Southern Fried Comics specializes in comics (comic books & graphic novels) and related merchandise. It is owned and managed by Barry Herring—who developed a love of comics from a young age, when he waited patiently for the new comics to be delivered to the spinner rack in his parent’s grocery store in Guntown, MS. His love of comics, along with years of experience in retail management and merchandising has inspired him to create a new and exciting comic store here in Hattiesburg. With a location in the heart of the hub city, Southern Fried Comics seeks to not only to serve Hattiesburg residents, but to serve customers all across the South.
Barry’s goal is to create a store where customers can feel free to come and explore the merchandise, whether they are avid comic readers, or have yet to ever pick up a comic. To that end, Southern Fried Comics is committed to its customers, community, and creating a positive experience with our brand. We don’t just want to be an errand that someone makes once or twice a month to pick up their subscriptions; we want to be a place our customers want to come. These core values are reflected in our mission statement:
"Southern Fried Comics’ ultimate goal is to encourage and cultivate reading and art in our community. We will accomplish this by creating a brand and retail environment centered on the current and emerging comic book reader. Our store will be vibrant, clean, inviting, and professional; our staff will be approachable and willing to help. More knowledgeable customers will be able to find what they are looking for because the store will be well organized and the signage will be clear. The less knowledgeable customers will be encouraged to explore the merchandise and feel comfortable enough to ask questions. Our brand will be “cool” and our store will be “fun” and inclusive."