News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Bob’s Bullpen owner Bob LeFevre answers questions from “Under the Radar” host Tom Daldin at the comic book store on Saturday. The popular Alpena business will be featured on the television show later this month.

ALPENA — A destination.

Those are the words “Under the Radar” host Tom Daldin used to describe Bob’s Bullpen in Alpena while filming an upcoming episode of the Emmy-winning show on PBS.

On Saturday, Daldin and his film crew visited the comic book store and marveled at the variety of comic books, hard-to-find movie memorabilia, video games, art, and other unique items with which owner Bob LeFevre stocks the shelves.

The show, which Daldin said should air late this month, showcases the store, as well as the attached restaurant and arcade.

After conducting an interview with LeFevre, Daldin praised him for his past accomplishments in the comic, movie, and toy industry, when he worked on projects involving popular brands like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Transformers, and more.

“Bob’s resume is beyond impressive and, for 13 years now, I’ve been all over the state and have never ever walked into a place like this anywhere,” Daldin said. “This place is a three-dimensional manifestation of Bob and his creativity. I venture to say anybody who is into this type of thing would easily travel two to three hours or more to just experience this.”

LeFevre said he was humbled by “Under the Radar” featuring his business and agreed with Daldin’s assessment that the comic book store’s popularity extends beyond Northeast Michigan. He said people travel great distances to seek out comics and Star Wars and Marvel gear, which the shop has much of.

LeFevre said the episode of “Under the Radar” will not only benefit his businesses, but Alpena as a whole, and he believes other stores and restaurants will gain exposure from the extra traffic he believes “Under the Radar” will generate.

“Every time we can get a little information about what Alpena is, what we do, and what we have here, it’s good for everyone,” he said. “This story might be about this store, but it enhances the whole town.”

According to its website, “Under the Radar” is broadcast on every PBS TV station throughout Michigan and in millions of households across Canada, Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Tennessee, and even Florida.

It’s earned 10 Emmys for Best Program, Best Host, Best Direction, Best Editing and Best Program Promo.

Daldin said Saturday was not the first time the show was recorded in Alpena.

He said segments on Art in the Loft, the Fresh Palate, Rockport State Recreation Area, and the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center can be seen in other shows.

Daldin said visiting Alpena is a thrill and he always enjoys his stay.

“Alpena has the best of all worlds,” he said. “It has a vacation community feel to it, but it is a real town, big enough to have a cosmopolitan feel to it, but small enough to feel like you’re out of the hustle and bustle. It has everything and is wonderful.”

As Bob’s Bullpen has grown from a comic book store to having the restaurant and arcade added, LeFevre said he is proud of what he has built. Still, he said, he has plans for the future, but he said he wants to keep those plans to himself, for now.

“There are bigger and larger things coming, which is probably the only way I can say it without saying too much,” he said. “If I’m standing still, then the business isn’t growing, so I need to keep moving.”