After more than four decades serving comic-book fans across the United States, retailer Things From Another World is permanently shutting down all remaining stores. The closure comes as specialty chains continue struggling with changing shopping habits and mounting pressure on physical retail.
Dark Horse Comics Confirms the End of Its Retail Stores
Comic publisher Dark Horse Comics announced that all remaining Things From Another World stores will close over the coming months. The company’s locations in Milwaukie and Beaverton, Oregon, are scheduled to close on June 30. Its best-known location at Universal CityWalk in California will shut down on Sept. 30.
For years, the chain attracted comic-book collectors, movie fans, and pop-culture enthusiasts searching for graphic novels, figurines, collectibles, and limited-edition merchandise tied to major entertainment franchises. Dark Horse Comics did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision.
In a public statement, the company described the move as difficult and acknowledged the effect on workers and longtime customers connected to the stores.
The Company Already Shut Down Online Sales
The retail closures follow another major change that happened in 2025. Things From Another World officially closed its e-commerce platform on April 30, ending online purchases for customers nationwide. The company announced the move through social media at the time, though few additional details were shared publicly.
The shutdown forms part of a wider restructuring effort taking place inside Dark Horse Comics and its parent company, Fellowship Entertainment. According to a business update released in May, the company is attempting to modernize operations while creating stronger links between publishing, film, television, and gaming activities.
Dark Horse Is Shifting Toward Gaming and Entertainment
Even as its retail presence disappears, Dark Horse continues investing in other entertainment sectors. The company recently launched Dark Horse Games, a new division focused on interactive entertainment and video-game partnerships linked to its comic-book properties.
Executives said the project is designed to help creators expand their fictional universes into digital media while increasing collaboration across entertainment platforms. Dark Horse also reaffirmed its commitment to film and television production through Dark Horse Entertainment, which has helped adapt several comic-book franchises for screen projects over the years.
The publisher remains known for titles connected to “Hellboy,” “Star Wars,” “Aliens,” “Predator,” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Another Sign of Pressure on Physical Retail
Things From Another World first opened in 1980 under the name Pegasus Books in Bend, Oregon. The company later expanded across the Pacific Northwest before rebranding in 1993. Founder Mike Richardson launched Dark Horse Comics in 1986 after becoming dissatisfied with the comic products available through traditional publishers and distributors.
Over time, Dark Horse became one of the largest comic-book publishers in the United States. Industry figures from ICV2 currently place the company fifth nationally in comic-book market share behind Marvel, DC Comics, Image Comics, and IDW Publishing.
The closure of the retail chain reflects broader economic pressure facing physical stores across America. Shopping malls continue losing visitors, while retailers face rising labor costs, inflation, higher rents, and stronger competition from online platforms.
For many longtime customers, the disappearance of Things From Another World is more than another store closure. It marks the end of a retail brand closely connected to several generations of comic-book culture in the United States.
