SHQ Is Coming To Atwater Village!

We are beyond excited to announce our future home: 3137 Glendale Blvd in Atwater Village! 

Opening Spring 2023, the new flagship Secret Headquarters will be a destination for comics, graphic novels, art books,  zines, monthlies, all-ages goodies, apparel, art, events, and more.

We can't wait to share it with you all (especially the incredible Atwater Village community!)

We've made a new shirt (with art by the great Andrew Brandou) to commemorate our move to Atwater. Celebrate our current storefront limbo by picking one up!

In the meantime: we are still rolling at Dungeon Dungeon, we're adding crazy good stuff to our online shop every day.

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

SHQ Holiday Recs Part Five: SHQ Publishing

Crickets #8

by Sammy Harkham

$10

The much-anticipated finale to Sammy Harkham's Blood Of The Virgin story is here! It is beautiful and could not be more perfect. Issue #8 includes a full color boxing comic starring Jack Dempsey, originally printed in Victory Journal.

Crickets Color Special

by Sammy Harkham

$14

Crickets Color Special is a deluxe format of a standalone Blood Of The Virgin story about the life and times of a kid cowboy who makes it in Hollywood at the medium’s birth and bucks the bronco on through the decades as the movies and industry change. Where the ever-expanding heights of grandeur and success mask the resentments, ego and spite that fires the furnace of this singularly American kind of machine. Originally included in the now out of print Kramers Ergot 10, Blood of the Virgin is presented in its own distinct package with new covers, artwork and revised remastered color.

A Book Of Black And White Drawings

by Jay Howell

$16

Flash style drawings of all your favorites: skaters, demons, babes, dogs, and Kiki! 64 pages of charming Jay Howell goodness.

Way Bad

$22

by Ben Jensen

Skate comics by a skater for skaters (and other people too but only just barely.)  If you want to know what's going on inside an old skater's head on the daily, this book is for you.

Bowie

$25

Our Mama and Papa, David Robert Jones O.A.L. Lee Noble does it again in this beautiful risographed book printed right here in Silver Lake by Tiny Splendor. It's just David Bowie, David Bowie, David Bowie. Why bother with anyone else?

Korean American Cooking Comics

by Sungyoon Choi & Eric Watkins

$26 - $60

Collecting 5 wildly popular self-published zines and a brand new story, this book features beautifully illustrated recipes as well as relatable slice-of-life relationship comics. This hardbound collection is perfect for foodies, cat lovers, and fans of autobiographical comics alike. Almost out of print and available as a classic copy, signed copy, a copy with a color print, and a copy with a letterpress print!

SHQ Holiday Recs Part Four: Patrick's Picks

Something Is Killing The Children

written by James Tynion IV, art by Werther Dell’Edera, colors by Miquel Muerto

Boom! Comics

$15
I am not kidding when I say that every volume of this series is better than the last. I don't typically read horror because I don't like to be scared, but I always feel safe with Erica Slaughter around. Volume 5 is the first time I was actually worried for Erica, and if you have already read volumes 1 - 4 you know she's been through a lot. If you haven't read any of these, what are you waiting for?!

The Well

written by Jake Wyatt, art by Choo

First Second

$18

This book seems to start as a fable, but sometimes the stories of the past become a little more personal. Taking a few coins from a wishing well to pay for the ferry back home seemed like a good idea to Lizzy at the time, but now she finds herself in the position of having to fill the unfulfilled wishes those coins represented. Perfect for all ages.

Junkwraith

by Ellinor Richey

Top Shelf Productions

$25

The colors in this book are mesmerizing. Sometimes we give the objects that fill our lives a little too much power, but just because an object represents something difficult doesn't mean it's easy to just throw it away. Florence ditches her skates and they take on a life of their own as she finds herself the subject of a very interesting type of curse. I can't wait to read more from this first-time comics creator.

Fantastic Four Full Circle

by Alex Ross

Abrams

$25

Alex Ross was born to write and illustrate a Fantastic Four story. The colors in this book are out of this world, which is quite fitting since the FF are headed to the Negative Zone in this retro adventure. Uses a classic Fantastic Four issue (Volume 1, Issue 51) as a jumping off point and is absolutely stunning from cover to cover.

