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Paradise Comics

  • Currently 3.92/5

Rating: 3.9/5 (12 votes)

Posted by Staff / Posted on July 5, 2012

Paradise ComicsParadise Comics prides itself on carrying one of the city's largest selections of graphic novels and comics, spread over its sprawling 1,000 sq. ft. space. They carry titles from heavyweights such as DC and Marvel, as well as independent companies and small-press. They also offer an annual membership which imparts discounts.

Discussion

23 Comments

D.L Silverman / September 21, 2012 at 06:20 am
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I had an Amazing Spiderman #14 submitted to CGC through Peter Dixon and Paradise Comics @ one of their conventions a few years back. I received an Email notifying me that my book had arrived. When I went to the store to get my book, they told me it was missing and they didn't have it. I confirmed with CGC that his store did in fact receive the book. After numerous emails back and forth, Mr. Dixon told me to just take him to court. I didn't do so, but I have saved EVERY email exchange to this date. Since that time, I had been notified by another shop owner, that the same thing happened to a woman as well. If you care about a high ticket comic that you want CGC'd, I suggest you do it elsewhere, or do it yourself. I never forgot what they did. I had waited my whole life to have that book. LIKE I SAID, I HAVE ALL THE EMAILS TO PROVE IT.
Daniel replying to a comment from D.L Silverman / September 21, 2012 at 10:15 am
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In contrast I have CGC'd $1000's of dollars worth of books with Peter Dixon and have had the best results posible. As a regular at the store I have gained access to various signings and events that i never thought possible. The staff are always friendly and helpful, No one does more CGC or Signature Series books then Paradise comics.
D.L. Silverman replying to a comment from Daniel / September 21, 2012 at 11:35 am
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I understand MANY people have had a good experience, and that is the reason why I TRUSTED them to handle my books, but IN CONTRAST, they NEVER paid me for the book that went "missing" a mere 30 min after they emailed me to tell me it had arrived, or made an attempt. If I had gone into their store and taken a book, I would surely be in jail. Let's put things into perspective Daniel, you sound like someone who works there. I am the little man who got shafted, trusting "the BIG guys of CGC submissions" and my experience was a very costly one.IN MY OPINION... An Amazing Spiderman #14 (first appearance of the Green Goblin in CGC 8.5 condition with WHITE pages to be more specific) is a type of item you would have a buyer already lined up for. You sell the book, tell the submitter it is stolen, then tell him to "sue you." Guess what? Karma is a you know what... Like I said... I saved all the emails.
D.L. Silverman / September 21, 2012 at 12:54 pm
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And just to clarify, the scenario that the book may have been sold in my above comment. It is merely my HYPOTHESIS and is in no way an accusation that this was done. I just want to set the record straight. It is a HYPOTHETICAL response, and I have really know way of knowing HOW are WHERE my book went to after it went "missing". But it did indeed go missing.
D.L. Silverman / September 21, 2012 at 01:27 pm
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And with all being said, I would like to invite Mr. Dixon and Paradise Comics to make right by me on what happened 7 years ago, so that I may be able to change the experience I had. And that I may be able to say something positive and have closure. This has bothered me for a very long time.

