These days, comic book stories are a big business. And while most people probably get their first look at Spider-Man or Batman through a movie or videogame, there’s still nothing like getting in touch with your favorite superheroes and other pop culture characters through their original comic book medium.
Well, guess what? Los Angeles has some of the best comic book shops for sci fi and superhero fans. Whether you’re into Marvel comics, Japanese manga, or some of the more obscure indie offerings, the comic bookstores below likely stock what you’re most curious about. Plus, many offer a cool selection of toys and other memorabilia for you to add to your collection.
Do you love browsing through amazing stores that offer incredible collectibles? Then be sure to charge up your debit card with some GiftYa electronic e-gift cards. These handy e-gift cards can be used at a variety of stores, restaurants, and attractions across the country. Spend your day taking in the best sights of the city and shopping for some awesome souvenirs by purchasing some GiftYa e-cards today!
Golden Apple Comics
Marvel, DC, and more await you at Golden Apple Comics
7711 Melrose Ave | Hancock Park/ goldenapplecomics.com
A mainstay for Los Angeles and Hollywood since 1979, Golden Apple Comics knows what its customers like. You’ll find Marvel comics, DC graphic novels, Japanese manga comics, and specialty magazines. Every week brings in a new shipment of the latest comics, but you’ll also be able to look for all those hard-to-find back issues for your collection, many of which are offered in great condition.
Golden Apple Comics even buys comics or allows customers to use them as a consignment service to sell valuable collectible items, including toys and comics. And if you’re looking for a really good time, be sure to visit their website and learn what comic shop events are on the horizon. Past special events have allowed customers to meet popular comic book writers and artists, so you’re sure to find something cool to join in.
“The store has a lot of great stuff from toys, collectibles, other goodies, and of course tons of comics” — Yelp Review
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Secret Headquarters
Let the friendly staff at Secret Headquarters find your next favorite comic
3817 W. Sunset Blvd. | Silver Lake/ thesecretheadquarters.com
Whether you’re a seasoned comic book nerd or a new fan, Secret Headquarters can supply all your comic book and pop culture needs. The store’s attractive layout makes it easy for you to browse through a wide array of graphic novels and discover all the new titles. And if you’re looking for something to add to your reading list, the friendly and knowledgeable staff will help narrow down your pick and guide you to your new favorite fictional realm.
Like many good comic bookstores, Secret Headquarters also buys comics, particularly if you have a collection of Golden Age Comics (pre-1955), pre-1975 superhero comics, original comic book art, or vintage comic oddities. Be sure to bring your items into the store so the staff can evaluate them. And remember — with collectors selling their own rare and valuable items to Secret Headquarters, there’s always a chance that you’ll find something unique and desirable here that you won’t find at other comic book shops. Keep your eyes open!
“Curated store run by helpful, knowledgeable people, evenly stocked with superhero and indie comics.” — Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa for Secret Headquarters
Alternate Universe
Graphic novels, trading cards, vintage toys, board games, and more at Alternate Universe
Awesome comic book memorabilia at Alternate Universe. Image courtesy of Yelp.
1498 W. Sunset Blvd. Unit 1 | Echo Park
Some people have to look for a dimensional wormhole to get to an alternate universe. Fortunately for you, Alternate Universe is a much easier wonderland to get to. Located in Echo Park, this mecca of graphic novels, toys, and tabletop games is a popular destination for fans eager to find a desired back issue or add to their collection of toy collectibles. Find lots of rare first editions here.
By now, it should be obvious that comic bookstores are more than places to pick up reading material. Alternate Universe embraces this by offering regular Magic the Gathering constructed events (as well as FNM drafts) every week for game card players. If you’re looking for a new group of people to play with, look no farther than this Alternate Universe!
“I love seeing families come in with their kids, guys, and girls come in with their partners/spouses and just the lone guy. It has a great selection and you really get to know people. It has become a little community for us.” — Yelp Review
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Collector’s Paradise
Awesome events, signings, and customer service at Collector’s Paradise
319 S. Arroyo Pkwy | Pasadena/ comicsandcards.net
While this review focuses on the Collector’s Paradise located in Pasadena, Collector’s Paradise is actually a three-store chain with locations in Pasadena, West San Fernando Valley, and NoHo. Each store offers an awesome customer experience and a treasure trove of comic books and graphic novels. The staff is friendly and can easily help you find your next favorite comic book series. Pick up the latest releases and be sure to check their website for special events where you can meet the greatest comic book celebrities.
“They run a kid-friendly store but cater to all ages and interests.” — Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa for Collector's Paradise
Blast From The Past
Offering you memorabilia from all your favorite TV shows, movies, and comic books
3117 W. Magnolia Blvd. | Burbank/ blastfromthepast.tv
Feeling nostalgic for classic pop culture figures from comic books, TV shows, and movies? Blast From The Past has the memorabilia you want to check out. Family owned and operated since 2004, Blast From The Past offers its customers a casual, friendly atmosphere where you can hang out and chat about comics, movies, TV shows, and anything else you want.
Looking for cool toys or figurines? Blast From the Past offers awesome superhero action figures from both Marvel and DC Comics — but that’s just the beginning. Pick up a Pennywise clown figurine from the horror movie “It” or even a 7” Doc Brown from the “Back to the Future” franchise. When you’re at Blast From the Past, comic books are just the start of your journey!
“It’s your go-to place for all things eclectic, nerdy, horror, sci fi, Disney, old school, collectibles.” — Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa for Blast From The Past
Galaxy of Comics
Make Galaxy of Comics your new friendly neighborhood comic book shop
17306 Saticoy St. | Lake Balboa/ galaxyofcomics.com
From obscure comic book back issues to vintage toys to the latest graphic novels, Galaxy of Comics has what you’re looking for. And if you want to just hang out with a fun group of people who know how to talk comics, the staff here has your back. You’ll even be able to join their game nights and sign up for art classes.
Want more? Galaxy of Comics hosts regular comic book shop special events where you can meet your favorite artists, writers, animated series voice actors, and professional cosplayers. It’s like being able to attend your own mini comic book convention on a regular basis! (Oh, and did we mention the fun cats who like to hang out at the store? Yeah, they’re really popular too).
“Both staff members that I spoke with went above and beyond with kindness and great customer service. They’re so party! Oh, and they have cats that add to the ambience.” — Yelp Review
Purchase a GiftYa for Galaxy Of Comics
Phat Collectibles
Find all the comic book memorabilia you want at Phat Collectibles
301 E. Imperial Hwy | La Habra
Phat Collectibles deals in comic books and graphic novels, but — as the name indicates — you’ll also find tons of cool collectibles here as well. Stock up on action figures, vintage DC statues, and the coolest comic book fashions (love the T-shirts!). You can also find superhero stickers, Disney pins, and even wallets here.
Whether you’re a superhero fan, horror movie aficionado, or Disney buff, you’ll find something to add to your collection here. Be sure to ask the friendly staff for assistance — you never know where they’ll direct you or what they’ll help you find!
“Best comic store ever, staff is so friendly and can find lots of old comics as well not to mention all the other collectibles.” — Yelp Review
Trae Bodge
Trae Bodge is the shopping expert here at GiftYa. Trae helps people find the best deals and ideas on popular new items to purchase.
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