Vancouver nerds, rejoice!
Our city is home to dozens of comic book shops where fanboys and girls gather to dig for buried treasures. We’ve compiled a list of the best stores in town, and if high prices are your kryptonite, many of our picks carry deeply-discounted books and merchandise.
Happy shopping!
The Comicshop
The Comicshop/Facebook
The Comicshop is a huge supporter of local illustrators and creators – in fact, former staffer Michael Angelos published a series of comics called Jack the Lantern that recently included a tribute to the store’s late owner. The staff at The Comicshop are extremely knowledgable and love to talk shop; be sure the check out their Staff Picks section for some wicked finds.
Address: 3518 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 738-8122
Golden Age Collectables
Golden Age Collectables has been the granddaddy of all things geeky since 1974. The store carries a huge selection of comics and assorted paraphernalia and receives a new shipment of graphic novels and trade paperbacks every Wednesday. Golden Age has played host to a number of renowned comic book writers in the store; check out their official YouTube channel for interviews.
Address: 852 Granville Street, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 683-2819
Twitter: @GACVan
The Connection Games & Comics
The Connection Games and Comics/Facebook
The Connection has a decent selection of comic books but it’s their awesome events that keep us coming back regularly. There’s something going on inside the store every night of the week, from My Little Pony CCG Night on Tuesdays to Magic the Gathering on Wednesdays. The Connection is participating in Halloween ComicFest this year and will be giving away free comics from publishers like Marvel and DC.
Address: 2945 Renfrew Street, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 327-4585
Twitter: @ConnectionGandC
Comic Land
Comic Land has an extensive inventory of comic books and trade paperbacks, but their selection of toys, bobbleheads and Funko Pop vinyl figures is just as impressive. The store is also home to some pretty cool events – to celebrate National Free Comic Book Day in May, they hosted their first-ever Comic Land Open Music Jam that had local musicians rocking out as customers packed the aisles.
Address: 3845 Rupert Street, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 327-4585
RX Comics
Rx Comics/Facebook
With a huge stock of back issues and a bargain bin full of discounted items, the gang at RX Comics has the prescription for your comic book reading addiction. The independent, full-service shop has been a Vancouver staple since 2002 and has a loyal customer base thanks to their great staff and low prices (RX carries used books at around half of their original price).
Address: 2418 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 454-5099
Twitter: @RXComics
Lucky’s Comics
Lucky’s has been selling comics and zines in Vancouver for more than 20 years and the store’s occasional book launches gives customers the chance to rub shoulders with their favourite authors and illustrators. Lucky’s also carries a nice assortment of other products including Magic and Pokemon accessories.
Address: 3972 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 875-9858
Twitter: @luckysonline
Big Pete’s Collectibles
Big Pete’s Collectibles/Facebook
Big Pete’s is celebrating 25 years in the comic book biz this year and stocks everything from t-shirts to board games to action figures. The fantastic North Shore shop is also home to several weekly events including Friday Night Magic and D&D Encounters Saturdays.
Address: 128 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
Phone: (604) 983-2325
Twitter: @BigPetesComics
Pulp Fiction Books
Of their three locations in Vancouver, the Pulp Fiction Books on Main Street has the best selection of gently-used graphic novels in the chain. The shelves are a wee bit disheveled, but the gang at Pulp Fiction know their inventory and are more than willing to help you search for hidden gems. The shop’s rock-bottom prices are also a huge selling feature; customers save up to 60% on used, hardcover graphic novels.
Address: 2422 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 876-4311
Taz Comics
Tazmanian Comics/Facebook
One of our favourite things about Taz is their free subscription service – customers can pick up their requested titles at the store each Wednesday with no deposit (subscription customers also receive discounts on new comic book purchases). Also popular is Taz’s Friday Night Magic event which goes down every Friday from 5 pm til 9 pm.
Address: 3618 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Phone: (604) 298-6208
Twitter: @TazComics