Took the whole fam jam clan to Variant Edition Comics & Culture last Saturday for Free Comic Book Day 2017. The store was jam packed with shoppers galore and seemed to be a pretty happening place. The staff were friendly and there was a large variety of comic books to peruse. The kiddos like the young reader book section (great choices for graphic novels). I didn't realize they bought and sold books here as well. A highlight of this location is the life-size Doctor Who Tardis. While this isn't our local comic book store, it's always fun to check out another Comic Book store and see what's new! Two Thumbs Up! read more

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I don't get to go to VE as often as I'd like, since it's a bit of a trek for me and money is a bit tight these days, but I adore this store. Danica is a kind of "comic whisperer," with a great talent for suggesting titles you'll love based on other things you've liked. She's introduced me to so many great books. Brandon is also fantastic. I've absolutely had the experience of getting ignored when shopping for comics, and the personal attention Danica and Brandon give to all their customers is really fantastic. I also really appreciate the number of community driven events they host in the store. Overall, a fantastic addition to the community. read more

Oh gosh, Variant Edition: my favourite comic book store (and used bookstore!) in Edmonton. I've had a chance to visit it both at the original location and at the current location and I've been very happy with my visits. While it can get busy during special events such as Free Comic Book Day, the store can handle the crowds and treats all the customers (especially children and families but really anyone who enters the store) very well. I love how the staff members put so much time and effort into finding the right comic or graphic novel for anyone's tastes. If you want to get into comics and either Brandon or Danica are there, provide them with a few things you are into (movies, tv shows, types of stories) and they'll be sure to find a comic that you'll like if not love. As it is also a used bookstore that curates its wares very carefully to the types of customers that shop there (they know that a lot of the customers like sci fi, graphic novels, fantasy, cookbooks, children's books, YA fiction, fiction, role playing books etc.). I've sold some of my books to them in the past (you get twice the store credit that you would otherwise get in cash -- store credit only being used for buying used books). I've had a good experience with this and will try to do this in the future when I'm weeding my book collection, but only if the types of books that I'm wanting to sell are ones that they're seeking! As for the comics, I love how they have a great children's section, lots of graphic novels (sorted by title generally), section for recommendations, local authors, new books, and sell some books in sets to get you started. If you're a file customer, they'll make sure to have your comics waiting for you when you visit the shop (please visit regularly in this case). Setting up a file is easy, and you can make changes whenever you need to if a comic is no longer working for you and your interests. They also offer delivery within Edmonton, can do stuff for special events (give them ample notice to see if they are interested), and will send comics through the mail (they're working to improve that aspect too) within Canada. Variant Edition is a store that makes me feel welcome. It is a store I feel comfortable recommending to my friends and to their kids. It's a place that really cares about community and which gives back to the community. I frequent other comic book stores on occasion for special events, to buy things that Variant might not carry (they don't carry much if any comics-related merchandise), or to meet friends or buy gifts and giftware, but Variant is where I go for my comics. The fact that their staff are incredibly knowledgeable, their practices are very inclusive, and they give back to the Edmonton community makes me a loyal customer who enjoys making a trek across town to spend money on what I love: books. read more

These are my new go to comic guys! It had been years since I had a file, but I wanted to get back into collecting and checked out a few shops around town. Variant is for sure my pick. Service and selection are great. Staff very knowledgable and friendly. Just a super chill vibe, that I come to think of from good comic stores! read more

Such a great little shop! I made the trek across town to Variant Edition today and it was totally worth it. This neat, little store is filled with carefully curated used books from a variety of genres, as well as new and used comics and graphic novels at the front of the store. The staff is wonderful (including some furry intern felines!) and incredibly helpful. I went in to pre-order some books to give away to trick or treaters this Halloween and it was an absolute breeze to do -- ordered and paid for, ready for future me to pick up this October! I just wish I'd had more money on me to pick up a stack of local reads while I was there. The Stony Plain Road area has completely redeveloped to have some lovely shops and services -- I'm thrilled this is one of them. Even though I live on the Southside now, I'll continue to travel to Varient Edition for my reading needs! read more

Great place run by Great people. I cannot say enough as to how much of a gem they are to the community.

Danica and Brendan are both great, always super nice. They have a good selection of books. And always have a ton of new releases. That is the reason I made a pull list with them. A+ all around. read more

Variant is a really cool little store and I was happy to see them when they moved into my neighborhood. They are definitely unique to other stores as they don't seem focused solely on just making profits but also on being involved in community events and even offering a pet friendly atmosphere. It's a really interesting blend of books and comic books and they are really well stocked. The book section especially fills a much needed space that was left when Wee Book Inn shut down their Stony Plain Road location. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling seeing this type of business taking a chance on this neighborhood again. On my first visit in I actually bought some mini Sailor Moon figurines they had displayed in their window. Admittedly they were more expensive then what I would have paid online but honestly I don't mind shelling out a little more cash to help a group of really nice folks keep this wonderful small business afloat. If your a comic book fan or even just a fan of reading Variant is definitely one of those rare places worth going out of your way to visit. read more

Friendly little independent comic store with knowledgeable staff and a focus on helping the community as well as running a store. Came across them when I saw a panel they were hosting at a local Sci Fi convention, and really liked their vision and business goals. The store is great to browse around (and also has a good collection of SF/F and horror books, both new and used) and the staff are always happy to help, order items, or make suggestions if you want. Stop by and support a great local business! read more

Variant Edition Graphic Novels and Comics - Outside - Comic Books Near Me - Edmonton, Alberta

Variant is the first comic store where I have felt truly welcome as a customer. The owners are always friendly and welcoming, have great suggestions, stock a fantastic selection of comics, and know their readers well. The store is also welcoming to new readers. I recommend them store to anyone interested in comics. read more

Great comic shop with a great selection and amazing staff/owners!

Great store. Even if you have to order a book in and they disagree with your/its politics, they will order in the book, which is good of them, because they are not at all required to have the books you like on the shelf. I will be making sure to buy ALL my comics there. read more

I visit Variant every time I'm in town; they have a neat collection, and Danica and Brandon are always willing to place orders for pickup (or mail me new issues of comics I've enjoyed!). Their used book collection has some real gems in it sometimes, and the atmosphere of the shop always makes me want to go back. I also very much appreciate their nuanced and principled approach to stocking comics and dealing with customers. read more

Went to this shop today and loved it. The woman working was friendly and polite, and she really seemed to want me to enjoy my time browsing. There was an amazing selection of graphic novels and it was well organized. I went to four comic shops dieting this trip to Edmonton and Varient Edition is the one I look forward to checking in every time I'm in the city. read more

Variant Edition is dedicated to being more than a comic book store. The events they host are forward thinking; they drive home positive attitudes and are so incredibly inclusive. I think anyone who is looking for a welcoming community of like-minded nerds can come here and feel at home. read more