Let's talk with The Baboon's Creator Jamie Jones

/
Nothing but fun waiting for you this week! Here's the lineup.



SUN | 12:00 PM | Mar. 10, 2019
Heroes Fan Experience Ticket Sales

Get your tickets for the Hardly Heroes Fan Experience for the Avengers: Endgame movie--and make sure you don’t miss out on in-theater festivities! With Hardly Heroes you'll even get your seats before the general public! The two movie events will be April 25 at 6pm and April 27 at 10:30am. (Add to FB calendar)

TUE | 6:00 PM | Mar. 12, 2019
Jamie Jones Interview--LIVE Online

Jamie Jones is a comics creator with an exciting new, all-ages, project in the works, called "The Baboon." We're excited to talk to him about this new project. Find the campaign on Kickstarter. (Add to FB calendar)


THU | 6:30 PM | Mar. 14, 2019
Graphic Novel Discussion: DeptH

From master storyteller Matt Kindt comes a tale of underwater intrigue. Let's talk about it. (Add to FB calendar)



FRI | 7:00 PM | Mar. 15, 2019
Movie Night at Empire's Comics Vault

We have another classic movie headed your way and more popcorn too. Come out for a good time. We have couches. (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 11:00 AM | Mar. 16, 2019
Sac BrickBuilders Meetup

It's been a little while since our last movie crew--and now it's time! Marvelous things are in store. Hope we'll see you there. (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 2:00 PM | Mar. 16, 2019
Card Game BETA-Play! 

In Alchemental, there can be only one Keeper of the Celestial Sphere. Do you have what it takes to forge the Philosopher's Stone and take the Celestial Throne? Whoever forges the Philosopher's Stone first WINS! (Add to FB calendar) This new game comes from the mind of talented artist, writer, professor, art historian Kristine Balog!


SUN | 1:00 PM | Mar. 17, 2019
Carrie Alskar Art Reception


Come out and meet the artist behind the art! Illustrator/painter Carrie Alskar brings amazing creations to life. Carrie is our artist of the month for March. (Add to FB calendar)


COMING SOON

ISOLA Colorist Michele Assarasakorn

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It's already a banner year for us! We interviewed ISOLA writer Brenden Fletcher, and now we're going to interview ISOLA colorist Michele Assarasakorn! All that and more... 





TUE | 6:00 PM | Feb. 26, 2019
Online Interview: Michele Assarasakorn

Ben talks with illustrator and colourist Michele Assarasakorn. Michele is the master colourist on one of our favorite books, Isola. And we are hyped about talking with her. The LIVE interview will take place on Empire's YouTube Channel. (Add to FB calendar)



WED | 6:00 PM | Feb. 27, 2019
Cosplay Model Sketch

We're bringing in cosplay model Myke Soler for this months sketch. $10 at the door. The model thanks you in advance. (Add to FB calendar)


 

MARCH
Artist of the Month:
Carrie Alskar

All month long come in to enjoy the gorgeous art of Carrie Alskar. Works are on sale. (Add to FB calendar)


COMING SOON

Let's talk about Wet Moon

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This week we'll discuss Sophie Campbell's Wet Moon graphic novel. Also, join us offsite for board games and craft beer. Details below.


TUE | 7:00 PM | Feb. 19, 2019
Game Night

It's the 3rd Tuesday of the month--and you know what that means! Craft beer and tabletop games. Empire's Comics Vault takes the show on the road to host a night of fun. Children welcome until 8 p.m. No entry fee & no registration needed!  (Add to FB calendar)




THU | 6:30 PM | Feb. 21, 2019
Graphic Novel Discussion

An unusually usual day-to-day story in the Deep South, set in the gothic, swampy southern town of Wet Moon, a place fraught with lousy love lives, teen angst, and shadowy locals. As Cleo Lovedrop heads off for college at the local art school, she's haunted by her melancholic past: a lost love, a lost child. (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 7:00 PM | Feb. 23, 2019
Sacramento Roller Derby Home Season Opener

Join us at The Rink for a doubleheader featuring two roller derby bouts. First, the B team, Bruin Trouble, will face Sonoma, followed by the A team, Capital Maulstars, taking on Santa Cruz. Plus, there will be a bar, merchandise, and raffle prizes. Tickets available in the shop. (Add to FB calendar)



COMING SOON

Movie night with Sacramento Roller Derby

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It's a wonderful week to be a comic shop. Here's what's happening this week.


