Tag Archives: collector’s paradise

Kevin Bides is promoted to Brand Manager for Collector’s Paradise stores!

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Collector's Paradise

Collector’s Paradise, the long-standing Southern California comic book and collectibles retailer, has announced that Kevin Bides, a veteran member of the Collector’s Paradise team, has been promoted to Brand Manager, effective January 2026.

Kevin’s history with Collector’s Paradise spans multiple eras of the company’s growth. He previously served as Manager of the North Hollywood location, later leaving to work in the publishing industry before returning to become Collector’s Paradise’s Social Media Manager, where he helped define and expand the company’s online presence and voice.

As Brand Manager, Kevin will be responsible for brand standards across the company’s three locations, including interior presentation, signage, displays, messaging, and visual consistency, in addition to continuing to oversee social media and digital communications. The role is designed to ensure that every Collector’s Paradise location reflects a cohesive identity while preserving the unique, community-driven atmosphere the stores are known for.

Kevin’s appointment reflects Collector’s Paradise’s continued commitment to investing in long-time team members and maintaining consistent, high-quality experiences for collectors both in-store and online.

Collector’s Paradise Announces Retirement of Founding Partner Joseph Zelich and Promotion of Nicholas Ignacio to Partner

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Collector's Paradise

Collector’s Paradise, the celebrated Southern California comic book and collectibles destination with locations in West Valley, Pasadena, and North Hollywood, has announced a major leadership transition as founding partner Joseph Zelich retires and Nicholas Ignacio, long-time employee (since 2010) and General Manager, is promoted to partner in the business.

Founded in September 1994 when Joseph Zelich and Edward Greenberg took over an existing comic book store in the San Fernando Valley, Collector’s Paradise has grown into one of Los Angeles’s most beloved comic and pop culture retailers. Over nearly three decades, the company expanded from its original Winnetka store to additional locations in Old Town Pasadena in 2010 and the historic NoHo Arts District in 2019, all while building a reputation for deep inventory, superior customer service, and immersive in-store and online experiences.

Joseph’s passion and commitment to our business have been the cornerstone of Collector’s Paradise’s success. From humble beginnings to becoming a staple of the Los Angeles comic community, Joe’s behind the scenes management of our resources has kept us on track for over 30 years. On behalf of everyone at Collector’s Paradise, we thank him for his many years of dedication and wish him a fulfilling and joyous retirement.

-Edward Greenberg, partner and co-founder

A fixture of the company for over 15 years, Nicholas Ignacio started as a kid buying comic books, went off to college, then started working at Collector’s Paradise in 2010 and has served as employee, store manager, and General Manager, helping oversee daily operations across multiple locations while shaping the company’s culture and service standards. His deep industry knowledge, strong community ties, and collecting culture make him an outstanding addition to the ownership team.

Nicholas has earned the trust and love of our team, our customers, and our many creator partners. He has been managing many aspects of our company for years, so it’s only fitting that he joins the business. With him in a full-time leadership position, Collector’s Paradise will continue to thrive and innovate in both retail and community engagement.

-Edward Greenberg, partner and co-founder

Under Ignacio’s leadership, the company will build on its legacy of hosting creator events, expanding online services including its state-of-the-art subscription management software, and enhancing the fan experience for comic book and pop culture enthusiasts.

Collector’s Paradise announces a Customers Helping Customers Fund for this impacting by the Los Angeles Wildfires!

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Customers Helping Customers

The 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires have affected all of us in one way or another. So many people lost their homes and belongings, including their comic book collections. Others had to leave their homes behind, not knowing if there would be a home to come back to. Those of us not in the way of the fires (at least this time around) were the lucky ones. Since the start of the wildfires, Collector’s Paradise have been trying to figure out ways to get themselves and its customers involved in helping those in need. Last week, the store raised $700 for the LA Fire Fighters Foundation. They are currently working on other fundraising and donation goals. While they won’t be able replace everything someone has lost, they hope to be able to help their fellow comic book fans relieve some stress and continue to participate in this amazing hobby.

