Hub Comics owner dead of apparent poisoning

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The Boston Globe reports that James Welborn, owner of Hub Comics in Somerville, Massachusetts, died Monday of an apparent poisoning. Rescue personnel had found Welborn in the bathroom of his home on May 16; a note on the bathroom door warned of poison gas, and police officers who were performing a well-being check at Welborn’s home noticed a strange smell. Firefighters and a hazmat team responded to the scene as well. A bucket of unidentified chemicals was found in the bathroom with Welborn.

Hub Comics, which billed itself as “the comics store for NPR listeners,” ran into financial troubles in October and lost its account with Diamond Comic Distributors. However, the store made a comeback, regained the account, and even had a food drive for Free Comic Book Day.

While I never met Welborn, I did frequent Hub Comics when it first opened, and I always found it a friendly venue that was open to a wide range of tastes. They had a special area for kids and tucked the adult stuff away in an alcove. Unlike a lot of comics stores, it always felt welcoming and comfortable. Store manager Jesse Farrell is going to try to keep the business open.

May 24, 2011 @ 03:00 PM by Brigid AlversonTagged: comics retailers, crime 4 CommentsKarrie WelbornMay 24, 2011 at 3:49 pm

Please remove the photo of my minor son, and replace it with something
more appropriate considering the content of this story. There are numerous shots of Mr. Welborn available
on his business site abd elsewhere.

Thank you for your understanding.

Brigid AlversonMay 24, 2011 at 4:04 pm

Done. My apologies, and my condolences on your loss.

Karrie WelbornMay 24, 2011 at 4:17 pm

Thank you for your tact & fast response Brigid!
He’s a little guy & been through enough without
his face or name attached to this tragedy.

Any other media or individuals reading lifting photos:
I will press charges if photographs of my son are used,
or if any images, video or content which I own the rights
to as a photographer or writer are reprinted without my permission.

Thanks again.

Ian ThalMay 24, 2011 at 5:33 pm

I have shopped there gong on two years and have always found Mr. Welborn to be a kind person (my roommate, who had been a co-worker of his in an earlier career could attest in far greater detail.) He not only ran a friendly shop but on at least one occasion took in a stray cat until a customer showed interest in adopting it– perhaps a small act of compassion, but it speaks to his character.

My condolences to his family and friends.

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