THE STORY I NEVER TOLD - Happy Console Gamer

[@sotosmatthew3046]

15 days ago ,youtube suggested me your story about how you quit smoking,i have stopped smoking since,after 18 years of smoking its the first time that i actually havnt smoked for 2 weeks,your stories are important 🤘

[@FlowFlameOfficial]

Excellent, make sure to keep up the progress 👍🏼

[@masterblaster831]

Hang in there. I quit 6 years ago and don't regret it.

[@z0m813]

keep it up

[@zg-it]

The first two weeks are the hardest. After that it gets much easier

[@thomasmonaco3465]

Keep at it. Take it from a former smoker, quitting is freedom.

[@saldanamoreno]

I think Johnny should write a memoir. Some of us actually do still read books. I would be interested in a Johnny Millenium book.

[@ElComanche]

I don’t know what I would do without my comics and books.

[@gundambassexe31]

My thoughts exactly and I still read lots of books too

[@KillRideMasterJ]

If Johnny wrote a book I'd order it so fast lol!

[@CosmicWolfPack]

THIS!!!

[@dadanikk]

i recall he said one of his life goals was to write a memoir

[@matt_shaboy]

Nobody tells a story like Johnny. It was a really heart warming trip down memory lane and I thank you for taking us along.

[@OMGpandemic]

As a man in his early 30's, who never knew his father, I always love hearing stories about people's dads who were there for them. Your dad was a great man, Johnny. Thank you for sharing yet another awesome story.

[@OpticLureProductions]

Your Dad calling Stephen King a weirdo is the most Dad thing ever lol. I love it

[@dankpelt]

To be fair, this was also probably during King's cocaine habit days in the eighties... guarantee he was zooted at dinner.

[@joshbrucks]

Have you read his books? A normal mind doesn't come up with these stories. Definitely a weirdo but hey that's what's so good about him.

[@slipknotron1626]

I miss the times before internet. Life just felt more mysterious and magical

[@Domspun]

Well, it was just less practical, I had to be at the library all the time. When someone argued with me, I had to go to the library, borrow the book ( if it was available, which sometime wasn't ) and then show them. time consuming.

[@baleck1651]

What i love about Johnny is how appreciative he is about this incredible experience. Not everyone would realize what a privilege this is

[@MyRetroLife]

Really enjoyed this story man. Brought back memories of going to my Dad’s work where he was a marketing director for a Home Theater Appliance store. Everyone was so nice to me and I would go off on my own exploring the warehouse full of televisions. Thanks for this!

[@RetroDeath]

These personal stories is what sets you apart from other gaming youtubers, still today.

[@ircha]

Loving this story. Great stuff Johnny!!

[@cd.knuckles]

Love how so proud you are of your dad. Sounds like he was a really great guy :)

[@ElComanche]

My father passed in 2007, and he taught me so much and gave me so much for memories I can’t imagine who I would be without him. Johnny, we are so blessed for the strong men in our lives. God bless our fathers.

[@EvaFull]

Just hitting the 25th anniversary of my own dad passing and can relate with this story on so many levels. Thank You for sharing it with us.

[@Motorheadache95]

Same, yeah 1997 I realized I had just passed 25 years myself. Crazy.

[@Ganonslayer13]

My mother passed away 10 years ago. Still feels like yesterday. Much love.

[@fordxbgtfalcon]

Mine passed away in 1998. So 25 years as well. My dad was only 27 when he was killed in a motorcycle accident.

[@chrisw8069]

My dads passing will be 31 years ago March 8th 1991. Sucks. He was 33.

[@Ganonslayer13]

@@chrisw8069 That’s absolutely tragic. I hate to hear that. I’m about to turn 32… really makes you think about life and mortality. Much love.

[@rhyuu-bc8vl]

Johnny you always have the best stories to tell

[@badastronaut7154]

Johnny I’ve been watching your videos for a few years now and these “story time” episodes are among my favorites of yours. I swear if you wrote an autobiography I would purchase it day one!