Several customers reached out looking to help those affected by the fires, offering to pay for their comic books. This kindness was the impetus for the “Customers Helping Customers” fund.

How Can You Donate to this Fund?

If you are able to donate money to this fund, please visit the website, Comicsandcards.net, and look for “Customers Helping Customers” to find the donation page or go straight to: https://www.comicsandcards.net/store-front/chc/

Collector’s Paradise will match all contributions, up to $5,000

Who Receives the Money?

If you are an existing comic book subscriber OR book club member of one of Collector’s Paradise locations and a resident of Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Altadena or nearby affected areas, please email them at store@comicsandcards.net. Please put your name and address, and ask to be a recipient of the “Customers Helping Customers” Fund. Driver’s license or other State Issued ID with residence listed will be required for verification.

How Will the Funds Be Allocated?

They will start distribution of the funds as soon as they have enough donations and a group of recipients. They will add more recipients as the funds replenish. Money distributed through the fund to individuals will become gift cards that can be used at any of our retail locations. Funds will be allocated based on supply of donations and quantity of qualified recipients.  All of the funds will be distributed to those in need in the next 60-90 days. Collector’s Paradise will take no money for administration of this fund, will distribute 100% of the money to customers within 90 days. Records will be kept with all donations and money awarded.

Collector’s Paradise is turning 30 and you can get 30% OFF for A YEAR!!!

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Collector's Paradise 30th Anniversary

This September, Collector’s Paradise, a three-location comic bookstore chain in Los Angeles, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a slate of amazing events, weekly themed sales, and a contest for each location’s Most Valuable Customer (MVC)!

Collector’s Paradise was formed in September of 1994, when Edward Greenberg, a comic book and trading card collector, convinced his future father-in-law, Joseph Zelich, to invest in purchasing a comic bookstore in the heart of the West San Fernando Valley, in Winnetka, CA. Greenberg was convinced that the store’s location, right next to two schools and near a local community college, would prove to be a great business in the right hands. It took years of learning the business and the industry to make Collector’s Paradise into a store and a brand that could launch a bigger company. In 2005, a second location in Old Town Pasadena was opened, in the space formerly occupied by Comic Odyssey, a San Fernando Valley & Pasadena institution. It took another 14 years for the company to expand again; this time in the historic NoHo Art District, in August of 2019, right before the onset of the COVID Pandemic.

To survive the pandemic, Collector’s Paradise pivoted into online pre-orders, and exclusive products sold on their website, Comicsandcards.net, including Mysterious Boxes of Mystery, Curated Graphic Novel monthly blind boxes, and their biggest launch to date, Collector’s Paradise Signature Series products, which has become a worldwide success, attracting customers from all over the US and beyond. When you buy a Signature Series product, you receive a comic book series or graphic novel that is autographed by some of the biggest creators in the industry and certified by Collector’s Paradise – always sold at cover price.

This September, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the company, Collector’s Paradise is putting together a month of events and sales to reward the customers who have stuck with them through the good times and the bad. Every week in September, all three locations will have signings with amazing local creators and a Hong Kong movie star, a Comics for Charity event running simultaneously at the 3 Collector’s Paradise locations and another 4 stores to be announced, plus weekly themed 30% OFF sales and a Most ValuableCustomer (MVC) contest that will net one customer at each location a 30% OFF discount for a YEAR!  More details are available at comicsandcards.net. 

Collector’s Paradise introduces the Artist Sketch Series

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Collector’s Paradise has announced something NEW. Something that may be a one-off, or something that will turn into the next Mysterious Boxes of Mystery, or the next Signature Series. To kick things off, Collector’s Paradise is teaming with Scott Koblish for this special project, the Artist Sketch Series. Prices are being kept super low to get things rolling, so don’t miss out and take advantage of this one!

Known for his huge amount of Deadpool issues, and a ton of other Marvel & DC work, some crazy holiday one shots with Jerry Duggan for Image comics, and his own amazing The Many Deaths of Scott Koblish, Scott has an amazing style, clearly inspired by John Byrne and George Perez, and is a true master of his craft. That’s why Marvel asked him to break the world record of the number of Characters on the Cover for the release of Fantastic Four #700 in May (issues #7 & 8 of the newest series).

