![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4F37HZREHACVCJPMHGGGYOKEUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=695a87c60886b60bb3384da0a5a1ca7a00b1b7aa3f155da743c64ba4b020eb51&width=400&height=225)
The store stocks well and lesser-known titles. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ID6JWMZCXKRDQSK6PSCU655XDE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4aa556d1ec0916ab68559c4d1dcbdc82e68da1f0efef5166332f6f8ee6af5867&width=400&height=225)
Comicave claims to be the world's largest pop culture superstore involved in the retail and distribution of high-end collectibles, pop-culture merchandise, apparel, novelty items and more. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LZ7FJIV5VRRXKNACHTOE3AEGCQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=f692d9367fa772df5d562f4182bb4a32e82d445657c2ec64968b500b3da9aa00&width=400&height=225)
The store stocks newer lines and vintage pieces, plus a mix of international and regional items. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SEVJ2MPMV4B673MAPZPIEMWL54.jpg?smart=true&auth=44e59e99d5bbbb6736c847ca52213a1ed71d5e93f94c736039e32e0f3bbbc587&width=400&height=225)
A statue of Iron Man at Comicave in Dubai Outlet Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MGZYK35Z7TEBBJXYQYAAA7KSQY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8578e03b6a3d445538409e6b8c8c2870764623a9cb87ca368f9d218c71213e94&width=400&height=225)
Marvel merchandise sells fast at Comicave. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YFPVDRLHNW5DJIGMVAELVKMQPI.jpg?smart=true&auth=2de507744722a25a5710bd03e6cb382ec75ce110380623079752ec072445e052&width=400&height=225)
It's a comic-book fan's heaven. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SDUM4TRE6XYC7TFEMNRXABLEGE.jpg?smart=true&auth=529564760bd5c88d0fef11a9400ad88fcbf1282abc08be91c0685f5986e194b9&width=400&height=225)
Statues both big and small are on sale here. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XKIUBQ7TXPJMXQ6753AFEIU5MI.jpg?smart=true&auth=9f6411d7fd2d288a24f2f50dbae3aba8b08c2c400fa5d5d5107791c449572fda&width=400&height=225)
Black Cat, left, and Thor Jane Foster figures. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KZPHKQ5ZFNDJZEQEAV6FAFQOKA.jpg?smart=true&auth=178825bd72b0750ca199d54064ede7ce3b9fad0f2f99fac591b965902cd155f6&width=400&height=225)
'Metal Gear Solid' Snake figure, left. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PM5M24SZXMTCPN3BBLYKXXHXQE.jpg?smart=true&auth=6b3bfb8524defc170760ce3f246f2158840ef51da5b4c5fd3bbc4e109a155f7b&width=400&height=225)
Statues, comic books and a whole range of other merchandise are on sale both in store and online. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XVOO6RX5BGGMNNEBGXYHQ3DLDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=13729cf758f98ff69589b687e971542da8659178d8f8ca3639ecbffd334fde3c&width=400&height=225)
The Iron Throne from 'Game of Thrones'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CFJMRQQOVB7TNZAU5WN4ZS6DSA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ab04cdc638de7769ff835200c2a9668c4c0caa9326f61d0728eb85e338e7efa4&width=400&height=225)
Customers in the UAE are keen on anime figurines. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NJMKB6UEXNV3OINXWHSIRKSP5A.jpg?smart=true&auth=0ab264a1c3608488fe68ddd59a2fb6659a43826a934275adc4142ee1fb9882cc&width=400&height=225)
Anime is popular in the region due to streaming and dubbing. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AMOUGHYHZLY3EHGSCKPP6WUDG4.jpg?smart=true&auth=4a8e3bd2786268fc39740c99410099f8f68675dac2d5d92fc2fcd604fa832021&width=400&height=225)
There's a section dedicated to 'Star Wars' merchandise. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TPBZ6LUTG7PO4PWYCXT4LVMHRM.jpg?smart=true&auth=01768002345e96908ff717e6426bab7d144c31c107063337302f7166ac0a98d8&width=400&height=225)
A Yoda figurine from 'Star Wars'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HAM454DHY2DKLLMTNIIV5UVSI4.jpg?smart=true&auth=bbba36ff038d67e9ee0a4d3b8394e2edbd5ecfb164e21e7e3c2d0df0f7673e55&width=400&height=225)
