Josef Woods

Josef "Joe" Woods is the founder and owner of The Comic Den, a Black-owned comic book store in Ladera Heights, Los Angeles, California. Woods grew up in Watts, California, where his love for comics — sparked by titles like X-Men by Chris Claremont and Alan Moore's Watchmen — kept him out of trouble in a neighborhood marked by gang violence. He has been a passionate comic collector for over 40 years.

Woods opened The Comic Den with a mission to use comics as a beacon of hope and inspiration for youth in his community. The store, located at 4912 West Slauson Avenue, features new releases, graphic novels, an indie section celebrating local talent, and a strong commitment to mentorship and community outreach. Woods is known for his encyclopedic knowledge, his warmth with customers, and his dedication to supporting local creators — including a creator who spent 12 years in prison and sells his comics through the store. The Comic Den was chosen as the filming location for The Comic Shop, a workplace comedy web series created by Cheyenne Ewulu.