FRI | 7:00 PM | Feb. 15, 2019
Movie Night

Join us to watch The Producers. Plus, trivia, candy, popcorn, and the Sacramento Roller Derby's athletes! Plus, a special deal on tickets to their February 23rd opening bout. Need we say more? (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 11:00 AM | Feb. 16, 2019
Sac Brick Builders Meetup

Join us for the Jan meeting of Sac BB!  This month's theme is "Favorites"! Bring your favorite build or anything else that's your "favorite" and LEGO-related! (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 5:00 PM | Feb. 16, 2019
Julie Okahara Art Reception

Join us for a meet and greet with artist Julie Okahara. (Add to FB calendar)




TUE | 6:00 PM | Feb. 19, 2019
Empire's Comics' Game Night

On February 19, we'll meet up at SacTown Brewery for an evening of friendly competition, childhood giddiness and great craft beer! Hosted by Empire's Comics Vault, it's Board Game Night! Feel free to bring your own game or to use one that's already there.

Children welcome until 8 p.m. No entry fee & no registration needed. (Add to FB calendar)



COMING SOON


Thoughts on Matt Durand's The Dark Gun

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p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; min-height: 16.0px}

Written by Matt Durand; Art by Taylan Kurtulus

Matt Durand's

The Dark Gun will haunt you and inundate your mind with questions about violence and how it’s passed through generations, or if it’s something that is passed on. And they’re good questions.

Taylan Kurtulus'

art feels bleak, no doubt by intention. We don't recall experiencing his art anywhere else, but we can tell you it works in this title. It’s a dark book, colored darkly, and full of shadows. It may even leave you with a sickly feeling.

A mind full of questions, a sickly feeling—and perhaps that was it’s intention. As much as we hope there’s a second issue, we hope there is isn’t.

Read this comic at your own risk. It just might leave you with a hole in the heart.

But in case you're wondering...

There is a second issue.

You can

help bring the 2nd issue to life

by

taking action to support to the Kickstarter campaign

. It only has a relatively few days to make its funding goal.

Connect with Matt on Twitter

.

Connect with Taylan on Twitter.

Hanging Out with Writer Brenden Fletcher

/
We got what you want this week -- and every week. But let's focus for a moment, haha. Tuesday night, we're interviewing comics and animation writer Brenden Fletcher -- and you can join LIVE! Friday we'll learn to paint and take home our very own masterpiece. And all month long, Julie Okahara! Need we say more?



TUE | 6:00 PM | Feb. 05, 2019
Online Interview: Brenden Fletcher

Sit in as we talk to comics and animation writer Brenden Fletcher, the writing-mind behind Isola, Motor Crush, Batgirl of Burnside, and more. The LIVE interview will take place on Empire's YouTube Channel. (Add to FB calendar)



FRI | 6:30 PM | Feb. 08, 2019
Happy Paint Night

In one session we'll sit down and paint koi. It'll be ready to take home and frame. Everything you need will be supplied, including instruction. $40. 10 seats available. Sign up online today. (Add to FB calendar)




FEBRUARY
Artist of the Month: Julie Okahara

All month long come in to enjoy the pure imagination of artist Julie Okahara. Works are on sale. (Add to FB calendar)


COMING SOON

Happy National Hot Sauce Week

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This week: game night, movie night, and a weekend full of hot sauce and LEGO. 



TUE | 6:00 PM | Jan. 15, 2019
Empire's Comics' Game Night

Join us tomorrow at SacTown Brewery for an evening of friendly competition, childhood giddiness and great craft beer! Hosted by Empire's Comics Vault, it's Board Game Night! Come one or come all for an evening of games ranging from Cards Against Humanity to Munchkin. If you have a rad game at home, feel free to bring it with you and share!

Children welcome until 8 p.m. No entry fee & no registration needed. (Add to FB calendar)




FRI | 7:00 PM | Jan. 18, 2019
Movie Night

Trivia, candy, popcorn, and the Blues Brothers! Need we say more? (Add to FB calendar)




 
SAT | 11:00 PM | Jan. 19, 2019
Happy National Hot Sauce Day

Ok, sure, we're a few days early. National Hot Sauce Day is January 22, but we are doing something special beforehand so that you're ready! Buy any 1 hot sauce and get another of equal or lesser value FREE! It is that simple. One day only! (Add to FB calendar)



SAT | 11:00 AM | Jan. 19, 2019
Sac Brick Builders Meetup

Join us for the Jan meeting of Sac BB!  This month's theme is "Favorites"! Bring your favorite build or anything else that's your "favorite" and LEGO-related! (Add to FB calendar)


COMING SOON


Let's go 2019! This week's events

/
We're back in action, bringing you all the things you love and more -- comics, cosplay sketching, movie nights, and more.

Here's what's going on this week!



