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COMIC BOOK STORES -- WORLDWIDE REVIEW -- V1.2

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Jeff Mason

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Mar 13, 1994, 4:18:18 PM3/13/94

COMIC BOOK STORES -- A WORLDWIDE REVIEW -- V1.2
===============================================
Compiled by Jeff Mason (j...@elm.circa.ufl.edu)

Version 1.2, Updated March 13, 1994

There are now about 200 reviews on this update, two times as many as the
first version.

Please help me update this list! The list is only good as long it is
continuously updated! Multiple reviews of a single store are great!
Keep those updates coming! If you see any errors, by all means, let me
know! If you haven't done so, please send me your list of local stores,
including name, address, phone, what they've got, your opinions of the
store, etc.. Take a look at these entries and model your own after
them. If you can, try to use the tab standard in creating your
listing.

Each store is listed under the city/state/country they are located in.
If you happen to be heading to a certain area, and are planning to check
out a reviewed comic book store, by all means contact the reviewer and
let them know you are going to visit "their" store.

The reviews you will read in this list are all opinions, and should be
considered as such. By reviewing stores, individuals are trying to help
other comic book collectors more enjoy their hobby. Nothing should be
inferred from what you read here other than opinions, as nothing is
implied. I ask people what they think of their local stores, and I am
sharing the responses with you. If you see a negative opinion about a
store that you like, please respect the reviewer's opinion, and send me
your review.

===============================================

__ARIZONA__
_TUCSON_
Captain Spiffy's, 944 E. University Blvd. (602)624-4643. Tucson.
From: Anthony K. T. Wong <k...@bigdog.engr.arizona.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Pluses: 20% off subscription service, friendly owner and staff, will
bend over backward to help a customer. Carries some anime stuff like
Newtype, Animage (although a bit expensive).
Minuses: Small store, very limited backstock, poor parking since its
in the midst of the University of Arizona.

Fantasy Comics (2 locations). Tucson.
805 E. Ft. Lowell Rd, (602)293-3080
5445 E. 22nd St., (602)748-7483
From: Anthony K. T. Wong <k...@bigdog.engr.arizona.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Pluses: Very large backstock. Knowledgable staff.
Minuses: No discount on subscription service, customer is taken for
granted, owner is quite anal retentive.

Dimension X (3 locations). Tucson.
4630 E. Grant Rd., (602)881-1491
4177 N. Oracle Rd, Suite 307, (602)292-2494
Marketplace USA, 3750 E. Irvington Rd.
From: Anthony K. T. Wong <k...@bigdog.engr.arizona.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Pluses: Free bag and board, accepts Visa, MC, $1 off every $15
purchased with "ClubX" card.
Minuses: Associated with Dos Locos, Speculator mentality, book
hoarding, etc. Limited backstock.

Memories, Tucson Mall, (602) 293-9131. Tucson.
From: Anthony K. T. Wong <k...@bigdog.engr.arizona.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Pluses: accepts Visa, MC
Minuses: very limited backstock

__AUSTRALIA__
_BRISBANE_
NAME: Comics Etc.
ADDRESS: 181 Edward Street,
Brisbane, QLD, 4000
Australia.
PHONE NUMBER: +61 7 229 4446
From: "Lester, Sean" <SLe...@nibueng.ccdn.otc.com.au>
Date: 3/3/94
STUFF THEY CARRY: Comics/Trading Cards/T-shirts/Posters/Models/RPGs
OPINION: Comics Etc. is probably the best comics store in
Brisbane. Lots of super hero stuff, and only the
main independent/alternative comics titles (e.g.,
L&R, YF, DP etc.). Reasonable variety of local
stuff. Frequented by Eddie Campbell (most Eddie
Campbell stuff for sale is signed), and Neil
Gaiman when he is visiting Mr. Campbell.

_MELBOURNE_
NAME: Polyester Books
ADDRESS: 330 Brunswick Street,
Fitzroy (Melbourne), Vic., 3065
Australia.
PHONE NUMBER: +61 3 419 5137; +61 3 419 4961 (FAX)
From: "Lester, Sean" <SLe...@nibueng.ccdn.otc.com.au>
Date: 3/3/94
STUFF THEY CARRY: Independent/alternative Comics and Books/T-shirts
OPINION: Excellent source of independent/alternative comics
and books in Melbourne.

_SYDNEY_
NAME: KINGS COMICS
ADDRRESS: Shop 14 (below street level),
219-227 Elizabeth Street,
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Australia.
PHONE NUMBER: +61 2 267 5615; +61 2 261 8617 (FAX)
From: "Lester, Sean" <SLe...@nibueng.ccdn.otc.com.au>
Date: 3/3/94
STUFF THEY CARRY: Comic books/Magazines/Posters/T-shirts/
Trading Cards/Plastic Bags/Boxes
Mail Order Specialists

OPINION: KINGS is a great supporter of the Australian
comics scene, and so carries lots of Australian comics
and local scene mini comics. LOTS of super hero stuff.
Reasonable quantities of independent/alternative stuff.
Has a clearing out sale (10%-50% off) twice a year,
which is usually a good time to pick up any TPB's that
look interesting.
Comics in Australia are ~1.75 x the US cover price.

NAME: The Land Beyond Beyond
ADDRESS: 583 George Street,
Sydney, NSW, 2000
Australia.
PHONE NUMBER: +61 2 267 6279
From: "Lester, Sean" <SLe...@nibueng.ccdn.otc.com.au>
Date: 3/3/94
STUFF THEY CARRY: Comics/Weird (Psychotronic style) Movies/Trading
Cards Independent/alternative books.

OPINION: The Land Beyond Beyond IS THE place to go for that
independent/alternative comic you've been hunting
for everywhere else. A reasonable variety of
independent/alternative books, and "B-grade"
movies that you definitely wouldn't find at your
local video store. Also a great variety of local
comics.

__CALIFORNIA__
_BERKELEY_
Comic Relief, Berkeley on University.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Excellent store. Wide variety of independent and graphic novels and
good general selection. The Berkeley store did a wonderful window
display after Jack Kirby's death of all Kirby comics from the 40s
through the 90s.
From: Jym Dyer <j...@remarque.berkeley.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Excellent selection of alternative/adult/underground stuff, with
lots of minicomix to boot!

Comics & Comix (or maybe the other way around; I always forget).
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
The one in Palo Alto on California is a good basic comics store, but
nothing really special. The one on Telegraph in Berkeley is excellent,
with wide variety of independent and graphic novels and good quarter
bins upstairs. I'd put it equal with the Berkeley Comic Relief.

_CAMPBELL_
John's Comic Connection (E. Campbell Ave near Winchester) 408-985-1122
From: thom...@clipper.robadome.com (Mark A. Thompson)
Date: 3/9/94
Surviving on its subscriber base, since its back issues and
general on-shelf stock leaves much to be desired. Plenty of
back issues, but almost all low-demand stuff (like mid-200s
Avengers, Transformers, etc.)
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Large selection of back issues, most mislabeled "mint."

Heroes (S. Winchester Blvd) 408-378-3667
Just *two doors* away from John's Comic Connection.
From: thom...@clipper.robadome.com (Mark A. Thompson)
Date: 3/9/94
A real nice store with lots of silver age; prices a touch high, but
selection of golden/silver almost can't be beat in the South Bay.
Most of the golden & silver is in low grade, but priced well for that
grade. Runs out of some current comics quickly; others sit for months.
the review of l...@efi.com - although there are
about 6 video games, they take up less than 20% of the store.
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Mainly a video arcade, with comics generally in poor condition.

Full Moon (410 Marathon Dr.) 408-374-COMX
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
I've never been here. I just saw an announcement on r.a.c.

_COSTA MESA_
Collectors Library, 2930 Bristol Street. (In the L.A.B., next
to Pep Boys)
phone: 714 545 1216
Contacts: Rick (owner?), Martha.
From: Jerry Sweet <jsw...@irvine.com>
Date: 3/9/94
Fairly friendly, tiny place. Mostly DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and
Valiant visible on the racks, but also has a few independents, graphic
novels, and English-language manga collections. Rick is trying to put
together an informal networking arrangment among comic book stores in
the area to make it easier for customers to find back issues. Open
late most nights. There's another store in Anaheim, but I haven't
seen it.

