The Comicshop in Vancouver
3518 W. 4th Avenue V6R 1N8 Vancouver, BC, Canada

Hey! It’s li’l Keith Bickford’s Birthday today (the little delinquent on the right there!). Now put down the comic and GET BACK TO WORK!

Hey! Its lil Keith Bickfords Birthday today (the little delinquent on the right there!). Now put down the comic and GET BACK TO WORK!

Notice anything familiar? The Comicshop moved to 2089 West 4th in June, ‘79, so this looks right around then!

Again, because Casey Lau - and ONLY Casey - demanded it! Guess what WE were up to on June 1st, 1989?! Courtesy of the fine folks at Nifty Keen! Not the best qua...lity, but from left to right in pic #1, its Colleen Anderson, yers truly (totally ROCKIN the bolo!), Keith Bickford, Danielle, Penny Jee, Ronald Norton & Mr. Lau. Ironically, it seems the only thing more rare than a pic of Casey while still working at The Comicshop was one of Diana Schutz? See more

Okay. Because Casey Lau - and nobody BUT Casey Lau - asked for it! This list expands on research I first did in 2002 (for The Comicshopper #210) on the building I believe MOST of us still picture when we hear the word, Comicshop. Im also re-using the introduction by Will Eisner from his foreword to The Building, as I feel its as relevant now as it was when he first wrote the words in 1987. ...I felt that, somehow, they had a kind of soul... I know now that these struct...ures, barnacled with laughter and stained by tears, are more than lifeless edifices. It cannot be that having been part of life, they did not somehow absorb the radiation from human interaction. And so, without further adieu... The complete (so far) history of 2089 West 4th Avenue! 1912-1915: Frank D. Gore Meats 1916-1919: Vacant 1920: Andrew Haggart, Carpenter 1921: S Davidson 1922: Claude Davison 1923: Mrs. Gladys E. Shantz 1924: Vacant 1925: Clifford Boutilier, Confectioner 1926-1931: Vacant 1932-1948: Kitsilano Used Furniture. Alex Sutherland, Owner (listed under 2091 West 4th from 1939-1948) 1949: Tyldesleys Ltd. Wholesale, Auctioneer 1950-1958: Marcraft Manufacturing, Wood Products. Charles W. Marr, Owner 1959: New Building (presumably the current structure) 1960-1970: R.C. Gilchrist Ltd. Vending Machines & Music Systems. Frank William Dey, Owner 1971-1974: Ven Par Vending Equipment & Sales. T. Edward Martin, Owner 1975: Vancouver Ms. Club. Lesbian Nightclub! 1976: Equinox Books & Graphics. John Rode, Owner. Yep, a previous BOOKSTORE! Briefly. 1977: A Touch of Glass, Glassware. Sandy & Mandy Botelho, Owners 1978: Vacant 1979-2010: THE COMICSHOP!!! Ron Norton & Ken Witcher, Owners 2011-Present: Icebreaker, Outdoor Apparel Nuff said?

Figured Simon Hughes, one of our old brothers in arms here, probably hadn’t heard the news yet. Thought I’d share his reaction here: Aw man I didn’t know! Pl...ease pass onto everyone else that those were some of the best years of my life and it was a real honour to have shared our passion for comics with them all. I’ll keep in touch and let you know when I’m going to be out in Vancouver next. Make sure Keith has my contact info so if he does open up a shop to let me know about it. So bummed out, I still gauge all the stores I visit on my travels by the setup that we had at the shop. See more

Notice anything familiar? The Comicshop moved to 2089 West 4th in June, 79, so this looks right around then!

Well SOMEBODY had to get the ball rolling! So glad so many Comicshoppers from SO MANY different generations could make it, and for those that COULDNT? Dont worry, Im pretty sure this wont really be the LAST Supper, right? RIGHT?!