THU | 6:30 PM | Jan. 10, 2019
Comics Discussion: Isola

An evil spell has been cast on the Queen of Maar, and her Captain of the Guard will do anything to reverse it. Their only hope lies on an island half a world away-a place known in myth as Isola, land of the dead. Collects ISOLA #1-5. (Add to FB calendar)

Gotham Academy creators BRENDEN FLETCHER and KARL KERSCHL reunite with series colorist MSASSYK and letterer ADITYA BIDIKAR for a breathtaking fantasy adventure two decades in the making.

Recommended for fans of Studio Ghibli and the work of Hayao Miyazaki.



FRI | 6:30 PM | Jan. 11, 2019
Happy Paint Evening

We provide everything you need, including instruction, to paint the scene pictured here. Cost is $40. Participation limited to 12. Sign up online. (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 7:00 PM | Jan. 12, 2019
Live Music: The Little Army

The Little Army is guitarist/vocalist Evan and drummer Tyler. We're excited to have them in the shop tomorrow night. Come in and enjoy some good music. Get a taste of The Little Army on their Bandcamp page. (Add to FB calendar)



TUE | 6:00 PM | Jan. 15, 2019
Empire's Comics' Game Night

AT SacTown Brewery! Every third Tuesday, enjoy an evening of friendly competition, childhood giddiness and great craft beer! Hosted by Empire's Comics Vault, it's Board Game Night! Come one or come all for an evening of games ranging from Cards Against Humanity to Munchkin. If you have a rad game at home, feel free to bring it with you and share!

Children welcome until 8 p.m. No entry fee & no registration needed. (Add to FB calendar)


COMING SOON


Nooligan's Nightwing DC Collectibles signing

/
Always something exciting in store for you here in the shop. This week we welcome Sacramento artist Nooligan! And if you want to talk comics, join us to discuss Kate Bishop's Hawkeye. Plus painting, LEGO's, and more.



WED | 6:00 PM | Dec. 12, 2018
December Blues: nooligan x nightwing release signing

Sacramento artist Nooligan joins us for the release of his newest DC Collectibles vinyl figure -- Nightwing. Come in, meet the artist, and get your figure signed. (Add to FB calendar)


THU | 6:30 PM | Dec. 13, 2018
Comics Discussion: Kate Bishop, Hawkeye

Join us to discuss the first volume of Kate Bishop's Hawkeye. Everyone is invited. Free to attend. (Add to FB calendar)


FRI | 6:30 PM | Dec. 14, 2018
Happy Paint Evening

We provide everything you need, including instruction, to paint the scene pictured here. Cost is $40. Max participants is 15. So sign up before seats sell out. Sign up online. (Add to FB calendar)




SAT | 11:00 AM | Dec. 15, 2018
Sac Brick Builders

Bring your LEGOs and let's build! Or just check out what we're building. All are welcome -- whether you have bricks or not. (Add to FB calendar)



VOTE TODAY
2018's Best In Comics

Vote in Cracking the Vault Podcast's annual comics awards. CAST YOUR VOTE. 





NOW through December 19, 2018
Toys for Children's Receiving Home of Sacramento

It's for the kids. Bring a toy, or buy any toy at 25% OFF if donated. Select toys for donation are 50% OFF. (Add to your Facebook calendar.) Explore other ways to donate at CRHS's website.



COMING SOON

12/21 - Movie Night: Die Hard
12/24 - Open Christmas Eve (for a little while)
12/25 - Happy Holidays (Closed)
12/31 - New Year's Eve (Closed)
01/01 - Closed
01/01 - Art Gallery at Empires with Melissa Pagluica
01/10 - Graphic Novel Discussion - Isola

VIEW ALL OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

Have you seen our weekly comics show? Watch it here.

We're thankful for 2018 and You

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Here are 14 things we're grateful for this last year. We start with the #1 most important thing we're grateful for, and after that, the list is in no particular order. Let us know what's on your list. :) Enjoy.

YOU! All of you, the shop's patrons, make our shop a cool place to talk about comics and geek topics -- and you make it a safe place for people of all ages and ways of life.

Our official podcast,

Cracking the Vault Podcast

celebrates is

150th episode

with a game show episode that you can play along with while you listen! They even published a

special "thankful for comics" episode

.

FCBD moves outside — bigger and better and we eliminated waiting in line!

Mariko Tamaki joined us at Creative Women Mini-Con 2018!

We added a new product to our shelves -- hot sauce.

First batch of shirts! And two LE totes.

First event pin! -- The Merpug, designed by local Jen Monson for Creative Women Mini-Con 2018.

Giant connect 4!

Image comics got its own section!

Happy paint night!

Brewery game night.

Expanded kids section and added young adult section.

Book signing for Sacramento's Ryan Millers' first book!