Spotlight on Fortress of Solitude

Jose Robles is keeping the Comic Book scene alive in Newark. "One Flight Up" was originally located on the second floor of the Broad Street location since 1981. Jose bought the store in 2001 and renamed it Fortress of Solitude. The Fortress of Solitude is the place of solace and occasional headquarters for Superman in DC Comics. He moved the store to its current location at 53 University Avenue in 2011.

Jose is a true Newarker - born, raised and still a resident. Before opening the comic book store he was a kitchen supervisor and now he runs the store while serving as a captain in the Newark Fire Department.

At the store, you can find more than just comic books - shirts, movies, posters, toys, statues, superhero knick-knacks and more!

Although Jose admits the location is somewhat hidden he still gets a diverse clientele that includes Lawyers, professors, artists, students, police officers - most of them being customers for more than 20 years. Pictured above, is customer and actor JD Williams of HBO's The Wire.

Every year, the store celebrates Free Comic Day. This year it is this Saturday, May 2 and coincides with the opening of the first comic movie of the summer, "Avengers: Age of Ultron." JD Williams will be in attendance, as well as local talent, comic book writers and more. Stop by for a free comic book!
 

Fortress of Solitude

53 University Avenue, Newark NJ 07102
973-242-3725
www.fortressnewark.com