After 8 years, Comic Odyssey will close its BGC branch

All back issues will be 50% off until the closing
Jul 8, 2020
PHOTO: Comic Odyssey/Facebook

SAD news for comics fans: Comic Odyssey has announced that its Bonifacio Global City branch, a large space on the top floor of Fully Booked devoted entirely to comics, will be closing on August 2.

“The pandemic has completely changed the face of modern retail,” said the retailer in a Facebook post.

The closure, it said, was part of Comic Odyssey’s move to transition itself into a “stronger online model.” However, it stressed that its Robinsons Galleria and Eastwood Mall shops remain open.

Should you visit before its formal closing date of August 2, Comic Odyssey BGC will be offering 50 percent off on all back, or non-current, issues.

The Fort branch has become well-known through the years for the long lines at Free Comic Book Day, a worldwide celebration of comics that usually takes place on the first Saturday of May. Major comic book publishers like DC, Image, and Marvel give out free comic book specials, but fans also take the time out to dress up in costume as they troop to the store.

“Since 2012, we held the biggest and best Free Comic Book Day events with thousands in attendance every year,” said the shop in its Facebook post.

Comic Odyssey was also the site of multiple comics-related launches and events over the years. In an album, it uploaded pictures of the events, including signings by current X-Men artist Leinil Yu, late comics legend Gerry Alanguilan, and creators Budjette Tan of Trese and Manix Abrera of Kikomachine Komix.

“The pandemic has completely changed the face of traditional retail. Customer buying habits have drastically changed,” explained Comic Odyssey.

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The comics industry has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. During the height of the pandemic in March, major comic book publishers momentarily stopped work on new issues. The biggest comics distributor in the world, Diamond Distribution, ceased shipping comic books to stores.

During this time period, as comics industry columnist Rob Salkowitz wrote in trade publication iCv2, shops experienced “10 weeks of depressed retail activity where some stores are down 80-90% due to local business restrictions and lack of new product. A disproportionate amount of that impact is felt by stores in big urban centers, which drive the highest volume.”

DC would only start shipping issues again in April, while Marvel would restart shipping in late May.

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PHOTO: Comic Odyssey/Facebook
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