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Anybody know of any great comic book shops in Toronto, Canada? I'm going there and was wondering if there were any brilliant comic book shops worth checking out.

JohnMayo wrote:Anybody know of any great comic book shops in Toronto, Canada? I'm going there and was wondering if there were any brilliant comic book shops worth checking out.

I went to a couple that were decent when I was going to Toronto on business a couple of years ago:

The Beguiling
http://www.beguiling.com/index.php

Silver Snail
http://www.silversnail.com/main/

The Hairy Tarantula is a couple blocks north of the Silver Snail's NEW location. It's easy to miss and I haven't headed up there yet. It's across the street from the easy to find Zanzibar Tavern, and on the opposite side of the street from the Silver Snail. You may not approve of the Spider-Man dismemberment picture they have outside of their door. I suspect you would only want to use Zanzibar as a landmark, not a place to waste some time and $$$. If you do decide to stop in don't forget it's a tourist trap and there are better places around the city.

And a block or two north of the Hairy T (on the same side of the street) is a pretty good shawarma place. I don't remember the name but it's just one of the many generic 'Middle Eastern' restaurants all over. If you get shawarma (and you should -- assuming you can eat it) I don't recommend Paramount. They just opened up and are supposed to be one of the top places in the city but I found their food bland and/or overcooked. The wait times can also be quite long.

Toronto's an awesome city and I recommend you explore as much as you can. Don't forget there's a 13% tax (which they no longer refund ), and you'll need to declare purchases over (I believe) $200. I forgot about the 13% sales tax once, and just dropped in to my usual habit of doubling the tax and rounding to determine the tip at a restaurant - so someone ended up with a > 26% tip. I couldn't figure out why he was so excited about the tip until the math caught up to me.

boshuda wrote:Toronto's an awesome city and I recommend you explore as much as you can. Don't forget there's a 13% tax (which they no longer refund ), and you'll need to declare purchases over (I believe) $200. I forgot about the 13% sales tax once, and just dropped in to my usual habit of doubling the tax and rounding to determine the tip at a restaurant - so someone ended up with a > 26% tip. I couldn't figure out why he was so excited about the tip until the math caught up to me.

I've been to Toronto before on business and agree it is a great city. (Some of the work experience I had there, not so great.)

Thanks for pointing out the sales tax. There is pretty steep and I'd probably have done the sale thing for the tip if you hadn't warned me.

It looks like might be in the part of town that The Hairy Tarantula and the Silver Snail are in so I might have a chance to check out those shops. I'm not sure if I'll make it to The Beguiling or not.

Thanks for all of the information.

Hi John,

Long time listener but negligent forum poster Sal here. Hope this overlong reply serves you well.

The Beguiling is in a creaky and fairly old house (which I find charming but recognize that others can find it ramshackle, dim and claustrophobic) and is very much focussed on creator-owned, European and indie OGNs. Their second floor, mind you, has at least one copy of most issues of what appears in the front-half of Previews (and then some), as well as a solid collection of manga and TPBs/HC collected editions. I find the layout of the second floor cramped and uncomfortable compared to the ground floor area, however (and good luck accessing their back-issues). There are also very little collectibles and toys available. Nevertheless, I consider this store my favourite downtown comic book location in terms of recent back-issue availability and overall comprehensiveness of their selection.

Silver Snail just celebrated their grand reopening recently. I haven't had the time to wander through the new location first-hand, but I gather it is very comfortable in terms of browsing space as well as the slightly overpriced cafe (whose original location nevertheless has a good rep) that seemingly occupies half the retail space. I would say that Silver Snail caters more to the front-half of Previews than The Beguiling does and that they cater strongly to the toy and collectibles market. Silver Snail has a wider selection of back issues than The Beguiling. I go there for their sales and when I need to grab the very occasional toy or collectible.

Despite Yonge Street being closer to you during your stay, I strongly recommend the neighbourhood (called the Annex) where The Beguiling is located for the variety of cheap-but-good restaurants and bookstores such as Labyrinth, a graphic novel and design bookstore that caters to the more Absolute/Library sized editions and the flagship BMV location (a chain of used/remaindered bookstores). If you are brave enough to ride our user-unfriendly public transportation, the area is easily accessible by exiting the Bathurst subway station. This area is also adjacent to a Korean neighbourhood, in case you are a fan of that cuisine

Also, in terms of comic-book related stores on Yonge Street, I highly recommend going to 401 Games, which is a few blocks north of Silver Snail at the intersection of Yonge and Gerrard if you are into board-games, card games, trading cards and other RPG related stuff. They have excellent stock and the staff are super-knowledgeable and professional.

Finally, since I seem to recall that you are a SF book fan, I would be remiss not to mention Bakka Phoenix Books, which will have an excellent selection of new, used and local/indie books and magazines. Best place to stock up on some Canadian SF, such as the Tesseracts anthology series. Halfway between Silver Snail and The Beguiling, although not the most easy-to-travel-to location but with lots of browsing space.