Figured Simon Hughes, one of our old brothers in arms here, probably hadnt heard the news yet. Thought Id share his reaction here: Aw man I didnt know! Pl...ease pass onto everyone else that those were some of the best years of my life and it was a real honour to have shared our passion for comics with them all. Ill keep in touch and let you know when Im going to be out in Vancouver next. Make sure Keith has my contact info so if he does open up a shop to let me know about it. So bummed out, I still gauge all the stores I visit on my travels by the setup that we had at the shop. See more

Of ALL the random last-minute finds on the ‘Shop’s VERY last day, I just HAD to stumble across this poster for Detective Comics #500, right?! This, along with C...aptain America #253 & 254 (the classic Stern/Byrne Baron Blood 2-parter), was the VERY first comic I ever bought at The Comicshop! With a cover date of March ‘81, I can now narrow down the time of my first visit to January ‘81! See more

IMPORTANT UPDATE!!! My new career as Event Planner is already off to a rocky start! After actually checking with Storm Crow (as opposed to my shoot first, ask ...questions after method), it became apparent that Sunday, January 13th would be a much better fit for The Comicshops Last Supper plans, as they could reserve twice the space for this rapidly expanding group! Hopefully this doesnt adversely affect TOO many peoples plans, but we simply want to see as many of you as possible. Things may even slide into their Sunday night karaoke event, so consider yourselves duly warned! See more

Of ALL the random last-minute finds on the Shops VERY last day, I just HAD to stumble across this poster for Detective Comics #500, right?! This, along with C...aptain America #253 & 254 (the classic Stern/Byrne Baron Blood 2-parter), was the VERY first comic I ever bought at The Comicshop! With a cover date of March 81, I can now narrow down the time of my first visit to January 81! See more

Would YOU buy a comic from these guys?

Pull the duck! This was the call that rang out at days end pretty much EVERY day for the last 44 years here at The Comicshop. Well, today will be the FINAL t...ime those words will ever be uttered here, so Keith and I would just like to take one last opportunity to thank EVERYONE who ever shopped or worked here for being a part of The Comicshop story, and hopefully that story will continue SOMEWHERE down the road! In the meantime... PULL THE DUCK!

Random YouTube discovery from 2016! Mustve been my day off? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EX4fEkSYV7U

Greetings, Comicshoppers, Brent here. Well, the news we hoped we'd never have to report is now upon us. The Comicshop's days are now officially numbered, though... we've yet to learn what that exact number is. This probably won't come as a HUGE surprise to those of you who have been waiting - patiently for the most part - for any new product to arrive in recent weeks, yet we were STILL hoping for that "11th hour reprieve" that has kept the ball rolling here in the past. Needless to say, the time for picking up any items you may still have on hold here is quickly running out, and we'd also suggest that those with consignment items here pick those up at their earliest convenience. The reasons for this unfortunate turn of events are both numerous and not entirely pleasant to talk about, but this is neither the time nor place for pointing fingers (okay, maybe just ONE finger, but we digress!). Instead, we'd simply like to take this opportunity to thank all of you loyal Comicshoppers out there who have stuck with us through thick and thin these last 44 (and a HALF!) years! We're eternally grateful for your support and the chance to share the love of this medium we care so much about with you. We'd also be remiss if we didn't take the time to recognize the numerous Comicshop staffers who have graced these hallowed halls since 1974. It's an overused cliche perhaps to describe co-workers as "family", but we still think it's a pretty accurate description when it comes to our Comicshop family here - a bit quirky, a bit dysfunctional at times, but at the end of the day I think it's safe to say that we ALL share a certain amount of pride that we've been able to be a part of such a fun and unique work environment. The fact that so many past employees still frequent the 'Shop (however infrequently!) is a testament to the love we still hold for these old yellow & red walls. Of course, none of this would have been possible without those who started it all in the first place - Ken Witcher and the late Ron Norton. Prior to their fortuitous "team-up" in the summer of '74, the landscape for local aficionados of all things comics and sci-fi/fantasy could be described as "haphazard" at best - essentially used book stores and corner grocers. Their idea to gather ALL of their favourite hobbies under one roof (originally at 3638 West 4th Avenue) can be seen as truly visionary today, paving the way for future "brick & mortar" establishments, all sharing the same desire to impart their love of this special medium with others. We don't consider it an offhand exaggeration to say that Ron and Ken were true pioneers of the comic book business, not just locally but across North America as well. With this in mind, I think I can safely speak for both Keith and myself when I say how honoured we both are to have been a part of The Comicshop for well over three decades each. When Ron essentially "passed the torch" to us back in 1999, we continued to strive to do everything in our power to keep his legacy alive, regardless of personal reward or recognition. We simply did it for the benefit of our loyal customers and the love of The Comicshop itself and the ideals it stood for. We can't possibly express to you just how sorry we are that it's come to this. But again, we STILL ain't dead YET, so we hope to see you all at LEAST one more time before it's too late. Sincerely, The Comicshop

