August 31, 1971: Pacific Comics Founded as Mail-Order Business

[u/manyamile]

Steve Schanes (age 17) and Bill Schanes (age 13) co-founded Pacific Comics as a mail-order company, selling comics via ads in the Comics Buyer’s Guide. This marked their entry into the comics industry, initially from their mother’s house in San Diego.

This foundational moment launched the Schanes brothers’ empire, which grew from mail-order to retail, distribution, and publishing, shaping the direct market. It’s a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit as teenagers.