A Birmingham Birthday Detour: Sanctum Tattoos and Comics

On my way back from Chicago, I made a quick detour to Birmingham to surprise my brother Daren for his 60th birthday — and while I was in town, I couldn't resist the pull of a good comic shop. I stopped into Sanctum Tattoos and Comics, now located at 2325 1st Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203. This marks their third (and hopefully final) location, and honestly, it feels like the right fit.

The space is compact but thoughtfully laid out — just enough product to feel full without being overwhelming. I was greeted the moment I walked in by the owner, who was genuinely friendly and clearly passionate about the space he’s built. The back issue selection is neatly housed in large filing cabinets, arranged alphabetically, which made the hunt easy and fun. I was able to dig up some solid finds, including a few Spawn issues and a little Something is Killing the Children.

Parking was simple — there’s a paid lot conveniently located right across the street. Between the welcoming vibe, organized inventory, and convenient location, I’ll definitely be swinging by again the next time I’m in town to visit my brother.