Keeping Two

by Jordan Crane

Fantagraphics

$30

By far my favorite book of the year and also the hardest to describe. It starts as a story (and another story) about loss, but it explores superstition, anxiety, reminiscing, grocery shopping, mind-wandering, catastrophizing, washing dishes, appreciation, and how hard it is to pick a movie to rent. This book is an experience that deserves to be shared with the people you care about. Be sure to have a box of tissues nearby.

Birds of Maine

by Michael Deforge

Drawn & Quarterly

$35

Just in case you have forgotten just how ridiculous life on Earth has become, let a bunch of birds who live on the moon tell you how dumb it is. On the moon everyone has free and easy access to information (even the beatles), they don't need money (no more fines), and can aspire to do and be whatever they want, even a fashion designer (although economist is frowned upon).

Decorum

written by Jonathan Hickman, art by Mike Huddleston

Image Comics

$40

This is the perfect book. Even when I'm not reading it I just love to flip through and be amazed. An assassin with excellent etiquette takes a foul-mouthed courier under her wing. Let the Sisterhood of Man guide you through the universe in this mind-bending science fiction, just watch out for the Church of the Singularity.

Ask me about my 8-hour Decorum playlist.

SHQ Holiday Recs Part Three: Chris Picks

New York Ninja Super Special by Charles Forsman

Floating World Comics/Vinegar Syndrome

$12

Do you even sequels, bro? No sequel is more vital and important than this Forsman ripper.You don't need to have watched the cult classic original film from 1984 to immerse yourself into this gem. Just remember that crime in NYC in the 1980s was very bad and we all should thank New York Ninja, not Spidey, Heroes For Hire, or Daredevil, for keeping those streets clean.

Detention No. 2 / Sir Alfred No. 3 by Tim Hensley

Fantagraphics

$20/each

Local boy done good, your cartoonist's favorite cartoonist, Tim Hensley is back baby! Oversized, gloriously illustrated and colored, and packed with the language and minutiae of turn of the century NYC ("loosely" based on Stephen Crane's novella Maggie: A Girl of the Streets). And since there's no such thing as too much of a good thing, Fantagraphics have reissued Sir Alfred, for those who need to scratch their Hitch itch!

Shuna's Journey by Hayao Miyazaki

First Second

$28

At this point, there is nothing that Miyazaki-san can do that won't be short of absolutely amazing. He can draw a dot on a post-it, and it'll probably end world suffering for a blissful moment. Shuna's Journey, originally from 1983 and translated into English for the first time, is based on an old Tibetan folktale and features many visual ideas that would form Nausicaa, Mononoke, etc. RIYL Studio Ghibli, coming of age journeys, nature and anti-colonial anti-slavery sentiment.

Acting Class by Nick Drnaso

Drawn & Quarterly

$30

Y'all, this is a goddamn masterpiece. Take something that is inherently awkward (an acting class), magnify it by a million, mess with the perception of reality, then die inside forever. Drnaso already has "Booker Prize longlist" distinction, what's next? Pulitzer? Nobel Prize? Purple Heart? Grammy? Better jump on the wagon now, so you can tell kids 20 years from now that you were there before he was doing VR hologram New Yorker covers in 2042.

The Human Target Volume One by Tom King and Greg Smallwood

DC Black Label

$30

Tom King's extremely good at his thing. Some folks wanna get all snobby and say they don't like it anymore, but really they still do because, like I wrote earlier, he's extremely good at his thing. Another reinvention of a B-list DC character, in a stylish noir mystery, elevated to bonkers status by Smallwood's impeccable art which lies in the center of a Venn Diagram of Norman Rockwell's style and Darwyn Cooke's vibe.

A Frog in the Fall (and Later On) by Linnea Sterte

Peow Studio

$35

Brew your genmaicha and put on your favorite Japanese ambient records, because Linnea Sterte's new one is here and it's so incredibly chill. With her zen minimal linework and the jaw-dropping PEOW packaging, Frog's journey is so epic, it might actually get you to leave your electric blanket and go outside for a change.