Kinokuniya Bookstore, Yaohan Plaza, Paularino St.
phone: 714 434 9986
From: Jerry Sweet <jsw...@irvine.com>
Date: 3/9/94
Primarily a Japanese-language bookstore, but has a wide selection of
original Japanese-language manga collections and magazines.
They'll order stuff if they don't have it in stock. I just ordered
some Urusei Yatsura "phonebooks" from them. I've seen full sets
of Ranma 1/2, 3x3 Eyes, Dr. Slump, Maison Ikkoku, DragonBall Z,
Video Girl Ai, and many, many, other popular and obscure shonen and
shoujo manga in there.
There are stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose, Torrance,
Seattle, New York, and New Jersey; they advertise in Mangajin.

Superior Comics, 1970 Newport Blvd. (Near Broadway.)
phone: 714 631 3933
Contact: Josh (mgr).
From: Jerry Sweet <jsw...@irvine.com>
Date: 3/9/94
They've got a medium-sized store and a big (but non-browsable)
warehouse, so if you're looking for something that's not in the store,
ask them. There's also a store in Santa Monica (220 Pier Ave,
310 396 7005) that I haven't seen. Some translated manga collections
and graphic novels.

_CUPERTINO_
Little Shop of Heroes (Bollinger near De Anza) 408-446-2238
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Their stock of recent comics generally lasts longest. Good prices.

_LOS ANGELES_
Cheap Comics
Recently moved, was on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
From: Anne Toole <to...@husc.harvard.edu>
Date: 3/10/94
This store does not have a misleading name. Every time I've been there
they've had a %50 percent off back issues sale, which I usually have to
go to conventions to get. Sometimes they have sales for %50 off
everything. The ambience isn't great, but they've moved since then
anyway. And it's really surprising that even though they sell stuff so
cheap, they still have good stuff for sale. It's great.

Hi De Ho Comics, Santa Monica downtown.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
This is where I shopped when I lived in LA, as did at least one comics
knowledgable celebrity. Nice store, lots of graphic novels, good
independents, some ancillary merchandise.

Golden Apple, several branches, but this is about the main store on
Melrose.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
I've never been quite sure what to make of Golden Apple. On the one
hand, it's a very well stocked store, does independents, huge graphic
novel selection, etc. Probably the best place in the LA area for
signings and the like. On the other hand, I have the impression that
the prices can be a bit high. Also, some people may be a bit put
off by one element of the store. The owner likes pin-up type pictures.
A lot. So there tend to be quite a few photos of scantily clad well
endowed women up on the walls. This is also the first store to have
its own mascot, who has appeared in Playboy (Flaxen, the Golden Apple
Girl). I don't really mind such photos, but the juxtaposition of so
much of them in what's supposed to be a comics store makes me a bit
uncomfortable as there's no real reason for it other than the owner
liking them.

_MILPITAS_
Brian's Books (was Comics Pendragon)
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/9/94
I've never been here, but it's run by the owners of the two
Santa Clara stores, so it must be pretty good.

Antone's Cards and Comics (Serra Shopping Center) 408-945-8363
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Few new comics, no back issues.

_MOUNTAIN VIEW_
Big Guys Comics (El Camino & Grant), 167 E. El Camino Real,
Mountain View, Bay Area, California, 415-965-8272
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Best selection of back issues and graphic novels. Good prices.
From: "William B. May" <wm...@cisco.com>
Date: 3/3/94
Very personable, knowledgeable staff, carries lots of independents (I
was able to get Soulsearchers when everyone else on the net couldn't).
Owner's name is Dick. Best store in this part of the Bay, as far as
I'm concerned.

_ORANGE_
21st Century Comics & Specialties, 814 West Chapman Ave., Orange, CA.
phone: 714 633 3440
Contacts: Barry (owner), Jeff, Corey, Greg.
Hours: M-F 11-7; S-S 11-6.
From: Jerry Sweet <jsw...@irvine.com>
Date: 3/9/94
Noted in The Comics Journal as one of the top 7 comic book stores in
North America. Good selection of independents, graphic novels, and
English-language manga; large selection of back issues. Also: toys,
consignment art gallery, posters, anime (VHS only---no laser discs to
date), and random collector stuff---cards, pogs, etc.. Comics book
subscriptions available; 20% off at some threshhold. Amusing rack
inserts, with art by Jeff, to draw attention to titles of special merit
("If Barry had time to read it, you know it's good," "Ut! You comic book
ruffians never know what to read"). My only complaint is that they
don't stay open late.

_PALO ALTO_
Lee's Comics (El Camino & Curtner) 415-493-3957
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Best prices on back issues, and good selection, too.
There's also a Lee's Comics in San Mateo, just off the 92 on El
Camino: 222 S. El Camino Real, phone: (415) 571-1489.

Comics & Comix (California Ave) 415-328-8100
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Decent selection of Japanese stuff.

_SAN FRANCISCO_
A Different Light
489 Castro Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 431-0891
From: j...@frame.com (James Drew)
Date: 3/13/94
Best source in the Bay Area for queer comics and comic-zines.
They also carry a bundle of queer comics collections,
including Meatmen and Love & Rockets. There are typical one
or two comics signings there each year.

Comic Relief
San Francisco on Haight.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Excellent store. Wide variety of independent and graphic novels and
good general selection.

_SAN JOSE_
The Illustrated World (Capitol & Berryessa) 408-258-2228
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
New issues are all bagged except one copy for browsing. Good prices.

Planet 10 (Kentwood near Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road) 408-973-0220
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Recent back issues are numerous and reasonably priced, older
ones overpriced if in stock.

A World of Fantasy (S. Bascom Ave) 408-279-8070
From: thom...@clipper.robadome.com (Mark A. Thompson)
Date: 3/9/94
In mid-1993, Dan Vado decided to stop being a "normal comic store",
and he no longer actively carries "superhero" books. He specializes
in alternative small-press books and is one of the only places where
you can actually find complete runs of Hate, Eyebeam, etc.
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Slave Labor Headquarters. Average.

The Comic Collector's Shop (near Santa Clara St trolley) 408-287-2254
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
nd haphazardly organized.

_SANTA CLARA_
Brian's Books (El Camino & Bowers) 408-985-7481
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
My regular Friday stop. Unbeatable selection of new stuff
(not only comics), great prices, and a friendly atmosphere.

_SANTA CRUZ_
Atlantis Fantasyworld
1020 Cedar St. Santa Cruz 95060
(408) 426-0158
From: Crisper Than Thou <cri...@armory.com>
Date: 3/10/94
Friendly staff, good selection, good about special ordering.
Some cards, posters, t-shirts, and video as well. Not so great
for back-issues, I think.

_SUNNYVALE_
R & K Comics (El Camino & Remington)
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Bigger and friendlier than their Santa Clara store.

Cosmic Comics (Murphy near Evelyn) 408-733-6832
From: l...@efi.com
Date: 3/3/94
Small stock of independents. The back issues are locked up.

_TUSTIN_
Comics, Toons 'N' Toys, 1055 E. Main, Tustin
phone: 714 730 2117
From: Jerry Sweet <jsw...@irvine.com>
Date: 3/9/94
Fair set of back issues. They give discount coupons with
purchases, good on future visits. Otherwise---looks like a
medium-size comic book store to me. Haven't chatted with the owners
or managers much.

_WESTWOOD_
Graphitti Comics
960 Gayley Ave., Westwood, CA 90024
(Near UCLA campus)
(310)824-3656
From: br...@igpp.ucla.edu (Bryan Littlefield)
Date: 3/3/94
Offers 10% off new comics when purchasing > $10.00
Offers 20% off new comics when purchasing > $30.00..
Will pull new comics for you if you want. Average amounts of
independents carried. They will order it if they don't carry it.
They have an large back issue selection, and the owner also
does mailorder in CBG, so if its not in the store he'll hunt it
down for you.
They also carry tons of other comic related collector items,
such as toys, games, posters and cards..
Opinions: Relatively good store. They give the best discount in my
area. The store is smaller then some of the stores here, but it has
the friendliest owner, clerks and the best service.

