The burglar who broke in to 1st Edition Collectibles in New Bedford, Maine, on July 8 knew exactly what he was looking for, and he made off with over $113,000 worth of rare Pokémon cards, co-owner Filipe Andre told NBC-10. Andre suspects the thief has been in the store before. "Came in, he knew exactly the items he was taking," he said. "We don't display pricing in the store at all." The out-of-print cards were from sets that were issued between 2000 and 2006, Andre said, adding, "One of them is considered the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the entire Pokémon… the first edition-based set Charizard." Because the cards were graded, they have serial numbers and can be traced, he said. The store has also posted a photo of the stolen items on its Facebook page.
The Russian bookstore Falanster was fined 800,000 rubles (about $10,000), and owner Boris Kupriyanov was fined another 100,000 rubles (about $1,300) for selling LGBTQ+ "propaganda," JURISTNews reports. The Moscow court that levied the fine cited five books, including one graphic novel: Vol. 2 of Fence, by C.S. Pacat and Johanna the Mad (see "BOOM!’s ‘Fence’ to Series"). Kupriyanov pleaded not guilty and pointed out that the books were not officially banned, and he didn't know they were deemed "problematic" until the trial; he also questioned the credentials of the person who determined that the books were problematic, and who took some items out of context.
When Symbiote Collectibles of West Reading, Pennsylvania, was hit by floods, the community showed up to clean up and help out. Owner Max Hirneisen says he lost much of his vintage comic stock. "I went downstairs to fill my eBay orders… and I saw a little bit of water under the door," he told WTMZ-TV. "I thought, maybe it's fine. Then I opened the door and it was not fine." The community rallied round, though, to help with cleanup and offer support. "In tough times, when the community comes out and helps, it's very appreciated," said Hirneisen. "We've been very fortunate to have an amazing community." The store has stayed open during cleanup.
Jeff Beck, owner of East Side Mags in Montclair, New Jersey, makes it a point to have an inclusive store where all are welcome; he hosted signings for LGBTQ+ comics creators Zoe Tunnell and Michele Abounader during pride month, and he actively promotes books that are being challenged. "If I heard that a book was banned, I'd double down, and I ordered twice as many copies as I normally would," he told NJ.com, adding, "The goal is to have everybody be able to see themselves, regardless of who they are or where they came from, or the color of their skin, or who they love, to be able to come to a comic store like ours."
To build community, "give people something to do other than sitting at home or online," Duane Thomas, owner of 13th Hour Toys and Hobbies in Howell, New Jersey told the Asbury Park Press. The store, which opened in June 2025, has quickly become a magnet for local game enthusiasts who might not have otherwise found each other. "I found two guys in that live in (Howell's Ramtown) neighborhood, probably walk past each other every day and didn't realize they both play Warhammer, but not with each other. Three guys from the Purple Park neighborhood came in and said the same thing," Thomas said. "That means that is five people within walking distance that have no clue they all play the game they all love."
Low Key Comics (named after Marvel Comics' Loki) opened its doors in Terre Haute, Indiana, on July 5, and Owners Kate and Matt Mott and their assistant Sammy Batchelor are starting with an inventory of 17,000 Golden and Silver Age comic books the Terre Haute Tribune-Star reports. The store will also carry pop-culture collectibles such as trading cards and Funko POP!s. "We have some larger vintage pieces such as an original 1982 Castle Greyskull from the He-Man toy series," Batchelor added.
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The Grand Rapids, Michigan, trading card store Devil May Duel is opening its doors to gamers who want to drop by for a game, including those they bring in themselves; they also have a PlayStation 5 set up for video game fans. (WOODTV)
Board to Death Games in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, is moving to a larger location just down the street from the old one. (69News)
Troy, New York, has a new comic shop, Cromulent Comics, which opened earlier this year; it grew out of owner Andrew Falkenhainer's personal collection. (WNYT)
