For Jaime Wright, horror isn’t just a genre. It’s a lifelong obsession. The Memphis native, co-owner of 901 Comics and founder of Memphis Monster Con, grew up in midtown surrounded by older siblings and late-night movies that were way too scary for his age.
“I grew up watching what my brother and sister watched,” Wright says. “Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm scared the crap out of me. That was the one that hooked me.”
That early thrill of fear and fascination grew into a career that has taken Wright from the aisles of Memphis comic shops to convention floors around the world. Before launching his own shows, he spent years working alongside the legendary Stan Lee, helping with autograph signings and merchandise at conventions across the globe.
“I’ve done conventions all around the world,” Wright says. “Got to meet a lot of amazing people.”
Working with Stan Lee gave Wright a firsthand look at how to turn fandom into a celebration. He saw how Lee connected with every fan, whether it was a quick signature or a heartfelt conversation, and how much joy could come from those small interactions. “Stan always said to have fun,” Wright recalls. “That stuck with me. Watching him work taught me that if you bring the right energy, people will feel it. It showed me what a convention should be about — bringing people together to share what they love.”
One fun story that has always stuck with him came from Lee himself. “When Stan was a kid working as an usher in a New York theater, he tripped and fell in the dark. When he looked up, Eleanor Roosevelt was helping him back up.”
From P&H to Comics
Before con life took over, Wright spent years behind the bar at the P&H Café, one of Memphis’s most beloved watering holes for artists and musicians. “That’s where I met my business partner Shannon Merritt,” he says. “Many nights out having drinks, and Shannon always putting that bug in my ear about opening a shop.”
That idea became 901 Comics, which has now been part of the Memphis landscape for nearly a decade. With locations in Cooper-Young and Cordova, 901 Comics is more than a retail space. It’s a hub for the city’s many fandoms.
“What makes 901 Comics stand out is our connection to the community,” Wright explains. “We’ve built strong relationships with creators and fans alike. My background working with Stan Lee opened a lot of doors in the industry, and Shannon’s attention to detail keeps us constantly improving and finding new ways to engage people.”
A Monster of His Own
For years, Wright attended and helped run conventions in other cities, but he always felt something was missing in Memphis. “We’ve got great conventions like Memphis Comic Expo and Anime Blues Con,” he says. “But we never had a horror convention. I felt like it was an itch that needed to be scratched.”
In 2024, Memphis Monster Con debuted to rave reviews as a love letter to horror films, monsters, and the fans who adore them. “Our first year went great for a first-year con,” Wright says. “Tons of positive feedback and everyone asking when the next one would be.”
This year, the show returns November 8-9 with even more to offer, including retro arcade gaming, local cosplay guests, more celebrities, and live team trivia hosted by Geek Night Trivia. “Just trying to build on from last year,” Wright says.
A Horror Fan at Heart
Wright’s passion for the genre runs deep. “My gateway drug, I mean film, was Phantasm,” he jokes. “That little ball that chased everyone around gave me nightmares, but it left me wanting more.”
Though he doesn’t favor one subgenre over another, his love of horror spills into all corners of his life, from his vintage movie poster collection (“I’ve got originals of Psycho, The Birds, and The Blob”) to the places he and his wife frequent. You can see some of his collection on display at 901 Comics East in Cordova.
Two of his favorite Memphis haunts are the Woodruff-Fontaine House, where he and his wife were married, and Elmwood Cemetery, where they’ve attended spooky movie nights under the stars. “We love its wonderfully spooky atmosphere and Memphis history,” he says.
Creativity, Community, and Monsters
For Wright, Memphis Monster Con isn’t just about scares. It’s about sparking creativity. “We want Monster Con to celebrate creativity and community,” he says. “Hopefully it inspires future creators, writers, and artists.”
Running a convention isn’t always easy, especially while juggling family life and two comic shops. “But, the comic shops kind of run themselves because we have such great employees,” he says. “And I have a very loving and supportive wife. The first year the con was overwhelming, but this time I have a better grip.”
Still, the best part is seeing it all pay off. “The most rewarding thing is seeing fans leave with a big smile and great memories.”
This blog was written by Ryan Ladner
Ryan Ladner is the CEO of Thrill Comics and creator of the comic book Memphis vs. Zombies. He lives in Memphis with his wife, Maya, and their family. Visit www.thrillcomics.com to learn more about Thrill Comics.