The Koblish Artist Sketch Series special package will include:

  • Issues #7, 8 of Fantastic Four (issue #7 is the 700th issue of the book), Connecting Wraparound Variants by Scott featuring over 700 characters that have appeared in issues of FF.
  • Both books will be Signed by Scott, with a Certificate of Authenticity
  • You will also receive a 5.25 x 7.5 Sketch Card with a Sketch of a character you choose (within limits) by Scott, similar to the sample cards you see below.
  • This product will be limited to the number of orders by the deadline of ordering of issue #7. As soon as the deadline passes Collector’s Paradise will likely stop the orders and have Scott start working on the sketches.

NOW, THE PRICE. THE WHOLE THING IS JUST $29.99!

Scott Koblish sketch cards

Collector’s Paradise Announces a “Signature Series”

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Collector's Paradise Signature Series

Collector’s Paradise is known for its events. Last year they had over 50 signings between 3 locations. COVID changed everything. Large gatherings are not acceptable these days. With that challenge, the retailer had been trying to figure out how to bring creators to its customers. With some help by the amazing LA Creator community, the store is launching something really cool.

INTRODUCING SIGNATURE SERIES.

Any FIRST ISSUE that will be part of Collector’s Paradise Signature Series will come pre-signed by an amazing creator or two, free of charge for its customers, at all three locations. But that is NOT Signature Series.

Commit and pre-pay for a complete mini-series and ALL ISSUES will come signed, plus you will get a CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY issued by Collector’s Paradise.

The first book in the Signature Series is My Little Pony/Transformers by the most famous MLP artist ever, Tony Fleecs. Pre-order the My Little Pony/Transformers #1-4 Signature Series to be picked up at one of the locations or shipped to your door.

Collector’s Paradise Launches Shipping and Curbside Pickup to Keep You Safe

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Collector's Paradise

Collector’s Paradise is one of the many comic book stores adjusting to the “new normal” that is coronavirus. With the City of Los Angeles decreeing “all non-essential retail activity has to come to a halt until at least the end of the month,” the store is figuring out ways to stay in business and help serve their customers.

In their email to customers they write:

We have been selling comics for close to 26 years now, and this is truly the first time that we are uncertain about the future of our store, our industry and our favorite art form. We need your help and cooperation more than ever for all of us to make it through this period, however long it is, and come back stronger than ever. It won’t be easy for the next few weeks, the virus, the media, the government, are all telling us to stop what we are doing and just hole up in our dwellings. And it’s not a bad idea, and because of that, we have come up with a way for us to continue servicing your reading and collectible needs, in a way that follows the law and helps you out in the process. We really hope you all take us up on this offer because, to be honest, I am not sure if there will be a comic book industry and a Collector’s Paradise if most people just decide to sit this one out.

Collector’s Paradise is launching two initiatives to keep things functioning. The store is now offering shipping as well as curbside pickup.

SHIPPING:
Effecting immediately, they’re ready to start shipping subscriptions and other orders, with FREE SHIPPING with a $40 minimum, or $5 FLAT RATE SHIPPING for any orders under $40. Shipping is quick, usually 1 day after the order is placed. Some days, your package will be shipped same day and will arrive next day.

CURBSIDE PICKUP
They are allowing pre-paid, SEALED BAG orders to be picked up curbside, without getting out of the car or ever entering the store or interacting with an employee beyond handing you a sealed bag. (no shopping in store) during the hours listed below (Mon-Sat 11-4 only). They will have intake forms starting tomorrow at all three stores, you can call in your order, pay with credit card on the phone, or Paypal, or Venmo, or card saved on file, and have your bag ready to do when you arrive. They will be on the phone the whole day with customers, so they may have to take your number and call you back.

DIFFERENT SALE EVERY WEEK:
ALSO, starting tomorrow, ALL Image Comics Graphic Novels are 25% OFF to thank the company for taking a GIANT stand with brick and mortar comic book stores in these tough times. For more on this, read here.

