Red Planet Books & Comics

Albuquerque, New Mexico is no stranger to exciting, colorful, and often bizarre street art. Even so, just outside of the downtown district is a storefront guaranteed to catch even the most apathetic eye. The entire building is painted as a classic sci-fi graphic novel—proudly on display just off of old Route 66. This building is home to Red Planet Books and Comics, Edition 1680, the year of the Pueblo Revolt.

Red Planet was founded by Lee Francis IV of Laguna Pueblo after he hosted the first Indigenous Comic-Con in 2016. The store became a place in his words, “to continue the party all year round.” The store’s iconic mural was painted by Joseph Stacey, also of Laguna.

As the world’s premier and only Native American comic store, Red Planet draws from both the past and future for inspiration. Patrons can expect to find a variety of indigenous literature, from non-fiction histories to superhero adventures. Even its name has a double meaning, referring to both rusty Martian landscapes and the red sandstones of the southwest.

Update: Red Planet Books and Comics is unfortunately permanently closed. They have rebranded to ATCG Books and Comics and now operate as an online store.