Comic book fans, assemble! Every nerd will tell you that there’s nothing quite like visiting your favorite comic book store. More than just repositories for the weekly adventures of pop culture’s most famous cape- and cowl-clad superheroes, comic book stores are like mini conventions, creating an inviting place where fan boys and girls can shop and revel in an unparalleled celebration of fun and adventure.
Whether you’re looking to invest in a couple of classic issues from the Golden Age, fill out your wardrobe with some Deadpool-inspired gear, or impress your fellow nerds with a highly detailed miniature of Batman and the Joker duking it out on the streets of Gotham, comic book stores have you have covered for all your nerdy needs.
So, release your inner geek and hit up these top-tier comic book stores to witness Canada’s finest pop culture firsthand.
The Beguiling — Toronto, Ontario
The Beguiling store front, Toronto by The Erica Chang is licensed under CC BY 3.0
Indie comics and artwork dominate at The Beguiling, the most well-known and influential comic book shop in Toronto. Since opening its doors in 1987, The Beguiling has placed a heavy emphasis on the art and vision of the comic book genre, presenting visitors with a wide-ranging selection of genres that include everything from typical superhero fare to spine-tingling tales of horror and suspense.
While the store is home to a wide selection of standard Marvel and DC titles, staff at The Beguiling go out of their way to introduce visitors to lesser-known and local comic book creators. For their years of work on behalf of comic book writers and artists, this store was honored with the first-ever Will Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award, a monumental accolade given to only a handful of comic book shops.
Golden Age Collectables — Vancouver, British Columbia
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Golden Age Collectables has been a paradise for the city’s comic book lovers for nearly 50 years. As its name suggests, Golden Age Collectibles is Vancouver’s go-to spot for collectors hoping to nab a prized issue from the earliest age of comic books. Nevertheless, the store is also well stocked with the latest releases and most famous graphic novels from Marvel, DC, and various independent publishers. Catering to fans of all kinds of nerdy things, the shop also has a large collectible toys section, with offerings from Funko Pops to high-end statues.
Big B Comics — Hamilton, Ontario
Staff at Big B Comics in picturesque Hamilton have made it their mission to introduce readers to the world of comic books since 1996. The store originally specialized in back issues, but Big B now stocks a full assortment of comics old and new. Money-savvy comic enthusiasts will also appreciate Big B’s bargain bins, where visitors can nab select titles for as low as $2.99 an issue. Collectors hoping to meet their favorite comic creators will also want to look out for signing events at the store, at which comic book enthusiasts can get autographed copies of comic books and hear how artists and writers combined their work to tell amazing stories through the comic book medium.
Another Dimension Comics — Calgary, Alberta
Boasting over 4,000 square feet of comics and collectibles, Another Dimension Comics is one of the largest comic book stores in Canada. Serving the community since 1983, Another Dimension has won the acclaim of nerds for decades and was even the recipient of the prestigious Harry Kremer Award for comic book retailing in 2016.
Although comics might get top-billing at Another Dimension, this Calgary store is also known for its remarkable selection of action figures and high-end collectibles laid out according to fandom for easy browsing. When visiting Another Dimension, be sure to get your picture taken with the store’s larger-than-life statue of the Incredible Hulk and remember not to make the big guy angry.
Librairie Drawn & Quarterly — Montreal, Quebec
Drawn and Quarterly Bookstore by Drawn and Quarterly Bookstore is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0
Librairie Drawn & Quarterly serves as the flagship store for the independent comic book publisher of the same name. Originally conceived as a publishing house for high-end cartoons, this Montreal classic quickly developed a reputation for attracting the Great White North’s best comic book writers and artists. Cementing its reputation with high-quality paper and binding material, Drawn & Quarterly opened Librairie Drawn & Quarterly in 2007 to showcase their sophisticated offerings to a new audience in the upscale and fashion-forward neighborhood of Mile End.
In addition to wonderful comics and graphic novels, Librairie Drawn & Quarterly also offers culture-minded guests beautiful picture books, posters, and a wide selection of poetry. Visitors with kids will also want to check out La Petite Librairie Drawn & Quarterly, the company’s children’s bookstore, located a few doors down from the main bookshop.
Strange Adventures Comix & Curiosities — Halifax, Nova Scotia
Visitors lucky enough to walk the streets of the maritime wonderland of Halifax should head to Strange Adventures Comix & Curiosities for their fix of all things nerdy. The recipient of several awards — including Eisner and Shuster retail awards — Strange Adventures has the distinction of actually appearing in comic literature, having been featured in two issues of Superman in 1996. Along with a wide selection of old and new comic books and collectible figurines, Strange Adventures also caters to fans of board games and collectible cards, as one of the city’s best-known card and gaming retailers.
