Beguiling The
601 Markham Street, Toronto, ON, M6G 2L7
416-533-9168
There’s a big white house on Markham Street with a secret identity: inside is one of the best comic shops in North America.
Category:
Shopping & Services
What:
| Store Type | | Hobbies, Books |
| Payment | | Interac, MasterCard, Visa |
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | High Park |
| Getting There | | Bathurst Subway Station |
| Cross Street | | Markham Street and Bloor St. |
When:
| Mon – Thurs, Sat 11:00AM to 7:00PM, Fri 11:00AM to 9:00PM, Sun 12:00PM to 6:00PM |
Profile Last Updated: December 10, 2007
An Earned Rep
Tucked in just behind Honest Ed’s on Markham Street is a big white house with a secret identity. The hand-painted sign that reads “The Beguiling” and the cartoon window displays suggest that this could be your average comic store. However, the folks at The Beguiling have more then earned their reputation for running one of the best shops in North America with an expansive array of titles and the staff’s collected comic erudition.
Cluttered Nerd Haven
The first floor is a beautifully cluttered comic nerd haven. Here you’ll find the best comics, or if you prefer, “graphic novels”, and collected volumes of alternative books, such as those by local favourites Seth and Chester Brown. The comics go side-by-side with a variety of art, photography and animation books, as well as some intriguing fiction. The owners take particular care in what they shelve, drawing from mainstream, alternative, avant-garde, and underground scenes- this is a comic book store for those with discerning tastes- namely, most comics fans.
Graphic Novelties
You’ll also find the best magazine and mini-comics rack in the city, brimming with work from the busy minds and pens of zinesters from around the world. The Beguiling also offers volumes of European graphic albums, from the new releases to classics like Asterix and Tintin. The store also houses one of the most complete Japanese Manga and anime in the city.
Comics and Community!
The Beguiling is more than just a shop- it’s the focal point of Toronto comics community. The hyperinformed staff are on hand for recommendations and direction, but they’re also involved in planning events, like regular in-store signings and launch parties for local and international artists. They were also the masterminds behind TCAF, the Toronto Comics Arts Festival, a massive street fair celebrating the form.
Tucked in just behind Honest Ed’s on Markham Street is a big white house with a secret identity. The hand-painted sign that reads “The Beguiling” and the cartoon window displays suggest that this could be your average comic store. However, the folks at The Beguiling have more then earned their reputation for running one of the best shops in North America with an expansive array of titles and the staff’s collected comic erudition.
Cluttered Nerd Haven
The first floor is a beautifully cluttered comic nerd haven. Here you’ll find the best comics, or if you prefer, “graphic novels”, and collected volumes of alternative books, such as those by local favourites Seth and Chester Brown. The comics go side-by-side with a variety of art, photography and animation books, as well as some intriguing fiction. The owners take particular care in what they shelve, drawing from mainstream, alternative, avant-garde, and underground scenes- this is a comic book store for those with discerning tastes- namely, most comics fans.
Graphic Novelties
You’ll also find the best magazine and mini-comics rack in the city, brimming with work from the busy minds and pens of zinesters from around the world. The Beguiling also offers volumes of European graphic albums, from the new releases to classics like Asterix and Tintin. The store also houses one of the most complete Japanese Manga and anime in the city.
Comics and Community!
The Beguiling is more than just a shop- it’s the focal point of Toronto comics community. The hyperinformed staff are on hand for recommendations and direction, but they’re also involved in planning events, like regular in-store signings and launch parties for local and international artists. They were also the masterminds behind TCAF, the Toronto Comics Arts Festival, a massive street fair celebrating the form.