__CANADA__
_CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND_
The Comic Hunter, Confederation Court mall
From: Don MacPherson <d_macp...@venus.cc.hollandc.pe.ca>
Date: 3/10/94
Great staff, decent selection. REAL good to their regulars. Half-
decent discount plan. Well organized. Get screwed by their distributor
more than they'd like. Shop looks nice too (part o' that organization
thing). Only shop in town. (The other one went out of business, twice).
Some D&D, other RPGs, models, Star Trek stuff. Lots o' cards, sports
and non-sports.

_FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK_
Collector's Crypt. In some mall...
From: Don MacPherson <d_macp...@venus.cc.hollandc.pe.ca>
Date: 3/10/94
Very small shop, both in size and selection. Practically NO back
issues.

_HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA_
First Comics, Quinpool Road
From: Don MacPherson <d_macp...@venus.cc.hollandc.pe.ca>
Date: 3/10/94
Used to be 1,000,000 Comix. Also used to be a well-organized shop
before moving across the street. Very friendly staff, especialy the
young guy who runs it. Some RPG stuff. No discount right off shelf,
maybe for regular shoppers (I only visited). My opinion, best shop
in town.

Wilkies Wonderful World of Comics, Cards, Coins & Collectibles.
Robie St.
From: Don MacPherson <d_macp...@venus.cc.hollandc.pe.ca>
Date: 3/10/94
Huge back issue selection, so hugethe place is a disaster area.
Looks terrible, but the guy there can find ANYTHING in the mess.
Some RPG stuff, and other items (see name of store).
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Good selection of all new superhero stuff, moderate
slection of alternatives. Back issue bins have recently totally
disappeared.
Opinion: Going downhill. Very often underorder on everything.
10% Reserve discount. Cramped, less so since they took away
back issues.

Odyssey 2000. Barrington St.
From: Don MacPherson <d_macp...@venus.cc.hollandc.pe.ca>
Date: 3/10/94
Parts well-organized, others not. Video games out back. Lots o'
toys to. So-so shop. Decent comics selection.
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Okay selection of superhero stuff, no indies to speak of.
Moderately back-issues selection from 70s and 80s. Incredible 25
cent bin.
Opinion: New stuff: forget it. Go for the 25 cent bin. Worth it.

One-Stop Comics
Quinpool Road, Halifax
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Mosty superhero, with a decent indies section.
Opinion: Would be better if they got the back-issues bin organized
and priced.

_MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK_
Halley's Comics
345 Mountain Rd, Moncton
From: Don MacPherson <d_macp...@venus.cc.hollandc.pe.ca>
Date: 3/10/94
Very friendly staff, especially the manager. Well organized and
well kept. Ten per cent discount for people with standing orders.
Auctions twice a year. Parking in back! (With other shops). A
little RPG stuff, some cards. Best shop in town.
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Great selection of super-hero stuff, making effort to get
bit of alternatives. Mediocre back issue bin with no indies.
Opinion: Fanboy store with good service. 10% discount for
reserve customers on any new comics they buy (even off the shelf).

Wilkies Wonderful World of Comics, Cards, Coins & Collectibles.
Main St.
From: Don MacPherson <d_macp...@venus.cc.hollandc.pe.ca>
Date: 3/10/94
Better than its Halifax counterpart, but doesn't even come close to
halley's. I made a purchase that came to $3.15. I had $4.14 on me.
The manager made me break the extra dollar. I couldn't believe it.
I haven't bought anything else there to this day. Parts of store
untidy.
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Good Selection of superheroes and indies. Good
back-issues bin also.
Opinion: Best selection in comics and games in the Maritimes to
my knowledge, even if the staff isn't the friendliest. Very large,
comfortable store.

_NEW BRUNSWICK_
Sorcerer's Stone
St. John
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Moderate selection, incredible back issues (if WAAAAAY
overpriced).
Opinion: Back issues only yhing worth going for, and even then,
at that price... :+(

Strange Adventures
Fredricton
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Good selection of alternatives and superhero. Sandman
sells better than X-men, if that means anything to you.

_NEWFOUNDLAND_
Timemasters Inc.
183-A Duckworth St., St. John's, NF, Canada
(709) 754-3654
From: Peter Skanes <psk...@morgan.ucs.mun.ca>
Date: 3/3/94
They sell comics (new and used), Roleplaying games(new),
Models(mostly sci-fi), Action Figures (comic and sci fi related),
fanzines, and novels.
They have very good service. There is a staff of 6 or 7 people.
If you want something they will get it in within two weeks. Very
professional.

The Daily Planet Comic Book Shoppe
88 King's Rd., St.John's, NF
(709)753-3046
From: Peter Skanes <psk...@morgan.ucs.mun.ca>
Date: 3/3/94
They sell comics(new and small selection used), plus comic
paraphenalia. Not much of anything else. I don't like the service or
the selection. It's a wonder he hasn't gone out of business.

The Sages Hut
149 New Gower St., St.John's, NF, A1C 1J5
(709)753-7245
From: Peter Skanes <psk...@morgan.ucs.mun.ca>
Date: 3/3/94
They sell comics(small sel. of used, no new), and have a very
good selection of gaming stuff. They too will order stuff in. They
also have a used gaming section. They are very nice to their
customers. It is a sin that they are probably going out of business.

_NOVA SCOTIA_
Cool Worlds
Main Street, Wolfville
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Mostly Superhero, with effort being made to support "good"
comic (Madman, Books of Magic). No back issues bin to speak of.
Opinion: Brand new and privately owned, so low on stock, but the
omers. Very small.

Wilkie's Wonderful World of Comics and Games
Robie Str, Halifax
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Good selection of all new superhero stuff, moderate
slection of alternatives. Back issue bins have recently totally
disappeared.
Opinion: Going downhill. Very often underorder on everything.
10% Reserve discount. Cramped, less so since they took away
back issues.

Oddesey 2000
Barrington Str, Halifax
From: Stephane Savoie <003...@dragon.acadiau.ca>
Date: 3/13/94
Stuff: Okay selection of superhero stuff, no indies to speak of.
Moderately back-issues selection from 70s and 80s. Incredible 25
cent bin.
Opinion: New stuff: forget it. Go for the 25 cent bin. Worth it.

_OTTAWA, ONTARIO_
Name: Silver Snail
Address: 391 Bank Street
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada K2P 1Y3
(613) 232-2609
From: Christopher L. Tumber <aa...@freenet.carleton.ca>
Date: March 9, 1994
Comments: Good selection of new comics, focused on the mainstream
with an okay selection of indies, however the friendly
staff will probably do their best to order stuff. 20%
off subscription service. Okay selection of back issues
that are bagged but not boarded, at high to good prices,
with a twice(?) annual 1/2 price sale on back issues
(All Silver Snail stores do (See Toronto)... One at years
end, and I'm pretty sure another in the summer) Small
selection of silver age and investment comics. Good
selection of graphic novels, collections and such (indy
and mainstream). Small selection of gaming stuff and
used gaming stuff. Also a small(?) selection of figures,
models and such. Some sport and non sports cards but
mostly wax/foil and sets.

Name: Comicland
Address: 230 Rideau Street
Ottawa, Ontario
(613) 562-8314
From: Christopher L. Tumber <aa...@freenet.carleton.ca>
Date: March 9, 1994
Comments: New shop, looks kinda like a hole and is half empty.
Decent selection of mainstream comics with some indys.
Supposed to give 20% off new comics, but last time
I was there I think they charged me full price. Not sure
if it was just the new guy at the cash or change in
policy. Small selection of back issues with some silver
age and investment comics. Also rent movies and sell
used CD's.

