Seven years. I was one of the first people through the door. I was account #10.

And it was everything I wanted in a comic shop. Nice staff that could talk nerd with you at the drop of a hat, talk friendly and helpful to all folks that came through the door, and never talk down to anyone. Elfsar comics strove to have something for everyone and they were always happy to help you find it. And now it’s dead. Like someone poisoned, it will continue until May 23rd, but then it will collapse and be no more.

If you’ve never been, let me tell you a bit about them. They held gaming nights and tournaments, they were an active part of the Yaletown shopping community, and their Free Comic Book Days were world-class, raising thousands for the Vancouver Food Bank and giving local artists a place to meet their fans. It was the go-to comic shop for actors looking to geek out or catch up on their nerd history fast, before the cameras started rolling (something the owner, Ethan, consistently refused to take advantage of by asking for photos, saying he didn’t want to put them on the spot when they’re trying to shop – something I always chided him about.) It was even a location itself for the odd TV and movie.

And the rising rent in Yaletown killed them. Not by a little. Like, by a lot. Like, they might as well have upped it to a million dollars a month – it was just as unobtainable. The reaction of most is likely “So what?” Well, “Why?” – awash in boutiques (most of whom occupy a storefront that has cycled two or three different stores in the time Elfsar has been alive) and high-end retail, Elfsar was a gem for Yaletown. It made it more than just an area of restaurants and coffee shops. And with the new train station, it was a draw for Yaletown. And now its gone. And I don’t blame Yaletown – it’s just the way things go. Landlords gonna raise the rent, snake gonna bite… But let’s not kid ourselves. Yaletown was better with the store than it will be without. Honestly, with it gone, my list for coming down and making a day of it is… well… there is no list now. The occasional business coffee or dinner out. (shrug) Then back on the train and out of downtown again.

And it would be ideal if it re-opened elsewhere, but at the prices a comic shop business model can support, and location options, it doesn’t look like it’s happening – if it wasn’t for the fact that the gang at RX Comics rank just as highly in my esteem, this would completely suck. Plus, I know they’ve got plans and I can’t wait to see what they have in mind. But for now…

YOU SHOULD BUY SOMETHING!

Sorry about that, I didn’t want this part overlooked. Before they close next week, Elfsar is clearing stock. Clearing stock means less to deal with later and more money to help tie up loose ends. And trust me, you’ll never beat these;

Books (trade paperbacks and the like) as well as comic bundles (where the store has packaged together all issues in a mini-series of story arc – think of them as unbound trade paperbacks) are buy one get two free (think about that for a bit.)

As well, you can buy whole comic boxes of back issues for $50. Manga books are 50% off. Everything else, toys, statues, models, you name it, 30% off (I think – you should ask to be sure.)

As mentioned above, the store closes its doors for the last time Sunday May 23rd.