07/21/2026
It is with profound sadness that Lena and I share the passing of our dear friend, James Hannon.
James, along with his wife Jackie, became a cornerstone of Little Shop of Comics and an important part of our lives.
James and Jackie first came into Little Shop around 2011. Not long after, James asked if we would be interested in having him and his fellow troopers from the 501st Legion attend our Free Comic Book Day event.
Lena and I said yes, not really knowing what to expect.
Watching these incredibly dedicated people interact with comic fans was something special. What began as a fun event for the shop became the beginning of a friendship that would grow far beyond cosplay and comic books.
I want to pause here to say something directly to the members of the 501st Legion.
Thank you.
James introduced us to all of you, and from the very beginning you embraced us as your own. We will always be grateful for that, and I know James would approve of me taking a moment to say it.
As the years passed, James and Jackie would often stop by just to hang out, shoot the breeze, and talk about life. Those visits meant more to Lena and me than they probably realized. Running a small business doesn't leave much room for a social life, so we cherished those moments.
Of course, there was always the friendly banter. Lena and I were from Brooklyn, while James and Jackie proudly represented the Bronx. There was never a shortage of good-natured jabs about growing up in New York, and because we were close in age, we shared so many similar life experiences.
James had a gift for storytelling.
He could turn a simple convention trip into an adventure. He'd tell us stories from conventions big and small, always in costume—he had quite a collection—with Jackie right there beside him. He loved sharing stories about visiting children's hospital wards, library events, charity appearances, and all the people whose lives were brightened by what the 501st Legion does.
Then one day, in classic James fashion, he casually announced, "I'm writing a book."
I laughed and said, "Of course you are."
Then he followed it up with, "Oh... and we're having the book signing... right here at Little Shop."
There wasn't even a question. To James, there could be no other place.
We were surprised, honored, and made sure it was a book signing worthy of him.
(*Anatomy of a Cosplayer: Tales from Beyond the Mask* remains one of the many things he poured his heart into.)
When James believed in something, he locked in and made it happen. He founded the Legion of Super Villains—a project that was just so unbelievably cool—and naturally declared Little Shop of Comics its headquarters. That's just how his mind worked. He was always creating, always planning, always thinking about the next adventure.
More than anything, James was fiercely loyal.
He loved the people in his life with his whole heart and expected that same loyalty in return. That was simply who he was.
I'm really going to miss him.
He was still a little mad at us for closing Little Shop. Eventually he forgave us, but he never stopped reminding us how much he missed it. Honestly, I think a part of him always hoped we'd unlock the doors one more time.
That's a memory that will always make me smile.
James will forever hold a place in our hearts.
Lena and I will always be there for Jackie. We love her dearly, and if there were any way to take even a fraction of her pain away, we would.
If I could choose any superpower, it wouldn't be flying or super strength.
It would be the ability to absorb the pain of the people I love.
Rest easy, my friend.
Thank you for your friendship, your loyalty, your stories, your laughter, and for bringing so many wonderful people into our lives.
We will miss you beyond words, but we will carry your memory with us always.
And together, we will heal.