Metropolis Comics and Toys — Burnaby, British Columbia
Nestled in charming Burnaby, British Columbia is Metropolis Comics and Toys, one of Canada’s finest comic book retailers. The store is well-stocked with the latest comic issues and back issues galore, but visitors will quickly find that the its major focus is on collectible toys and models. The store is an officially licensed retailer of the highly sought after Hot Toys figures and also has an incredible array of Lego mini figures and other vintage toys. Meanwhile, Saturdays and Sundays transform Metropolis Comics and Toys into a gaming paradise with weekly Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh tournaments.
The Comic Hunter — Moncton, New Brunswick
The Comic Hunter in Moncton, New Brunswick prides itself on giving comic book aficionados a one-stop spot for all their collecting needs. Heavily focusing on back issues, this comic book store stocks tens of thousands of classic comics at their location. Knowledgeable and friendly staff help guests wade through the store’s expansive offerings and even allow customers to rent issues to read in store.
Patrons can also create wish lists of comics they want for their collection, allowing staff to contact them the moment one of their desired issues is in stock. The store further fosters a sense of community by hosting game nights each week, where visitors can square off in epic campaigns of Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering.
Librairie Première Issue — Quebec City
Comic book fans lucky enough to pass through the doors of Librairie Première Issue are in for the thrill of a lifetime at Quebec City’s oldest comic book store. Serving Quebec’s comic nerds since 1984, Librairie Première Issue is situated in the city’s beautiful Old Quebec neighborhood and boasts two floors of comics and collectibles.
Librairie Première Issue is very much a shop run by comic book fans for comic book fans, and the staff are always eager to chat with customers about their favorite heroes and quick to make recommendations to fit any interest. A prominent fixture in the community, Librairie Première Issue is a frequent participant in sidewalk sales and neighborhood bazaars, introducing non-comic book fans to the joys of the medium.
You Might Also Enjoy: Manga, Robots, and Videogames! An Otaku Guide to Tokyo
Variant Edition — Edmonton, Alberta
To Variant Edition co-owners Chris Schatz and Danica LeBlanc, comic books are all about great storytelling. To that end, Variant Edition specializes in stocking graphic novels, multi-issue compendiums that tell longer stories over multiple chapters. Looking to see Batman at his most vulnerable? Pick up a copy of Knightfall, the iconic 90s saga where the supervillain Bane broke Batman’s back. Hoping to see an unleashed Wolverine doing his thing? Check out Chris Claremont and Frank Miller’s 80s miniseries, which saw Marvel’s Weapon X tangle with ninjas in Japan.
Staff at Variant Edition are always ready with friendly recommendations. The shop also has a section for local authors, allowing guests be the first to enjoy Edmonton’s up-and-coming comic book creators. Variant Edition’s dedication to nerd culture led to it being named Canada’s best comic book shop at the 2019 Joe Shuster Awards.
FAQs:
Q: Are these comic book stores wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility varies by store, but many of the larger or more modern shops, like The Beguiling and Another Dimension Comics, strive to be wheelchair accessible. It’s recommended to call ahead to confirm specific details for each store.
Q: Do these comic book stores buy or trade comics?
A: Yes, some stores, like Big B Comics and The Comic Hunter, often buy or trade comics. Policies vary, so check with each store beforehand for their specific guidelines.
Q: Are there online shopping options available at these stores?
A: Most of the featured stores, such as Golden Age Collectables and Variant Edition, offer online shopping through their websites, providing a wide range of comics and collectibles available for delivery.
Q: Can I attend events or signings at these stores?
A: Yes, several of these stores, like Big B Comics and Librairie Drawn & Quarterly, frequently host signings, events, and game nights. Check their event calendars or social media for the latest updates.
Q: Do these comic book stores offer discounts or loyalty programs?
A: Some stores offer discounts or loyalty programs. For example, Big B Comics is known for its bargain bins and occasional promotions. It’s a good idea to ask in-store about any current deals or programs.
Q: Are these comic book stores family-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Stores like Librairie Drawn & Quarterly and Strange Adventures have dedicated sections for kids and offer a family-friendly environment. Many shops also host kid-friendly events and have selections suitable for all ages.
Q: Is there parking available near these comic book stores?
A: Parking availability varies depending on the location. Stores in downtown areas like Golden Age Collectables might have nearby public parking, while others, like Metropolis Comics and Toys in Burnaby, may have their own parking lots. It’s best to check the store’s website or contact them directly for parking details.
Know any other amazing comic book store you love to visit in Canada? Let us know in our comments section below!
Leave a Reply