Word of the robberies came via a Facebook post from Hasbrouck, who had approximately 20 short boxes and a dozen long boxes removed from his unit. Most of the material stolen from Hasbrouck is back stock, some of which is priced with white stickers that say “Rebel Base Charlotte NC.” Copies of store exclusive variants may also have been among the stolen comics. The thieves removed one load using a pair of carts, and returned to the unit for a second load, but ultimately abandoned the loaded carts in the unit and left the door open. Whether they did so because they were spooked or because they were planning to come back is unknown.
Michael had all of the comics removed from his storage unit, including 10 long boxes and about two years’ worth of Marvel Collector Corps boxes from Funko. The missing comics date from around 2015 to present and are predominantly Marvel titles with a smattering of DC and Image books. The boxes contain small lots for several series, and the comics are bagged, but not boarded. Each box is labeled with the month and year for when the box was filled.
Police are still investigating. The storage facility is a converted building, and the units lack ceilings. While the walls are several feet high, the upper areas are surrounded by chain link fencing, which makes it possible for someone to climb up and look into other units.
Hasbrouck informed ICv2 that a unit containing car parts had also been hit, and as we were speaking, a customer of Rebel Base let Hasbrouck know that the lock had been cut off his unit in the same facility. The customer has not yet had a chance to assess whether anything was stolen.
If you’re in the Charlotte area, please keep an eye out. “If these books show up and come into your shop,” writes Hasbrouck, “do what you feel is comfortable. Call 911 and stall and wait for your local Police to show up or just get contact info.”
