SHQ Holiday Recs 2023: Patrick's Picks

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SECRET HEADQUARTERS
It's that time of year again! Already! Somehow! Never fear, we are here to help you pick out the best gifts for everyone on your list.
Part four: selections from our Patrick.

 Grog The Frog
by Davilorium + Alba BG
Silver Sprocket
$12
If you loved The Council of Frogs and Frog In The Fall, then Grog The Frog is here to save the day, but he might be salty about it. I want to get lost in the details of this world, there are so many fun characters (Nerea the She-Horse is my fave), sick-ass rituals, and funny situations on a classic quest. No Fools Allowed. 

Danger and Other Unknown Risks
by Ryan North with art by Erica Henderson
Penguin Workshop
$17
My favorite creative team returns and they haven't missed a beat. Y2K was real, but that's history; now magic (which kinda works) is the norm. Marguerite grew up hearing stories and being told that she was going to save the world. Well, now the world needs saving and she and her chatty dog Daisy are hunting down some magical totems. But you should know, dear reader, that magic has a cost and someone will have to pay it.  

Great British Bump Off
by John Allison, art by Max Sarin, colors by Sammy Borras
Dark Horse
$20
The relaxation of the Bake Off tent with the stress of a killer on the loose.
Agatha Christie would be proud.

 And if that whetted your appetite for mystery... 

 Know Your Station
by Sarah Gailey, art by Liana Kangas, colors by Rebecca Nalty
Boom Studios
$20
Self-medication, a sassy AI, and a distaste for the ultra-wealthy. Sarah Gailey does it again, this time with a murder mystery in space.

Three Rocks: The Story of Ernie Bushmiller
by Bill Griffith
Abrams ComicArts
$25
Nancy fans already know picking this up is a no-brainer, but just in case you don't know who Nancy is get ready to fall in love while reading this meta-biography. Seeing Bushmiller's creative process in the context of his life brings a whole new appreciation to reading Nancy. Many of the concepts he used to write are demonstrated by Nancy herself, not just in the form of classic strips but as our guide within the book and most certainly to Ernie himself throughout his life. Come away with a fresh perspective on both Nancy and creativity.  

Demon Wars
by Peach Momoko
Marvel
$35
I was so excited to return to the Marvel Momoko-verse. Peach Momoko mixes the X-Men (and some of your favorite Avengers) up with spirits and demons in feudal Japan. The characters may be quite different, but the soft colors make you feel at home instantly. Just in case you need the extra push to check this out, here's a tease: Phoenix vs Magik, except they're Yokai.

Shubeik Lubeik
by Deena Mohamed
Pantheon Books
$35
Far and away my favorite book of the year, this world presupposes that wishes are real. Unlike the fast-paced nature of Eight Billion Genies wishing in this world is a burden, both on your heart and because it's become a bureaucratic nightmare. Three first-class wishes are sold, framing each story are details about the world which seems so much like our own, including Hickman-esque data pages with the history and rules of wishes. This book has all the elements I love mashed together in a way that truly moved me. Wishing may have created a fantastical world, but real human stories play out in this book. 

SHQ Holiday Recs 2023: Dave's Picks

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SECRET HEADQUARTERS
It's that time of year again! Already! Somehow! Never fear, we are here to help you pick out the best gifts for everyone on your list.
Part three: Dave's Gnarly XXX-Mas (and bonus SHQ stuff!)

PeePee-PooPoo series by Caroline Cash
Silver Sprocket
$10
Like forever ago there was an explosion of b&w comics that were somewhat kinda autobiographical and nutso. Some were fantastic, most were garbo. Comics continued to happen for another 60 years but they were whatever. Then Caroline Cash started drawing PPPP. It's basically a new golden age. 

Filthy Dirty Books Zine
Desert Island
$15
It's fun being a pervy weirdo! This collection definitely separates the smutty wheat from the chaff. Real mix of cringy and sexy. What were people thinking?! Sixty pages of vintage paperback covers your mom would be so disappointed to find in your room. 

Kirsten Liu-Wong Sketchbook
Self-Published
$40
Kristen is completely crushing it these days. For years, really. This 180 page exact reproduction of one of her sketchbooks is the definition of "I do what I want". Flip this book for a few minutes and you're going to want to either pick up a pen or throw yours in the trash. 

Death Book by Toshio Saeki
Baron Books
$55
I don't know about you, but when I open a book don't scream "my eyes!" then I just don't want it. I dare anyone to look at Toshio's work and think, "Yeah, ok sure, kid stuff, NBD." This thing is "WTF" in book form.

And from your fave comic shop...

SHQ Shop Shirt
$25
Let 'em know where you go with our new-ish shop tee. You'll instantly be singing, "Come and knock on our door!" I have one in every color. I might never wear another shirt. Ol' One Shirt Dave they call me. 

SHQ Super Fan Pack
$75
This pack contains pretty much all of what SHQ published over the last year or so. We love what we get to do! Look at these books! SO fantastic. This bag of goodies will only be on "insanity discount" through the holidays, so quit f'ing around and pick up this Crazy Eddie level deal. 