Han Solo from 'Star Wars'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DR3HALKB577FDKYFTMXQMPSWG4.jpg?smart=true&auth=ee4cae187c432f70304e1b0429d79dafab08dd177ce1fd701d6572894407f23f&width=400&height=225)
A replica of Han Solo encased in carbonite. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Y47LJ3HJN6L5VNXPZLNACNGBUM.jpg?smart=true&auth=904395662bb9299e5547f472da6849f99a12ead958bbe2b4da6271afdfe5b0c8&width=400&height=225)
Savage Opress, left, and Boba Fett from 'Star Wars'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/M7SF6ATOU44JG3TU2WZ3356YUA.jpg?smart=true&auth=6123f13407baa270a289e3ce0972060b83451e390bf72ebd3c991886f91c5144&width=400&height=225)
Meisho manga realisation and Samurai Spider-Man. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SNQKSF7ABAFAEVY5SAIFTKVPW4.jpg?smart=true&auth=48d88e6a86bd0d48cfffecef9120dc1f463bb86918f8c3997739c902904ef51e&width=400&height=225)
Spider-Man figurine. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/53LDPQWWC25XE4C2T7I3JBFZLA.jpg?smart=true&auth=67ec0220aefeaf3dde3aab88779cd9fa1e64b59e2b311840cf4075cd1e743116&width=400&height=225)
Captain America figurine. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IILCHE5XDIKSSH3L4ABR74COOA.jpg?smart=true&auth=65e1e267a73d5057e9bdbb9db0952e6ad11a8954525161508351f7a10365adbb&width=400&height=225)
Senior operations manager Ian Eleria suggests collectors invest in original artwork. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/366X227BJX3KXYELADMXBZ23RA.jpg?smart=true&auth=6709b02ecb2fc4749fb31b34db9dbd3e1c9299636f2a3df2225ce0eb27ddb482&width=400&height=225)
Wolverine figurine. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FCI3HLXTOUPGBXOLP4JIP7DPRM.jpg?smart=true&auth=9cbad4f0301eb2ee03fc47130fa3963df9cf0d477ca8188b591a100a6c3d2c61&width=400&height=225)
One comic book sports the signature of late, great comic-book artist Stan Lee. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K6TYA53BZHR5JZYD6UMJ5II2PU.jpg?smart=true&auth=74a3e9df92ef187e0afe88c782ca150ee425b2ccabf1e736da08f3c37d8b1228&width=400&height=225)
Captain America statue - a replica of one in Brooklyn. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XJVYV7V3PSIFKY5WKXQE26QZEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=d2eef51596d02411df89a09b1089da353715aa3f7eeb3162e48a9e3fc08a35e3&width=400&height=225)
The store is divided into separate sections depending on customers' interests. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XIBR6DHZFUV4LNQWTUUPMKIQUY.jpg?smart=true&auth=3344cbcdc994bf2b1260ffc6238e183543a562d4729392be5229a323e5e7906b&width=400&height=225)
Alien warrior from the 'Alien' film series. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A7FFR7UDMGND7LB54C7L4HQESA.jpg?smart=true&auth=6d66a6989728b9277645a9759b11ba8835fceaecbb4abd69879ffcd8d9b735a7&width=400&height=225)
Iron Man figurines and merchandise sell particularly well. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VAI5YBZQARVMGTHG55BRJ35AKM.jpg?smart=true&auth=798e67b1a8a2ccfc5e98afacc7f19c92d8586f1e1c080b1ebbc2d7e801760d90&width=400&height=225)
The Joker from 'Batman'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6PIZMURV4DHCA5JLWE5ESXRTDE.jpg?smart=true&auth=30e694adc8d4c1d50d6f930ee6fabb56fd4e6ae87cc84b9145289fb396c268bf&width=400&height=225)
Vintage comic books re also on sale. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EOSUCHIF2Q4SNHUBXC4KWDZNMY.jpg?smart=true&auth=4a69747a47af39466a13cfb5e43223537df94537a3906ed5c367b1ee03b3deaf&width=400&height=225)
Rifle through hundreds of comic books at the store. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4F37HZREHACVCJPMHGGGYOKEUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=695a87c60886b60bb3384da0a5a1ca7a00b1b7aa3f155da743c64ba4b020eb51&width=400&height=225)
The store stocks well and lesser-known titles. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ID6JWMZCXKRDQSK6PSCU655XDE.jpg?smart=true&auth=4aa556d1ec0916ab68559c4d1dcbdc82e68da1f0efef5166332f6f8ee6af5867&width=400&height=225)
