[B]When someone has a background in law, a civil engineering degree and a stint in the Navy highlighted by time in the Persian Gulf War, you would think they could have their prime choice of jobs when they settled into the civilian job market. A Pennsylvania man made his choice and it isn't a job you would normally assoicate with his background, but one associated with a dream.[/B]

Lee Umberger, 37, of Kenhorst, PA, gave up all his education and life experience to follow a passion he developed as a kid. He has opened a comics and collectibles shop called 1Up Collectibles, something he has wanted to do since he was a kid, according to [URL=http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=185333]an article in the Reading Eagle[/URL]:

[INDENT]"I grew up in a rural part of Schuylkill County," he said. "There wasn't much to do until I discovered comics and video games, so I've wanted my own place - specifically, a comics shop - for a long time."[/INDENT] The shop is a followup to his [URL=http://www.1upcollectibles.com]collectibles website[/URL] that he has had running for a year. The shop sports everything from masks to comic books to videogame and movie memorabilis. he said business has been good so far:

[INDENT]"Some of my youngest regulars are about 6 or 7, and they come in for Manga or novelty products," Umberger said. "Then there are teenagers, who buy comics or gaming items. For adults - especially collectors - it could be anything. I have some loyal clients for whom I set aside specific comics each week, because Wednesday is new release day."[/INDENT] He has plenty more plans for the store, including videogame tournaments and comics artist signings.

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