In an exploration of Ann Arbor’s robust and diverse literary scene, The Michigan Daily’s Business beat spoke with seven downtown bookstores. Each article in ‘The literary culture of downtown Ann Arbor’ project aims to capture each store’s unique offerings and contribution to the community. Read the other articles here.
Nestled in downtown Ann Arbor, Vault of Midnight has remained a local center for comic fans since 1996. Graphic novels, manga, board games and collectibles line the store’s shelves. Themed tables of figurines and monthly book selections greet visitors near the entrance while the basement reveals a room lined with countless games, ranging from classic board games to strategy-heavy roleplaying games. Co-founded by Curtis Sullivan and Steve Fodale and now expanded into Detroit and Grand Rapids, the store has evolved into a Main Street staple known for its unique atmosphere and eclectic inventory.
Sullivan said in an interview with The Michigan Daily his love for comics began when he was a child and inspired him to open the store.
“We opened Vault of Midnight in 1996 in Ann Arbor,” Sullivan said. “I’m a lifelong comic book reader — I learned to read from comics when I was seven. I still read comics every single week. I’m 52 now, and my passion only grows.”
Sullivan said Vault of Midnight was designed with inclusion in mind and aims to make comic culture accessible regardless of background or familiarity with the medium.
“We want everybody to be a customer,” Sullivan said. “There is something for you in the comic book space — it doesn’t matter who you are or how you interact with the world.”
Drew Grech, a freshman at Michigan State University who was visiting the store, said he was impressed by the staff’s knowledge and enthusiasm.
“The staff was amazing,” Grech said. “As an avid comic book fan, I could tell they knew a lot about the culture, and they even helped me find some new comic runs I enjoyed. Even so, they were helping newcomers without any comic knowledge with the same enthusiasm. You could tell they really cared about helping all their customers find a good read.”
The comic book store has cultivated strong ties with the local community, supporting events like FestiFools and facilities like the Ann Arbor Skatepark. Sullivan said his wife Liz Sullivan, manager of the Ann Arbor location, runs the store’s charitable efforts.
“We love to partner with the Michigan Theater, the downtown library branch — we’re a bookseller for U-M’s comic book collection and have been for decades,” Sullivan said.
LSA senior Amulya Setlur told The Daily the store’s vibrant, colorful aesthetic stood out to her right away.
“It’s really colorful and super cute — there are figurines, sticker stands and these circular tables with books that match whatever theme they’re doing that month,” Setlur said. “Every time I go in, there’s something new to look at. It’s a fun space.”
Even as the comic industry has evolved — a result of digitalization and media adaptations — Sullivan said the changes have only helped strengthen Vault of Midnight’s appeal.
“Digital comics haven’t eroded print comic sales,” Curtis Sullivan said. “If anything, they just help. More people watching shows and reading digitally just turns them to our store.”
As Vault of Midnight nears three decades of business, it continues to be a shop for passionate collectors and inquisitive newcomers alike. For Curtis Sullivan, his position is simple.
“More people need to know how kickass comics are,” Curtis Sullivan said. “That’s my stance — more comics.”
Daily Staff Reporter Nicolas Denenberg can be reached at nicoden@umich.edu.
