Gallery

Art Gallery at Empire's Comics Vault

Empire's Comics Vault seeks local artists to show in its art gallery. All forms of art are welcome, including space transforming installations.

How to apply:

1. Read or download the Art Gallery Information, which includes requirements and general information.
2. Once you've prepared the necessary information, email it to us (see Art Gallery Information for email address), and then complete the online application.

Empire's Art Gallery: See the Pony Show before it's gone

A long, long time ago, at our old shop on a Way called Arden, we tried out an art gallery. It didn't last long.

At our new location, art still mattered.

So we started the Empire's Art Wall and brought you more than a year of local artists' works, from Jared Konopitski, Benjamin Bryan, and Jeremy Rathbone, to Lucas Cromwell, Jen Monson, and Georgina Gilmore.

We even displayed a private collection of pug art. You guessed it: Ben's collection.

Recently we opened up the small room in the shop to use as an art gallery to showcase known and unknown local artists. It just seems like a natural fit -- comics and art.

Empire's Art Gallery Is Back

We affectionately call our gallery's first exhibit "The Pony Show." It is the private collection of a local art enthusiast, Kevin Winter. Kevin has built a collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs, supporting local favorites like Jared Konopitski, commissioning pieces, and supporting artists on sites like Kickstarter.

The Pony Show runs through Friday, July 25. Come check it out before it's gone.

In August, Jeremy Rathbone's new works will be featured.

Shop Improvements, More Comfort

In addition to our well-lit, open space, we now have couches! It's been a long time coming, and so far, they're well received.

How To Use A Couch - Ha, Ha

We've had customers stop by on their lunch break, eat, and read their comics. Some Savings Club Members pick up their books and then take a seat to read the current issue from that week's take. Some customers have stopped in to talk comics and movies. There's even talk of starting up a graphic novel reading club again. It's why we have couches.

Around the couches are tables. Under the center table, there are some games. Feel free to pull them out, and strike up a friendly game.

You've probably noticed our new, uniform bookshelves also. Yes, they're IKEA's Billy, haha, and they're perfect, providing a cleaner look and feel to the shop.

Note: You don't have to be a Savings Club Member to use the couches, but why wouldn't you sign up, it's free.

Let's go see Guardians of the Galaxy on July 31

There's no doubt that this movie is going to be amazing! Empire's Movie Crew is going to see it on Thursday, July 31, 2014 at 7:00 pm and we think you should join us.

Just buy your ticket and show up. It's that easy.

Here are all the details you need to know:

CLOSING EARLY FOR GUARDIANS: We're closing the store early for this special day. The store will close at 4:30 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2014.

Location: Century on Ethan Way
Time: 7:00 pm (regular not 3D)


Here's a schedule of the fun below.

Ben's Schedule on Guardians of the Galaxy Day

4:30 pm - Close shop early
4:40 pm - Eat food at Pho Saigon Bay, 1537 Howe Ave.
5:50 pm - Head over to theater no later than 5:50 pm
6:00 pm - Buy enormous bucket of popcorn and soda pop

After the movie -- AND AFTER ALL OF THE MOVIE CREDITS (like when the lights come back on in the theater) --, meet in the lobby for a group picture and you’ll get 5 Rolly buttons (that can be traded in for cool stuff at Empire’s).

See you there.

15 Mostly Sacramento Podcasts To Check Out

Podcasting at Empire's

On our FB Page, we asked about local podcasts and you came through with quite a list! Here they are. They range from mostly geek related to horror to creatives to sports. If you come across an active Northern California podcast that should be included, let us know in the comments and we'll update the list.

In most cases we used their own podcast descriptions. If you'd like us to update your description, just let us know.

Please note: Some podcasts contain explicit material.

