Page 45 has spent more than 30 years championing comics in Nottingham

Just off the Market Square, a few doors up Market Street, is a shop that has spent more than three decades persuading people to give comics a chance. Page 45 was created in 1994 by Mark Simpson and Stephen L. Holland, who were swiftly joined by Dominique Kidd.

The shop's mission has always been simple: "to bring the widest range of quality comics and graphic novels available into contact with as many new people as possible". Its founders wanted to recreate the European model, where comics and their creators are received with the respect they deserve.

That approach has earned a devoted following and plenty of recognition. In 2004 Page 45 won the only ever Diamond Comics Award for Best Retailer in the UK. Closer to home, it was judged Best Independent Retailer in Nottingham in 2012 and Best Independent Business in Nottingham in 2013.

Mark Simpson, who died in 2005, remains what the shop calls its aesthetic heart. Comic creator Kathryn Cooper called him "The John Peel Of Comics", and author Neil Gaiman wrote at the time: "I've long thought that Page 45 is the best graphic novel shop I've ever been to."

Stephen L. Holland, the shop's co-owner and curator, went on to serve as UK Comics Laureate, a role created by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. During his time in the post he created the Comics Laureate Recommended Reading List for Schools and Libraries, aimed at teachers and librarians who want to build collections of diverse, quality graphic novels.

That work with schools continues. Page 45 offers schools and libraries a 15% discount and free delivery on orders over £100, and the team will help them choose titles from the recommended lists.

The shop prides itself on honest, enthusiastic recommendations, and much of its success has been built on customers coming back for another tip from the shop floor. Its website, illustrated by comics creator Nabiel Kanan, is packed with the team's own reviews.

Page 45 is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and its reviews, online shop and reading lists are on the Page 45 website.