Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana owners continue legacy that spans nearly four decades

Aaron Gonsulin
·3 min read

Abby and Jason Strong are two co-owners of Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana. They recently took over for Jerry and Teresa Moran, the original owners of Acadiana Comics and Books, 2508 Johnston St., Suite R in Lafayette.

Jason isn't new to the iconic store. He and his two brothers have been customers of the comic shop since they were young, helping Teresa Moran whenever they could.

Jason Strong, left, and wife Abby Strong are two of the owners of Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana. Along with Jason’s brothers Chris and John and their wives, Stephanie and Kristina, they are ready to serve the community of Lafayette and comic book readers.
Jason Strong, left, and wife Abby Strong are two of the owners of Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana. Along with Jason’s brothers Chris and John and their wives, Stephanie and Kristina, they are ready to serve the community of Lafayette and comic book readers.

Both Abigail and Jason have been involved with comics for years now, both as avid readers. They have also owned their online store, Stronghold Collectibles, since February 2021.

When Teresa Moran was ready to retire, Abigail, Jason, his brothers Chris and John, and their wives Stephanie and Kristina were all allowed to take over the almost 40-year-old Lafayette shop. They combined the two names, making it officially Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana.

They officially took over the brick-and-mortar store in October 2023, but they still run their online shop. Abby Strong said it wasn't a difficult decision when the opportunity was given to them.

"We've taken in and ran with it," Abby Strong said. "We are trying to stick items in every nook and cranny we can."

Aside from comics, Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana also sells other items like action figures and Funko Pops. The new owners took over the original Acadiana Comics and Books on Johnston Street in October 2023.
Aside from comics, Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana also sells other items like action figures and Funko Pops. The new owners took over the original Acadiana Comics and Books on Johnston Street in October 2023.

Abby Strong said their goal is to continue establishing their presence as a comic shop in the area and keep a variety of comics, action figures and Funko Pops.

"So we're just not featuring one type of thing," Abby Strong said. "We have old, new and everything in between."

Jason Strong said one of his favorite things about running a comic book shop is the community they are creating.

"Part of it was already there, and we just love talking comics with people who are also passionate about it," Jason Strong said. "Sometimes certain people won't fit in certain places, but they will in our shop."

Abby Strong checks out a customer at Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana on Johnston Street. Strong and her husband are two of the six owners of the original Acadiana Comics and Books.
Abby Strong checks out a customer at Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana on Johnston Street. Strong and her husband are two of the six owners of the original Acadiana Comics and Books.

Abby Strong said most of the time that for those people who are just coming into comics, they’re not sure what's an excellent place to start reading. But the group at Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana enjoys giving recommendations and opinions on specific reads.

Spider-Man and other typical heroes are among their most popular titles, but Abby Strong said they also sell from many independent publishers.

"That can be anything; it's like books, and we sell a lot of that, too," Abby Strong said. "We have a lot of Funko Pops, which is pop culture in general."

At Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana, they sell a wide variety of comics. The owners have years of experience, so they can help you with any question you may have.
At Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana, they sell a wide variety of comics. The owners have years of experience, so they can help you with any question you may have.

Since taking over seven months ago, Abby Strong said it's been amazing, especially Free Comic Book Day, a yearly free promotional event that helps attract new readers. Free Comic Book Day is typically the first Saturday of May.

This year, Free Comic Book Day happened to fall on May 4, another big day for comic book fans, also known as May the Fourth Be With You — or Star Wars Day.

Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana, located at the original Acadiana Comics and Books on Johnston Street, is under new management, but the values will remain.
Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana, located at the original Acadiana Comics and Books on Johnston Street, is under new management, but the values will remain.

"It was a lot of fun," Abby Strong said. "You get to interact with so many people."

In the coming months, as Abby, Jason, and the rest of the Strong family continue to grow the Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana business, expansion is in the works to sell more items, not just comics.

"We're going to have space for other things that people in this community would like," Abby Strong said. "Come by and talk comics with us; everyone is welcome."

This article originally appeared on Gonzales Weekly Citizen: Owners of Stronghold Collectibles of Acadiana extend store's legacy