Hope that helps. Our taxes are high due to the fact that several years ago, our federal and provincial sales taxes were combined. It might help you to remember that we say "pop" instead of "soda" and prefer "washroom" to refer to public toilets. Store-bought alcohol is not easily accessible here, either. Outside of micro-breweries, The Beer Store, Wine Rack and state-run LCBO stores are your only options.

Blue Flash wrote: Hope that helps. Our taxes are high due to the fact that several years ago, our federal and provincial sales taxes were combined. It might help you to remember that we say "pop" instead of "soda" and prefer "washroom" to refer to public toilets. Store-bought alcohol is not easily accessible here, either. Outside of micro-breweries, The Beer Store, Wine Rack and state-run LCBO stores are your only options.

Awesome resources. I'm hoping to be in the area around November 25th. I'll check some of your stuff out, too. I'm particularly intrigued by that creepy house place. It reminds me of my first LCBS -- cramped, run down, and pretty creepy. It was even right next to a cemetery. It had a selection of everything under the sun, though.

Our combined taxes are only 8% around here. But U.S. society is declining, in some part, because our governments are underfunded. So I guess pick what's more important to you.

It's unfortunate that due to horrible US trade policies (and other policies that benefit the wealthy few) the US dollar doesn't buy anywhere near as much Canadian goods as it used to. Plus travelers from the U.S. were reimbursed Canadian taxes back as long as a certain number of dollars were spent as recently as a few years ago.

I remember asking for the restroom and receiving confused looks while they figured out what I meant. Then I noticed the signs all say 'washroom'.

In Western New York State we say Pop, too. But your pop tastes better - it's made with sucrose-glucose instead of high fructose corn syrup. I always bring back some extra Mt. Dew. Which, btw, I don't recommend asking for in any restaurants or clubs. Here you get an 'I'm sorry, we only serve coke'. There I usually get derisive snorts and a curt 'no'.

And where's the best place either near the airport or near the Metro convention centre for Shawarma and/or Poutine? If I could get both in one trip I would be a happy man. Besides the Canadian 'ballet' those are the two things I try very hard to make sure I pick up while I'm across the border.

boshuda wrote:And where's the best place either near the airport or near the Metro convention centre for Shawarma and/or Poutine? If I could get both in one trip I would be a happy man. Besides the Canadian 'ballet' those are the two things I try very hard to make sure I pick up while I'm across the border.

Near the airport, I couldn't say. The best shwarma in town is King Falafel, which is halfway between downtown and the airport in the Jewish area of a midtown neighbourhood. Nearest to the MTCC that I like is Paramount Fine Foods south of Yonge and Dundas, although there are a few good (and consistent) spots near King and Bathurst and Queen and Spadina that might be closer.

There is no such thing as good poutine (or bagels, for that matter) in Toronto. Go to Smoke's or Poutini's if you must but I say accept no substitutes and find the real stuff in Québec.

Some of our sodas do have HFCS, so look carefully. I tend to actually buy American brands like Blue Sky to be on the safe side (but then again I commit comic fanbook heresy by avoiding sodas in general ).

There are obviously a lot of factors explaining how our currencies have achieved parity recently. I know that many sectors of the economy in Canada are hurting as a result. For example, less films are being shot in Toronto, so there's good and bad to it from both the Canadian and U.S. perspective depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

I ended up not having as much time to look around on my first night in Toronto as I originally expected due to flight delays.

I did make it to the Silver snail which I found to be a very nice shop. Good selection, clean store, friendly staff, etc. I have to admit that i walked past thentrance to it at least twice and was thankful I had the street number for it. If I were to shop at a local store in Toronto, I'd strongly consider this one. The only theoretical downside would be having to carry my weekly comic haul home. As we all know, I get a lot and it can get heavy. Great store and one I recommend checking out. The cafe didn't take up that much space and seems like a good use the the front/window side of the store.

The Hairy Taratula was not too far away and I did a better job finding it. The floors creaked a fair amount and because it was raining outside, I was hearing running water. For some reason, heaing a steady flow of running water while in a book store makes me uneasy. The store was packed with merchandise to the point it felt claustrophobic. Not a bad store, but one I'd go to more because it was near the Silver Snail then as a destination in and of itself.

On the second day I was in Toronto, I made it to the Beguiling. I was a bit surprised not to find comic books on the ground floor. The selection on the second floor was good but not amazing. As mentioned by Blue Flash, it was a bit cramped. Again, not a bad store, but not one that I'd frequent regularly if I lived or worked in Toronto.

I didn't make to the 401 Games store but it sounds interesting.

I really appreciate everyone giving suggestions about good shops to check out. Thanks.

Blue Flash wrote:

boshuda wrote:And where's the best place either near the airport or near the Metro convention centre for Shawarma and/or Poutine? If I could get both in one trip I would be a happy man. Besides the Canadian 'ballet' those are the two things I try very hard to make sure I pick up while I'm across the border.