We all make mistakes, and I am an understanding human being. I know the difference between right and wrong and what responsibility and accountability means.
Greg / December 8, 2012 at 03:01 pm
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well...i was thinking about stopping by there to check it out. not anymore.
John / December 22, 2012 at 03:16 pm
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I have always had great experiences at Paradise. The story is very inviting to both the sexes. The staff are knowledgeable and very helpful. Paradise is one of the best comic book shoppes out there.
Samir P. / December 22, 2012 at 03:21 pm
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In contrast to the original poster, I have never had a bad experience at Paradise Comics. They've always been helpful, made great recommendations and have been nothing but up front and honest with me. If you're in Toronto and happen to be a comic book fan, then this is the store for you.
Davis Dewsbury / December 22, 2012 at 03:23 pm
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I do, and have for years done, all my CGC Submissions through Peter and Paradise Comics and I always get incredible service. I actually doubt the credibility of D.L.'s story. paradise sees books MUCH more valuable than Amazing Spidey #14 on a daily basis. I don't see the value in them risking their esteemed reputation on a book worth a few hundred bucks.
Jamie / December 22, 2012 at 03:27 pm
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Paradise is by far the best and most fair comic book stores in North America. I've been traveling throughout the states and Canada and have never found more fair and respectable service than with Peter and his staff at Paradise. Mr. Silverman, I am sure that Paradise has given you a reasonable offer to make amends. If you treat them fairly they will do the same. You will find in time that no other store is as mindful of their relationships with their customers than Paradise. I hope that everything works out for all involved.
Rooth / December 22, 2012 at 03:31 pm
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I haven't known Peter Dixon or his staff at Paradise for very long, but I like to think that I am a good judge of people's character - and in this short time I have found that the crew at Paradise are the finest, most honest folks I have ever met in this industry. I don't work there ( I actually work at another comic shop here in Oakville, as well as being a pro illustrator/comic artist). What happened to you Mr. Silverman is very unfortunate indeed and I can appreciate and imagine how you must feel, but I won't and don't believe for a minute that Peter or anyone at Paradise ripped you off. It's just not in the man's nature. I have had many sketch covers of mine CGC'd thru him, and have had 100% satisfaction on either end. It's a great shop- a perfect picture of what a comic shop should be and a shining of example good business.
Mike Rooth / December 22, 2012 at 03:50 pm
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I haven't known Peter Dixon or his staff at Paradise for very long, but I like to think that I am a good judge of people's character - and in this short time I have found that the crew at Paradise are the finest, most honest folks I have ever met in this industry. I don't work there ( I actually work at another comic shop here in Oakville, as well as being a pro illustrator/comic artist). What happened to you Mr. Silverman is very unfortunate indeed and I can appreciate and imagine how you must feel, but I won't and don't believe for a minute that Peter or anyone at Paradise ripped you off. It's just not in the man's nature. I have had many sketch covers of mine CGC'd thru him, and have had 100% satisfaction on either end. It's a great shop- a perfect picture of what a comic shop should be and a shining of example good business.
Graham / December 22, 2012 at 05:23 pm
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I have had nothing but good experiences with Pete at Paradise. Please post your email exchange
To prove that you are not a liar. I Know Pete would not rip you off. Don't besmirch his reputation because your plan to pull a fast one did not come off as expected. If you fail to post a full email exchange regarding this event, I suggest everyone write you off as the nut you seem to be.
Jeff / December 22, 2012 at 07:29 pm
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Greg - if a comment from september stops you from going to a store, then I fear for your ventures into new public places, if you are so easily swayed. I presume you are not and have re considered your stance since the following replies are nothing but glowing reviews.

The staff and crew of Paradise comics are some of the most knowledgable and friendly staff I have ever encounter in retail, let alone in the comics market. On endless occasions these guys have gone above and beyond to obtain, custom orders, back orders, signatures or nearly anything I have requested. Please do not let the experience of DL( who as many have sugar coated their side of the discussion), and enjoy the fantastic store, people and neighbourhood.

Rob Vellone / December 22, 2012 at 09:31 pm
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I've known Peter and shopped at Paradise Comics for over 14 years now, and he is as straight a shooter as you'll ever meet. I've bought everything from my weekly titles, statues and toys, to big expensive silver-age comics. He has ALWAYS been fair with me and is one of the most trustworthy guys in the comics business, and a good friend. I trust him without question and he's NEVER let me down. I will not buy my books anywhere else. Ever. He has earned that kind of loyalty. Anyone who says otherwise is simply being dishonest.
Alex / December 22, 2012 at 10:10 pm
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I have known Pete for about 15 years and not only do I do business with him, I consider him a friend. He is honest to a fault and I have absolutely every confidence that he is telling the truth in this matter. It's not even a question.
Liana K / December 23, 2012 at 01:15 am
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Paradise is a great store, and it's one of the few shops in Toronto I haven't had a bad experience at. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and when a problem occurs, they go out of their way to make it right.