PAYMENTS:
You can take care of payments for your orders in the following ways:

▪Have a credit card on file, by printing out the form at http://comicsandcards.net/ccagreement.html, then scanning and emailing it to store@comicsandcards.net. If you already have a credit card on file with us, please make sure it is up to date.
▪Place an order over the phone by callings the stores directly (store phone numbers below) and paying by either credit card over the phone
▪PAYPAL or VENMO (store@comicsandcards.net, for both)

STORE PHONE NUMBERS:
WINNETKA: 818-999-9455
PASADENA: 626-577-6694
NOHO: 818-980-2665

OPERATIONS STARTING TOMORROW:
Each store will have one amazing employee on duty, between 11am – 4pm, Mon-Sat. The store will be closed to visitors, but employees will be able to take your orders over the phone, offer recommendations, call you back with totals and shipping time estimates, pack and ship orders, and hand out your pre-paid and bagged curbside pick up orders for those of you who drive by to do so.

Collector’s Paradise Takes Over Blastoff Comics

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Collector's Paradise Takes Over Blastoff Comics

Blastoff Comics and Collector’s Paradise have announced that they have entered into an agreement that will allow Collector’s Paradise to take over Blastoff’s popular brick-and-mortar location at 5118 Lankershim Boulevard. The new Collector’s Paradise NoHo store, joining Collector’s Paradise’s existing locations in Canoga Park and Pasadena, is expected to open its doors August 2019.

Blastoff Comics co-owner Jud Meyers’ relocation to San Diego for a new position at IDW Publishing is the primary reason behind the closing.

Collector’s Paradise will continue Blastoff’s tradition of emphasizing “graphic novels, personalized customer service, and a respect for the history of comics.” They will also introduce their “one-of-a-kind online subscription service and graphic novel club, a wide selection of exciting new product lines, and their many special themed events and release parties designed to bring creators and readers together.”

Customers should watch both Blastoff and Collector’s Paradise’s social media for the latest news on the birth of Collector’s Paradise NoHo.

No One Left to Fight… is Fighting the Comic Subscription System

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No One Left to Fight is the new upcoming comic series from Aubrey Sitterson, Fico Ossio, and Taylor Esposito and published by Dark Horse Comics. And, they’re not just working on a new comic but also shaking up the comic subscription/ordering service.

The comic is partnering with Collector’s Paradise to launch an online subscription service.

Fans can preorder the entire five series which will be shipped in November when the final issue is released at retail. There are multiple packages available, each with their own incentives.

  • Basic Package: $19.99 and includes issues #1-5 signed by Sitterson.
  • Super Package: $29.99 includes the basic package plus a collectible 6×9 art card signed by Sitterson and Ossio.
  • Collector Package: $39.99 includes Super Package plus an 11×17 poster of the cast signed by Sitterson and Ossio.

The goal is to help those who want a physical copy and might not have a comic shop they can go to. It’s not about replacing those shops, as fans will be able to go their each month and get a new issue, it’s about helping those who don’t have access to that experience.

No One Left to Fight #1 will be out July 3.

No One Left to Fight #1

Collector’s Paradise brings FREE COMIC BOOK MAY to Los Angeles!

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Collector’s Paradise ANNOUNCES THAT MAY 2012 IS TO BE KNOWN AS “FREE COMIC BOOK MAY” at both Collector’s Paradise stores!

Los Angeles area’s Leading Retail Comic Book Store Chain expands the concept of Free Comic Book Day into a month-long event with Free Comics events every Saturday in May and 8 creator signings during the month of May!

Canoga Park, Calif., April 26, 2012 – Collector’s Paradise Comics & Gallery, is proud to announce that we will be bringing the Free Comic Book MAY idea to Los Angeles area this year, in celebration of the National Free Comic Book Day!

“When I first heard of the Free Comic Book MAY concept, created by an amazing comic book store in Florida, “A Comic Shop”, I was blown away.” said owner Edward Greenberg, adding:  “It took a couple of years and friendship with one of that stores’ owner, Jason Blanchard, to organize properly and bring this monumental event to LA.”