SHQ Holiday Recs Part Two: Jules Picks

Santos Sisters #2

Self-Published

$4.20

Santos Sisters #1 made it on my gift list last year, and the hits keep coming. Los Bros meets Archie. Great tone, as good as indie comics can get.

Penguin & House Volume One

Kodansha

$13

Y'ALL it's so cuuuuuute. This little penguin does everything for his hapless best friend. He folds the laundry with his little flippers! Ahhhhh! All ages friendly.

Space Trash Volume Oone

Oni Press

$22

YA punk sci-fi! Sound good? You're correct. Super fun story and killer art from creator Jenn Woodall (Magical Beatdown); I'm such a big fan.

Giantess

Magnetic Press

$30

Boy oh boy I loved this book. Sprawling fantasy epic? Yes. Anarcho-feminist treatise? ALSO YES. Gorgeous art, fantastic world building, just... chef's kiss. Big Ursula K. Le Guin energy.

Men I Trust

Fantagraphics Books

$35

Tommi Parrish's first book, The Lie And How We Told It, was one of the most exciting debuts in recent memory. Their follow up does not disappoint. Incredibly unique in style and voice, this book is an honest look at people trying to do their best and make real human connections.

Ducks

Drawn & Quarterly

$40

Kate Beaton's literature and history cartoons made her famous, but her autobiographical work is the best of her career in my opinion. Deft, subtle cartooning. So much heart, heartbreak, and thoughtfulness.

SHQ Holiday Recs Part One: 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 one: picks from Dave, your friendly neighborhood comic shop owner.

Smoke Signal #39

Desert Island

$10

A full issue of forty oversized James Jean images printed on newsprint. I have my issues with newsprint (basically hate it), but I gotta give it to the stuff. It makes for a more involved experience when you're turning the pages. The smell, the way it changes color and texture over time, how it feels like you're reaching back to an earlier time in printing. Either either, it's all JJ and his stuff is gorgeous no matter what it's on.

Anti-Drug Propaganda Zine

Desert Island

$22

This zine is so incredible. It's one hundred pages full of people telling you what not to do by showing you how to do it in the coolest way. I gotta believe every artist was way into getting high and taking money from the man to make the art. Meanwhile, do people really sniff glue? I know there's songs and books, and probably stuff in movies I'm not remembering, but it just seems so crazy. Drugs are bad.

Le Moyne Tarot - Major Arcana

Heavy Manners

$38

Ok. If you know me, you know I'm about as spiritual as an Apple IIe. When I read Jesse's tarot explanations I feel like I'm totally nuts. However, I love things that are way beyond me, and I think Jesse is one of the best writer/artists out there today. Not sure how this sells this box, but years ago we worked with a guy that carried his tarot set in a leather sheath on his belt.

Complete Eightball

Fantagraphics

$50

There's a perfect time in a person's life for certain comics (music, movies, etc). Eightball happens to be one of a handful of things that it's always the right time for. Never read it? Get ready for this! Read it a long time ago? It's like a visit from your funniest, craziest old friend that doesn't give a fuck about "off limits".

Mononoke

Editions Cornelius

$60

When Shigeru Mizuki finishes a drawing, he must be so satisfied, like "Yup, that's exactly what I see in my mind, nailed it again." Imagine doing that over two hundred times just for this book? Meanwhile, I'd buy it for the backgrounds alone.

Moebius - Alla Ricerca del Tempo (In Search Of Time)

Moebius Productions / Comicon Edizioni

$95

I almost feel silly about writing a description of a beautifully printed book of Moebius illustrations. It's a catalog of an Italian show of his work. Beauty on beauty! I mean, what more could you possibly say? You're either in or you're out. My way or the highway. It's flippin' Moebius, my dude.

10/21 Dream Of The Bat Release W/Josh Simmons & Patrick Keck

The perfect Halloween event. Don’t miss out! Masks encouraged :)

Pick up a signed book, a shirt, and a sticker sheet while you’re here!

7/29 Johnny Ryan Book Signing

Johnny Ryan. Secret Headquarters. New book.

Will you be here? You better be.

Snooze and lose, my dudes.

5/27 Jordan Crane, Ron Regé, and Conor Stechschulte

A triple whammy of amazing cartoonist! We’ll have Jordan with his long awaited collection of Keeping Two, Ron with this year’s Halcyon, and Conor with the brand new Ultrasound.

