Variant Edition Comics & Culture

Variant has quickly become my go-​to place for comics, graphic novels, and good conversation. They make an effort to make their store welcoming to all, which shows and is wonderful as I have not always felt welcome in other comic stores. Their community events are super fun and welcoming as well, from Board Games with rescue cats to clothing swaps. I love that they are purposefully working to have a positive community space.
And, they know their stuff. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for or just want something new talk to them and you’ll get great suggestions from their strong and varied collection.

I recently had a chance to go to a board gaming event at Variant, and it was a great chance to check out the space. It’s not a large space, but that doesn’t matter in the slightest. It’s bright, well organized, and had some things that had been looking for, right in plain sight! Owly books, anyone?
There’s a great space in the back, with a tv, for gaming events and stuff like that. I loved how much light it had! I don’t mind playing games in a dimly lit gaming cave, but sometimes it’s nice to be able to see what you’re doing, especially when you’re not familiar with the game.
Everyone there was super welcoming, friendly, and helpful with any questions. The event we were at ran a little over, and they let us stay until we were finished up our game.
Love the set up, love that it’s a smaller, easy to navigate space, and will be back.

I’ve been a big comic book nerd for over a decade and I’ve seen my fair share of comic stores, ranging from multi-​floor nerd complexes to stores that are so small you can barely carry an oversized hardcover down an aisle. What makes Variant Edition a special store isn’t their stock or their space (which are both still lovely) but rather the inclusive ethic that they promote. Variant Edition is a store that caters to established comic junkies to new readers and everything along the spectrum between. From their brightly-​lit space to their carefully made displays to the progressive attitude of the staff, Variant Edition is a store that offers the inclusivity needed to support new fans as well as the knowledge to support veteran ones.
Edmonton is blessed to have some very good comic shops but Variant Edition feels especially full of energy due to the enthusiasm and attentiveness that the staff provide. As a relatively small and brand new store, the owners are always there to answer questions and provide suggestions. Brandon’s «pick three» method of triangulating comic suggestions based on three movies, books or shows that you like is a great way to challenge the staff while also generating some truly great and personal suggestions.
A bonus for people that really love comics is that Variant Edition offers a discount on subscriptions to comics. They really value their customers and reward them for coming in regularly by offering discounts based on how many comics you subscribe to. Whether you only read a couple titles a month or get into the dozens, saving a little bit really helps the nerd budget.
The store also offers Magic: the Gathering stock and tournaments. I haven’t personally attended any of them yet, but the same enthusiasm from the staff is clearly evident for gaming.
Located in the always exciting and continually burgeoning Oliver area, Variant Edition is just off the beaten path but totally worth the extra few steps. As a new shop, Variant Edition is still experiencing some growing pains as their signage isn’t necessarily very clear and they are still working on building up some back stock, however the business owners are not only keenly aware of changes they’re aiming for but are also responsive to the needs of their customers.
I feel like it might be a little premature to give them the full 5-​star treatment but I have had some great experiences at the store already and have complete faith in the owners of the store so they get a perfect review in my books.

So when Brandon ceased to work at Wizards at the end of 2014 I was sad because I knew that it would be a while before I had a regular comic book shop to frequent. When Variant Edition finally opened its doors to the public with a grand opening on Free Comic Book Day I was sad because I couldn’t be there. Well, this store certainly doesn’t disappoint. Not only does it have a TARDIS (what other comic book shop has a TARDIS, I might ask?) but it has three of the most wonderful staff members/​owners: Brandon, Danica and Brendan. And I definitely have a comic book shop to call my own again, which is splendid!
They do a brisk sales in graphic novels, comics, and Magic The Gathering cards. There is a nice children’s section (yes I shop there too). I like the personal attention I get from Danica and Brandon when looking for comics to purchase because they’ll likely know immediately if they have it in stock (whether out on the shelves or in the back). I love the graphic novels section and tend to spend a pretty penny (yes, I actually did use some pennies on my last visit, strangely enough). But really, since the store has only been open for just over a month, I would expect it to only get better and better as time goes on. Quite honestly it’s already impressed me! It’s clean, bright and filled with wonderful wares to purchase!
Accessible (only a block or two away) from transit, this location is just off of some major roadways and has ample street parking available. I highly recommend checking this place out as it is most excellent!

I attended the grand opening of this comic book shop in the Oliver neighbourhood. It is small, and many of the shelves were still bare, but I saw a lot of alternative, mature, and cult titles, which is what I tend to look for with regard to comics and graphic novels. There were some gaming items as well like cards, but I am not into that so I did not pay close attention. I look forward to seeing the shop develop over the next while.