My journey into comics started in the most '90s way possible—through POGs. What began as a schoolyard obsession with those cardboard discs quickly led me to the pages that inspired them, and that's where I discovered Venom: Lethal Protector #1. I can still remember the rush of seeing that iconic black symbiote leap off the page, all teeth and tendrils. I was hooked.
Like many collectors, life pulled me away from comics for a while. But as an adult, I found my way back—this time with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and history behind each issue. Every comic tells two stories: the one on the page and the one of its journey through time. That’s what drives my passion for comic book restoration, including comic book cleaning and preservation. I’ve come to understand the importance of comic book pressing and cleaning to maintain the integrity of these cherished pieces of art.