Cosmic Gorilla comic book shop to close in OTR, rebrand as cocktail bar

A comic book store and its built-in speakeasy near Findlay Market will close its doors and rebrand as a cocktail bar.

Cosmic Gorilla, a comic book shop at 1834 Race St. in Over-the-Rhine, and its accompanying speakeasy, Galactic Cantina, will close July 21, Gorilla Cinema Presents owner Jacob Trevino announced on Facebook.

"This was a childhood dream for me and I feel so grateful I got to see it come to life and live it and breathe it for almost three years," Trevino wrote.

The closure comes as comic book sales for the store are down 70% year over year, according to a press release.

Gorilla Cinema Presents will reimagine the space as a cocktail bar concept called Highball, which is slated to open this fall.

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"Gorilla Cinema is pivoting to what they do best – crafting unforgettable bar and entertainment venues," the company wrote in the release.

The new bar will embody a music theme with the back bar available for private events and pop-ups, according to the Cosmic Gorilla Facebook.

"We still believe in Findlay Market as one of the cornerstones of this city, so while the Cosmic Gorilla concept in this space did not work; we do have a brand new concept coming to this same space in the fall of 2024," Trevino wrote.

Cosmic Gorilla is holding a liquidation sale that lasts until its final day of business July 21. Everything in the store is discounted at 75% off, including fixtures and furniture, according to the store's website.

Gorilla Cinema Presents is a Cincinnati-based entertainment, eating and drinking experience company. Highball will join a portfolio that includes Tokyo Kitty, Overlook Lodge and Lonely Pine.