Active Sacramento podcasters 

• Inside The Bucket: The official podcast of SandwichJohnFilms.com with contributors John Meneghetti and Matt Cummings (as well as special guests) who discuss the movie news, TV shows, reviews, giveaways and screening tickets. We are the largest distributor of online passes to screenings in the Northern California area. (Added 06.16.2014)
• He’s Got Issues: Comic book news, highlights and reviews.
• Metropolis Comix Podcast: The Metropolis Comix crew explore the hottest comics, latest comics news, and whats hot at Metropolis Comix
• Fist Full of Potions / MultiTap Podcast: Fist Full of Potions = Gaming news and opinions. MultiTap = Gaming discussions from Now and Then.
• Geek Life: Comics, games, movies, zombies. All that and much more.
• Short Nerdy Guy: My name is jay and I love reading comic and drinking coffee, so I wanted to share my thoughts and my passion for these things that I love.
• Geek Charisma: For the love of geeks, tune in.
• The Gravy Age: Comic books, movies, and other geek news.
• The Capeless Crusaders: Geeky goodness, news and reviews.
• The Mouths of Madness: Horror, sic-fi, and all that.
• cinePLEXED: A podcast about movies. Each week a bunch of fools get together and discuss the latest movie news, rumors, and trailers coming out of the world of cinema, as well as reviewing two films that we sometimes pick at random, and sometimes pick with a theme. cinePLEXED is also slowly turning into the umbrella name for our little network of podcasts, because we can’t afford to put all of our shows in their own feed.
• The Junior & Leo Show: We explore the creative mind by talking shop with creators from a vast array of mediums. Actors, Writers, Comedians, Artists, Podcasters, Wrestlers, etc… we talk to them all!
• SacAnnex: Sacramento sports, opinion, and laughs.
• Geek Girl Crafts Podcast: We are three geek girls that love to craft and talk about our particular geek genres in excruciating detail -- from SF/F, conventions, anime, gaming, books, movies, and everything else in between. And then we'll talk more about costuming & cosplaying, fiber arts, and anything craft-related.
• A Podcast for All Intents and Purposes: Nerdly info, fun, and happiness.
• Empire’s Comics Vault’s Podcast, aka, Empire’s Open Podcast - Talking comic books, movies, television and other topics on the minds of the shop’s fans. 

Local podcasts on hiatus (we hope):

• The Nerd Sharks: Um. Nerds. Talking. It gets crazy.
• Con Nachos Podcast: A PODCAST OF TWO NOBLE HEROES TALKING ABOUT EVERYTHING YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS DO
• Game of Bros: This is what happens when Bros get together and talk while recording.

Thanks for a great Free Comic Book Month

One Saturday during Free Comic Book Month

Thank you for an amazing Free Comic Book Day and Month. This was our best year yet!

Great things at FCBD2014

We think there were a lot of great things about this year's FCBD.

For example, Sacramento's most amazing mini-con, lots of free comics, a VIP line, title pre-selection for Savings Club Members, an enormous sale, a 10% Off Bonus Coupon for Savings Club Members, and more freebies each and every Saturday all month long.

Oh, and this year, VIPs could bring a guest!

We hope you agree about those positive aspects. If you can think of something else, please use our online feedback form.

Improvement opportunities at FCBD2014

We heard there was some confusion between the difference between the regular line and the VIP line. We also heard that sometimes Savings Club Members were in the regular line and some folks from the regular line were in the VIP line. We already have a plan in place to fix that in 2015.

On some of the Saturdays during Free Comic Book Month, the lines took far too long -- especially on the last Saturday when we gave away free collected editions, trades and graphic novels. We're so sorry about that. You'll be glad to know that we've already worked out a plan to make that much smoother in 2015.

If you'd like to provide any additional feedback, we'd appreciate hearing it. Please use our online feedback form.

FCBD 2015 is going to be amazing

Look, Free Comic Book Day is for everyone. Whether you're a Savings Club Member at Empire's Comics Vault or not, everyone can enjoy free comics during Free Comic Book Day and Month. But if you really want to boost your experience, then definitely check out our Comic Book Savings Program.

Rolly's Summer Reading Program helps fight the summer slide

Form for Summer Reading Program

Children's reading ability has a tendency to slide during the summer months -- and not in a good way.

We want to help with that. Of course, the Sacramento Library also has a summer reading program for children. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education has numerous tips on how to avoid the summer slide.

A New Reading Program for Sacramento Children

This summer we're introducing Rolly's Summer Reading Program for children 12 years of age and under. When your children read 8 books of their choosing and submit the form, they'll receive a free comic book.* Plus, they can earn a bonus book by drawing and writing their own comic (details below).

We're dividing the summer into two parts, so your child can participate one time in each period:

• Part 1: June 10 - July 15, 2014
• Part 2: July 16 - August 31, 2014

So, if your child participates in both parts of Rolly's Summer Reading Program, she or he could earn up to 4 free comic books.

