Free comics for everyone

May 1st has lots of connotations and celebrations - but I bet you never counted on Free Comic Book Day being part of the spring day fun. Saturday at noon, the newly renamed business on South Third Street, The Comic Hut (formerly known to us as The Comic Den) will host a grand opening and participate in the national giving away of comics, along with door prizes and a special sale of backstock.


This is a sneak preview of some of those free comics we will be looking forward to picking up this weekend. Limit of two per person - bring a friend, get different issues and then swap. That's the plan here at The Picaroon.

This year's commemorative Free Comic Day shirt. Here's hoping that is one of those sweet door prizes.



Howard Wheatley, owner, has created a great new home for his comics after a 5 alarm fire nearly a year ago shook his shop in a smoking death grip. By this weekend, there will be a new wood sign hanging outside the establishment and fresh window designs up front. The Comic Den rises from the ashes to become The Comic Hut and our town keeps one more independent store that sets our downtown so far apart from the norm.

Saturday, May 1st noon-6pm National Free Comic Book Day
free comics, door prizes, fun

The Comic Hut
Comics and Collectibles
822 S. Third Street Renton ,WA 98057
425-235-1663

What's a Christmas without comics?

Comics - they appeal to those from six to sixty, and you can find an amazing supply of them right in Downtown Renton. Just six months after the fire in Historic Renton in June that wiped out an entire building that housed The Comic Den for years, and things are looking pretty darn good for owner Howard Wheatley. By next summer, the shop should be completely situated in their new digs and comfortably using all of the additional space the South Third storefront provides them. In the meantime, the selection of goodies is a must to go and see.

The new comic racks are full and renewed each Wednesday when a shipment arrives with fresh stock. There is a shelf just for trade paperbacks and of course, lots of other memorabilia that will catch your eye.

All the Super Heroes have a place to call their own within these four walls. The shop mascot, Howard's dog, is named after one of them - Hercules.

This set of Mr. Potato Head dressed up as all the members of the band Kiss had me laughing immediately. I know a few people who would be happy to give this a home. Man, I can hear them begging for a set even now.


At $6.99 a box, these Minimates are reasonably priced stocking stuffers that anyone could purchase. I want a Wolverine one, just for the record.

The Comic Den is all about making comics accessible to everyone. Kids can go in and not have to worry that they won't be able to afford anything. Comics are meant to be enjoyed and read, and the toys to be pulled out of the box and played with. This is what Howard likes to see and it is reflected in how he runs the shop.

If you happen by this Wednesday for the new comic delivery, the store will be having a festive holiday gathering and snacking to share their appreciation of all the customers that have been so loyally supportive over the year. Couldn't think of a better time to drop in and become better acquainted. Open from noon until 4pm Christmas Eve.

The Comic Den
822 South Third Street
(425) 235 - 1663

Weekdays - noon til 6pm, Sunday noon til 5pm
Email: comicden@hotmail.com

Happy Fourth Everyone!

All American Cupcake in the classic flavor of Apple Pie available at the Common Ground Coffee and Cupcakes, 900 S. Third St., and they will even serve it to you on the 4th - they're gonna be open.

Rising Star's The Patriot is a man after my own heart. He survived the fire at The Comic Den and he still looks good! The Comic Den will be selling your favorites on the 4th from 12 - 4pm at their new digs at 822 S. Third Street.


G.H.Y. Bikes has a ride for every season - and holiday. This gorgeous work of red,white and blue is available for $549. It is the ever popular Electra bike and this ride is, in a word, sweet. AJ, owner at G.H.Y.909 S. Third will be happy to put you on a bike this 4th from 10 - 6pm. Get into shape this year with some class.


Happy Delusions has swag for every occasion. These 4th of July firecracker blocks by "Do me a favor" sell for $9.95 and you can pop in and get them today until late or on the 4th from 11 - 2pm at 924 S. Third St.

Jacob Matthew is sporting a red vintage shirt and blue shorts - poster boy for the colors of the weekend. GQ style on the streets of Renton.


"J" Hand at Ancient's Arts Tattoo can hook you up with some great ink anytime. 928 S. Third Street (425) 255 - 5841

Floral flag at the corner of Main and S. Third Street at the Renton Veteran's Memorial. The remaining 2 photos were taken there as well. Beautiful.

Have a safe Fourth of July out there, folks

Comics still burning on

This afternoon, the old Harries Building that was the site of Renton's 5 Alarm fire saw a little more action. Three firemen, completely suited up and a pair of fire engines, pumping water, paid a visit to the basement of the building that once housed The Comic Den and the A-1 Vacuum & Locks. Seems that there is a stack of smouldering comic books about 5 feet high that bursts into flames about every week, this told to me by one of the firemen, Captain Mike Proulx of the Renton Fire Department, after exiting the building on Wells Ave. S.

As you can see, the building received a little more water and attention. This view is taken from the back of the building where there is a parking area.

I had no idea that comic books could be that tenacious. There is word on the street that Bob Delancey, owner of the now burned out building, is negotiating with a buyer. It would be great to have that space rebuilt and renovated. Let's hope both parties can come to an agreement soon. I will keep you posted.

The Comic Den is OPEN!!

They're back!!! New comics, new location and a happy, returning clientele. The Comic Den has opened their doors today to great success and a huge sigh of relief. Hard work and many laborious hours have gone into getting the store to this place and time. Now that the doors are open, the task will be to get the recovered stock back on the floor and have the shop organized said Howard Wheatly, owner. The plan is that by the week before Renton River Days in the last days of July, the shop will have a grand reopening, and be really situated once again.

Pictured above is Rich Nesbitt waiting on longtime customer Danielle NiDhighe. Both were very happy to have the chance to see one another. Rich still has a job he enjoys to come to and Danielle has an outlet to indulge in her comic reading. This makes everyone happy.

Owner, Howard Wheatly - exhausted, but good.

Please note that the phone number is not working at present at The Comic Den but will be remedied by the following Monday. Please feel free to email them at: comicden@hotmail.com

The Comic Den 822 South Third Street
(425) 235 - 1663 (as of next Monday 6/22)
Email: comicden@hotmail.com

Comic Buyers - Start your Engines!

Today is the day to buy a new comic book. The Wednesday tradition of new comic book arrivals at The Comic Den continues. When last I spoke to Howard Wheatly, the owner, the store would open at Noon Today! Fall out and support Renton!

The Comic Den 822 South Third Street
(425) 235 - 1663 Renton, WA