[@ricardoramirez9181]

OMG when that video of the World's Biggest Bookstore showed up I was filled with such nostalgia. I was just downtown yesterday and was walking by and looked down that street to see it gone replaced by what looked to be another condo (that I will never be able to afford). I remember the arcade that was a few minutes away, miss that place. Thank you for sharing.

[@screwthenet]

Thats why I have come to better appreciate the older game magazines, comics, cards, old books, and of course photos of family and whatever else. ITs all so nostalgic and priceless. Great vid. ^

[@punypunny]

Your video made me think back about my departed father. It's great to honor our fathers (and mothers) and remember and cherish them! I'm over fifty this year and like you, I'm a gamer, since my twenties. Thanks for your candid videos!

[@gamer_dehymos]

Beautiful story, John! Thank you for sharing.

[@MissBubbles]

What a beautiful memory to have with your dad! I got into gaming because of my dad and I would never enjoy them like I do if it wasn't for him. Your story really resonated with me, thank you for sharing!

[@femtrooper]

Wow! This story just made my day! What a cool experience and I totally get how that would have shaped you. Thanks for sharing this!

[@marcbabin]

Wow! That's an amazing story. Thanks for sharing 😊. In a way, I can relate because my mom was also a manager of a store in Quebec. That meant first access to the newest video games back in the 90s 🤪.

[@patrickmoroney2991]

4:35 I tracked down a copy of "Alien: The Illustrated Story" based on your mentioning of it in this video! Created by some of the talents responsible for Marvel's "Star Wars" comics from that period, it's a wonderful take on the movie with a unique history behind it (it was the first graphic novel to appear on the NYT's bestsellers list). That store would've been a wonderful place for you to have found and read it!

[@MetalGamely]

I'm 20 years old and I adore hearing your insights to the past whether it be about gaming or otherwise. Your father seemed to be a great man, thanks for sharing!

[@wcjm1579]

The fist thing I thought was of that scene in short circuit 2!!! Classic Love it!!!

[@JoeyJoeJoe87]

Me too and when the scene of Johnny Five being chased by Fred played I was overcome with a warm feeling and a big smile, and then the scene kept being replayed haha I love this video. Short circuit was a big part ofy childhood.

[@leeellis6738]

Great video John, great memories brought back from the 80's. Keep up the great work, sending wishes from the UK

[@kenkooldad8900]

Beautiful memory Johnny. Reminds me of my childhood and my parents.

[@audreyscrapaloup]

Riding my bike to return books to the library and taking new ones home is one of my favourite carefree childhood memories. It's wonderful you have all those great pictures of your dad at work. Wonderful story, loved it.

[@JoeyJoeJoe87]

Beautiful memory, thank you for sharing.

[@SirenoftheVoid]

That is a wonderful story,taking us back to a wonder world in the 80s,felt nice to dive into it. WIsh i had known my dad....

[@AaronMT]

That’s insane. The store was legendary in Toronto. It’s a shame it’s no more. I miss bookstores in general. Indigo ain’t it.

[@KingXanadu]

You mean you aren’t jumping at the chance to buy some towels and cooking utensils while you go browse the manga section?

[@servantbyday]

Yeah I feel the same longing for Borders as Barnes & Noble just ain’t it.

[@Icza]

We had Coles here back in the day. I always went straight to the back left of the store that was all Fantasy and Sci-fi. I loved going in there.

[@MichaelButlerC]

This is my favorite type of video, thanks for sharing your story! I think a lot of us can relate to stories like this that really influenced us in some way, whether it be a person, place, thing, or event.

[@gundambassexe31]

HCG storytime and lore! 💖💖🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@Tarim06]

To borrow a line .... "Although its just a memory now - some memories last forever" And it was a good one too.

[@KingXanadu]

Lakeside park?

