About a year ago, I challenged myself to write a children's book. I decided to write about the pugs, of course. On top of that, I had to bring along a friend, so Ronnie Donnie started a book too. We wrote them here in the shop. Finally those books are completed--and both are illustrated by Sacramento artists. My book is illustrated by Davey Turner, and Ronnie's book, by Jen Monson.
Read MoreThis is the second in a series of guest posts from comics fan, Alic Reader. Enjoy. ^Ben
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TV feels like a waste of time. I'm still going to watch, so I read comics at the same time. It's a divided focus situation, yes, but also two entertainments at the same time. It feels a lot like a BOGO minus the FOMO. And let's be real: The brain easily fills in any gaps.
Read MoreTrixie Dynamite is an all ages comic book featuring a brand new heroine, the title's namesake. In the pages of the comic, you'll also meet the Puggernaut and Black Betty and her genetically altered sheep. The stories are set in Sacramentropolis, Free California. The year is 2113. And now it’s available in a single-volume collection.
Read MoreComics Kickstarter has helped bring so many great comics into the world.
Something I've noticed is that retailer incentive levels are not consistently offered by comics creators. As a retailer, I believe that's a missed opportunity. Here are three keys to successful retailer incentive levels.
Read MoreI always love my chats with Cody and crew on Good Day Sacramento. In this segment, we talk about The Batman and some required reading.
Read MoreCheck out the comic book and hot sauce highlights for the new comic book day releases. My new kids book is out this week. Also find out which two sauces I like to combine for a little flavor play.
Read MoreOver the next four weeks, I’ll be featuring a series of guest posts from a comics fan. The series is by Alic Reader. I hope you enjoy it. ^Ben
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I hand Ben money. Ben gives me books and a question. He asks, "What did you read this week?"
Read MoreEleven (11) comic shops and 15 Sacramento Public Library locations are participating in Free Comic Book Day 2021. This year, Empire's Comics Vault & Hot Sauce celebrated Free Comic Book Day 2021 exclusively with our members. So we put together this list so you could still make a day of celebrating comics.
Read MoreDiscussing comics with other enthusiasts has to be one the most entertaining things on earth. Have you been to one of our monthly discussions yet? Admission is free. Pick up a copy of the featured title in advance of the discussion and at a discount.
Read MoreThe 10th annual celebration of Creative Women Mini-Con will take place Saturday, May 1, 2021. For two hours on Saturday, May 1, Ben will interview eleven creative women, most based right here in Sacramento (see list below).
Read MoreHere’s a quick look at this year’s events:
May 1: Creative Women Mini-Con
August 14: Free Comic Book Day
July 10: Hot Sauce Mini-Con
Applications are now open for all of these events. Please apply on our Applications page.
For more details, read on.
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Thursday, January 28, 2021—Talking about WandaVision
You either love it or hate it…
There are so many theories about what’s really going on in the show. What’s your theory? We’d love to hear it either in the comments or in the shop.
Ben joined Good Day Sacramento to talk about the new show and share some books related to upcoming Marvel shows from Disney Plus. Which one are you most looking forward to enjoying?
The official website of Empire’s Comics Vault, owned and operated by Ben C. Schwartz and located in Sacramento, CA.
I’m excited to have Sacramento’s own Eric Nguyen in the shop to sign his new book White Savior. Learn all about it in this post.
I'm excited to share the completion of many years of work. Also, I'd like you to know, that I''ve started a new email newsletter to talk about all my creative work. If you're a fan or just curious, please check it out on Substack.
I had a chitchat with Ben and asked about his top scifi movies. Without hesitation he spat them out and in no particular order… (Interview by Ronnie)
Back in January, we welcomed to the shop local Girl Scouts cadettes to learn about comics creation. The Heroic Girls Foundation along with professional comic book artist Justin Greenwood hosted the event.
We had such a great time hanging out in the store with Sacramento artist Eric Nguyen. Here’s a photo collage of the event and a link to the replay of our online interview.