Name: Ritchie's Sports & Replica Shop
Address: 134 Sparks Street
Ottawa, Ontario
(613) 232-6278
From: Christopher L. Tumber <aa...@freenet.carleton.ca>
Date: March 9, 1994
Comments: Small comic corner hidden in the back of a sporting
goods store. Strictly mainstream comics, with one (!)
box of back issues and several overpriced 'wall comics'.
Also sells cards (some wax/foil, sports card singles).
Used to give 15% off new comics (no tax) but very
recently changed ownership and may not anymore. The
(older) lady behind the counter seems very crotchety
and not very knowledgeable, but she gave me a good deal
on a bunch of supplies and was eager to order stuff for me.

Name: Nepean Sportsplex Sports Card & Comic Book Show
Address: Nepean Sportsplex
1701 Woodroffe Av
Nepean, Ontario
Merz Productions
(613) 729-9398 (Michael Quevillon)
Schedule: March 13th, April 24th, May 15th, June 26th, July 24th,
August 28th, September 18th, October 9th, November
13th, November 27th, December 18th 10:00am-4:00pm
From: Christopher L. Tumber <aa...@freenet.carleton.ca>
Date: March 9, 1994
Comments: $2.00 admission, occaisionally has a professional
athelete signing autographs. 40-50 tables, most of
which are cards. However, there tend to be 3 or 4
comic tables (including mine). Given that simply
not having to pay sales tax gives a 15% discount,
it's probably worth the admission fee if you can
find anything you want. Prices are also very low,
50%-70% guide on most books.

Name: RA Centre Sports Card & Comic Book Show
Address: RA Centre
2451 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
Merz Productions
(613) 729-9398 (Michael Quevillon)
Schedule: April 10th, June 12th, July 10th, August 11th,
September 11th, October 2nd, October 30th,
December 11th 10:00am-4:00pm
From: Christopher L. Tumber <aa...@freenet.carleton.ca>
Date: March 9, 1994
Comments: The Sportsplex's sister show. Not as big or well
attended as the Sportsplex, but most of the same
dealers. Otherwise, all comments above apply.

Name: Super Card & Comic Show
Address: Jim Durrel Recreation Centre
1265 Walkley Rd.
Ottawa, Ontario
Don's Press Box (613) 237-3484
Capital City Cards (613) 233-4118
Schedule: March 6th (Monthly) 11:00am-5:00pm
From: Christopher L. Tumber <aa...@freenet.carleton.ca>
Date: March 9, 1994
Comments: Admission $2.50, Students $1.50, doorprizes.
I haven't actually been to this show, other dealers
have told me it's not as good as the Sportsplex/RA
Center however the show's now claiming over 60 tables
so it's probably similar to the other two (ie: A very
few comic tables and the rest cards).

_TORONTO, ONTARIO_
Name: The Beguiling
Address: 601 Markham St. (near Bloor and Bathurst)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Phone: (416) 533-9168
From: dma...@tse.com (Don Marks)
Date: 3/3/94
Stuff: Indies, Undergrounds, Art Books, Mini-comix, some superhero
stuff.
Opinion: The best comic store I have ever seen (and I have travelled
some). It could be better, but it has a very impressive selection
of indies on stands at cover price.

Name: The Silver Snail
Address: 376 Queen St. W. (near Queen W. and Spadina)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Phone: (416) 593-0889
From: dma...@tse.com (Don Marks)
Date: 3/3/94
Stuff: Mostly superhero stuff and the more popular/better written
indies.
Opinion: The biggest comic store in the city. A good selection with
some indies, but nothing too small press or too weird. They seem
to favour and push the Vertigo titles and the more popular/better
written indies (i.e. Cerebus, Bone).

Name: Dragon Lady
Address: 200 Queen St. W. (near Queen W. and University)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Phone: (416) 596-1602
From: dma...@tse.com (Don Marks)
Date: 3/3/94
Stuff: Mostly superhero stuff, some indies, newspaper strip reprint
books.
Opinion: A strangely eclectic selection amidst the superhero stuff.
Decent back issue selection too. Tiny store, though.

_VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA_
Legends
Victoria, BC
From: ud...@freenet.victoria.bc.ca (Jeff C. Green)
Date: 3/10/94
Friendly staff. Victoria's best selection of independents, old toys,
and media magazines. However, they don't get a wide selection of
new comics. They have an okay selection of back issues, but not as
great as it easily could be. All and all a good shop to visit.
From: jcow...@sol.uvic.ca (Scowling Jim Cowling)
Date: 3/3/94
Incredibly friendly staff. The owner has been dealing in comics for
more than ten years, and he's only in his mid-20s. They have
Victoria's best selection of back issues and independents, old toys
and media magazines, and other fun stuff. However, their selection of
new issues is often spotty, as they struggle to keep up with the
demand for a quality shop.

Curious Comics
Two stores in Victoria.
From: jcow...@sol.uvic.ca (Scowling Jim Cowling)
Date: 3/10/94
Good selection of new issues and trading cards. Moderate
selection of back issues (mostly a decade or less old).
Back issue prices generally slightly higher than other local
shops.
From: ud...@freenet.victoria.bc.ca (Jeff C. Green)
Date: 3/10/94
Largest comic chain on Vancouver Island. Great selection of new
issues, with Marvel, Image, Valiant, Defiant, and DC as the majority.
(Seeing as how they're the market leaders, not surprising.) Staff is
friendly and knowledgable. Owner has been in the business for more
years than he cares to remember. Good selection of Star Trek, Star
Wars, and other collectables. So-so selection of Role-Playing Games,
but will order any the customers are looking for. RPG orders usually
take 1-2 weeks. Easily the best selection of back issues and Non-
Sport cards on the Island. Also carries sport card packs and boxes.

Xeron Comics
From: jcow...@sol.uvic.ca (Scowling Jim Cowling)
Date: 3/3/94
Hardly any new issues to speak of, more fanboy-oriented than any shop
I've ever seen (Marvels, Image make up 95% of new issue selection).
No independents. Reasonable prices on back issues, but very few over
five years old. They also carry toys and such, and have a staggering
supply of opened (without box) action figures.

Dragonstrike
From: ud...@freenet.victoria.bc.ca (Jeff C. Green)
Date: 3/10/94
Managed by Jim Cowling. Stopped carrying comics in November, 1993.
Will jump back on the comics bandwagon after the (formerly) largest
store on the Island (Island Fantasy) closed down. Staff is friendly
only when purchasing, generally ignores customers until then.
However, absolutly *no* back issues and as far as I saw, no new issues
as of yet. If you're looking for comics and cards, this is not your
store. If you're looking for Role-Playing games, this IS your store.
Good selection of mainstream RPG's. The older and more unusual stuff
is a no go.
From: jcow...@sol.uvic.ca (Scowling Jim Cowling)
Date: 3/3/94
Managed by r.a.c.m'er Jim Cowling. Stopped carrying comics in
November, 1993, but started again (will start) in May, 1994. However,
an absolute *zero* back issue selection and only carrying the top
twenty titles makes this store a must-pass for comics. Best selection
of non-sport trading cards in the city, as well as the best role-
playing game selection on the Island. Two stores in Victoria.

__CONNECTICUT__
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Dream Factory is expanding into a nationwide chain. I've only been to
a few of the stores in Connecticut (their home base) a few times, but
they struck me as good stores with reasonable selection. I also know
the founder and think he has good knowledge of comics. I also helped a
little bit at the start by loaning him a book about how to start
bookstores.

__DENMARK__
_AALBORG_
Comix Express
From: rock...@diku.dk
Date: 3/13/94
The owner is renowned as Don... I really do not know his
real name. The prices are perhaps slightly higher than in
Copenhagen, since the shop is smaller. This may have to do
with most of the customers not really going there to buy
anything, but just tend to "hang around" chit-chatting to one
another... Actually you can never really be sure, that Don is aware
that YOU might want to buy something, but usually one of the
"hang-arounds" notice it sooner or later, and decide to notify Don.
This may sound bad, but if you pass Aalborg you should really give
it a try. But DON'T enter just to buy something. Enter to chat, and
THEN buy something... He usually sells stuff that people order from
Advance Comics, and lots of what might be popular at the time (X-stuff
mostly)
The prices are usually modified, so that valuable stuff is more
expensive than ... well ... just stuff...

