A Look Inside the New Mutiny: What's Changed at the New Englewood Location

Mutiny Comics and Coffee was born as Mutiny Information Cafe, and chances are good that no one really minds if stalwart patrons of the Mutiny brand still use the old moniker. It's always been a pretty laid-back place, very Big Lebowski in its high-mind charming quirk and low-key attitude, a Gen X air of both purpose (being an awesome retail and performance spot) and a shrug (for all the bullshit that often comes with a place of business).

Now that it's moved farther down South Broadway, trading Denver for Englewood, it's lost some of the grunge that lingered in its dusty corners — but none of its grunge aesthetic. That's by design.

Jim Norris, Mutiny co-owner, said that the last few years at 2 South Broadway have been "relentlessly weird," with near-constant street construction and some tax trouble that community crowd-funding helped bail the store out of, raising more than $50K in less than a day. "We're relieved, as you might imagine," said Norris at the time. "Relieved and humbled."

But when the building went up for sale, the Mutiny owners knew they wouldn't be able to take on a higher rent. Co-owner Matt Megyesi found the storefront at 3483 South Broadway, and the new location opened in early October. It's a smaller place, but only if you exclude the huge basement space used for music shows and other gatherings.

"Most of my last thirty years in business has been all about making sure that I can work close to music," Norris says, adding that he's excited about the new performance space. The old Mutiny digs made room for shows when needed, but that involved moving bookshelves around a crowded area. The new lower-level venue is far more spacious and, because it's dedicated to live music and events, there's no more rearranging of furniture ahead of shows.

In fact, most of the used books have been done away with in Mutiny Comics and Cafe, except for a single shelf downstairs. "We needed to keep something here from the old place just to remember our roots," Norris explains with a smile.

The elimination of the used books is really the only thing lost in the transition from the old to the new. There are still a couple of vinyl bins, and the photo booth is right up front when you walk in, next to a row of pinball machines. There's still a coffee place in the back with the much-loved Cereal Bar, baked goods and a few tables, including one that Norris calls his office space, at least for now.

But the loss of the used books — many of which Norris said were left over from when the old Mutiny space took over what had been Ichabod's Books — created space for a much greater concentration on the comic books and coffee drinks that had become its primary revenue streams anyway. "This new place is just amazing," says comic book manager Jeff "The Professor" Foster, who runs the majority of the store's floor space as well as the Whatnot online comics auctions at 4 p.m. every Saturday.
Foster has worked in comics for years, and says he believes it's one of the most important mediums today. He's constantly on the move within the Mutiny comic book area, talking with longtime customers and new walk-ins alike. His "favorite comic of all time today," he says, is Ice Cream Man #42, just out from Image. "The most horrifying comic I've ever read," he adds with a cryptic smile. His excitement for that issue — as well as the new location — is palpable. "Things after the move have been busy," he says. "Crazy, but good. Such a positive response from customers. It's beautiful."

One of the benefits of having more space is that Mutiny can expand its comic book offerings, including more back issues, racks for current releases, and collecting paraphernalia like comic book storage boxes, CGC grading services, and more. There is also a subscription service, so regulars can make sure they get their books each month. Not only does that benefit the store in knowing how much to order, but customers can save 10 to 20 percent on their books and get bags and boards with all books, plus advanced access to special events and releases. (For more information on this program, or to sign up, check out the updated Mutiny website.)

Local professor, artist and writer R. Alan Brooks has been a longtime fan and supporter of Mutiny, partly because it was the first place to really support him and his work when he was just starting out. He calls Mutiny "a vital part of my life and journey as an artist," and says that Mutiny's new building feels familiar, but with some significant differences.

"I recently learned that my college, Simon's Rock, is leaving its campus and relocating in what seems to be a reduced form. That seems very different to what Mutiny has done. They've moved down the street and seem to be in a greater, more powerful form," he says. "Is it a little less grimy? Yes. But is it a place where artists can thrive and kids can run around safely now? Yep. I love Mutiny, and am glad Matt and Jim made a hard decision not just to survive, but to thrive."

That's what Mutiny does, after all. It abides.

Mutiny Comics and Coffee is open daily at 3483 South Broadway in Englewood.