New England Comics (NEC): The Home of the Tick and Retail Excellence

New England Comics (NEC) is a "mind-blowing" institution in the comic book industry, serving as both a legendary retail chain and a specialized publisher for over 40 years. Famous for being the birthplace of The Tick, NEC has evolved into one of the largest and most respected comic store networks in the Northeast. At White Dragon Comics, we respect their dual legacy of providing a "senses-shattering" retail experience while fostering some of the most "weird and twisted" humor in independent publishing history.

Big News: New Era, New Ownership (2025–2026)

As of October 29, 2025, New England Comics entered a "pulsating" new chapter. Founder George Suarez officially retired after 42 years, selling his interests to long-time managers Tom Yee and Ralph Blaser.

• The Promise: The new owners are dedicated to maintaining the "stupefying" level of service and selection that NEC fans have expected since the first 500-square-foot store opened in Quincy in 1983.

• The Reach: NEC continues to operate multiple high-traffic locations across Massachusetts (including Brockton, Quincy, Harvard Square, and Malden), serving as a community hub for the New England comic scene.

The 2026 Publishing Update: SPOON!

While NEC is primarily known for retail today, their publishing arm remains a "must-have" for fans of big blue superheroes and "mind-bending" satire.

• Tick New Series #5 (2026): Releasing on April 22, 2026, this "senses-shattering" issue features an epic cross-era saga. It pits the modern Tick against the Golden Age Tick from World War II, thanks to a time-travel ray gun wielded by the ancient villain, The Terror.

• Planet Comics #6 (Wagon Wheel/NEC Collaboration): In a "stupefying" expansion of the brand, 2025 and 2026 saw The Tick appear in Planet Comics via a special arrangement with creator Ben Edlund. This oversized anthology features new stories by Jeff McClelland and Duane Redhead, returning The Tick to his "weird humor" roots.

• The 40th Anniversary: With 2026 marking nearly four decades since the character's debut as a newsletter mascot, look for specialized commemorative variants and anniversary specials hitting NEC shelves throughout the year.