Comix Experience is officially the oldest comic book shop in San Francisco, reaching its 35 year anniversary milestone this past March. Brian Hibbs opened the shop back in April 1, 1989 – April Fool’s Day! When it first opened, it mainly carried mainstream comics and some indie comics and zines. Now, it fully stocks just about everything published by every cartoonist who released something in any format and length and genre (and is not out of print). And it holds monthly graphic novel club events for its graphic novel subscribers, along with signings and in-person interviews for them to sit in, further nurturing a kinship for all San Francisco comics fans.
Comix Experience is one of five finalists for an Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award at the San Diego Comic-Con International Eisner Awards Ceremony this evening. I wish them luck and cross my fingers they win it finally for 35 years of service to the world of comic books in San Francisco. I am honored to be the official photographer for some of its store events, especially since it welcomes fans of all types and give us a sense of community and a place to hang out and discuss comics with each other or our favorite cartoonists who are store guests.
Here are my photos from the Comix Experience 35th Anniversary Party.
Comix Experience regulars and anniversary attendees hang out in the rear store room.Eileen, a Comix Experience long time regular.Comix Experience 35th anniversary t-shirt, based on the original logo design from 1989.A taco truck was on hand for the anniversary party attendees.Comix Experience staffers Katie Borrman and Katt Kelly.Brian Hibbs, founder and owner of Comix Experience about to give a speech to anniversary attendees.Anniversary party turnout during Brian Hibbs’ speech.After his speech, Brian Hibbs takes in the moment of making it to 35 years and counting and toasts the milestone.The anniversary cake.Brian Hibbs cutting slices for the attendees.Attendees dig into the anniversary cake.Comix Experience and Brian Hibbs receives a Certificate of Honor from city supervisor, Dean Preston of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.Comix Experience staffers Katie Borrman and Katt Kelly review photos taken.Daniel Clowes sketch in the Comix Experience restroom, a CE tradition of getting visiting cartoonists to draw on the restroom wall after their signing and Brian Hibbs CE/The Beat YouTube interview.A Charles Forsman sketch.A Jeffrey Brown sketch.Steve Skroce and Mike Allred sketches.Hartley Lin sketch.Jaime Hernandez sketch.Katie Skelly sketch.Caroline Cash sketch.A Rich Tommaso sketch.Comix Experience staffers Katt Kelly and Katie Borrman behind the registerComix Experience staffer, Zoe Hu and her father and Luis Pardio of Mission Comics behind her.Comix Experience staffer Katie Borrman’s anniversary window display.Comix Experience staffer Katie Borrman’s anniversary window display.Comix Experience staffer Katie Borrman’s anniversary window display.Comix Experience staffer Katie Borrman’s anniversary window display.Anniversary ceiling decoration.Comix Experience staffer Katie Borrman’s anniversary window display.Comix Experience staffer, Katt Kelly.Brian Hibbs and behind him, cartoonist Steve Lafler.Comix Experience staffers Katt Kelly, Zoe Hu and Silver Sprocket staffer and cartoonist Simon Jane.Silver Sprocket, Mission Comics and Comix Experience staffers.Anniversary cake all gone at the end of the night.Simon Jane, Katt Kelly and Avi Ehrlich.Seth Rosenblatt, Leaf Smith of Mission Comics, Brian Hibbs, Luis Pardio.Erik Braa and Luis Pardio.Comix Experience storefront at the end of the anniversary celebration event, a fun evening had by all.
