Senior comic book discount now through May 2015

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You seniors built this world. And what did you get for it? They raised the retirement age. We can't fix that, but we can help you keep a little more of the money you worked hard for.

Sacramento seniors shout with joy!

Seniors 50 and older receive a 10% discount on all purchases February 2015 through May 2015! Please note: This discount cannot be combined with any other discount, coupon, or special offer.

 Valid ID required
We're going to card you, especially if you don't look like you're old enough to drink yet. And don't worry:
1. We won't be moving the age requirement further out again and again, and
2. We won't tell anyone your age (like you care anyway).

Sacramento Artist Chris Cinder at Empire's Art Gallery

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Meet February's Artist: Chris Cinder

Chris Cinder interprets songs into paintings. He puts his mark on fan favorite sci-fi films, for example, Star Wars. It’s a look into the mind of an artist with many interests and influences.

Take a look at “Ghost In The Machine” to get a closer look into the artists mind and you’ll get a view of a brand new world. Then explore his other original works and let your own mind lead you where it will.

Chris creates art that is accessible to the everyday art collector. It’s for “anyone looking for something more than a poster on their wall,” says Chris; and he adds, or for anyone who wants “some happy art for a mad world.”

Enjoy Chris’ works all month, February 2015. Plus, watch for upcoming dates to meet the artist at shop. Dates will be posted on our Facebook page.

PRICE LIST
8x10 Canvas: $50 each
12x16 Canvas: $70 each
16x20: Canvas: $100 each


Discounts available for multiple purchases.

The Cinder Art Couch

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Student comic book discount now through May 2015

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You -- today's students -- are the future of the world. You're going to solve all the problems. You're going to cure all the diseases. You're going to write and draw some amazing comics. So study hard!

So much pressure. So much responsibility. So few discounts! What gives?!

Sacramento students rejoice!

STARTING this month, February 2015, and running through May 2015, all active students receive a 10% discount on all purchases. Please note: This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts, coupons, or special offers.

Valid Student ID Required
Students must show a valid student ID. That's all we'll accept, so make sure to get your student ID asap. If it's a junior high school, high school, or college ID and it's current, then the discount is yours.

May we suggest some of our favorite titles?

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Sacramento's Ugliest Sweater and Contest Winners

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Just when you thought things couldn’t get any uglier here at Empires, they did! We received five ugly sweater entries for the ugly sweater contest. Now it’s time to announce our Ugly Sweater Contest winners!

So here they are, the entries you (and Rolly!) deemed ugly, uglier, and ugliest:

         Sweater Entry 05: Grand prize: $25 in regular priced back issues and your picture proudly displayed in the shop until next year's winner takes your spot.

         Sweater Entry 01: Second prize: $15 in regular priced back issues (View photos of all winners below).

         Sweater Entry 02: Third prize: $10 in regular priced back issues

         Sweater Entry 03: Rolly's Choice prize: $15 in regular priced back issues 

 
To collect your back issues, please visit Ben in the shop.

Thanks to all of our moth ball scented, itchy, lint laden entrants! Even in those ugly sweaters, you all look pretty darn good to us!






Get Tangled Up with The Wicked + The Divine

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The Wicked + The Divine
Empire's Comics Graphic Novel Discussion Group:
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2015
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm, PST
Location: Empire’s Comics Vault

Just show up! Or, RSVP on Facebook.

The Wicked + The Divine: A Teaser


What if "gods were pop stars and pop stars were gods"? When does fandom become idolatry? Is burning twice as bright worth burning far less than half as long? Such are the thought-provoking questions stirred up by The Wicked + The Divine.

In this series, written by Kieron Gillen and drawn by Jamie McKelvie, set in 2014 London, you’ll meet the 12 members of The Pantheon. Once everyday teenagers, they’ve gained superhuman powers with just a few little catches: a life expectancy of a mere two years, a mandate not to harm humanity with their powers, and a chance to ‘recur’ (read: reincarnate) every 90 years. They’re also pop icons with all the trappings of fame, including obsessive fans, nasty haters, and for some, ambitions and vices that put them and, potentially, all of humanity at risk.

Join us as we bandy about the questions above and below, exploring the relationships between fame, idolatry and art, and the potentially sinister influence of pop culture as reflected through the pages of our February Graphic Novel Discussion Selection: The Wicked + The Divine.

Up For Discussion


  • How confusing was the beginning? Very or not at all?
  • This book has been lauded for its predominantly female and multi-racial cast. What did you think about the diversity of characters?
  • In today's culture, are celebrities just as, if not more, influential as religion?
  • Mythology: Is familiarity with mythology essential in order to fully enjoy and understand this story?
  • Is the bond between Laura and Luci realistic?