[@Tarim06]

@@KingXanadu Indeed it is. :)

[@AlohaGamester]

I love the trip down memory lane stories John! I know we all love the internet but there was somthing about life before the internet that made the struggle worth it. For example it gave us reasons to spend an entire day at a bookstore reading and absorbing as much information as we could. It gave us reasons to talk to people we normally wouldnt just to find out tips and secrets for our video games. I'm sure we could go on with examples but I'm going to wrap this up by saying keep it coming!

[@KobatheASMRbiker]

Johnny, I just wanted to say you have always been such a positive role model my dude. Always keep on keeping on!

[@smallpaul2923]

What a fantastic story!!!!!! Where abouts in England are you from then? I'm from a town in the North East, Middlesbrough. It's funny as my uncle moved over to Canada in the early 80 too. Kingston, Ontario. Thank you for sharing your memories!!!!👍

[@HappyConsoleGamer]

Yorkshire! :)

[@JoeyJoeJoe87]

@@HappyConsoleGamer it wasn't Sheffield was it? I grew up watching Short Circuit 2, and the book store scene was always my favourite scene, I can't believe that your dad managed it and you hung out there this is an amazing synchronisation!!! Also his name being Johnny five haha. Was your there when they shot those scenes?

[@steelcurtain187]

Pretty sweet. Your dads sounds like an awesome guy, much like yourself!

[@JANEMBA9000]

You lived a dream life back then man .

[@TarksGauntlet]

Man, I wish I had access to the old Heavy Metal comics growing up. I'd always eyeball them in the hobby stops growing up cause... well.. lets face it, they had some pretty alluring art on the covers at times.

[@deband1473]

Wow! What a great memory and it felt like going into a time machine hearing thos story. Thanks for sharing!

[@PlusUltraAdrian]

That's a beautiful story Johnny. R.I.P to your father.

[@simonrockstream]

wow, what a time, wish I could've been there

[@BunchaNothin]

I casually came across The World's Largest Bookstore shortly after moving to Toronto! Moved here in 2012, and went a number of times while I lived downtown! Now I have a piece of history to attach to that memory!

[@dsol9767]

Thanks for the lovely story John, been following you for over a decade now and it's cool to hear a new story about your dad and the bond you two shared.

[@zg-it]

Johnny, your dad sounded awesome. Makes me cherish the time I have with my dad. Life is precious. Cheers!

[@AniFAE_Productions]

Man, what a great place to of let your imagination go wild. Your dad sounded like a great guy, and that environment he basically brought you to gifted you a passion that you've carried with you to this day. That's truly amazing, and enlightening that in a way, through your passions, a big part of him lives on through it. Great story!!

[@kirkthomas1124]

Great story! My parents took me to see "Alien" when I was 8. It both scared the hell out of me and got me hooked on sci-fi horror. Mom also took me to see "This Is Spinal Tap" when I was 13. She had no idea what she was getting into, and I love her for it.

[@jackdaley4518]

Johnny you've been apart of over half life. I started watching at the PC engine shuttle episode. Your story's are fantastic and inspiring. Write a book please.

[@1968rus]

Today exactly 23 years since my dad passed away and here's this story.. the way you tell it.. oh maaan..

[@chrispreddy4082]

Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to 2023 and beyond for the channel, yourself and your family. Take care

[@bxgeo5180]

Love hearing all your stories from back then. Please do more of this. Those days take me back. Your Dad was awesome

[@gregdickson4767]

Johnny, it's these stories that keep me invested in your channel. Not the New Games Stuff, not the Games I've Been Playing, not the Top 10s, but the STORIES of your life. And the guests you have on (especially Robman). I feel like there are always new and interesting things to learn about you and to relate to, and that's what makes this channel so personable.

[@matthewpinder4279]

I love this story. It made me think about my relationship with my dad. We're of a similar age Johnny and back in the early 80's my dad came home with a copy of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain. That was one of those moments that defined who I was going to be. I've spent the majority of my life living in one kind of fantasy realm or another ever since then.

