Calgary comic shops with special powers
A handful of established comic shops and independent bookstores offer an extensive selection of new comic book releases and back issues as well as presenting comic-themed events and artist meet-and-greets. Whether you’re a rookie comic enthusiast or a seasoned collector, here’s where to find graphic novels and comic books, memorabilia, collectibles and more. Image credit: iStock.com/Brendan Hunter.
Another Dimension Comics
424B 10 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1V9Another Dimension is the go-to spot for pop culture memorabilia, hard-to-find collectibles, action figures and comics. Another Dimension is well known for its extensive collection of back-issued and hard-to-find comics as well as its selection of Sideshow brand and Hot Toys brand collectibles.
Alpha Comics
9-7005 18 St SE, Calgary, AB T2C 1Y1Every single Wednesday, this tiny Inglewood shop celebrates New Comics Wednesday by filling its new-comic wall with the latest arrivals. Alpha Comics regularly stocks work by local comic artists and frequently hosts artist events with guests like Fiona Staples, Riley Rossmo and more. The shop also offers a free, weekly online subscription service with a minimum of five ongoing comic series. New arrivals are put aside for subscribers to pick up at their convenience.
Shelf Life Books
100-1302 4 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 0X8Located on Fourth Street Southwest in Mission, Shelf Life is known for its enthusiastic, book-loving staff. Whether you’re in search of a just-released graphic novel, or you want to try your hand at a Pop Manga Colouring Book, this independent bookshop is the place to visit. Reservations are available for upcoming releases and staff members are happy to special order titles.
Imaginary Wars Gaming & Hobbies
150-10233 Elbow Dr SW, Calgary, AB T2W 1E8A junior member of Calgary’s comic-shop scene, Imaginary Wars specializes in comic books, hard-to-find board games and Warhammer paraphernalia. The shop dedicates every day of the week to a different type of gaming, with nights for X-Wing miniatures, Warhammer 40,000, Malifaux, Dice Masters and more. You can also drop by on Monday evenings for the store’s weekly board games night. Workshops are hosted on a regular basis with instruction on miniatures painting for veteran hobbyists and beginners alike.
Pages Kensington
1135 Kensington Rd NW, Calgary, AB T2N 3P4One of Calgary’s oldest independent bookstores, Pages Kensington carries more than 15,000 book titles. Comic book lovers can be found perusing the store’s upper level, where its comic books and graphic novels are found. During the warmer season, Pages often holds a sidewalk sale featuring nicely discounted books and comics.
Phoenix Comic Books
2523 17 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3E 0A2Sporting a Batman logo-embossed sign, Phoenix Comics’ three locations are go-to spots for comics, graphic novels and manga of all genres. Whether you’re a newly minted Walking Dead fan, or a diehard Superman enthusiast, Phoenix has your comic interests covered. Popular among Magic the Gathering fans, it also carries a large selection of hard-to-find singles and newly released booster packs as well as hosting weekly Magic tournaments at its northwest location. Check the toonie bargain bin for discount comic finds.
Words & Pictures
6-2610 Centre St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2V4Words & Pictures is a popular hangout for comic book collectors, anime lovers and self-proclaimed super geeks. Many regulars have been buying their comics here for years. The store is filled to the brim with comics, role-playing games, collectible cards, toys, pop-culture collectibles and more. If you want to subscribe to receive your favourite comics on a weekly basis, the shop offers a reliable and convenient file system that allows patrons to pick up comics at their convenience.
Comic-Kazi
6105 Centre St Sw, Calgary, AB T2H 0C5In addition to carrying the popular DC and Marvel comic lines, Comic-Kazi has an impressive selection of manga and anime. The shop also sells supplies for budding comic artist hopefuls. Comic-Kazi hosts a slew of events including artist signings. Many of its current and former staff members are accomplished comic book artists including Cary Nord, Gerald Garcia, Fiona Staples and more.
Redd Skull Comics & CD's
720A Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3J4This tiny shop on Edmonton Trail is jam-packed full of comics, figurines, pop-culture memorabilia and more. It carries a profusion of both new and back-issue comics as well as a surprisingly large selection of manga titles. Whether you’re trying to track down a specific old or new comic or want new graphic recommends, owner and operator Kelly Dowd is always more than willing to give his customers a hand.
Sentry Box
1835 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0K2The Sentry Box is Canada’s largest adventure gaming, science fiction and fantasy speciality bookstore. The store also features an excellent selection of board games, card games, comics, figurines and pop-culture memorabilia. Tables are set up for customers who want a quiet place to spend an afternoon gaming or painting models. On the store’s upper level, you’ll find a sizeable collection of military models and books. Tournaments and special events are held regularly.
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