In Times Square, beside a neglected vendor’s folding table displaying dozens of comic books (with hundreds more in browsable boxes), you’ll find passersby turning their heads toward some young men gathered around a high-speed chess game, each player swiftly smacking his timer button after every strategic move. Franklin Crowe is a sidewalk comic-book salesman, and he’ll play you a round of chess.
Occupation, where are you from, where are you now?
I’m selling comics out on the street, and I work at the White Horse Tavern at night. I’m from the Bronx, Puerto Rican, and still in the Bronx.
So, what’s going on here? Comic books and chess?
I set up a table at 41st and 7th Avenue, right next to Red Lobster. Come by, shop some stuff, buy my books. It’s a big market, people are interested.
Why are you hidden on 41st, when all the traffic is up a block?
Most traffic is on 42nd, but cops don’t want anybody over there, even though you see a lot of vendors there. I’m thinking of going back.
Do you always have a chessboard set up beside the comics?
Entertainment, yes. It’s common ground--sometimes people buy a comic to play a game. Or play a game after buying a comic. It’s good for the mind, makes you think. Figure out little puzzles, tricks, tactics. You become friends with people you never would’ve become friends with. Every day, certain people stop by to play a match. Some people have invited me to their homes, parties. I would like to get more into chess, but it takes a lot of time.
Which is the bigger draw for passersby, the comics or the chess?
The chess. Unfortunately, the chess. They come to watch a good match. People stand and watch and wait to play. I used to charge a dollar, then went to a tip jar … but it’s better if I don’t charge. I’d rather people bought a comic. Sometimes you get a big crowd of people just watching a good chess match.
Girls are suckers for chess players, right?
Sure, if you want to believe that.
How many regular chess players come by?
I get a lot. There’s six or seven who come by whenever they can for a quick match.
How long have you been playing?
For about a year and a half, two years.
Do you usually win?
No. Against average players, yeah, but against good players like him? [Referring to one of the regulars.] No. I get lucky sometimes and he makes a mistake.
Where do you get your comics? Is this a personal collection?
I buy to resell. People call, offer me books, I’ll buy four or five boxes’ worth at once. Fix ‘em up, haul ‘em out onto the street. All together I’ve got about 40 boxes, so … 12000 books.