_COPENHAGEN_
Fantask
Copenhagen
From: Jon Lovstad <jo...@dhhalden.no>
Date: 3/3/94
This is to my knowledge the oldest and best comic book shop in
Scandinavia. They opened a second shop catering mostly for gamers a
few years back as this market has increased a lot over here the past
few years.
I've never visited the shop and I'd probably go broke if I did. They
send out a quarterly tabloid newsletter which once a year list their
back issue catalog. They don't follow any price guides, but keep the 1
US$ = 10 DKr price as long as they have the books. I've found lots of
cheap gems here and intend to buy some more soon. Buyers outside
Denmark using their mail order service automatically get a 20% price
reduction due to the Danish tax.
I've spoken to the people here on the phone and the impression is that
they're as friendly as Danes use to be - and that's *very* friendly!
No Copenhagen trip without a visit at Fantask! (I've of course yet to
visit Copenhagen... :( )
From: rock...@diku.dk
Date: 3/13/94
Fantask has recently opened yet another store (That's three now). In the
new one they sell merchandising (T-shirts, mugs and so on)

Kazoom.
Two stores in Copenhagen.
From: rock...@diku.dk
Date: 3/13/94
They sell mostly danish comic books, but do have a few (very few)
English books, too... And probably some french, too. It is not
quate as cozy to visit as is Fantask... More business-like in a way.
As mentioned, they have two shops, but there's no greater difference
between the two.

__FINLAND__
_TAMPERE_
Name: Kukunor
Addrs.: Rautatienkatu 18, 33101 TAMPERE, Finland, Europe
Tel.: + (931)131287
From: vil...@cs.joensuu.fi (Ville Hautam{ki)
Date: 3/3/94
Stuff: Mainly stuff published in US and UK, but there are also all
comics, ScFi, Horror releted stuff published in Finland. Their policy
is that if you want something, then they try to get it, so this
obviosly leads to kind of diversity in stock. They also carry all
kinds of comic related stuff: trading cards, litographs, posters, art-
books and Japanise animations.
Opinion: The Best finnish comic book store.

_TURKU_
Store name: Alfa Antikva
Address: Yliopistonkatu 38
20100 Turku,
Finland
Phone number: from finland: 921, 325 989
from abroad: +358, 21, 325 989
From: Lauri.L...@plaza.nullnet.fi (Lauri Lehtinen)
Date: 3/3/94
They don't have a very wide selection of American comics, mostly
Marvel and DC but they do have some independents too. I'm not exactly
sure about which titles they order regularly, but if it's advertised a
lot it America they've propably got it. At least X-Men, the Uncanny X-
Men, Punisher and some of the Midnight sons-titles seem to appear
regularly to the store. (I'm not sure because I mostly buy back
issues...) Their selection of back issues is quite varied but you
won't find any really valuable ones here. The oldest issues are from
1973 or so but they have usually only one copy of an issue that old.
1973-80 issues usually cost 5-11 marks each, 1981-88 5-8.50 mk each,
1988--> from 7.50 up to 21 mk. Of course that's only a raw estimation.
New issues cost about 11-21 marks. Issues with holograms, glow-in-the-
dark covers, trading cards or something usually cost quite a lot more
(around 30mk). Those estimates are for Marvel and DC comics only and
phic
novels and new copies usually cost at least 100 marks.
They also buy and exchange comic books (and books and records) but I
don't know what they pay for foreign books. So you might not find
what you're looking for, but they do have the most common titles and
even if they don't have what you wanted, you might very well find
something new...

__FLORIDA__
_GAINESVILLE_
Absolute Comics & Cards (was Comics Plus)
1113 West University Avenue (2 blocks West of the Univ of FL)
Gainesville, Florida 32601-5111
Phone: (904) 373-3790
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 1pm-6pm
From: Jeff Mason (j...@elm.circa.ufl.edu)
Date: 3/9/94
This is the largest store in Gainesville, with the largest
selection of comics (maybe 300,000), though a significant
portion of those aren't out where customers can browse through
them, they are off in a warehouse. It is sometimes frustrating
when the employess say that they have the comic you are looking
for, but don't know exactly where it is. They have huge
selections of role playing, japanese animation (to buy/rent),
sports/non-sports cards, miniatures, figures, posters, t-shirts,
etc... and they even have a video-game arcade. Their free
subscriptions run from 10%-35% (starting at 5 comics minimum).
They use CVM, and their prices on back issues are at guide, but
they are willing to cut deals. They have a HUGE selection of
Silver Age & 1970s books, if Marvel or DC put it out between
1968 and now, they probably have it. They also have some Golden
age. Their independent selection is definitely the best in the
area and actively getting better and better all of the time.
They aggressively promote independents and do signings (Martin
Wagner, Jeff Smith, James Owen, etc..). They have longboxes of
"adult" comics for customers over 18 years of age.
The staff ranges from happy and friendly to jaded and
unhelpful, seemingly depending on the phase of the moon.
Most are very knowledgable about comics. Your overall
experience at the store varies greatly depending on who is
working when you go in. They are very good at tracking down
comics that you need, but only if you keep pestering them about
it. This store moved one space over into a larger location,
from a dungeon to a much roomier experience. They are VERY good
with special orders for gaming, and offer discounts in addition
to their gaming club.

Gator Country Cards & Comics
3738 West University Ave
Gainesville, Florida 32607
(A few miles East of the University of Florida, a couple of
miles West of the I-75 Newberry Road exit).
Phone: (904) 378-0182
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday Noon-7pm
From: Jeff Mason (j...@elm.circa.ufl.edu)
Date: 3/9/94
A smaller store in Gainesville, carries all the mainstream
comics, and a handfull of independents. Average to smallish
back issue selection, but the owner is good at tracking
down issues you are looking for. The employees are VERY
friendly and VERY knowledgeable about comics & cards. The store also
carries a selection of sports/non-sports cards, t-shirts, and action
figures. Their free subscription discount ranges from 10%-35%
which match the best rates in the area. This store could
could benifit by moving to a larger store, they are growing and
starting to feel cramped. They use CVM, but have well stocked
discount bins and often have special sales. They are willing to
work deals on purchases.

Novel Ideas
3423 SW Archer Road (A couple miles West of I-75 Archer exit)
Archer Square Shopping Center
Gainesville, Florida
Phone: (904) 335-3775
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday ?-? (best hours in town)
From: Jeff Mason (j...@elm.circa.ufl.edu)
Date: 3/9/94
The area's oldest comic book store, with the largest customer
base. They have about 125,000 back issues, and keep very good
track of what they have. They always experiment with new
independents, but I wouldn't classify them as a store that
was into independents, if you aren't on file for any given
oddball title, you may see issue #4 and issue #7 hit the stand
due to spotty ordering. They are VERY well organized and
subscription customers don't miss stuff from their file. Their
free subscriptions are at a flat 10% discount. Novel Ideas also
carries Books (SF, Fantasy, New York Times Best Sellers), and
has a very good selection of gaming materials (Role Playing,
Board Games, Miniatures, etc..). They sell non-sports cards to
some extent, but only in packs and boxes. This store has the
most "comic book store" ambiance of all in Gainesville. They
have a Japanese Video Club meeting every Tuesday night. Staff
ranges from Very knowledgeable and friendly to clueless and
distracted. They use the Overstreet Price Guide for back issue
prices, but their selection isn't that great due to many 50% off
sales and the fact that they don't buy collections. If you find
something you want in the back issue bins, you will get a good
good deal. They have 4-for-a-dollar and 6-for-a-dollar packs
of comics, with GOOD stuff in them: Death The High Cost of
Living, Stinz, Dark Horse Presents, etc... They are very good
with special orders of gaming and paperback books, not so much
so on tracking down comics. They have a small selection of
"adult" comics and are VERY strict about enforcing the 18 years
old only policy because they were taken to court for selling a
Pirhanna Press comic to a minor (the case was thrown out, but
not after the owner was put through a bunch of legal crap).

