Back when Bowyer was starting Phantom Zone Comics out of a 250-square-foot space in Lynwood in 2012, he says Diamond “had a lot of really great programs for new comic book stores.” ...

McDuff said interest in the world-first exhibition had been eye-opening, even prompting iconic American Phantom artist Sy Barry, 95, to contribute pieces from his personal collection.

Joel Bowyer, owner of Lynnwood comics shop Phantom Zone Comics, still finds Diamond’s distress to be bittersweet. “I think every comic book store has a weird love-hate relationship with ...