Earth 519's roots - the 20th anniversary of All New Comics

Celebrating 20 Years Since It All Began

On June 14th, 2005, two lifelong comic fans—Brian Garside and Peter Fisico—turned a shared dream into reality when they launched All New Comics, Canada’s first fully online comic book subscription service. What began as a bold new idea in digital comics retail has grown into something much bigger—a 20-year journey that now continues as Earth 519.

A Legacy of Innovation

In 2005, subscription-based comic services were practically unheard of. But Brian and Peter saw a better way. They envisioned a system that removed the hassle from comic collecting—a reliable, customer-first experience that let readers enjoy their favourite stories without the stress of missing an issue.

From those early days in Ajax and Richmond Hill, All New Comics built a national reputation for great service, dependable shipping, and a personal touch that made it feel like more than just an online shop. It became a lifeline to comics for fans in small towns and underserved regions across Canada.

The Spark That Lit the Fuse

To run All New Comics, Brian and his friend Ryan built a simple subscription tool—basic, but effective. That early innovation planted the seed for what would eventually become Manage Comics, the subscription management platform now used by retailers all over North America.

That same entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive what we do at Earth 519.

Enter Earth 519: A New Era Begins

In 2024, as Peter stepped back from the business, Brian launched Earth 519—a fresh, future-focused evolution of All New Comics. Still rooted in the values that made All New Comics special, Earth 519 is here to serve the next generation of comic fans with the same commitment to reliability, care, and joy.

We’re proud to carry on this legacy. Many of our subscribers have been with us since those early days—and we’re just as excited to welcome new readers discovering comics for the first time. With a wider selection, a polished new site, and a clear vision for growth, Earth 519 is the next chapter in a story that began 20 years ago.

A Grateful Nod to the Past

All New Comics built something special, and we’re honoured to carry that forward. Peter is still part of the comics scene—you’ll find him at Fan Expo 2025 in Toronto this August, spreading the same love of comics that started it all.

To everyone who supported All New Comics over the years—thank you. And to those discovering Earth 519 today—welcome. The story continues, and we’re thrilled to have you with us.