Hey again, Comicshoppers! Well, STILL no news on the status of any further shipments, so perhaps the following wont be TOO much of an inconvenience for you. SY...FYs TV adaptation of the Rick Remender series, Deadly Class, will once again be using The Comicshop as one of its filming locations! This means the Shop will be closed for business from Sunday, December 2nd to Wednesday, December 5th. Well be open again on Thursday, December 6th from 11am to 6pm, so hope to see you back at Lost Innocence... er, I mean THE COMICSHOP... soon! On a related note, just happened to stumble across this little excerpt featuring Cerebus creator, Dave Sim, talking about being contacted by the production company for Deadly Class (or Dark Class, as he mistakenly calls it). Seems they wanted to clear the use of Cerebus back issues for the scenes in The Comicshop (pre-87, when the series takes place), and Dave had no problem with it, even sending out a signed copy of a rare poster, made out to the fictional comic store. Funny thing is, The Comicshop has a fair amount of mostly friendly history with Mr. Sim, including his personal & professional association with Shop alumnus, Diana Schutz! Watching his little blog spot, however, it seemed obvious that Dave was unaware of just what store he was dealing with. Wed LIKE to think hed appreciate the synchronicity, though! So enjoy (or dont. Your call)! https://momentofcerebus.blogspot.com//when-set-design-call

Well Comicshoppers, we ain't dead YET! Our plans to have the new (or "new") shipment by this weekend have not come through, however, and the "warden's reprieve" may have to wait 'til at least Monday (more likely Tuesday) before we'll be able to pick our next shipment up. In the meantime, who needs "Black Friday" (or even "Cyber Monday"), when you have awesome deals like these EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK at The Comicshop?! 60-75% off all non-consignment back issues!... US cover price on all graphic novels! Thanks once again to our loyal Comicshop customers for your continued patience!

INVENTORY BLOWOUT SALE!!! AS IF OUR ONGOING BACK ISSUE SALE WASNT ENOUGH ALREADY (60 75% ON ALL NON-CONSIGNMENT BACK ISSUE COMICS!), WERE THROWING OUR GRAPHIC NOVELS INTO THE MIX AS WELL! ALL GRAPHIC NOVELS WILL NOW BE U.S. COVER PRICE!

Hey Comicshoppers, So it looks like our shipment originally scheduled to be on the racks October 31st may take longer to arrive than expected (namely, today). Once again, we'll let all of YOU know as soon as WE know, but in the meantime, we can only repeat our plea to those who already have stuff on hold here to PLEASE come in and grab some stuff (or let us mail it to YOU). Continued sales are STILL our best hope of getting through this! Thanks again,... B.

