A comic book theft that sparked outrage among local collectors and comic fans in Sapulpa has now taken a new turn after the stolen merchandise was returned to Route 66 Comics and Collectibles (17 S Park) following weeks of public attention surrounding the case.
The downtown Sapulpa comic shop shared the update this week in a Facebook post, announcing that the two missing graded comic books at the center of the controversy had been returned to the store.
The incident was first detailed in a recent report by the Sapulpa Herald, which described how store staff discovered two high-end collectible comics missing from a special display shelf after customers visited the store on March 27. According to the Herald’s reporting, surveillance footage allegedly showed a father and son working together to remove the books from the shop while employees were distracted.
The stolen comics were reportedly valued at approximately $400.
Store manager Aaron Witten told the Herald that the suspects were not strangers to the business. According to Witten, the pair had visited the store multiple times in the past to both buy and sell comics, meaning employees already had identifying information on file when the theft was discovered.
Witten said staff reviewed surveillance footage after noticing empty spots on the store’s graded comic display shelves. The footage allegedly shows Kevin Wilkins and his son, Jayden Wilkins, having a discussion before Kevin walks over to speak with the clerk at the front counter, while Jayden slips a comic book into his sweatpants. Additional footage captures the two leaving the store with the stolen merchandise.
The story quickly gained online attention after Route 66 Comics and Collectibles posted screenshots of the surveillance footage on social media, asking for the books to be returned. In the initial post, they did not publish the thieves’ names or even the titles of the stolen books.
According to the Herald’s original report, the store initially offered to accept the return of the books “no questions asked.” However, Witten later said the suspects allegedly refused to cooperate and even threatened legal action for slander after being publicly identified online.
The matter was subsequently turned over to the Sapulpa Police Department.
But this week, the tone surrounding the incident shifted significantly after the store announced that the comics had finally been returned.
In its Facebook update, Route 66 Comics and Collectibles thanked customers, collectors and community members who shared the original posts and helped spread awareness about the theft. The business said the level of public support it received during the ordeal was overwhelming and deeply appreciated.
The store did not provide extensive details about exactly how the comics were returned, but indicated the situation had effectively been resolved now that the books were back in the shop’s possession.
Route 66 Comics has developed a loyal following among comic fans, collectors, and pop culture enthusiasts since opening in 2023. For this year’s “Free Comic Book Day,” the store printed a few hundred copies of a Sapulpa-only cover for Archie Comics’ 85th Anniversary Edition, featuring a design inspired by the video game “Crazy Taxi.” The book drew what General Manager Aaron Witten called “the largest line ever” before the store opened that Saturday.