Near the airport, I couldn't say. The best shwarma in town is King Falafel, which is halfway between downtown and the airport in the Jewish area of a midtown neighbourhood. Nearest to the MTCC that I like is Paramount Fine Foods south of Yonge and Dundas, although there are a few good (and consistent) spots near King and Bathurst and Queen and Spadina that might be closer.

There is no such thing as good poutine (or bagels, for that matter) in Toronto. Go to Smoke's or Poutini's if you must but I say accept no substitutes and find the real stuff in Québec.

Some of our sodas do have HFCS, so look carefully. I tend to actually buy American brands like Blue Sky to be on the safe side (but then again I commit comic fanbook heresy by avoiding sodas in general ).

There are obviously a lot of factors explaining how our currencies have achieved parity recently. I know that many sectors of the economy in Canada are hurting as a result. For example, less films are being shot in Toronto, so there's good and bad to it from both the Canadian and U.S. perspective depending on what you're trying to accomplish.

Thanks again. I'll see if I can look those places up. Yet one more reason to visit Québec. It's in my bucket list. Until then I'll try to locate Smoke's or Poutini's. I was looking up info on Poutini's, and I remembered going in there and walking back out without ordering anything. Not quite sure why I didn't stay, probably because my buddy wasn't feeling Poutine. I ended up getting some from a food truck and it was quite good. If you're saying the stuff in TO doesn't compare to Québec then I can only imagine how good it is there.

Thanks for the recommendation and I'll try them again, but I disliked Paramount when I went in there. The food was all disappointing when I was in there. I was telling my wife we had to get some shawarma when we were in town and this place was favorably reviewed. We finally got some and she wasn't impressed. It was dry and bland . Then we went to some Healthy Greek joint across from Cafe Crepe on Queen, and got their brand of shawarma which she loved.

I think I'll be able to drive in to the city via a slightly different route and pick up lunch from King Falafel. Or maybe before visiting the Fairbanks unless you don't recommend parking in their lot after dark. You, sir, are the man. [WebWiz16]

I don't think drinking pop is a fanboy staple. Maybe back when the average reading age was twenty-something, but nowadays that I think I'm on the younger side of the average comic reader it's probably more grownup drinks. I'll bet Bob and John don't drink soda. Bob strikes me as a Scotch and cigar man (except around comics - so maybe not the cigar). I honestly have no idea what John would drink. Maybe water with those flavor packets? Or fancy juices? Maybe 'spa water' made with cucumber? Imported glacier water? Mead? Fairy Nectar? Red Bull with Patron? Something must give him the energy to read all of those comics, create the Mayo Report, and do the podcasts with Bob.

boshuda wrote:I'll bet Bob and John don't drink soda. Bob strikes me as a Scotch and cigar man (except around comics - so maybe not the cigar). I honestly have no idea what John would drink. Maybe water with those flavor packets? Or fancy juices? Maybe 'spa water' made with cucumber? Imported glacier water? Mead? Fairy Nectar? Red Bull with Patron? Something must give him the energy to read all of those comics, create the Mayo Report, and do the podcasts with Bob.

As far as I go, you'd lose that bet. I don't drink alcohol (and can't drink the gluten based varieties of it) so my drink of choice is Coca-Cola.

boshuda wrote: I don't think drinking pop is a fanboy staple. Maybe back when the average reading age was twenty-something, but nowadays that I think I'm on the younger side of the average comic reader it's probably more grownup drinks. I'll bet Bob and John don't drink soda. Bob strikes me as a Scotch and cigar man (except around comics - so maybe not the cigar).

I a big soda drinker (It's soda here in the West).

Diet Coke with Lime is my drink of choice. I like Coke Zero & Diet Dr. Pepper too.

I don't smoke either.....sorry to shatter the image

JohnMayo wrote:

boshuda wrote:I'll bet Bob and John don't drink soda. Bob strikes me as a Scotch and cigar man (except around comics - so maybe not the cigar). I honestly have no idea what John would drink. Maybe water with those flavor packets? Or fancy juices? Maybe 'spa water' made with cucumber? Imported glacier water? Mead? Fairy Nectar? Red Bull with Patron? Something must give him the energy to read all of those comics, create the Mayo Report, and do the podcasts with Bob.

As far as I go, you'd lose that bet. I don't drink alcohol (and can't drink the gluten based varieties of it) so my drink of choice is Coca-Cola.

BobBretall wrote:
PostPosted: Wed Oct 24, 2012 11:49 pm Post subject:

boshuda wrote: I don't think drinking pop is a fanboy staple. Maybe back when the average reading age was twenty-something, but nowadays that I think I'm on the younger side of the average comic reader it's probably more grownup drinks. I'll bet Bob and John don't drink soda. Bob strikes me as a Scotch and cigar man (except around comics - so maybe not the cigar).

I a big soda drinker (It's soda here in the West).

Diet Coke with Lime is my drink of choice. I like Coke Zero & Diet Dr. Pepper too.

I don't smoke either.....sorry to shatter the image

Aw man, you guys are killing me here. Not only do you shatter my image, you don't even drink a real pop like Mountain Dew.