A new comic spot

Santa Monica’s iconic Hi De Ho Comics store has opened a second location in Laguna Beach.

Located at 350 Broadway, owners Saleem Aaron and Cory Ives said the high-traffic spot was the perfect place to expand.

“Laguna is similar to Santa Monica in that it has a loyal following of younger and older generation comic fans, as well as lots of visitors,” Aaron said. “Comics are also making a comeback thanks to a variety of media and more accessibility of comics, so it seemed like a good time to branch out.”

The store, which opened its original location in 1974 and sells a wide array of comic books as well as collectors items, toys and tees, will hold its Grand Opening celebration over the weekend.

Saturday will feature an appearance by Captain America, guest artists, a live music performance, giveaways and a grand prize that comic fanatics will be stoked on.

The woman behind literature’s first female private eye, the bombshell Honey West, will mingle with the crowds and sign copies of the new Honey West edition by Moonstone Comics on Sunday.

Laguna Beach resident Glori Fickling, who wrote the original series of Honey West books with her husband from 1957 to 1971 before it became an ABC TV hit series, will be joined by Moonstone’s cover model, Hollis McLachlan, to celebrate the opening and ribbon cutting ceremony by the Chamber of Commerce from 4 to 7 p.m.

“We are pleased that Glori and Hollis will be on hand to help celebrate their new store and the arrival of Honey West into the comic book landscape,” Moonstone publisher Joe Gentile said. “It is particularly fitting since Ms. Fickling has a long history with Laguna Beach. Fans will be pleased with the new series, and we are proud to be able to offer something special at this time.”

“I’m tickled to be a part of the new [series] and the event,” Fickling said. “I think the story lines are cute, and the illustrations are very pretty and sophisticated.

“It’s wonderful to see the whole comic thing really burgeoning again.”

Hi De Ho is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.