Here's the Shipping List for Wednesday, November 7th (or somewhere in that general vicinity)! MARVEL ANT-MAN AND WASP TP: LOST FOUND... ASGARDIANS OF THE GALAXY #3 AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR HC ART OF THE MOVIE CHAMPIONS TP VOL. 4: NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAMPIONS #26 DOCTOR STRANGE #7 IMMORTAL HULK #8 INFINITY WARS #5 DEATH OF THE INHUMANS #5 MARVEL KNIGHTS 20TH #1 MARVEL RISING TP RUNAWAYS #15 SPIDER-GEDDON #3 STAR WARS #56 STAR WARS: HAN SOLO IMPERIAL CADET #1 STAR WARS: LANDO TP DOUBLE OR NOTHING STAR WARS TP: LAST JEDI ADAPTATION DEADPOOL #6 DOMINO TP VOL. 1: KILLER INSTINCT ICEMAN #3 SHATTERSTAR #2 TYPHOID FEVER: X-MEN #1 WEAPON X #25 X-23 #6 X-MEN RED #10 DC COMICS BATMAN #58 BATMAN AND ROBIN: BAD BLOOD ESSENTIAL ED TP BATMAN: GATES OF GOTHAM DELUXE EDITION HC BATMAN: SINS OF THE FATHER TP GOTHAM CITY GARAGE TP VOL. 2 HARLEY QUINN #53 NIGHTWING #52 BORDER TOWN #3 CURSE OF BRIMSTONE #8 DC NATION #6 DEATHSTROKE #37 DREAMING #3 GREEN ARROW #46 GREEN LANTERN #1 JOHN CONSTANTINE, HELLBLAZER 30TH ANN. HC JUSTICE LEAGUE: REBIRTH DELUXE COLL HC BOOK 3 JUSTICE LEAGUE #11 MOTHER PANIC: GOTHAM A.D. TP SIDEWAYS ANNUAL #1 SUICIDE SQUAD: BLACK FILES #1 ADVENTURES OF THE SUPER SONS #4 UNEXPECTED #6 UNITED STATES VS. MURDER INC. #3 VERY DC REBIRTH HOLIDAY SEQUEL TP ALTERNATE COMICS AUNTIE AGATHAS HOME 4 WAYWARD RABBITS #1 BATTLESTAR GALACTICA CLASSIC #1 BLACKBIRD #2 BULLY WARS #3 CROWDED #4 DEAD RABBIT #2 DEATH ORB #2 EMPTY MAN #1 FARMHAND #5 GIANT DAYS #44 JAMES BOND: 007 #1 JIM HENSON: BENEATH DARK CRYSTAL #4 JIM HENSONS LABYRINTH: CORONATION HC VOL 1 KICK-ASS #9 LEVIATHAN #3 OUTER DARKNESS #1 REDLANDS #8 FURTHER ADVENTURES OF RED SONJA TP VOL. 1 SEVEN TO ETERNITY #12 SPAWN #291 STAR WARS ADVENTURES TP VOL. 4 STAR WARS ADVENTURES #1: DESTROYER DOWN UMBRELLA ACADEMY: HOTEL OBLIVION #2 WALKING DEAD #185 WICKED & DIVINE: FUNNIES #1 WITCHBLADE #9 FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES DISNEY CLASSICS: TREASURE ISLAND W/MICKEY DUCKTALES #14 MARVEL SUPER HERO ADVS.: CAPTAIN MARVEL #1 MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC #72 PEANUTS: RACE FOR YOUR LIFE CHARLIE BROWN GN STEVEN UNIVERSE: HARMONY #4 UNCLE SCROOGE: MY FIRST MILLIONS #2 MERCHANDISE AVENGERS #700 BY ALEX ROSS POSTER DC COVER GIRLS: CATWOMAN BY JONES STATUE MARVEL GRAPHIC COMIC BOXES: UNCANNY X-MEN WONDER WOMAN CLASSIC II T-SHIRT (MEDIUM)

Okay, SOME good news, Comicshoppers! We should have our new stuff that was due October 17th in subscription boxes by 2pm today! Even BETTER, we should have our October 24th shipment mostly ready by the same time TOMORROW! Thanks for hanging in there with us! B.