Comicave claims to be the world's largest pop culture superstore involved in the retail and distribution of high-end collectibles, pop-culture merchandise, apparel, novelty items and more. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LZ7FJIV5VRRXKNACHTOE3AEGCQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=f692d9367fa772df5d562f4182bb4a32e82d445657c2ec64968b500b3da9aa00&width=400&height=225)
The store stocks newer lines and vintage pieces, plus a mix of international and regional items. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SEVJ2MPMV4B673MAPZPIEMWL54.jpg?smart=true&auth=44e59e99d5bbbb6736c847ca52213a1ed71d5e93f94c736039e32e0f3bbbc587&width=400&height=225)
A statue of Iron Man at Comicave in Dubai Outlet Mall. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/MGZYK35Z7TEBBJXYQYAAA7KSQY.jpg?smart=true&auth=8578e03b6a3d445538409e6b8c8c2870764623a9cb87ca368f9d218c71213e94&width=400&height=225)
Marvel merchandise sells fast at Comicave. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/YFPVDRLHNW5DJIGMVAELVKMQPI.jpg?smart=true&auth=2de507744722a25a5710bd03e6cb382ec75ce110380623079752ec072445e052&width=400&height=225)
It's a comic-book fan's heaven. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SDUM4TRE6XYC7TFEMNRXABLEGE.jpg?smart=true&auth=529564760bd5c88d0fef11a9400ad88fcbf1282abc08be91c0685f5986e194b9&width=400&height=225)
Statues both big and small are on sale here. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XKIUBQ7TXPJMXQ6753AFEIU5MI.jpg?smart=true&auth=9f6411d7fd2d288a24f2f50dbae3aba8b08c2c400fa5d5d5107791c449572fda&width=400&height=225)
Black Cat, left, and Thor Jane Foster figures. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KZPHKQ5ZFNDJZEQEAV6FAFQOKA.jpg?smart=true&auth=178825bd72b0750ca199d54064ede7ce3b9fad0f2f99fac591b965902cd155f6&width=400&height=225)
'Metal Gear Solid' Snake figure, left. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/PM5M24SZXMTCPN3BBLYKXXHXQE.jpg?smart=true&auth=6b3bfb8524defc170760ce3f246f2158840ef51da5b4c5fd3bbc4e109a155f7b&width=400&height=225)
Statues, comic books and a whole range of other merchandise are on sale both in store and online. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XVOO6RX5BGGMNNEBGXYHQ3DLDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=13729cf758f98ff69589b687e971542da8659178d8f8ca3639ecbffd334fde3c&width=400&height=225)
The Iron Throne from 'Game of Thrones'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CFJMRQQOVB7TNZAU5WN4ZS6DSA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ab04cdc638de7769ff835200c2a9668c4c0caa9326f61d0728eb85e338e7efa4&width=400&height=225)
Customers in the UAE are keen on anime figurines. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/NJMKB6UEXNV3OINXWHSIRKSP5A.jpg?smart=true&auth=0ab264a1c3608488fe68ddd59a2fb6659a43826a934275adc4142ee1fb9882cc&width=400&height=225)
Anime is popular in the region due to streaming and dubbing. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AMOUGHYHZLY3EHGSCKPP6WUDG4.jpg?smart=true&auth=4a8e3bd2786268fc39740c99410099f8f68675dac2d5d92fc2fcd604fa832021&width=400&height=225)
There's a section dedicated to 'Star Wars' merchandise. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TPBZ6LUTG7PO4PWYCXT4LVMHRM.jpg?smart=true&auth=01768002345e96908ff717e6426bab7d144c31c107063337302f7166ac0a98d8&width=400&height=225)
A Yoda figurine from 'Star Wars'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HAM454DHY2DKLLMTNIIV5UVSI4.jpg?smart=true&auth=bbba36ff038d67e9ee0a4d3b8394e2edbd5ecfb164e21e7e3c2d0df0f7673e55&width=400&height=225)
Han Solo from 'Star Wars'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/DR3HALKB577FDKYFTMXQMPSWG4.jpg?smart=true&auth=ee4cae187c432f70304e1b0429d79dafab08dd177ce1fd701d6572894407f23f&width=400&height=225)
A replica of Han Solo encased in carbonite. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Y47LJ3HJN6L5VNXPZLNACNGBUM.jpg?smart=true&auth=904395662bb9299e5547f472da6849f99a12ead958bbe2b4da6271afdfe5b0c8&width=400&height=225)
