A 40-year-old shop in Raleigh, North Carolina just got some serious recognition from one of comics’ biggest indie publishers.

Capitol Comics won Image Comics’ Summer 2026 Select Retailer Award, beating out thousands of fan nominations during San Diego Comic-Con. The award highlights comic shops that go beyond just selling books, focusing on stores that build community, champion indie titles, and actually help readers find what they’ll love.

“We are beyond ecstatic,” the Capitol Comics team said. “Thank YOU for the support and the camaraderie you give us in this industry.”

Image launched the award to shine a light on the retailers who keep the direct market alive. Fans nominated shops based on criteria like hand-selling recommendations, inclusive atmosphere, smart displays, and support for creator-owned comics. The previous winner was ATOM Comics.

Capitol Comics gets a commemorative medallion, a spotlight Q&A on Image’s platforms, and an exclusive variant cover with their logo (limited to 250 copies).

It’s a rare moment where the backbone of the comics industry, the local shop, gets the credit it deserves. Image will open nominations for the next award cycle soon.