Come by, tell the lads hello, and pick up a copy of each!

5/21 Kurdles Signing

Bring the whole family to celebrate the release of the new issue of Kurdles! Rob Goodin will be here with young colorist Yeimi! There will be coloring for the kiddos and free tomato plants with purchase.

5/15 Permanent Damage Fest!

2/18 Johnny Ryan Release Party

Swing by the shop (yes, in person!) and get Johnny to draw a dick or something in your new copy of the complete Prison Pit.

2/4: Ron Regé Book Launch

Join us (virtually!) for the launch of Ron Regé’s new book, Halcyon! We’ll have signed copies available in our online store.

SHQ Holiday Recs Part Four: All Ages

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 for the kiddo (or kiddo at heart!) in your life.

Miles Morales: Shock Waves / / Mr. Marvel: Stretched Thin

Scholastic, $13 each

Beautiful new middle grade graphic novels for superhero lovers! All new adventures for these two incredibly popular teen heroes.

The Girl From The Sea

Scholastic, $15

Fantasy, magic, creatures from folklore, romance... what more can you want? A very sweet tale about growing up and falling in love.

The Nutcracker And The Mouse King

First Second, $19

A lushly illustrated re-telling of the classic story. Our copies are signed and sketched by writer/artist Natalie Andrewson to make them an extra special holiday gift.

Run Book One

Abrams, $25

The first part of the sequel to critically acclaimed March by the late Senator John Lewis. Fantastic and important non-fiction.

Baby-Sitters Little Sister Box Set

Scholastic, $44

Contains volumes one through four of the in the popular Baby-Sitters Little Sister graphic novel series. Charming and heartfelt!

SHQ Holiday Recs Part Three: Dave's Picks

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: picks from the big boss man, Dave!

Star Wars T-Shirts 1977 - 1983

SHQ Publishing, $20

A long time ago (early 2021) we got together with Austin Books and made this rad collection of classic Star Wars t-shirts. Remember going to the mall and picking iron-ons from the books? It was ringer tee heaven!

Dang Wayne Olsen Book & Print Set

SHQ Publishing, $20

DWO is so fantastic, kinda like when gum is exactly at that perfect combination of flavor and chewiness.

His art is like that: chewy flavor for your eyeballs.

Crisis Zone - Signed & Sketched

Fantagraphics, $30

Now that the world is totally fixed and we've achieved a United Federation Of Planets-level peace, it's time to reflect back on the year 2020. This textbook by Professor Hanselmann is about as accurate to the time as you'll ever read.

Wont 2 Cant Vol 1

Cold Cube Press, $35

We invite you to read Wont 2 Cant if you want to know the core principle of the religion your children's children will be practicing. Spoiler alert: it's exercise balls.

Dope Rider

Tanibis Editions, $42

The Dope Rider is back! His head is a skull, do you want to know why? Read the book! Then get high, and make up your own answer.

SHQ Holiday Recs Part Two: 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 one: picks from Mr. Christorpher Wu

Erotic Sketch Book

Self-Published, $16

Time to get horny for the holidays! Seo Kim's sketchy ode to doin' it will warm the cockles of your heart

and your nether regions. All our copies are signed and sketched!

Beta Ray Bill

Marvel Comics, $16

Extremity and Wonder Woman Dead Earth's Daniel Warren Johnson and Mike Spicer take the stormbreakin' Korbinite and blast off on a cosmic journey of epic proportions. Fin Fang Foom FTW.

No. 5 Volumes 1 & 2

Viz Media, $23 each

Matsumoto-san's under-appreciated classic is back in print for the first time in almost two decades.

Love is on the run!

Mycelium Wassonii

Anthology Editions, $32

The follow-up to Bicycle Day is as bonkers as its predecessor. Come swim out into Brian Blomerth's technicolor psychedelia oblivion. For fans of mushies and mushy brains.

Magic Mayhem Metal

Peow Studio, $30

Be the absolute envy of your D&D campaign with this rad art book! A sweet study of swords, sorcery

and the sweet, sublime style of Tom Hunter. From our mega-faves at Peow Studio.