And for what it's currently worth, here's the Shipping List for Wednesday, October 31st! MARVEL AVENGERS HALLOWEEN SPECIAL #1... WEST COAST AVENGERS #3 BLACK PANTHER #5 DAREDEVIL #610 OLD MAN HAWKEYE #10 INCREDIBLE HULK EPIC COLL. TP: LEADER LIVES INFINITY WARS: IRON HAMMER #2 TONY STARK: IRON MAN #5 JESSICA JONES MPGN TP: BLIND SPOT MARVEL TWO-IN-ONE #11 SPIDER-FORCE #1 VAULT OF SPIDERS #1 TRUE BELIEVERS: WHAT IF LEGION KILLS MAGNETO TRUE BELIEVERS: WHAT IF FF DIFFERENT POWERS WHAT IF? MAGIK #1 EXTERMINATION #4 MULTIPLE MAN #5 MUTANT X TP VOL. 1 COMPLETE COLLECTION OLD MAN LOGAN #50 WEAPON H TP VOL. 1: AWOL WEAPON X TP VOL. 4: RUSSINA REVOLUTION X-MEN BLACK: EMMA FROST #1 X-MEN BLUE TP VOL. 5: SURVIVING EXPERIENCE X-MEN TP: DEADLY GENESIS NEW PRINTING X-MEN GRAND DESIGN: SECOND GENESIS TP DC COMICS BATMAN: THE DARK PRINCE CHARMING HC BATMAN: HAUNTED KNIGHT TP NEW EDITION BATMAN SECRET FILES #1 NIGHTWING/MAGILLA GORILLA SPECIAL #1 RED HOOD & THE OUTLAWS TP VOL. 4 DEATHBED TP DEATHSTROKE/YOGI BEAR SPECIAL #1 DOOM PATROL #12 GREEN LANTERN/HUCKLEBERRY HOUND SPECIAL #1 HEROES IN CRISIS #2 HEX WIVES #1 INJUSTICE VS THE MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE #4 JUSTICE LEAGUE/AQUAMAN: DROWNED EARTH #1 J.L. DARK & WONDER WOMAN: WITCHING HOUR #1 SIDEWAYS ANNUAL #1 SUPERGIRL TP VOL. 4: PLAIN SIGHT MAN OF STEEL BY BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS HC SUPERMAN/TOP CAT SPECIAL #1 TERRIFICS ANNUAL #1 WILD STORM #18 ALTERNATE COMICS BATMAN/THE MAXX: ARKHAM DREAMS #2 CHARLIES ANGELS #5 ICE CREAM MAN #8 MAN-EATERS #2 NANCY DREW #5 PEANUTS: DELL ARCHIVE HC VOL. 1 PLANET OF THE APES: TIME OF MAN #1 SHANGHAI RED #5 STEPHEN MCCRANIES SPACE BOY TP VOL. 2 STARCRAFT SCAVENGERS #4 STAR WARS ADVENTURES #15 STAR WARS: TALES FROM VADERS CASTLE #5 STRANGER THINGS #2 WAYWARD #30 WYTCHES: BAD EGG HALLOWEEN SPECIAL ONESHOT FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES TANGLED: HAIR RAISING ADVENTURES #2 MERCHANDISE FUNKO 5 STAR DC CLASSIC JOKER VINYL FIG MARVEL GALLERY: WOLVERINE COMIC PVC FIGURE POP! DISNEY INCREDIBLES 2: JACK-JACK VINYL FIG

Hey Comicshoppers, Our apologies for not contacting you all sooner, but we are currently on hold with our comics distributor until our issues with the Comicshop's current owner are resolved. Until that happens, we won't be receiving any new shipments. At this point, the ONLY thing that will get us back on our feet is sales, so we're asking anyone with ANYTHING already on hold here to please come in and purchase their items. We'll keep you informed the moment we have more deve...lopments, but we thank you all again for sticking with us through these increasingly trying times. Keith & Brent The Comicshop