Be part of the discussion.
Date: Thursday, February 12, 2015
Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm, PST
Location: Here at Empire’s.

New Writing Group In Sacramento

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Typebars in a 1920s typewriter
Typebars in a 1920s typewriter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Every Thursday night from 5-8pm we are offering writers a place to get creative. 

New Sacramento Writers Group

Write your novel or screenplay or short stories or fan fiction or stage play or comic book script or non-fiction book with us! 

 Get out of the house and come down for some dedicated, distraction free writing where you can meet other local writers, get inspired and put some valuable words to paper.


What to Expect

We have tables and chairs and outlets available if you prefer to use your laptop. We carry water and sodas in the store. In our shopping center, there is a Pizza Hut, a Mediterranean food restaurant, and an American food restaurant. Feel free to bring some snacks for yourself or to share.

 We play a variety of musical genres in the store, so if you're musical palate is finely tuned to your own collection, you may wish to bring headphones.

 This is just a taste of what's new at Empire's Comics Vault in 2015!

Three Local Indie Comic Creators Making It Big

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Let's face it. Before every famous comic book creator was a big deal, they were independent publishers trying to make it.

Well, tomorrow, Saturday, January 10, starting at 11 AM, we will have three amazing comic book creators in the store.

Date: Saturday, January 10, 2015
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Empire's Comics Vault (Yelp)

Three Independent Comic Book Creators We Love


Kris Saldaña, Writer, Huge Comics


Kris Saldaña, an Angelino currently residing in Sacramento, writes and publishes comic books and web comics.

As a recent college graduate, he wasted no time pursuing his dream of producing comics and has already released his first book, "Showcase."


Showcase tells the story of "kids at their last punk show. Who dies? Who lives? Who cares? It is a comic about choices and the things you hold on to." (Art by Ellie Fisher).

This thought-provoking story will make you take another look at your own connections to your decisions and influencers.

Kris is working on several new projects you'll want to hear about.


Sean Miller, Writer, Anchor Comics

Sean Miller is the married father of 3 and a Stockton, CA native, who started his art career in 2012.

His most notable notable work is the self-published title, "The Original."
The Original

"The Original" is the "world's very first super-hero who comes out of retirement to confront a group of heroes who, basically, start abusing their powers," said Miller in a Recordnet.com interview.

Be sure to connect with Sean on Twitter, Tumblr or Facebook.


Ramon Marcus Villalobos, Artist, NewCoolMeat.com

Photo: Courtesy of Let's Talk Comics podcast
Ramon Villalobos started reading comics in high school. After reading Dark Knight Returns and experiencing its art, he had an epiphany about sequential art's storytelling power.

Today, his portfolio of work is extensive. He drew "What If? Age of Ultron #2: Iron Man" for Marvel Comics. He has also worked for Dark Horse Comics and worked on an independently published comic, Abstract 3. He serves as the Lead Artist for Stockton-Con "and is his grandmother's favorite grandson." Ramon currently lives in Stockton, CA.

Support Local Creatives

Come down to meet them these local creators who have worked hard to produce their own comics, and of course, pick up their books -- or, "Support local!" as we always say.

If you do, then down the road when these gents are a big, big deal, you'll be able to say you met them way back when -- and you'll have a signed copy of one their creations to prove it! Who know, maybe it'll even be worth ONE MILLION DOLLARS. <GRIN>

New/Future Releases

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Use the following links to preview comic books coming out in the next two weeks -- this Wednesday and the Wednesday following that. The PDF and text versions are useful for printing out and checking the ones you want to make sure to pick up.

View New Release (including covers)
On Our Facebook Page


New Releases
Web | PDF | Text


Upcoming Releases

Web | PDF | Text



What's New at Your Favorite Comic Shop in 2015

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Untitled sketch by Krysten Rose. December 2014.
Looking back at all the good things is great, but so is looking forward to new things. So, we've put
together a list of  6  7 things that are new this year. We think you'll like what we have for you. Which one is your favorite?

Of course, there are always more surprises just around the corner, so stay tuned.

Top 7 New Things at Empire's Comics Vault in 2015

1. Active students receive a 10% discount on all purchases February 2015 through May 2015! Students must show a valid student ID. That's all we'll accept, so make sure to get your student ID asap. If it's a junior high school, high school, or college ID and it's current, then the discount is yours.


2. Empire's Writers Group -- Every Thursday night, we're setting out our tables and writing! Join us from 5:00-9:00 p.m. to write your heart out. Whether you're writing a comic, a movie or play, a novel or a non-fiction piece, come one down and let's write together. Of course, this comes out of our love for NaNoWriMo, but why wait until November? Write now. Plus, later in the year, we may bring together you writers and Empire's Sketch-A-Day members for one big meetup. Note: All the art used in this post is by Empire's Sketch-A-Day members.

