20 Years of All New Comics: A Look Back at Two Decades
On June 14th, 2005, two lifelong comic fans—Brian Garside and Peter Fisico—turned a shared dream into reality when they launched All New Comics, Canada’s first fully online comic book subscription service. What started as a bold experiment in digital retail has become a 20-year journey filled with passion, partnerships, and plenty of four-colour adventure.
A Bold New Beginning
In the early 2000s, the idea of buying your weekly comics online—let alone managing subscriptions through a website—was still a novelty. But Brian and Peter saw an opportunity. They wanted to build something different: a service that made getting comics convenient, reliable, and customer-focused. No more longbox digging or missed issues. All New Comics would be a subscription-first service that ensured fans never missed a beat.
From humble beginnings in Ajax and Richmond Hill, Ontario, All New Comics they started with a small but loyal customer base of friends. Over time, that base grew steadily, thanks to strong word-of-mouth and a reputation for excellent customer service. Customers knew they could count on All New Comics to get the books they loved—on time, every time.
Simple Software that Grew Over Time
The first version of All New Comics was a subscription tool that Brian had his friend Ryan (now a custom cabinet maker at his own company Riverwood Cabinetry) build a very basic subscription tool that simply had a list of series that customers could subscribe to, and eventually a payments system for invoicing.
This was the spark that eventually inspired Manage Comics, which Brian still runs today.
Building a Community
Beyond just delivering comics, All New Comics helped foster a community of Canadian readers. Fans across the country—many in rural areas or towns without local comic shops—found a lifeline to the medium they loved. It wasn’t just about collecting—it was about connecting. With multiple convention appearances, regular newsletters, previews, and personal service, Brian and Peter turned the site into more than a shop—it became a trusted friend in the comics world.
The site also built relationships with creators, championed Canadian talent, and supported emerging voices. Whether it was spotlighting new series or ensuring even obscure titles got their due, All New Comics always stood for something bigger than just selling books.
Turning the Page
In 2024, after nearly two decades of service, All New Comics began a new chapter. As Peter prepared to retire from the business, Brian began transitioning the subscription operations to a new company—Earth 519—built on the same principles as All New Comics: convenience, care, and comic book joy delivered coast to coast.
While the name may be changing, the spirit remains. Earth 519 continues to serve many of the same customers who signed up years ago—readers who’ve grown with the store, passed down their love of comics, and kept the stories going.
Peter is still doing comic shows, and will be at Fan Expo 2025 in August at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Thank You for 20 Incredible Years
To everyone who’s been part of the All New Comics story—customers, creators, distributors, and friends—thank you. Your support, feedback, and fandom made this wild idea not just viable, but meaningful.
Here’s to 20 years of pulling comics, packing orders, and sharing stories. And here’s to the next 20—new worlds, new readers, and the same passion that started it all on June 14, 2005.