The concept of Free Comic Book MAY is simple. Come to either Collector’s Paradise store on Free Comic Book Day, May 5th, get your free books, and a Stamp Card.  Come back the following Saturday, and get another stamp, and get more free books (details below). As long as you have a stamp from the previous week, you can keep coming back every Saturday in May and get more free books, including, during the last week of the month, FREE Graphic Novels. The four weeks are designed to spotlight different types of books:

May 5th – Free Comic Book Day, books provided by many publishers, range of options.

May 12th – Free Superhero Day, free superhero comics by Marvel Comics & DC Comis

May 19th– Free Independent Comics Day, free indie books, chosen by us, and contributed  by our good friends, publishers like Top Cow Productions, Boom Studios & Aspen Comics.

May 26th – Free Graphic Novel Day, free Graphic Novels, once again chosen by us and contributed by our sponsors.

Collector’s Paradise will also hold eight Creator Signing Events during the month of May, to promote some of the most interesting new creators and projects out there.  Some of the events will be targeted towards a more mature audience, and at those events, alcohol will be served to those over the age of 21.

May 2nd 12pm-3pm:  Mind the Gap Release Party with Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, Sonia Oback in the Canoga Park store.

May 2nd 6pm-9pm:  Mind the Gap Release Party with Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, Sonia Oback in the Pasadena store. Mature reader event, alcohol & snacks served.

May 5th 12pm-5pm: Free Comic Book Day Signings in both stores, featuring Ed Brubaker, Joshua Fialkov, Kyle Higgins, Jim McCann, Rodin Esquejo, Sonia Oback in the Canoga Park store from 12pm-3pm, and Steve Niles, Gabriel Hardman, Corinna Bechko, Chris Houghton, Shane Houghton, & more 2-5pm in the Pasadena store.  

May 9th 12pm-3pm:  Higher Earth Release Party with Sam Humphries, in the Pasadena store. Also, celebrating release of Ultimates #10, Fanboys vs. Zombies #1, John Carter Gods of Mars #1.

May 9th 5pm-8pm:  Higher Earth Release Party with Sam Humphries, in the Canoga Park store. Also, celebrating release of Ultimates #10, Fanboys vs. Zombies #1, John Carter Gods of Mars #1.

May 12th 6pm-9pm: Dames in the Atomic Age Release Party, 40s Noir/Sci-fi Costume Party/Contest with Chris Ryder, Mark Sandroni, Mike Vosburg, Tone Rodriguez, Andy Suriano, Tony Fleecs, Chris Moreno, Mark Dos Santos & Rahsan Ekedal.  Mature reader event, cigars, alcohol & snacks served.

May 26th 12pm-3pm: Hands On Fire, Comic Art of Jack Kirby Signing with Charles Hatfield, for the Eisner Award  nominated book. In the Canoga Park store.

May 26th 6pm-9pm: Sweetness Art Book / FOX SISTER HC Release Party with Christina Strain, to celebrate release of her and Adrian Alphona’s artbook, as well as the brand new HC reprint of her web series, Fox Sister. Mature reader event, alcohol & snacks served

Please visit Collector’s Paradise’ official site, ComicsAndCards.net for full details about our Free Comic Book Day and Free Comic Book MAY Events.

For additional information, please contact Edward Greenberg, managing partner of Collector’s Paradise @ 818-999-9455 (business) or by email, at store@comicsandcards.net

Collector’s Paradise Canoga Park is located at 7131 Winnetka Ave, at Sherman Way in Canoga Park.  Collector’s Paradise Pasadena is located at 319 S. Arroyo Parkway Unit 4, at the corner of Del Mar  in Pasadena.

Collector’s Paradise Comics & Gallery has been a mainstay in the Southern California Comic Book scene since 1994. In recent years, the store has focused on offering their customers an exceptional experience that goes beyond collecting comic books, from creator appearances, to  proprietary online subscription manager software, and an Art Gallery. A year ago, the store opened its second branch, on the corner of Arroyo Parkway and Del Mar in Old Town Pasadena. The store’s future plans include many new and very different ways to experience the comic book culture.

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