With new shipments of comics coming in for Wednesday, Mike Swenson is busy getting the store ready for the busiest day of the week. Dustin White photo

Dustin White
Editor

Having a passion in life can always be a great thing. However, sometimes that passion grows a little to large, and it becomes a necessity to figure out a new solution. For Mike Swenson, that involved creating a comic book store in Bismarck; Juke Joint.

Juke Joint began out of a necessity. Having began, what would become a life-long passion, in 1984, Swenson’s collection would swell over three decades. Not having enough room, it became the time for something new.

“It just came from having too much stuff at home,” Swenson said.

However, it would be a local landlord that would have a lot to do with turning a collection into a store.

Musician
While Swenson had a passion for comics, music would be his calling. After graduating from Bismarck, he would pick up and leave the state.

“I played in a full band, and did individual stuff as well,” Swenson said. “It was my full time job. I bounced around and enjoyed the country.”



Swenson would eventually find his way back to Bismarck, but it was under unfortunate circumstances. With his father passing away, it was time for him to come back.

He would once again connect to the music scene, and while he would do some solo work, as well as pick up playing with other bands when needed, he found an additional place to help other musicians get booked for different venues.

Working with his own band, Swenson had started renting a space at 500 North Third Street in Bismarck. It would be a place for them all to practice, but it would also serve another purpose.

“My collection was continuing to grow, and I started storing items in the building,” Swenson said. “The landlord noticed and suggested starting a store.”

In 2013, that’s exactly what Swenson did.

“I had noticed an increasing number of collectors in Bismarck and thought there was enough demand to support this business.”

A product
Relying on his background as a musician, Swenson chose the name Juke Joint for his new store.

“Juke joints were happening places in the 1950s,” Swenson said. “They were a place to go and relax.”

As Juke Joint opened its doors, it would be Swenson’s collection that became the first draw. Lining the shelves was 30 years worth of collectibles, that would eventually find a place with other collectors.

“My passion became a product,” Swenson said.

Juke Joint would quickly begin to build up a loyal customer base. While the demographic was relatively small, with comics being a niche product, Swenson said that the store has stayed on target for their five year plan.



“I have a big vision,” Swenson said. “But I don’t know if Bismarck could support something like that. With three years in business though, we are right on pace.”

Building the business has had its struggles though. While comics have become more accessible to casual readers, the average reader continues to be around 30.

“We’re trying to reach out to younger readers,” Swenson said. “I’ve noticed though that a lot of kids today are afraid to start.”

However, at Juke Joint, Swenson and his staff are more than willing to help new readers discover what they are interested in. Having kept his passion for comics, Swenson has built up a wealth of knowledge on the subject, which allows him to help new readers navigate through the various titles.

Yet, for Swenson, even with a store filled with comics, among other collectibles, he doesn’t always find time himself to read the new works coming out. Busy with running the business, his passion has turned somewhat into work, but the tradeoff isn’t negative.

“At times it becomes less fun,” Swenson said. “But I get to be a professional kid for a living.”

Juke Joint is located at 503 North Third Street, in Bismarck.

While it looks small from the outside, Juke Joint is brimming with comics and collectibles. Juke Joint is located on Third Street in Bismarck, next to the Post Office. Dustin White photo