Vortex Books & Comics in Columbia, PA is owned by bestselling, award-winning authors Brian Keene and Mary SanGiovanni. We offer a huge selection of new, used, vintage, antiquarian, and collectible books, comic books, magazines, original art, role-playing games, card games, antiques, clothing, and more. We specialize in Horror, Science-Fiction, Fantasy, Crime, and other speculative fiction genres.

We are located at 477 Locust St, Columbia, PA 17512, just a short distance from Baltimore, Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and Allentown, and a nice day-trip from New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Richmond, and Washington D.C. (See below for nearby hotel and travel options).

Our hours are 10am to 7pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. We are closed Monday and Tuesday.

We host in-store events every week! Check out our events page for upcoming signings, readings, workshops, seminars, open-mic nights, games, and more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: I’m traveling to your store from out-of-state. Any tips for lodging and travel?
A: Sure! We have compiled all the information you’ll need, including lodging, travel, and other tourist locations, right here.

Q: I’m an author. How do I arrange a signing/reading/workshop in your store?
A: Please reach out via our contact form. Please be patient as it may take some time to respond.

Q: Can I donate books or comics to the store?
A: Sure! And bless you for that. Please mail to our address above.

Q: Do you buy collections of books and comics?
A: Yes, we do. Please reach out via our contact form to arrange a time for us to look at them. We also sell collections on consignment.

Q: I would like to pay my respects to author J.F. Gonzalez or podcaster Dave Thomas. Are there any certain protocols?
A: A portion of each of their remains resides permanently in the store for that very reason. Photographs and “selfies” are welcome. We ask only that you DO NOT TOUCH and that you be respectful of others who may also be visiting them.

Q: Why don’t you have all of your inventory available in your online store?
A: Given that our stock is constantly refreshed, that would be impossible to keep up with. Instead, for our online component, we offer limited quantities of books that have been signed in store during events and certain vintage and collectible books. Check here for current availability.