Willy Wonky by Jared Konopitski. October 2014.


3. Seniors 50 and older receive a 10% discount on all purchases February 2015 through May 2015! Valid ID required to be shown. And don't worry, we won't be moving the age back over and over like some organizations do!

4. Active military servicemen and women get a 10% discount in 2015. Current military ID required. Need we say more?

5. 10% off graphic novels all the time for Comic Book Savings Club Members.  Ok, ok, this benefit debuted in 2014, but we've decided to renew it for another year. You already know how amazing it is to be a Savings Member, and you've heard the great things other Savings Members say about the program. Now all you need to do is sign up! Heck, we even have a special money-saving program for parents and their young readers. But wait, there's more for you Savings Members!

Northern Borderland Guard, ink and digital 11x14, by Nate Flamm. 2014.


6. No Strings Free Comic Book Month (FCBM)! So, normally, for FCBM, you're required to show up each Saturday to unlock new freebies the following Saturday. Well, if you were a Savings Member as of December 31, 2014, this no longer applies to you! Just show up any Saturday during FCBM, stand in the VIP Line -- YES! VIP LINE -- and you'll get access to that Saturday's freebies. If you're not a Savings Member, all we can say is sign up before December 31, 2015 so you can qualify in 2015 for VIP Status.

7. View New Releases with Covers on our Facebook Page. Visit our page and click on the "New This Week" tab in the top menu section. Try it out!

Naturally, these discounts may not be combined with any other offers or discounts and are not good toward art in Empire's Art Gallery.

Vote for Ugliest Sweaters

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Things have gotten pretty ugly here at Empires! Our eyes have been assaulted with hideous sweaters from every decade, in a myriad of colors, varied prints and an array styles, sported by these fun entrants.

Now it’s time to share the ugly! Whose is the ugliest sweater in all the Empire? You decide. Check out the entries below and cast your vote using the voting tool in the righthand column of this website.

Voting starts now, Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Voting ballot will be set up here in the right hand column. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Voting closes on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at 12:00:00 A.M. Pacific Time.

Winners will be announced right here on Sunday, January 25, 2015.

2014 Ugly Sweater Entries


  









Our 11 Favorite Things at Empires in 2014

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We're finally saying goodbye to 2014, and we're doing it by sharing some of our favorite things about 2014. Think of it as our 2014 Highlights reel.

Here's our list of things we were most excited about for the shop. It ranges from really simple things to really spectacular things. So, here they are... in almost no particular order.

  • Window blinds. Hey, our windows face the east and the sun gets in your eyes when it's going down. 
  • IKEA Shelving. Really, it's the consistent look that the shelves provide that we really like. Woo, it looks SO good.
  • Jenga. Or should we say, JEEEEEENNNNNNGGGAAAAAAA! What a blast! And each game lasts about 10 minutes or less. You wanna piece of Ben. Challenge him.
  • Couches. What were we thinking not getting couches WAY sooner! We're a comic shop for goodness' sake. You're supposed to be able to chill and read your comics. 
  • Graphic novel discussion club. We're liking this better than we thought we would at first. The groups vary in size and the discussions range from hilarious to thought-provoking. It's what we love about comics, reading AND talking about them.
  • The return of Empire's Art Gallery, featuring local creators and artists' works that won't break the budget (most of the time, haha). We just love seeing art up. It's magical.
Jeremy Rathbone, Featured Artist, August 2014
  • Monthly Members Only game nights, including classic games, board games, and video games. Sorry, this one is for our Comic Book Savings Club Members Only. It's our enhanced pull list saver program and it only requires one current title on the list. How do you get started? We thought you'd never ask. Read all about it.
Game night BEFORE the window blinds were installed. See what we mean?
  • The Guardians of the Galaxy movie and Empire's Movie Crew's "I am Groot" shout. OMG. HANDS DOWN THE BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR! (You wanna argue about it? We know you're thinking it was Winter Soldier...)

  • Our biggest FCBD Mini-Con so far. We distributed about 15,000 free comics and featured local comic book creators and artists who you could meet and talk to and support by picking up their creations for your own private collections.


  • Captain Dylan Hunt -- the newest edition to our family! That pug has SO much energy. Wow!


If you think 2014 was amazing, just wait until we've finished with 2015! Don't miss it. Get on our email list ay-sap, aka, asap. 

Watch for more posts about our favorite things in 2014. In the meantime, how about throwing down with some comments about your favorite things from 2014?