I have had books CGCed through Paradise with no problems. I have met few business owners more honest than Pete, and Paradise has always been a community oriented shop.
LYKOS / December 23, 2012 at 01:22 am
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Honestly, its too bad the book was lost but am I to understand correctly, this happened 7 years ago and it has never been resolved? Are you trying to say Pete didn't try to resolve the issue at all? This whole thing doesn't sit well with me. I've been a customer of Paradise Comics for 20+ years, moreover I've been friends with Peter since the day he bought the store. In all that time I have NEVER once heard a single complaint about the store or its staff. I have never once seen or heard of Pete being anything other than fair with all of his customers. Clearly if this has been on going for 7 years and you haven't in all that time resorted to going to court then I believe Pete must have been trying to make things right by you and given what I know of Pete and his character I'm willing to bet you may be looking for more than what you are due. I definitely would love to see the full email exchange.
Ryan / December 23, 2012 at 01:31 am
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Paradise Comics is truly one of the best stores in the city, and I don't mean just for comic books. Peter, Doug, and all the staff have always created a warm and friendly atmosphere. Everyone is knowledgeable, go out of their way to help you, and are always good for pleasant - or geek - conversation.

I can't think of another person who has done more to help champion charitable initiatives for the comic book community. Peter has willingly donated his store for signings that benefit the Hero Initiative. Second Harvest Food Bank and many local school/organizations seek out Paradise's assistance in order to raise funds.

Mr. Silverman, whatever your issues are with Peter, I can only assume he went out of his way, trying to make appropriate amends with you to resolve the situation. He has always been an upstanding person, a caring father, and friend to many. Having read the comments of others above and knowing Mr. Dixon as I do, I'm not sure I can believe your claims.
Derrek S. Lennox / December 23, 2012 at 02:57 am
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I am sorry for your loss of a restored copy of Am.Spi. 14. However, I am extremely surprised that you and Peter (at Paradise Comics) hadn't come to an agreement by now removing such a need for this comment in such an open forum.

Peter and Paradise comics have always been upstanding in their actions (even when they don't need to be as upstanding). He and Doug - and the other staffers at the store - have supported comic collectors, small press publishers, and fans for years. He was the only supplier that I know of in Ontario that handles CGC and resolves problems that originate from CGC.
Derrek S. Lennox / December 23, 2012 at 03:07 am
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(Continued from previous post which appeared to have posted automatically)

I would have to assume that if he has suggested you go to court, it was probably more likely that he had offered a fair market value equavalent - or a credit - or even a replacement - and the offer wasn't taken over a discrepancy in what the fair market price was. Based on past dealings with Peter and Paradise, they try their best to price and assess to market, so (again) I am surprised that an agreement hadn't been reached that was extremely fair.
Brendan / December 23, 2012 at 11:53 pm
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Paradise Comics is a great store that has given me a great comic environment. Peter is a great guy, the most honest person I know. He and the staff are very helpful finding things for me, and giving me advice. I always recommend to my friends to check out the store. It's a little ways form my house, about 1.5 hours or so. But I always make the effort to drop in at least once or twice a week. Being at the store that frequent, I've seen many happy customers, kids, teens, and adults all alike come in and leave with greatest smiles on their faces.
George replying to a comment from D.L Silverman / December 24, 2012 at 01:36 am
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Paradise comics is the only place I'd go for comics, new or old. I've never had anything but great service from Peter and I'd put my total faith in him even if his stellar reputation wasn't confirmed by everyone I've met in the comics community.

If you live anywhere near the area, or are interested in older comics and want to get them from someone knowledgeable, this is the place you want to go.

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