[@daydreamhero1374]

great story man..thanks for sharing

[@Juice2Fifty]

Thanks for sharing this story, Johnny. These looks into your history always make for great episodes 😁🤙🏼

[@chrismyers7794]

Hey Johnny, long time viewer, part time commenter. Haven't watched a video of yours in awhile, but I love hearing you talk about your life man. Its so interesting to me. You're an amazing story teller. Just wanted to say I appreciate you doing what you do man. Keep up the good work!

[@jamesdwhite873]

That was such a sick bookstore. I remember buying so many game guides from there.

[@alirezamosadeghzade]

oh johnney, tell me more, more and more stories. what is more beautiful than sitting and hearing you. thanks for everything buddy, thanks for sharing your memories and your experiences.

[@igi4]

Thanks for sharing Johnny, great story. My Father died last year so it's still fresh to me and I think about him and his influence a lot. We may have argued and I had some gripes with him, but he was the one who started my love for reading, fantasy and gaming. He took me to my first arcade, he managed to find me used PS1 when I tried to save money for it. But most importantly, he took me with him to library and showed me all the kids comic books, which I loved. At first I borrowed with him on his card, but I still remember the moment when I was old enough to get my own library card and borrow comic books and fantasy on my own name. He has introduced me to Lord of The Rings, Star Wars and a lot of great music. I miss him.

[@thetrophysystem3697]

Great story. My dad passed a year ago next month. Love this channel.

[@nintindomaster64link]

Your story videos are my favorite videos on KZbin. They’ve become nostalgic to me at this point

[@just_a_character]

So happy that you had this experience. I truly believe that times before the internet took off were different. I was lucky enough to be born in the mid-80’s and experience the simpler times in terms of technology in everyday life. Great video!

[@RushFan84]

The World's Biggest Bookstore was as legendary as Sam the Record Man. So cool! I have great memories of both stores growing up in Toronto in the 80s.

[@timculhane625]

What an amazing story Johnny. I lost my dad sometime ago as well. God bless you and your family always. Love your Channel

[@1Deep43VA]

Love the FF7 music in the background. Always brings good memories to the forefront.

[@j.c-mtl1150]

Another amazing storie and memory, thanks for share jhony its always a pleasure know about your life , and this time know a little bit about your old man, R.I.P

[@JustinCarey]

I have been watching this channel for a decade, and this is one of my favorite episodes!

[@ichidonlee1512]

Sounds amazing. My Ma worked part time at the mall in the evenings, and I would run around there in the 90s. What a great time to be alive.

[@eiadtarabulsi]

Beautiful, heartwarming, and unforgettable nostalgia! You always tell the best stories. It sounds like you had a lot of wonderful memories with your awesome dad. He raised an amazing son for sure. My dad passed away almost 1 year ago. I wished that I learned a few things from him while he was still alive. Unfortunately, I can't go back, and change anything. I can only make changes moving forward. Things have been very stressful for the past few days, and watching this video has definitely made the situation a bit more manageable. Thanks, once again Johnny for another awesome video! Thanks, for everything that you do! I greatly appreciate it! God bless, and stay safe!

[@pickthestickup]

I deeply relate to that trance like wonder just poring over books for hours and hours. When I was young my mother worked at the library, so when I didn't have school, I would sit there for the whole day just reading non-stop. Great memories, which definitely helped develop my imagination and visualization skills and love for fantasy/sci-fi.

[@jeffreycharest9093]

Absolutely incredible. How exciting. Memories with family are so important. My family is everything. My condolences. May your father rest in peace. God bless you and your loved ones.

[@NikkiTrip]

Thanks for the stories, Johnny. That must have been an incredible experience growing up in a place like that.

[@Reed-Publications]

I remember going to that bookstore in the 90's and it was magnificent. Too bad it's gone now.

[@danielpagan2848]

Just pressed play on the video and the FF music is already making the story feel epic.

[@xretroman]

Great story Johnny. When you tell stories like this is one of the main reasons I enjoy your channel. Your dad would be proud of you, he is proud of you.