How the Program Works

It's simple:

1. Print out the summer reading form.

2. Let your child choose each book he or she wants to read.

It doesn't matter if the book is 32-pages with lots of pictures or 100-pages of text. Every book qualifies. It doesn't matter if the book is from your home library, the public library, or something you pick up at the shop (save with Rolly's Reading Club).

3. After reading a book, write the title on the form along with what your child liked about the book.

Use a separate sheet of paper or a reading journal, if you'd like. Also, it's better if it's in your own child's handwriting. If you help a little, please make sure it's in your child's own words. As a secondary option, we'll gladly accept art inspired by the book. 

4. Once the form is full, turn it in for a free* comic book from Empire's Comics Vault.

5. Bonus!  Have your child write and draw his or her own comic book for one more free comic book.

How? Take an 8 1/2 sheet of paper, fold it in half. Add art. Add words. 

More summer reading resources

If you're looking for more information on the subject, search the internet and you'll find plenty of great articles, research, and resources.
__________________________
*Free comics limited to select children's titles on-hand in Empire's Comics Vault's inventory.

The Fourth Saturday of Free Comic Book Month

Last Saturday at Empire's for FCBMonth

Free Comic Book Month ALERT: It's the second-to-last Saturday of FCBMonth. You know the drill: Bring your FCBMonth Passport and get it stamped.

Last week, Ben surprised everyone with a last-minute sale. Boom! Who knows what will happen this Saturday.

This Saturday we have toys and posters and collectible cards. There's some cool stuff here that will take you back to the good old days. 

As usual, freebies are available while supplies last. 

The shop opens at 11 a.m. on Saturdays. There will be two lines -- one for Savings Club Members who have a comics saver at Empire's and a another line for non-members.

The final Saturday will be the best Saturday of them all -- free trades, collected editions and graphic novels. And there's some good stuff to feast on. Get ready.

A month of freebies

• May 3 - Fifty-seven different 2014 Free Comic Book Day titles
• May 10 - Miscellaneous 2013 Free Comic Book Day and Halloween comics
• May 17 - Shirts and overstock back issues
• May 24 - Toys, posters, and more
• May 31 - Trade paperbacks, collected editions, and graphic novels

Ben's Cardboard Throne after FCBD Mini-Con 2014

It's not every day that one of our Facebook posts gets 152 Likes and 30 Comments. Wow! Thank you, all, for making that happen.

The post that made it happen -- Of course, it was this picture of Ben on his Cardboard Throne. You can even see his Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con afterglow! And then after this, he hit the buffet hard core.

FCBD Teaser Video from Fist Full of Potions

It was fantastic to have podcast coverage of our Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con. Not only did we have Comics & Coffee but also that fun-tastic gents of Fist Full of Potions.

Here's the FFoP FCBD Mini-Con teaser video. Coming soon we'll have even more video goodness from Fist Full of Potions. We'll share it as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, enjoy.

Coming Soon: Captain Dylan Hunt The Pug

Captain Dylan Hunt the Pug

There's a new pug in town... well, ok, she's not in town yet.

But, soon.

Still, we wanted to get the word out.

And when Captain Dylan Hunt (not the real Captain Dylan Hunt) does make it into the shop, it'll be a big ole party and a sale.

So, what do you think of that?

And if you need more CDH in your life, you might want to check out Empire's Comics Vault's Facebook Page or Instagram account.

Our 3rd Saturday in Free Comic Book Month

All you Free Comic Book Month travelers, get your FCBMonth Passports ready! This Saturday, May 17, we have lots of great overstock back issues for you, and a few shirts for those who are first in line (and the right sizes, haha). 

Showing off FCBMonth Passports

What are overstock back issues, you ask? Well, you know all the comics that are bagged and in long boxes on wood tables in the middle of the store? Well, those are back-issues. The overstock back issues are the ones that won't fit into those boxes because there's just not enough space!

All those goodies are available while supplies last and only select titles will be available. Each Saturday, the shop opens at 11 a.m., and just like last Free Comic Book Day, there will be two lines -- one for Savings Club Members who have a comics saver at Empire's and a another line for non-members.

Next in the line up after overstock back issues and shirts: Toys, posters, and other goodies.

A month of freebies

• May 3 - Fifty-seven different 2014 Free Comic Book Day titles
• May 10 - Miscellaneous 2013 Free Comic Book Day and Halloween comics
• May 17 - Shirts and overstock back issues
• May 24 - Toys, posters, and more
• May 31 - Trade paperbacks, collected editions, and graphic novels