This fits a pattern I keep seeing. The old guy who ran the shop knew you, knew your taste, maybe even set aside stuff he thought you'd like. That kind of thing is getting rare everywhere, not just comic shops. My hardware store got bought out and the new crew asks for my phone number before they'll tell me where the screws are. The barber who knew how I liked my hair retired and now I get whoever is free. Seems like every place that used to have a person who remembered you is turning into a spot where you're just a number in a system.

Dealt with this exact thing before. Next time he pulls the "just being honest" card, ask him flat out if the goal was to help or just to get a laugh, because feedback nobody asked for is just being a jerk with a good excuse. Calling it out in the moment works way better than letting it slide and stewing about it later.