Comic book store closing after nearly 40 years in business

A comic book store in northeast El Paso is closing its doors after nearly 40 years in business.

Cora Garcia, “Ms. Cora” as she likes to be called, has been the owner of Sunrise Games and Comics since 1990.

She took over the shop from her sister who opened the store back in 1979.

The Sunrise strip mall where the store is located has changed throughout the years, but Sunrise Games and Comics has withstood the test of time, now Garcia at 81-years-old, is ready to move on.

She says her health is just one of the reasons for closing the store.

“My health is getting a little weak,” Garcia said. “I need more help and it is time.”

At Sunrise Games and Comics customers are like family and everyone gets a hug from Garcia.

Garcia also has a special place in her heart for Fort Bliss soldiers, she calls them her soldiers.

Her store provided an escape and Garcia was always willing to listen or spend time with customers who needed a shoulder to lean on.

“When they come in and they have a problem and you listen to them, all they need is a listener.” Garcia said.

One of Garcia’s most prized possessions is a Darth Vader action figure that was given to her by a Fort Bliss soldier who was killed in Afghanistan.

“It’s coming home with me,” Garcia said of the figure that has been inside her store ever since the soldier gave it to her.

Garcia also wanted to send one final thanks to all of her loyal customers.

“I just want to thank everybody who came in this place and made my day. I thank them from the bottom of my heart,” Garcia said.

Sunrise Games and Comics closes on August 31st.

The store is located at 8500 Dyer.