The local comic book retailer announced the closure on social media Tuesday.
“We are merging our Gilbert location with our Tempe location. We decided that focusing on a primary ‘flagship’ location was the best way for us to really serve the Valley’s nerd community,” the announcement stated. “We have a ton of great plans for the Tempe shop and some great events lined up through 2025.”
The 4,100-square-foot retail space at Gilbert’s SanTan Village shopping mall near Williams Field Road and the Loop 202 freeway will close in December.
Strange Adventures’ origin story
In true comic book fashion, Strange Adventures in Gilbert started out under a different identity. Originally launched in November 2021 as a revival of Atomic Comics, the beloved local retail chain that operated from 1986 to 2011, the store welcomed local geeks hunting for the latest titles and collectibles. Co-founded by Atomic Comics owner Michael Malve, local systems administrator Joe Furman, and restaurateur and entrepreneur Scott Hagen, the store was an immediate hit, drawing nearly 1,000 people to its grand opening in late 2021.
The following year, a dispute between the three owners caused Malve and Hagen to part ways with the store. Hagen later sued Furman in Maricopa County Superior Court, and the store was rebranded as Strange Adventures in 2023 as part of the settlement.
Later that year, Strange Adventures opened a second location at Tempe Marketplace that also included an in-store coffee bar.
When will Strange Adventures in Gilbert close?
Strange Adventures in Gilbert is set to close at the beginning of December, employees tell New Times. The store will hold an ongoing moving sale throughout November with the following discounts available on all items:- Nov. 1 to 7: 10% off everything
- Nov. 8 to 14: 20% off everything
- Nov. 15 to 21: 30% off everything
- Nov. 22 to 30: 40% off everything
According to Strange Adventures’ social media, the store’s website has transitioned to the e-commerce platform Shopify and will use Manage Comics for subscriptions. Box holders at the Gilbert location will have the same options to receive their comics via shipping on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis.
A going-away party for the store is also planned, though details haven’t been announced yet.