SHQ Holiday Recs 2023: Chris Picks

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SECRET HEADQUARTERS
It's that time of year again! Already! Somehow! Never fear, we are here to help you pick out the best gifts for everyone on your list.
Part two: Selections from Chris! 

The Devil's Grin by Alex Graham
Self-Published 
$12 - $17
Four issues of seedy, darkly humorous comics from one of our favorites. The Devil's Grin plays for creeps but also resembles an Aki Kaurismaki film: sparse, vaguely sad, obtusely funny, and a little bit rock and roll. Wash your hands before getting into this one, it gets a little greasy.  

Stories From Zoo by Anand
Bubbles Fanzine
$24
Brother Brian and Bubbles Fanzine continue to spread the good word of comics. Stories From Zoo is the trade paperback of my wishes and dreams, and Anand continues to weave his odd, offbeat, at times naturalistic and at others surreal, tales with unparalleled uniqueness and surprising relatability. Anand is a comics prophet who lives in these dualities and Zoo is the scripture. Will you join us? (Comes with bonus zine This Loud World!)

Curses by George Wylesol
Avery Hill Publishing
$25
Wylesol's illustration may seem simple and clean but within those empty spaces exists not only extreme saturated color, but an overwhelming dread and bleak isolation. This collection of short comics from the last few years contain some genuinely funny things if you're slightly psychotic, but also I'm one to laugh nervously when I'm spooked. I laughed a lot in this one. 

Blood Of The Virgin by Sammy Harkham
Pantheon
$30
If there was a world comics summit where every major city had to send a representative, Los Angeles would send Sammy Harkham (assuming Xaime and Beto weren't available). In all seriousness, Blood Of The Virgin captures the perfect vibe for a perfect time in an imperfect place. Like Pet Sounds, french dips, Repo Man, and dusk baseball in Chavez Ravine, this book is one of LA's masterpieces. (Also see: Blood of the Virgin Process Zine, published by SHQ Publishing, printed by West Coast Riso champions Tiny Splendor).

Signal by Tetsunori Tawaraya
Colour Code
$40
If you are into a wild and crazy phenomenon that scientists call COLOR, then look no further than sci-fi squiggly guy supreme Tetsunori Tawaraya's Signal. But if you like your khakis pressed neat and never pick anything other than vanilla at the ice cream shop, then I can't help you, man.

SHQ Holiday Recs 2023: Jules Picks

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM SECRET HEADQUARTERS
It's that time of year again! Already! Somehow!
Never fear, we are here to help you pick out the best gifts for everyone on your list.
Part one: picks from Jules!

For the kiddos...
Mayor Good Boy Turns Bad
Random House Graphic
$13
Your favorite canine mayor (sorry, Mayor Max) is back in a new adventure! This book is adorable and hilarious.

For your friend who refuses to read comics for some reason...
Cherry On Top
SHQ Publishing
$16 (unsigned), $21 (signed)
Sincerely the funniest book I've ever read and easily one of my favorite things we have published here at SHQ. Hold on to you butts when I tell you: this one is PROSE, not a graphic novel. This laugh out loud novella by Carson Mell follows musician Bobby Bird as he tries to record his contractually obligated new album while on the lam in the desert. Drugs, sex, rock and roll, and a very likable protagonist. 

For awkward nerds everywhere...
Blackward
Drawn & Quarterly
$23
A charming and fun YA+ graphic novel about finding community! Four friends form a club for the "Black, weird, awkward, and proud of it!" If they build it, will anyone come? Trying to find your people as a young adult is tough, but with good buds anything is possible.

For your Ren Faire friend who is hella gay (is that redundant?)...
Chromatic Fantasy
Silver Sprocket
$30
Okay so this one was seemingly made just for me so it's almost unfair to include. A trans guy (!!) named Jules (!!!!) takes a deal with the devil, leaves his life as a nun, and goes on fantastic adventures with a sexy thief named Casper. Queer romance with gorgeous art. The book has gilded edges for cryin' out loud!

For your uncle who hasn't read comics in a dog's age...
Monica
Fantagraphics
$30
Dan Clowes is back, baby! To sweeten the pot, we have SIGNED BOOKPLATES to go with this wild new book. Monica is a true trip, too much said will ruin it. In my opinion, this is the best and most impressive thing Clowes has done.

For graphic novel fans looking for something totally unique...
Eden II
Fantagraphics
$40
This book is unlike anything I've ever read. It's funny, cerebral, experimental, and philosophical. I wish I could tell you more but you'll just need to experience it (you need to!) I cannot wait to read it a second time.

12/3 VHS Swap & Poster Madness

Tattoos, coffee, VHS, and the INSANE poster collection we’ve been hoarding but are finally selling? Don’t miss out.

11/10 Cook Like Your Ancestors Party

Please join us on Friday, November 10 for treats, bevvies, and books to celebrate the release of Mariah-Rose Marie’s Cook Like Your Ancestors!

Preorder your book here to pick up at the signing! Can’t make it? Preorder your signed copy here to be shipped after the event.

“A fully illustrated guide to intuitive cooking! This beginner-friendly cookbook includes a primer on tools, ingredients, and using your own five senses to make delicious food, as well as twenty vegetarian recipes from worldwide cuisines.