Savage Opress, left, and Boba Fett from 'Star Wars'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/M7SF6ATOU44JG3TU2WZ3356YUA.jpg?smart=true&auth=6123f13407baa270a289e3ce0972060b83451e390bf72ebd3c991886f91c5144&width=400&height=225)
Meisho manga realisation and Samurai Spider-Man. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SNQKSF7ABAFAEVY5SAIFTKVPW4.jpg?smart=true&auth=48d88e6a86bd0d48cfffecef9120dc1f463bb86918f8c3997739c902904ef51e&width=400&height=225)
Spider-Man figurine. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/53LDPQWWC25XE4C2T7I3JBFZLA.jpg?smart=true&auth=67ec0220aefeaf3dde3aab88779cd9fa1e64b59e2b311840cf4075cd1e743116&width=400&height=225)
Captain America figurine. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IILCHE5XDIKSSH3L4ABR74COOA.jpg?smart=true&auth=65e1e267a73d5057e9bdbb9db0952e6ad11a8954525161508351f7a10365adbb&width=400&height=225)
Senior operations manager Ian Eleria suggests collectors invest in original artwork. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/366X227BJX3KXYELADMXBZ23RA.jpg?smart=true&auth=6709b02ecb2fc4749fb31b34db9dbd3e1c9299636f2a3df2225ce0eb27ddb482&width=400&height=225)
Wolverine figurine. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FCI3HLXTOUPGBXOLP4JIP7DPRM.jpg?smart=true&auth=9cbad4f0301eb2ee03fc47130fa3963df9cf0d477ca8188b591a100a6c3d2c61&width=400&height=225)
One comic book sports the signature of late, great comic-book artist Stan Lee. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K6TYA53BZHR5JZYD6UMJ5II2PU.jpg?smart=true&auth=74a3e9df92ef187e0afe88c782ca150ee425b2ccabf1e736da08f3c37d8b1228&width=400&height=225)
Captain America statue - a replica of one in Brooklyn. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XJVYV7V3PSIFKY5WKXQE26QZEQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=d2eef51596d02411df89a09b1089da353715aa3f7eeb3162e48a9e3fc08a35e3&width=400&height=225)
The store is divided into separate sections depending on customers' interests. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XIBR6DHZFUV4LNQWTUUPMKIQUY.jpg?smart=true&auth=3344cbcdc994bf2b1260ffc6238e183543a562d4729392be5229a323e5e7906b&width=400&height=225)
Alien warrior from the 'Alien' film series. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/A7FFR7UDMGND7LB54C7L4HQESA.jpg?smart=true&auth=6d66a6989728b9277645a9759b11ba8835fceaecbb4abd69879ffcd8d9b735a7&width=400&height=225)
Iron Man figurines and merchandise sell particularly well. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VAI5YBZQARVMGTHG55BRJ35AKM.jpg?smart=true&auth=798e67b1a8a2ccfc5e98afacc7f19c92d8586f1e1c080b1ebbc2d7e801760d90&width=400&height=225)
The Joker from 'Batman'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6PIZMURV4DHCA5JLWE5ESXRTDE.jpg?smart=true&auth=30e694adc8d4c1d50d6f930ee6fabb56fd4e6ae87cc84b9145289fb396c268bf&width=400&height=225)
Vintage comic books re also on sale. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EOSUCHIF2Q4SNHUBXC4KWDZNMY.jpg?smart=true&auth=4a69747a47af39466a13cfb5e43223537df94537a3906ed5c367b1ee03b3deaf&width=400&height=225)
Rifle through hundreds of comic books at the store. Chris Whiteoak / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4F37HZREHACVCJPMHGGGYOKEUQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=695a87c60886b60bb3384da0a5a1ca7a00b1b7aa3f155da743c64ba4b020eb51&width=400&height=225)
The store stocks well and lesser-known titles. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Inside Comicave: the Dubai collectibles store where anime meets The Avengers
As Comic-Con turns 50, we visit the pop-culture superstore and find it’s about more than just ‘toys’
![Katy Gillett](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2F0d30538e-8093-483b-9671-b522ebeb7695.png?smart=true&auth=8c7547f4ac03274ba8bbce82d6291f909b38c6ccab7737911edec4058f46eea6&width=70&height=70)
Katy Gillett
01 August, 2019
- Listen In English
- Listen In Arabic