Gorilla Cinema to Close Findlay Market Comic Book Shop, Rebrand Space as a Cocktail Bar

Cincinnati’s Gorilla Cinema, the immersive and thematic experience group behind bars like Overlook Lodge, Tokyo Kitty and more, will be closing its comic book shop near Findlay Market to pursue a new concept for the space.

The company says the decision to close the shop, Cosmic Gorilla, comes after comic book sales dipped 70% year over year. Instead, it will pivot to what it says it does best: creating unforgettable experiences in bars and entertainment venues. The new concept, Highball, is expected to open in the space at 1834 Race St. this fall.

Highball will feature a menu focusing on highball cocktails and light bites and a weekend happy hour to cater to peak-time shoppers at Findlay Market. Owner Jacob Trevino says there will also be a new music-focused program that will create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere and enhance the cultural landscape of the market.

"It was always a dream of mine to own a comic book shop, and I am very proud of the years of memories we created at Cosmic Gorilla. However, in order to grow with the neighborhood, we’re having to retool the concept for the audience at Findlay Market,” Trevino said in a press release.

Cosmic Gorilla will clear out its inventory, marking all its items 75% off until its last day on Sunday, July 21.

Cosmic Gorilla, 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine. More info: gorillaverse.com .