Have you ever met someone who never uses recipes, yet makes incredible meals every time? It seems to be a magic preserved only in the hands of grandmothers, or any passionate provider. An ancient, special knowledge that takes a lifetime to perfect. But that's not always true. You can start learning now, and you probably know far more than you think.

Inside this fully illustrated cookbook is an introduction to intuitive food preparation! Meaning less reliance on teaspoons, grams, degrees, and exact cook times, and more on the way humans have always cooked: by tasting, watching, smelling, listening, feeling, and remembering. Follow along with home chef Mariah-Rose Marie to learn how to measure with your hands, season with your senses, balance flavors on the fly, remember ratios, and more—all with minimal equipment and minimal spending.

You can practice your new knowledge with the twenty delicious vegetarian recipes collected from family, friends, and contributors throughout the globe. From Persian kashk-e bademjan and Icelandic skyrterta to Mexican-Taiwanese horchata con boba, the recipes range from traditional to transformed, reflecting the way foods—like people—migrate, mix, adapt, and are remembered. This book was created with international and financial accessibility in mind, and the hope that readers of all backgrounds will find appreciation for the myriad people and flavors of our shared world. 

So grab your trusty cast iron skillet, and get cooking!”

11/1 Léonie Bischoff Signing

Léonie Bischoff will be in town to sign copies of her absolutely gorgeous and fascinating new book, Anaïs Nin: A Sea of Lies, on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5-7p.

Preorder your book here to pick up at the signing! Can’t make it? Preorder your signed copy here to be shipped after the event.

So swing by, pick up a copy of this beautiful page turner, and let’s give her a big LA welcome!

10/29 Jon Klassen Signing

We are so excited to announce that Caldecott winner, New York Times Best Seller, and all around talented fella Jon Klassen is coming to Secret Headquarters to sign copies of his latest book, The Skull on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 3:30 - 5:30pm!

Come dressed to impressed for Halloween, as there will be a prize for the kiddo with the spOoOoOookiest costume.

Pick up a copy of The Skull at SHQ, either in person or online, to be able to get something signed by Jon. Pre-orders highly recommended!
No purchase necessary to just attend.

Can’t make it in person? Pre-order a signed copy here!

"Caldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Jon Klassen delivers a deliciously macabre treat for folktale fans. Jon Klassen’s signature wry humor takes a turn for the ghostly in this thrilling retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale. In a big abandoned house, on a barren hill, lives a skull. A brave girl named Otilla has escaped from terrible danger and run away, and when she finds herself lost in the dark forest, the lonely house beckons. Her host, the skull, is afraid of something too, something that comes every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? Steeped in shadows and threaded with subtle wit—with rich, monochromatic artwork and an illuminating author’s note—The Skull is as empowering as it is mysterious and foreboding."

10/8 Sina Grace Signing

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s SINA GRACE coming to Secret Headquarters to sign copies of his new release, Superman: Harvests Of Youth, on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 4 - 6pm!

Pre-order your copy here to pick up at the event, or if you can’t make it in person, pre-order a signed copy here!

Hope to see you Sunday.

10/27 Trick-Or-Treat The Boolevard In Atwater!

Swing by Glendale BOoOooooOolevard in Atwater Village on Friday, October 27th from 4:30 to 6:60pm for some trick-or-treating. We’ll have comics ‘n’ candy!

Ninja Master: The Ninja Magazine Art Of Beirne Lowry

Check out the trailer for one of our latest releases. Go, ninja! Go, ninja! Go!

Pick up the book in store or online!

9/8 BLAB! Signing

FRIDAY! Join us for a BLAB signing with Ryan Heshka, Greg Clark, and Monte Beauchamp! Come party in Atwater and pick up the world's hottest new comics magazine.

SHQ IS NOW OPEN IN ATWATER!!!

At long last we’re SO HAPPY to announce that we’re open at our new “forever home” in beautiful Atwater Village!

3137 Glendale Blvd

11a-7p, everyday. Come see us!

Visit Us At The Warehouse!

With Top Secret Headquarters still in limbo and the new Secret Headquarters still under construction in Atwater Village, we’ll continue to work out of our Silver Lake warehouse for the next couple of months.

Want to check it out? Come visit! We have some recent single issues, staff picks/modern classic graphic novels, apparel, and rarities/out of print stuff. We’re also happy to special order anything that you’re interested in if it’s not already on our shelves.

SHQ Distro

2516 1/2 W Sunset Blvd, LA CA 90026

BEHIND Sunset Blvd, through the back alley parking lot between Rampart and Coronado.

Open Monday - Friday, 9a - 5p

Top Secret Headquarters Closed (For Now!)

Due to “circumstances beyond our control” we have to close the Top Secret Headquarters location in Silver Lake until further notice. Keep an eye on social media and we’ll update asap. We’re open at Dungeon Dungeon inside The Last Bookstore every day11-8. Cross your fingers for us!

If you feel like shopping while we're closed, we will be adding new items to our online shop every day (including rarities and out of print goodness!) https://thesecretheadquarters.bigcartel.com