that every book is protected during the journey.
Spineworks Comics NYC isn’t just a place to get comics pressed and graded—it’s also a gathering space for comic book lovers. Raphael is passionate about cultivating a community and ensuring that all customers feel welcome, whether they’re bringing in rare comics for restoration or simply browsing for new issues.
“We want everyone to feel like they’re a part of the community here,” Raphael said. “Kids walk out with something for free every time. We’re definitely suckers for kids.”
It’s also not uncommon for new visitors to come to Spineworks Comics after striking out at other local shops, searching for a specific issue of a new weekly comic, only to find a full stock of it on the shelves.
The shop is also known for its active presence at conventions. Whether it’s New York Comic Con or another major event, Spineworks Comics NYC provides a “white glove” service for customers who want to get books signed by creators or celebrities. Raphael’s team will take books to the show, get them signed, and then submit them for grading on the customer’s behalf. It’s a service that sets the shop apart and gives collectors peace of mind that their valuable books are in good hands.
Looking ahead, Raphael has big plans for the future of Spineworks Comics NYC. While comics remain the heart of the business, Raphael is expanding into other areas of art preservation. He’s currently pursuing conservancy courses to become certified in handling original art.
“We’d love to start working with original art,” Raphael said. “We want to offer the same services we do with comics, but for original artwork as well.”
In addition, Raphael is venturing into media projects. Spineworks Comics NYC has partnered with Crash Media to produce a series of informational and entertainment shows.
For those who are new to comics and unsure where to start, Michael Raphael’s advice is simple: start small and explore.
“I think you should just raid your local comic shops dollar bins and just find as many issues as you can, or you could buy the trade paperbacks,” Raphael said. “Find some great arcs you could always take up, dare I say it, go to Google, take your favorite MCU movie and just Google which comics influenced or inspired this movie that you loved so much.”
Digital comics are another affordable way to get into the medium. Marvel Unlimited and DC’s digital apps provide a vast library of comics that fans can read for a monthly fee. For those who prefer physical comics, the shop offers trade paperbacks to help newcomers find engaging storylines at a reasonable price.
Raphael also encourages people to explore the comics that inspired the movies and shows they love.
“If you’re a fan of a Marvel movie like Endgame, search for the comics that influenced it,” he said. “You’ll discover stories like Infinity Gauntlet and Infinity War.”
Spineworks Comics NYC is a place where collectors, fans, and newcomers can come together to celebrate their love for comics while receiving expert care for their books. Whether it’s pressing, restoration, or simply talking about the latest issue, Spineworks Comics NYC is a space where the comic community is nurtured, respected, and empowered.