[@braddye4983]

Even with the internet and it’s more massive amount of knowledge than that bookstore, to sit down for 8 hours each Saturday to take whatever piece of information you wanted in I think is more valuable than most people’s casual Google search. I forget to challenge myself and expand my knowledge and get lost watching Game Grumps episodes.

[@thraxman206]

Oh snaps Johnny is from England never knew

[@Bolwijnable]

I remember trying to get my hands on the Tin Tin books at my local library. Thanks for sharing your story. What a magical time.

[@TheLegendofLeo]

Talk about a rich opportunity for learning. That bookstore was either before my time or just ignored by my family (since we weren’t downtown), but I appreciate learning more about my city. Thanks for a great story, as always.

[@Carlos-sl5tw]

Great story Johnny, I didn't have a close relationship with my father, he was an alcoholic and a very complicated man that sadly died too young. But he loved art, and bought us a lot of music, computers, video consoles, video games, films, books, and devices to grow in us a love to art that my brothers and I still have to this day.

[@jz1612]

This reminds me of a time in my childhood where I would go to my local supermarket and go to there book section and read comic books all day and gaming magazines. I remember reading Sonic The Hedgehog comic in particular so much fun back then and yes I can't believe this was before the internet was a thing so nostalgic.

[@luroc]

this was a great, personal video. it’s videos and youtubers like you that allow me to keep my faith that not everyone is doing these videos for superficial or shallow reasons. proud subscriber for a long time!

[@stephenagius4796]

Very interesting story Johnny, where abouts in England did you move from? I’m from the uk myself. Love the videos, full of positives all the time. 😊

[@AsteriskSS]

John, these are the type of videos that keep me coming back to your channel. Thank you for sharing memories of your father with us.

[@28Pluto]

Great story. I love the Short Circuit 2 clips! The store will live forever in a wacky sci-fi comedy.

[@finsfish]

Thank you for sharing this story with us! Great to hear how folks were inspired into what they enjoy.

[@Sirfalcon5]

That was really touching. Thank you for sharing. Sitting around in Barnes in Noble probably is nothing compared to that experience.

[@Dhaffey90]

As someone from Toronto this bookstore was legendary

[@marcosanfy1]

Thanks for sharing, my passion comes from my dad as well,. that passed away when I was 7. We used to play msx games and draw together, and you warmed my heart. Now I am 40 and still into the same things!

[@ryanbourbeau3078]

This was so wonderful to hear about such a great story!

[@Oatmeal_Ghost]

Beautiful story and it sounds like you had a ton of fun with your dad. You’re very lucky to have memories like that.

[@MO-bo2du]

Great story, thanks for sharing! Glad your dad left you with these happy memories

[@allenwheeler5937]

Man what a wonderful story! Its so nice to hear these stories from you. It sounds like that was such a happy time.

[@alesharks5135]

You literally got to live my childhood dream, thanks for sharing. Kinda felt like i got to realize it a bit hearing you talk about it. Also RIP to your dad, he sounds like he was a good man!

[@micaelandrade8514]

i loved that store, its sad that its gone

[@coretaku]

Absolutely amazing story Johnny. It makes me wonder about what made me who I am these days. A bookstore is a great start. Again, love the story.

[@SuperAriel35]

Dear John amazing story. I once a year still watch the 40 year old game video you posted. I am quit playing games until I watch your video. I glad I watch it and still game to this day. Thank you for that video . Can’t wait to see the 50 year old gamer video . Please you must post that video. I look forward to watch to it . Long time fan of your video . I look forward to see you post it on your birthday

[@DerTendou]

Johnny your stories are always so amazing to listen to, wether it being the bad parts or the good parts of your life. I hope your videos will stay here forever or that there is some kind of archive of your videos to relive the greatness of your videos all over again when you won't do KZbin anymore in the future. You are someone I deeply respect and look up to.

[@fovp1981]

Bro I love the way you tell stories. Makes me so nostalgic for my own childhood

[@djkibblesnbits]

What beautiful memories; I'm sure you went down a rabbit hole of thoughts and emotions while you were putting this video together. Thank you for sharing them with us.