Ray the Trader's 3 For a Dollar Bookstore
1710 SW 13th Street
Gainesville, Florida
Phone: (904) 376-8909
(904) 629-0903
This place is an experience. I must first point out that Ray
the Trader seems like a complete nut. That out of the way,
his store (if you want to call it that) is a small building full
of junk. He has tons of books, novelty items, magazines,
records, dolls, thingamabobs, whatchmacallits, willygoos, and
the likes piled up on shelves and on top of each other in NO
apparent order, ready to topple over on an unsuspecting
customer. The place is hot as hell with no air conditioning as
everything rots away with mildew. He has about 20,000-40,000
comics in a GIANT pile, and if you are willing to dig through
the junk, you might actually find something worthwhile, but be
prepared for his insane prices. He randomly prices things
between $1.00 and $100.00, so that Rom #7 may be $23.00 whereas
the Amazing Spider-Man #300 may be $12.50. He's into bartering,
so bring your own pile of junk to trade with him. His employees
are ALL bitter and pissed off that they are working for him, and
steal whatever junk they decide they actually like. Ray keeps a
ton of junk in front of the store, but instead of moving it when
he closes up, he throws a tarp over it. Guess what, I don't
think anyone's ever stolen any of his junk from the front of the
store out from under the tarp. This place is definitely worth
going to once, just to experience the mind of a madman.

__GEORGIA__
_ATLANTA_
Oxford Comics, Oxford book stores
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Basic good comics store, fair number of indies and graphic novels, a
little high on prices. Connected with a very good Borders quality
local bookstore chain.

CARDS COMICS & GAMES
2654 N. Decatur Rd (Suburban Plaza) (404) 378-4951
From: Darren Matthew Glass <darg...@owlnet.rice.edu>
Date 3/13/94
Pluses: very friendly staff who are always willing to help
find hard-to-find books and other merchandise. 20% off
everything for members of the subscription service, which only
requires ten titles a month.
Minuses: Some Independents never get shipped to the store, but
this has gotten consistently better over the past year.

_DECATUR_
The Comic Company
Decatur, GA
From: ade...@gardener.lanl.gov (Stephen Joel Adelson)
Date: 3/10/94
Good selection, very fair prices, and an excellent deal
for regulars. For $10/year, you get 20% _everything_ (new issues,
back issues, models, ANYTHING), plus $5 credit for every $100 you
so do mail-order for the same deal,
shipping is $2 + .02 / book.

_MARIETTA_
Book Nook, Marietta
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Primarily a used book store, they also have new comics and one can
often find some interesting old material in terms of graphic novels
and the like at cover price. Good independent selection. Good used
books too. Something of a nostalgia trip for me to visit there, as
they were the first comics store I ever saw back in '78 and I picked
up my first Cerebus there among many other things. Excellent quarter
bins too.

__ILLINOIS__
_CHAMPAIGN/URBANA_
Comic Cavalcade
Johnstown Centre
502 East John Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
(217) 384-2211, fax (217) 384-2216
From: Dan Harding <dhar...@ux1.cso.uiuc.edu>
Date: 3/10/94
Review: Caters primarily to back-issue customers; new issues
pretty much for subscribers only. Very little on the "stands"
for walk-ins.
Tremendous inventory (est. 80,000+); great selection of silver-age keys;
multiple runs of most marvel/DC series.
Service: (Here's where I get on my soapbox :)
This store is one of those that people have been ranting about on
the net lately. Customer service is NOT a priority at this
store; making the almighty dollar is. CC were overstreet
advisors at one time, and were instrumental in driving some of
the prices higher in the guide. It is not uncommon to
see most silver-age material priced at 3x-6x guide. When FF48
was $125 in guide, they wanted $500 for a VF. whenthe Iron Fist
14 boom happened, they were demanding $300+ for one.
I can see in specific cases, where one would want >guide for a book, but
they consistently price over guide.
New Issues: Hot books are pulled for the store and subscribers
are shorted. It is not uncommon for them to say "sold out"
only for them to suddenly have 100 available the next day
for 10x cover. Examples: Superman 50 - They had copies up for
for $25.00 the SAME DAY THE BOOK CAME OUT. None were ever put on
the stands, and subscribers were only allowed 1, regardless of
how many they had ordered. Robin II Deluxe - These were
allocated and fell short of demand. CC received 8, I believe.
Instead of having a lottery to see which subscribers would get
ones, or putting up a "first come-first served" signup sheet, CC
did not give ANY to subscribers. The sets were put up for $100 each
(original retail was supposed to be $35) the same day they arrived.
Whenever a "hot" book comes out, the proprietor sends one of his lackeys
to the competing store 2 blocks away, buys out the entire stock, so no
one in town can get any on the stands and HAS to get them through CC.
BTW, the owner of CC has been banned for life from the competing store.
I could go on and on and on...
In my opinion, the conduct of CC is unethical and IMHO, in many
cases borders on illegal.
Grade: D (would be an outright F, except they DO have an impressive
inventory)
To be honest, this store is what drove me to quit collecting
comics in mid-1992; I got sick of the bullshit.
*soapbox off*
From: Jeff Mason (j...@elm.circa.ufl.edu)
Date: 3/8/94
Their motto is "The Back Issue Experts." It should be "The
Mark Up Experts." I don't know ANY comic book store anywhere
that has higher prices. This is the type of store that will
immediately pull hot books and put them up for 2 times cover price.
The employees are very knowledgeable about comics, and
are ususally polite. They have a good selection of "hot" books
and are very good at tracking down comics for you, but be
prepared to pay through the nose, they make their money off of
charging dearly for this. These fellows write articles for Wizard
and Wizard's sibling magazine "Entertainment Retailer," and are
definitely worth taking the time to chat with because of their
extensive knowledge of the current comic book industry.

_CHICAGO_
Joe Sarno's Comic Kingdom
From: augs...@sealion.cig.mot.com (Leonard Augsburger)
Date: 3/10/94
Mostly mainstream, and always something interesting
for the silver or golden age collector. Joe's been
around the Chicago scene for a long time and just
likes comics. You can go into his store and just
talk about comics for a long time without buying
anything. Always gives 10% discount off on back
issues.

Halley's Comix
3401 N. Paulina
Chicago, IL 60657
From: pau...@ils.nwu.edu
Date: 3/3/94
Best source in Chicago for alternative comics. Voted #1 Comix Shop in
North America by the Comics Journal. The owner, Sung Koo, is a great
guy and very knowledgeable. He edits Dark Horse's Urban Legends
series.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Halley's Comics, forget the address. Indies, Indies, Indies. This is
not the place to go for a superhero fix, but if you want to see indies
you've never seen elsewhere, this is the place to go in Chicago. It
gets marked down a bit for not being comprehensive, but as an
independent specialty store it gets top marks. Also carries
Vertigo and superhero books, which are about 1/3 of the new
stock (of an average-sized store).

Quimby's Queer Bookstore
1328 N. Damen
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 342-0910
From: pau...@ils.nwu.edu
Date: 3/9/94
Best source in Chicago for zines and minicomics. Rivals Halley's for
its selection of alternative comics. $3 catalog by mail. Friendly to
newcomers. In the heart of Wicker Park, home to Chicago's "hot
new music scene." Walk three blocks north to the corner of
Mlwaukee/Damen/North for other interesting counterculture shops.
Two blocks south of the Damen El stop coming from O'Hare. Don't
sit in the airport for 2 hours.

Larry's
1219A W. Devon
Chicago
(312) 274-1832
From: pau...@ils.nwu.edu
Date: 3/9/94
Best source in Chicago for backissues, including magazines. Lots of
sci-fi and anime books, too. But it's the archetype of dark,
crumbling comic book stores. Next to Loyola University.

