Comic book shop Negative Zone celebrates 30 years of trading in Newport’s Indoor Market on May 24. Voice caught up with owner Terry Gay to talk about what it’s been like spending three decades in the Negative Zone.

Why did you decide to open a comic book store in 1986? Unfortunately I was made redundant at the age of 35, I worked at a VG Warehouse located close to the gates of Llanwern Steelworks. I then went on a skills course shortly afterwards, and decided to open my own business.

Why comics? I’ve always loved comics from an early age. I was eleven in 1962, the year that Marvel released Fantastic Four, everyone went mad for their new titles and I've been hooked ever since. Fantastic Four caught my attention the most, I thought it was amazing that The Thing and The Human Torch would argue and fight with each other. That kind of thing never happened in the DC comics, it was always good versus evil, and here are these two allies quarrelling when they are supposed to be on the same team – hilarious! I eventually grew out of reading comics, until one day, many years later, my wife brought home two issues of Batman that someone had left on the bus. I started reading and got hooked again. During that time in the early 80s, Spider-Man and Friends was a popular cartoon show on TV, with super heroes having a bit of resurgence, especially with the hit movies of Superman, I decided to open a shop selling comics, as there was nowhere in Newport where you could buy them.

Why the name Negative Zone? Well, if you’re a Fantastic Four fan, you’ll probably know that I named it after the antimatter universe from the comic.

Who’s your favourite character? Has to be Ben Grimm, The Thing of the Fantastic Four. He wasn’t as lucky as the others when they got hit by cosmic rays. Even though people are fearful of his monstrous appearance, he’ll still do the right thing and help them.

What’s your favourite storyline? “This Man... This Monster!” a Fantastic Four story co-plotted by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, issue 51, go check it out!

What would you recommend for someone who has never read a comic before? Obviously it depends on age and what they are in to, but you can’t go wrong with X-Men, Batman or Spider-Man.

Finally, what’s it been like working in the Negative Zone for the past 30 years? It’s doesn’t feel like a business when you do something that you love. I have a great rapport with my customers, most of which I’d say are my friends. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one who has supported me over the last 30 years, with a big shout out to Rob, Paul, Simon, Gieni, Steve, Dave Ron and Bill.

The Negative Zone can be found on the ground floor of Newport’s Indoor Market, and is open from 10am until 4pm, Monday to Saturday. For all enquiries call 01633 222159. To keep up to date with the latest releases, like the Facebook page Negative Zone Comics.