SPRBA Business Profile | Variant Edition
Variant Edition is a destination for comic lovers, curious newcomers, and anyone looking to rediscover the joy of storytelling. With shelves packed full of graphic novels, the shop offers something far beyond the typical bookstore experience. Variant Edition is where conversations spark, recommendations are personalized, and every visit holds the promise of a new favorite read.
As Edmonton Independent Bookstore Day (April 25-26) and Free Comic Book Day (May 2) approach, there’s no better time to shine a light on one of the passionate local businesses that keeps the community thriving. At Variant Edition, that passion shows up not just in what’s on the shelves, but in the welcoming, community-focused atmosphere that keeps readers coming back read after read.
Here is our Q&A with Brandon
When did you first start your business, and did Variant Edition start as a storefront first or were there other iterations leading up to a physical space?
We opened Variant Edition eleven years ago in another part of the city, and we moved to the Stony Plain Road business district a little over a year into being open. Since then, we’ve been proud to call this area home.
You curate an amazing range of works; there are always stories to discover on the shelves! How do you match people with the right graphic novel if they’re unsure where to start?
Usually, it involves asking them about the types of media they enjoy outside of comics. So many people think recommendations can only happen when you’re talking about the "same thing" — movies to movies, books to books... I find it helps to get a bit of flavor from various interests to really pair someone with something they’re going to love.
What’s one story you’ve read recently that surprised you?
A new series called In Your Skin just started up. It touches a bit on Bollywood and the parasocial relationships people can develop with famous people, and it takes quite a surprising and interesting turn. It is definitely something to check out if you’re into a thoughtful thriller.
Are you seeing more new readers discovering comics for the first time?
Yes! One of the bigger drivers is the "Absolute" line of comics at DC, which takes some of their classic characters, like Batman and Wonder Woman, and recreates them in modern times. They are speaking to tons of new readers of all ages! They are some great stories.
What kind of community has formed around Variant Edition?
It is a very friendly community — built on connecting over the different things we all love. New comics come out every week, and there are many regulars we see just as often, and you can’t help but start building connections with these wonderful people. They’ve done so much for the store over the years, and I appreciate them all greatly.
What's been a standout event or moment for the shop throughout the years?
Once, we had Chip Zdarsky choose our store to visit when he was doing a cross-country tour. At the time, he was the main writer of Batman, and he is now the writer on Avengers — pretty big deals! He was absolutely wonderful, and he took time with each person in line. It was a very fun day.
There are two big upcoming events! First up is Edmonton Bookstore Extravaganza on April 25-26, followed by Free Comic Book Day on May 2. What can people expect at these events?
Lots of fun stuff! First up, 16 local Edmonton bookstores have gotten together for the third year in a row to co-run an event between our stores, where you get a passport and visit different shops in the city. Each store does a little something during the weekend, and the more locations you get to, the more chances you get to win some cool prizes! Then, there’s Free Comic Book Day, which happens at many comic shops here and around the world. Publishers offer certain titles for retailers to purchase with the intent to give them away during the day. We always like to toss in a few other secret bonus books to make the event even more fun!
Why is it important for people to support independent bookstores?
A local bookstore will always be the best at finding the right books for you. The people who run them are passionate about books and reading, and they always want you to find something that you’re going to connect with. Also, all money spent at local businesses tends to stay within the communities they serve, so in a way, your purchases continue to help out many other businesses in the area down the line!
Desert island: you can only bring three graphic novels. Which ones do you take with you?
Oof. Tough. Right now, I’d say... the giant edition of Stray Bullets by David Lapham that collects that series’ first run. It is this weird, magical-realism crime series that is weird, dark, and funny, and I think about it nearly every week. Also, it is big enough I could swing it and use it as protection.
Next, I would say The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V and Filipe Andrade — a brilliant book about the god of death who is let go from her job when a child is born who will invent something that will stop death from occurring. She decides to live the rest of her days as a human, and it is a very gentle and touching story about believing you’re unshakeable and discovering strength in your vulnerabilities.
And the last is going to be Daytripper by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá. This is a beautiful story about a man who writes obituaries for a living. Each part of the story takes a look at a different formative moment in his life, from the early days of youth through to different eras of adulthood. At the end of each chapter, the story shows him passing, and he writes a little obituary for himself — mourning the version of him that passes away as he grows and becomes a new person. It is beautiful.
What keeps you passionate about business?
Honestly, the people. The community. I absolutely love comics and stories, but it really is the strong connections that I build with my customers that you just don’t get from working in any sort of "bigger" job, you know?
What does being part of the Stony Plain Road business community mean to you?
I’ve always felt like this business community is so authentic. We’re a hearty bunch. We put down our roots here with purpose, and we fight fiercely for our community and the businesses that surround us. We take care of each other — in part because the area has a perception that folks look down on, despite the fact that we have an amazing collection of businesses doing amazing things. And if we’re not going to look after each other, then who will?
What’s a hidden gem in the neighbourhood you wish more people knew about?
I love hitting up Ocean Odyssey! It is a great place for all your seafood needs, and the quality is second to none!
Visit the Variant Edition website to learn more.
Whether you’re a long-time comic enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of graphic novels, Variant Edition offers a space where stories feel accessible and connections come naturally. With exciting events on the horizon and a deep commitment to community, the business is about bringing people together through a shared love of storytelling.
Explore all the great businesses in the Stony Plain Road area and discover what makes this district so unique. Visit Variant Edition at 10086 164 St. NW, Edmonton.