Sitting near the intersection of Washington Avenue and 11th, Big Brain Comics has provided a platform for authors, artists, and a hub for comic book culture in Minneapolis since the late 1960’s. Its quaint red-brick exterior encloses a large room made cozy by the numerous shelves stocked with comics and a few trinkets.

This long standing and loved local store announced recently that they will be closing up in June of 2016. The owner Micheal Drivas, stated in an interview with the Barry Lytton of the Star Tribune that the main reason for making this decision was simply too much work: “You’re either always working or you’re never working,” he said.

Perhaps a new comic book store will pop up with the same local feel and balance between mainstream and hidden gem comics that makes this store so iconic.

Students with a love for comic books and all things local may want to head down Washington Avenue and experience a little piece of Minnesota history before the Drivas closes up shop on Big Brain comics.