BERKELEY'S COMIC RELIEF EVICTED, NEEDS HELP

[MattBrady]

Having a good store, even a nationally known and renowned store isn’t always enough to protect you from the vagaries of business, as Rory Root of Comic Relief found out recently. The shop, which has been at 2138 University Avenue, one block from the UC Berkeley campus since 1987 is being evicted.

Founded in ’86, and open for business since ’87, the shop, under the guidance of Root, has been dedicated to showcasing the diversity that the comic art field has to offer, and was once of the first shops in the nation to fully embrace the trade and collected models of comics. Accordingly, the shop is often called the first bookstore for comic books, and was the very first recipient of the Eisner Spirit of Retailing Award. 9,000 titles on the shelves, signings, and supporting artists with unique vision – all things Comic Relief has been known for over the years, as well as taking comics out of the shop and getting them to the people, via libraries, and various outreach programs.

And soon, the shop, a landmark for both UC Berkeley students as well as other locals will set up shop somewhere else.

“Our landlord would like his space back,” Root told Newsarama. “He was about to sell his building to developers, either the University or the owner of the office building next door to us. Unfortunately for him the building was accorded Landmark status; and hence is difficult to raise and replace. In the words of his agent, he has decided to go in a different direction with the use of his space. He lost millions, I am sorry for his loss, but surely wish he expressed his grief in a different way. By the way; we are current with our rent. We are not closing, just looking for a new space to lease.”

It’s something that, as a business owner, is always within the realm of possibility, but regardless, isn’t something you can really plan for. “Their original demands would have us out of our space of almost 18 years as of yesterday,” Root said. “Obviously moving is not a good idea for a retailer right before the holiday shopping season. I’m in ongoing negotiations for both a new space and to extend our stay at 2138 University Ave through the New Year. These discussions have been difficult, on a new space hampered by time constraints and the short window we have been given to put financing in place. In the current space, our landlord’s frustration at the loss of his deal to sell the building seems to have added a sense of urgency to move on in new directions.”

If you’re in the San Francisco area, Root could use some help. “If anyone would like to help, we could use a hand with financing the move. Locals could drop on by and perhaps start their holiday shopping early. For our supporters in other areas, perhaps mail ordering a book they’ve had their eye on for a while would be mutually beneficial.”

Root’s also pulling in a big gun as well. Already in the area for Spookycon, Warren Ellis, along with Lauren McCubbin and other guests will headline an emergency “Lost Our Lease” signing this Thursday from 5:00pm to 7:00. “It will be a chance to say goodbye to the original Comic Relief location and help raise awareness of our situation. All are welcome and fun is expected.”

[Volunteer]

I went to the site to see if they had anything I might like to order so I can help them out, but I couldn't figure out what they have. There doesn't appear to be any on-line inventory. I'd still like to order something but need a way to figure out what they have. Any thoughts?

Volunteer

[Solamon]

Originally posted by Volunteer
I went to the site to see if they had anything I might like to order so I can help them out, but I couldn't figure out what they have. There doesn't appear to be any on-line inventory. I'd still like to order something but need a way to figure out what they have. Any thoughts?

Volunteer

I had the same problem. I would greatly like to order some TPBs from them if possible.

[Rory D. Root]

First of all, thank you for wanting to help.

The easiest way to order a book or comic is to make a list of books you want and then e-mail it to info@comicrelief.net

We carry just about everything in print, and a few thousand out of print titles as well, alternates are a plus, but of course.

I apologize for not having an online list to shop from, but our focus has always been the brick and mortar store.

When ordering, some folks prefer to break up their cc# into two e-mails, please don't forget to add the expiration date and validation number (three numbers on the back of your card); others prefer to call the shop at 510.843.5002. Others still, go old school, and send a letter with a check. Whichever you are most comfortable with is, of course, fine by us.

Thank you for your order, and for your help.

All the best,
Rory D. Root
COMIC RELIEF: THE Comic Bookstore
2138 University Ave. @ Shattuck Ave.
Berkeley, Ca. 94704-1026
V 510/843-5002
F 510/843-3137
info@comicrelief.net
www.comicrelief.net

[ehtik]

Hi all,

I've been an avid reader on this forum, and just wanted to say that I've been going to Comic Relief in Berkeley since I was a High School Senior back in 1996. When I moved to Berkeley to attend Cal, I became a weekly at the very least visitor to the store to get my comic fix.

Though I'm sad to see them moving shop, I am glad that they are staying open, as they have not only served as a valuable resouce to myself and to my nephews and nieces in a personal way, but also in a professional way, as advice from Rory helped pave the way to some of my first writing gigs.

Please come out and show support to what is to many in the Bay Area a historical landmark...

Phil

[Ryan Twombly]

Rory! Hate to hear about your troubles, man. I'm sure the move is gonna be HIStoric in scope.

Here's a suggestion for the online orders - just go to the Diamond retailer site and grab the latest Star System catalog. Do a word search for what you know you don't have (short list, right?) and post the rest somewhere on your site. You can e-mail me the text if you like and I'll help you out with the formatting. I can even host the list if you're out of space on the ol' server. I did this months ago for an online sale, back before I decided I'd rather publish, and had some pretty good results.

[FIG]

Damn it, this is the worst news I've heard in a while because everytime I go visit my brother in Berkeley, I make sure to stop by this store. Its awesome and easily has the best selection I've ever come across. I'm going to call my brother tonight and have him get me some comics from there as soon as possible.

[ramberk]

This is terrible news! I am so sorry to hear this Rory.

I would often tell my friend that we had the best darn comic shop in Northern California (probably on the west coast), just a few blocks from campus.

This is terrible. I hope you can find a new location within walking distance from the campus and with reasonable rent.

I say, anyone who is looking for some paperbacks, to go do it at Comic Relief. Support your local comic book shop. Because you know when they are gone, you will be very regretful you didn't support them when you had the chance.

Best of luck Rory!

Luis.

[Rory D. Root]

That's a great idea Ryan.

We'll try to implement it.

[tralfaz]

i wish warren ellis would come to do a signing at my little shop

[Hannibal King]

Sounds like another great store I will not be able to visit because I live far, far away. Best of luck Mr. Root.

[JackieÉstrada]

Comic Relief has a huge selection of European albums and lots of strip collections to choose from. So if you've been looking for Herge or Swarte, Caniff or Al Capp, Rory probably has it!

Jackie Estrada

[Dragonclaw]

Sorry to hear that Rory, last time I was in Berkley I found out Comics & Comics was gone and now this...hope you find a new place soon