A particular thrill paired with a wave of nostalgia comes crashing down on those wandering through Most Wanted Comics. A place where passion and community intertwine, where the smell of fresh ink and paper tells a story and melds with the stories of community members discussing their favorite series or memories. Most Wanted Comics is a hub where superheroes battle villains and where the pages of a comic book hold the power to transport readers to another realm.
Store mastermind Steven Fuentes and his family greet you with warmth and a smile indicating, “Welcome home.” It’s a family affair here. Fuentes’ wife, Bethany, and their children, Steven and Aubrey, are integral to the operation. “With their help and the support of my family and friends, the dream of opening my own shop became a reality,” Steven said.
The move to a more prominent location was a natural progression for Most Wanted Comics. “Our customer base continued to grow, and we quickly outgrew our original location,” Fuentes explained. The new space allows for a wider variety of inventory and offers more room for customers to browse, enjoy and hang out.
Crates filled to the brim with vintage comics, deals shown for issues released from decades ago, rare comics protected in graded cases, collectibles highlighted in vitrine-like cases and shelves lined with meticulously organized comics greet wanderers on either side, inviting exploration. There’s a palpable sense of history here, each cover telling a story, each title a gateway to another world. The aisles are a labyrinth of discovery, filled with everything from beloved superhero sagas to indie graphic novels, ensuring visitors can find something that resonates.
Since its inception, Most Wanted Comics has been a gathering place for comic book enthusiasts. Even in its original, smaller location, the shop was a hotspot for lively discussions about new movies and comic series. What makes this place unique is the relationships that form within its walls.
“The comic book and collectibles community in Corpus Christi is larger than most would think,” Fuentes explained. And it’s true—the place is buzzing. The shop hosts numerous events throughout the year, with the biggest being Free Comic Book Day in May. Other celebrations include the shop’s anniversary, Batman Day, Wonder Woman Day and various holidays marked by storewide sales and giveaways. “We have been discussing other events that we would like to have in the future, so stay tuned for those!” Fuentes teased.
As Most Wanted Comics continues to grow, the Fuentes family has exciting plans for the future. It’s located next to an elementary school, so there are goals for an initiative to engage younger readers. Reflecting on his own experiences visiting comic shops as a child, Fuentes includes what he loved about those shops into his own.
“We envision Most Wanted Comics being Corpus Christi’s go-to comic book shop,” Fuentes said enthusiastically. “We will continue to grow while giving back to our community. With our larger standalone location, we have great plans in the works—and can’t wait to see where our future takes us.”
Contact: 4501 S. Alameda St.
