Met my wife in 96 and started going home with her at Thanksgiving.   Didn't know what to do with myself in El Paso.  First week there I came upon this great little comic shop, Rebel's Comics.  It was kind of like a mini Willie Wonka shop (for comics).  It was a wonderland of silver age and golden age comics.  Beautiful condition and lovingly and very knowledgably curated and displayed. I found the owner of this shop, Michael Almanza to be the friendliest, nicest guy I'd ever met.

I soon started to think of Michael as one of my very good friends, even though I only saw him once or twice a year.  He always remembered me.  "Hello, Andy, my friend.  How are you, my friend? "   "I've been doing good, 'and stuff' ".  (I always though it endearing that "and stuff" was one of his verbal crutches.  We all have one.  That seemed to be one of his)

Over the years, and before we started having kids, I started buying some of those silver age, and a few of those golden age gems.  Michael would let me put them on layaway, never a written contract, just a handshake agreement.   And his prices were great!

Saw Michael the summer before he got sick.  Lost track because of Covid/and shutdown.   And was so looking forward to seeing him this Thanksgiving.  Was shocked and very sad to hear he had passed.  Went to the store.  Asked questions of the store owners around him. 
 To a person, all had glowing things to say about Mike.   So sad.  I will miss him.  I miss him.   I considered Mike a good friend.   

RIP, my friend.

Mike - I was simply devastated to hear that you are no longer with us, brother.  Came by the shop today and saw the sign, had to take a moment. Thank you for the great conversations on life, comics, family.  I will miss going to Rebel Comics, you made things fun for your customers, myself, my children, and many others over the years.  We will miss you dearly.  Rest in Peace.  May St Peter have "an ice cream or cold beverage" for you.
-Jason F. Wardy

I have known Mile for over 25 years. I loved playing chess with you.  When I visited you at Rebel Comics, we would always have the best conversations. You were never the one to judge. I am happy that you were a child of God and it does my heart good to know that I will see you again. Rest in Peace my friend, you will be missed! 

For Michael:

Lines on a Leaf

The endless conversations about anything and everything.  
The analysis of what is and was.
The comfort you brought me when I was sad.
The knowing that you were there for me.
That you could tell me anything and I could say anything.
The persistent endeavor to get me closer to God.
The curiosity of asking you anything. 
The fact that you let me in and I let you in.

How can I say how much I will miss you?
How can I express the depth of this loss?
I thank you for all of the time you gave to me,
The way you listened to me – always.

For changing my perspective on some things.
For giving me another set of glasses with which to see the world. 
For shielding me from pain when you could.
For teaching me things I did not know.
For letting me see you as you truly are.
For all of the discussions about life, literature, religion, art, politics, and love.

I will miss that ‘never give up’ spirit.
I will miss your unique sense of humor.
I will miss knowing you were there.
I will miss the stories and memories.
I will miss you greatly.
Without you, 
the world feels colder now.
-Yvette D. Alvarado




I will truly miss Mike he would always hook me up with some great books and some free ice creams , i will never forget the time I met Mike when I was 12 now being 20 ill miss you over time my friend 

-Ezekiel Dominguez

I have known Mike since 2003 when he had his store across the street from hanks high school. We soon became friends through our love of comics.  I would try too see him every week and I really enjoyed the conversations we had.  He was the type of person who had your best interests at  heart.  He was a kind and gentle soul who picked my spirits up many times.  I will miss spending time with you Mike. I know your in a good place though. You will always be my friend. 


M condolences to you and family. Even though my time in his life was short it was beautiful and I was blessed that he was in my life. He thought me many thing that I will forever be grateful for. I held him in my heart all this time and will miss him. Know that I loved him with all my heart. 

I was 10 when I first walked into the comic book store I was a shy kid but Mike was a friendly face and welcomed me into the store and little did I know that we'd be friends for 18 years he helped shape the person I am today if it wasn't for him I would never have known the wonders that stories brought me even in the toughest times we will all dearly miss him every single one of us that stopped by for a game or a conversation 

OBITUARY

Mike Almanza Jr.

March 10, 1967 – November 28, 2021

Hillcrest Funeral Home

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