Moondog's
corner of Clark and Belden (that's the address in the phone book)
Chicago
(312) 248-6060
From: pau...@ils.nwu.edu
Date: 3/9/94
Mostly mainstream. A small selection of alternative comics. Also
an outlet for pop culture memorabilia. Larry Marder works here
in the back, I believe. Clean and sunny. Under Tower Records.
A short walk from lakeside Lincoln Park (zoo, etc.).
From: j...@frame.com (James Drew)
Date: 3/13/94
Larry Marder no longer works for the Chicago Moondog's (he's now
with Image). Moondog's has been bought out/merged with Classics
International, the parent company of Dream Factory.

For the Love of Toons
3954 N. Southport
Chicago
(312) 549-6430
From: pau...@ils.nwu.edu
Date: 3/3/94
Mostly mainstream and memorabilia. Not too long a walk from Halley's.
Just down the street from the Music Box, a great vintage alternative
film theater. Bright and clean.

Comic Relief
69 E. Madison
(312) 332-0043
Chicago
From: pau...@ils.nwu.edu
Date: 3/3/94
In the heart of downtown Chicago. Mostly mainstream; some games.
A dark cavern.

_EVANSTON_
Comic Relief
1601 Sherman Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
From: pau...@ils.nwu.edu
Date: 3/3/94
Other than the manager, the staff is very friendly. Mostly mainstream
with some alternative. Also a game shop. Close to Northwestern U.
Clean and sunny.

_WHEATON_
More Fun Comics
Two locations: Butterfield and Naperville Road, Roosevelt Road
From: b...@tristan.TN.CORNELL.EDU (bruce berger)
Date: 3/9/94
Nice store for indies and TPB's. Keeps a supply of recent back
issues of many titles on the shelf - for example, all of _Maximortal_.
The store seems to pick titles they like and keep a supply of them
available, which works for me as I share their tastes. Also has a
knowledgeable staff.

__INDIANA__
_FORT WAYNE_
Broadway Comics
2423 Broadway
Ft. Wayne, IN 46807
(219)744-1456
From: Keith Murphy <mur...@CVAX.IPFW.INDIANA.EDU>
Date: 3/13/94
In my 20 years of collecting, Broadway is the best store I have
had the pleasure of patronizing. They have a very knowledgeable
and (for the most part) friendly staff. They carry new comics with an
emphasis on Marvel/DC. They have the largest (and most affordable)
stock of silver age marvel and DC I have ever seen (this includes
having seen at least one store in each of the 48 lower states). They
offer a subscription service with a 20% discount on new items. The
place is so crammed with goodies and ephemera that you can only see a
small part of what's there in any visit.

__MARYLAND__
_BALTIMORE_
Alternate Worlds 666-3290
Yorktowne Plaza, 72 Cranbrook Rd (north of Padonia Rd)
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
New Mainstream: A
New Independents: B+ decent alternatives + kiddie section
Back Issues: B mostly modern, below guide price
Trade Paperbacks: B
Bargain/Specials: C+ occasional sales
Other Media: books, video, humor, RPGs, cards, posters, etc.
Friendliness: B
Comics Knowledge: B+
Subscriptions: min 8, 25+ for 10% off
Best place in Baltimore to find many alternative back issues + TPBs.
"Best Comic Book Store 1993", Baltimore Magazine

Atomic Books 728-5490
229 W Read St (N. of Harbor, betw. Park & MLK)
Mon-Sat 12-7, Sun 1-5
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
New Mainstream: D- big name writers only
New Independents: B+ comix + Vertigo only
Back Issues: D+ recent only, cover price
Trade Paperbacks: C- very few, but good
Bargain/Specials: C- small $.50 bin
Other Media: Weird books & magazines
Owner/Staff: Scott Huffines (solo owner)
Friendliness: B+
Comics Knowledge: B+ comix only
Buy/Trade Policy: None
Subscriptions: None
Quite the comix haven, but selection is recent and limited.
"Best Incredibly Strange Bookstore 1993", City Paper

Geppi's Comics 547-0910
Harborplace, Light St Pavillion 2nd floor (downtown)
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 10-6
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
New Deliveries: main Wed at noon, small Mon at noon.
New Mainstream: B sell out of some titles quickly
New Independents: C- working on it
Back Issues: C+ mostly recent, at guide price
Trade Paperbacks: B- straight from the Star System
Bargain/Specials: None
Other Media: books, video, cards
Staff: Derek (mgr) ignorant, Shawn (asst) speculator,
Melvin, Benn, Francis (grunts) alternative types.
Friendliness: B talk to us, we're bored
Comics Knowledge: B+ depends who you ask
Buy/Trade Policy: trade only for HOT titles (esp X-books)
Subscriptions: min 5, 20% off
I'm there occasionally, trying to make it a better place.

Comics Kingdom 889-6005
Roland Ave & 40th St (near Rotunda)
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Mostly superheroes, limited alternative
Subscriptions: yes
Back issues: limited, at guide
Also: posters, cards, t-shirts

Cutting Edge 426-1618
2832 Christopher Ave, at Old Harford Rd
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
superheroes, limited alternative, free bags
Subscriptions: min 5, sliding scale 5-20% off
Back Issues: mostly recent, at guide
Also: cards

Geppi's Comics 298-1727
Security Station, 1722 Rolling Rd
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
superheroes, limited alternative, kiddie
Subscriptions: min 10, 20% off
Back Issues: various, at guide or below
Also: cards, singles, video, books, t-shirts

The Labyrinth 243-7247
2500 N Charles St
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
many adult, limited superheroes
Back Issues: limited, at cover price
Also: many books, RPGs, limited t-shirts

Reptilian Records 327-6853
403 S Broadway, Fells Point
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
superheroes, adult, limited alternative
Subscriptions: min 5, 15% off, free bags
Back Issues: various, at guide
Also: many records, video, hardcore, magazines

United Fantasy Network 321-7261
Towson Marketplace, 1238 Putty Hill Ave
From: Francis A Uy <fu...@gl.umbc.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
superheroes, limited alternative
Subscriptions: yes
Back Issues: mostly recent, at guide
Also: many RPGs, cards, posters

__MASSACHUSETTS__
_BOSTON_
New England Comics
From: Anne Toole <to...@husc.harvard.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
All over Boston Area, Specifically the one on Eliot Street,
Cambridge, This store is kind of small, though others might
be bigger. They publish The Tick, so they have huge racks
of their stuff. They have very logical ways of displaying
recent back issues, and special lines, such as Vertigo or
Independents. They have this VIP program that I don't know
much about, but it seems pretty pointless anyway, because
every week in the "Square Deal" that is handed out in Harvard
Square, there is a coupon for 20% off everything. So that's
s what I use when I by stuff there. It has this huge mail
order business too, I think.

Outer Limits, Moody St. in Waltham.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
The store of choice for r.a.c. types in the Waltham vicinity...and for
some, still the store of choice even after moving out of the Waltham
vicinity. Steve, the owner, is very friendly and interesting to talk
about the industry with and has helped by providing retailer
information for posting on the net. The store carries pretty much
everything (including ancillary products such as action figures) and
does an excellent job with independents. At least during the current
('94) glut, being a subscriber is a good thing because he's ordering
cautiously. However, if out of something he'll try to order it for
you.

Million Year Picnic, 99 Mt. Auburn St. in Harvard Square in Cambridge.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
An old favorite, this is one of the oldest comics shops in the
country. Does a good job with independents, graphic novels, etc. Some
foreign material as well, primarily Japanese or British.

Comicopea, Kenmore Square and Watertown branches.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
I'm honestly not that familiar with these, mainly due to geography;
both are located in parts of the Boston area that I just don't get to
very much. However, they do a reasonable job on independents, and I
know the owner from when he helped me do an MIT hack at the Harvard-
Yale game in '82, so I thought I'd mention them.

