Jim Alexander

What Happened to A1 Toys & A1 Comics? The Parnie Street Legacy For over 30 years, A1 Toys and A1 Comics stood as the beating heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City. If you ever visited the iconic shop on Parnie Street, you know the phrase “stacked to the rafters” was an understatement. Specifically, it was a glorious outpost for everything weird and wonderful. While the physical storefront closed in 2024, the impact of A1 Toys and A1 Comics continues to pulse through the city’s geek culture. The “Aladdin’s Cave” of A1 Comics and Toys Walking into A1 Comics (or A1 Toys to the younger generation) was a sensory experience. There was no floor space; there was barely any ceiling space. Every inch was crammed with history. Consequently, it became the spiritual home for the “Glasgow Mafia” of comic creators. Furthermore, you could find the latest issues of 2000 AD tucked next to vintage action figures. Fans of A1 Comics knew they were in the presence of experts. Owners David and Kenneth Burns built a community that survived the rise of the internet and a global pandemic. In addition, world-class artists like Gary Erskine were frequent visitors, further cementing the shop’s legendary status. Static Games: The Survival of a Legend While the toy and comic shelves have “rested their plastic” at the original location, there is good news for the local community. , located just a few doors down on Parnie Street, remains open for business. Specifically, Static Games is also owned by the Burns brothers and continues to be Glasgow’s premier destination for board games, RPGs, and tabletop miniatures. Therefore, Parnie Street remains a vital destination for the city’s gaming community, even after the transition of A1 Toys. Where to Find A1 Toys & A1 Comics Today The “hunt” for rare collectibles is not over. A1 Toys has transitioned from a permanent storefront to a roaming powerhouse. Specifically, you can still find the legendary A1 Toys stock at all BGCP Comic Cons across Scotland. From East Kilbride to Dundee, David and Kenneth’s curated treasures reach the hands of fans through these massive community events. Moreover, for those looking for A1 Comics back issues and rare variants, our events remain the best place to find the brothers and their incredible inventory. The Legacy of David and Kenneth Burns Ultimately, the closure of the Parnie Street storefront leaves a void, but the legacy of A1 Toys and A1 Comics is permanent. They remained one of the last “old school” shops run by fans, for fans. To see when A1 Toys will be appearing at a show near you, check our . In summary, whether you knew it as a toy shop or a comic haven, the spirit of A1 lives on through the fans and the community they helped build. Rest in Plastic (On the High Street), A1 Toys (1990s – 2024) See A1 Toys at a BGCP Comic Con near you