Chelsea Duquette
Journal Staff

In late 70s, the world was introduced to a new ideal of “punk” and “disco” at a little store called Newbury Comics. This new store was the brainchild of two “under-challenged” MIT students who decided that there needed to be a place where the “cool” kids could come to hang out while surrounded by a plethora of comic books. Their desire for such a home of cocky culture was born into Newbury Comics and since that first day 32 years ago, has reshaped the image of “punk” throughout Boston society.

Now, as the company of rebellious style emerges into the 21st century, it enters the world of apparel. Bringing their notorious theme of “anything goes” to clothing, Newbury Comics has launched a website called “Punk.com”. The site was founded in the Spring of 2010, and is the work of those who represent a mix of indie and pop fashion influences within the company.

Punk.com is home to both men’s and women’s apparel, not to mention endless pages of accessories, shoes, cosmetics, and even electronics. All of which, still hold the “freak show and fabulous” standards that Newbury Comics has become famous for representing.

“We want you to party with us, to argue with us, to challenge us and let us show you the latest coolest most awesome thing we’ve ever seen,” said Robbie Phillips, Newbury Comics Store Manager.  With Punk.com, Newbury Comics is introducing a new wave of cool that is accessible to anybody with a computer. Meaning, just about anyone in the world can go onto the Internet, and with a few clicks, discover just exactly what Newbury Comics, and Punk.com have to offer.

Customers in the store have even taken an interest into the new generation of the brand.

“Shopping at Newbury Comics in a new way seems pretty cool. It’s not like I need to be in the store to get the atmosphere, and get a general sense of what the company is bringing to the table,” said Katie Bechmont, a frequent shopper.

“I think this is an awesome idea for the company to bring in more revenue during a tough economy, since it’s so easy for anyone to access the internet nowadays,” said Matthew Roberts, another customer of the store. “I know this will definitely be a lot easier for me, since I’m a student, and I’m always on the computer. I’ll absolutely check it out!”

“The plan to expand the line of clothing and accessories to a whole website seems like a really cool idea,” said Will Hutten, while browsing through the shop. With already loyal customers jumping at the chance to check out the company’s latest venture, it seems as though Punk.com is the perfect way for the brand to grow and open itself up to several new markets, while still maintaining their already lifelong customers.

This promising new avenue for Newbury Comics will not only expand the market demographically, but also geographically. Now, the entire world can experience the ever changing definition of “cool” that exists within the Newbury Comics brand. With praise from excited customers and hopes for success in this new venture from within the company itself, all that’s left to do is wonder just how far Newbury Comics will expand. The future for this quirky company certainly looks bright, as they continue to reshape the image of “punk” through Punk.com.