Newbury Comics, all over the Boston area.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Despite the name, this is now primarily a record store chain focusing
on alternative music (but not exclusively). However, they do carry
comics in all branches. No back issues though, unless it's still on
the rack (which several months may very well be). I wouldn't want to
use it as my primary comics store, but occasionally I can find items
here which have sold out elsewhere. Good record store though, with
excellent prices there.

_FALL RIVER_
NAME: Collector's Choice
ADDRESS: Columbia St.,
Fall River MA.
Serves Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode
Island
PHONE: (508) 679-4453
From: Alvaro E. Pereira (aepe...@athena.mit.edu)
Date: 3/9/94
PRODUCTS: Sports Cards, Non-Sports Cards, New Comics
REVIEW: The store provides excellent service given that the
customer is timely in submitting his advance order
form and picking up reserved books. All subscribers
with at least 5 titles receive a 25% discount. The
discount also applies to reorders and purchases off
the shelves. Though "alternative" and other
low-selling books are not usually stocked on the
shelves, any title can be ordered. This is a good
choice for comic-book fans who are regular
purchasers and can live with filling out an advance
form each month and picking up their ordered comics
on a regular basis.

_NORTHAMPTON_
Bob's Hobbies
98 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
413-586-5667
From: gwil...@cs.smith.edu (Genevieve R. Williams)
Date: 3/3/94
About as much new & back issues as you can cram into a space that
small. Also posters, cards (sport and non-sport), related books and
guides.
This store is great. They get things in really quickly and are very
f they don't have it in stock.

Lance's Comics
185 Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060
413-586-9051
From: gwil...@cs.smith.edu (Genevieve R. Williams)
Date: 3/3/94
I have no idea what this guy carries because he's NEVER THERE! Every
time I go by the place is closed with a little sign on the door that
says "Gone for coffee." He should be out of business in another month
or so.

Showcase Comics
2 Locations:
48 N. Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA 01002
413-253-2999
and:
Hampshire Mall (I believe it's on Route 9.)
Hadley, MA 01035
don't have phone # - they just moved.
From: gwil...@cs.smith.edu (Genevieve R. Williams)
Date: 3/3/94
Lotsa stuff, new and back issues. The Amherst store carries role-
playing materials. The Hadley store has posters and sf novels.
These stores are good too. Good selection, nice folks.

__MICHIGAN__
_ANN ARBOR_
Dave's Comics, William and State Sts., entrance on William, on third
floor.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Convenient to UMichigan, this is where I shopped when I was at UM.
Reasonable employees, good selection of independents, not quite as
strong on graphic novels. 20% discount even to walk in trade.

_DETROIT_
"Classic Comics" : Detroit (Livonia), MI, USA
From: Jonathan Lupa : jjl...@vnet.ibm.com
Date: 3/3/94
20% off all new comics. Free Bags.
additional 10% if you order >5 monthly titles.
Enormous Back issue stock.
Will "hunt-down" comics for you.
Carries EVERYTHING.
Also has tons of other comic/collector-related goodies.
Opinions- whenever Im in Detroit, this is the place to go. They are
HUGE, and very freindly. They have around 2 knowledgeable clerks in
each part of the store (Comics, Gaming, Cards). They also carry every
Independent that I've ever heard of, and do seek-and-collect missions
for you on rare comics. They also produce a free magazine that lists
release dates of cards, comics, and toys, and hold contests for local
cartoonists.
I love that place. Besides, I got to go on National TV there and tell
this reporter-lady how I thought the whole Death of Superman thing was
just a "Money" venture that happened to work, and that it disgusted me
that someone could rape Supermans charecter, the original super-hero
for money.

_WYOMING (GRAND RAPIDS)_
Between the Covers
2313 Lee St. SW
Wyoming, MI (suburb of Grand Rapids)
From: DO...@EARLHAM.EDU
Date: 3/3/94
Excellently stocked with both new comics and back issues. Not
just Marvel/DC, but a wide variety of independents as well. Also
carries magazines, books (used paperbacks bought & sold), and related
comics paraphenalia. Store environment is good--carpeted floor,
clean. Owner is polite and friendly. (Favorite example--"Doug,
there's nothing in your folder this week. I thought you might want
VERTIGO JAM, though, so I pulled one for you." That sort of thing.)
Highly recommended.

__MINNESOTA__
_MINNEAPOLIS_
Dreamhaven Books in Dinkytown near University of Minnesota.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Hey, Lance Smith works there and they're the base for Palliard Press
aka Xxxenophile, Buck Godot, Leonard & Larry, and Gaiman's prose
book Angels and Visitations. How can you go wrong? Good sf and
miscellaney store upstairs, good comics store with good employees
downstairs, along with a good selection of independents and graphic
novels. Reasonable quarter bins too. They've recently opened up a new
store Uptown, but I've not been in it yet. Looked a bit smaller than
the Dinkytown one though.
From: parm...@macalstr.edu (Patrick Armatas)
Date: 3/9/94
Calhoun Square, is quite small and has a random selection of "cult"
books, novels, videos, and a small collection of a few big titles
from the DC Vetrigo along with some small publishers.
It is more of a store that is trying to pull business from the
reigning store of that area; that store being The College of
Comic Book Knowledge.

The College of Comic Book Knowledge
3151 Hennepin Av/ S Mpls, MN 55408
(612) 822-2309
From: parm...@macalstr.edu (Patrick Armatas)
Date: 3/9/94
The College is the essential store to a buyers life. They
carry all of the biggies (Marvel, DC, Image, Malibu, Dark Horse)
and have a great top shelf and behind the counter for the
smaller publishers (as much Fantagraphics as you want!). The
other half of the store is an amazing collection of back issues
and other associated paraphenalia. The backs are fairly priced,
usually. The cheap stuff box is well maintained and has plenty
to satisfy the curious reader.
They too have a 10% discount card, lasts one year and costs $8.
The guys that run the back issues are eager to help and are
knowledgeable on what's up and what they have. P.S. for all you
naughty kids, they have a closed full of "Adult Material" with
it's own little cheap box.
The College of Comic Book Knowledge also has a small store just
down the street in the mall of Calhoun Square and that it is
strictly a new issue store of the "biggies" and a very few
small companies.

_ROCHESTER_
"THE BOOK REVIEW" : Rochester, MN, USA
From: Jonathan Lupa : jjl...@vnet.ibm.com
Date: 3/3/94
10$/year makes you a club member.
Offers 10% off all purchasers if your a club member...
Offers an additional 10% off on a comic if you subscribe to that
comic. (Subscribe = get it monthly...you know the deal)
Low amounts of independents carried.
When the option is given, they order the enhanced covers and NOT the
standard.
Opinion: Relatively good store. Low Back issue stock (About 24 4
foot boxes.)
Once you get to know the owner he gives you the full 20% off anything
that you buy.

_SAINT PAUL_
Uncle Sven's Comic Shoppe
1838 St. Clair Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
From: Polly A Lillmars-1 <lill...@gold.tc.umn.edu>
Date: 3/10/94
what they have: a lot of the usual marvel and dc stuff, with a few
alternative comics. The store is small, but they're willing to
order whatever you need.
added plus: very friendly, even to women, which sometimes is not
the case.

The Source AKA The Scarce
Address: hopefully in hell by now, previously by Macalester College
in St. Paul
Phone:sorry but its not worth looking up
From: parm...@macalstr.edu (Patrick Armatas)
Date: 3/9/94
I know i'm coming off harsh, but these guys are nothing special, and
the fact that they are a bunch of pigs and treat customers like @#$!
should not affect what I tell you. So yeah, they get titles and
do have some back issues.

Midway Bookstore
corner of University and Snelling Ave./St Paul, MN 55104
612) 644-7605
From: parm...@macalstr.edu (Patrick Armatas)
Date: 3/9/94
Your average store when considering new titles, Marvel, DC, Valient,
Image, Malibu and Dark Horse, all pre-bagged. Also a 10%
dsicount for free if you are a preferred customer (come
frequently blowing over $15 regularly). There is a treasure of
old comics in the basement usually for cover or cheaper (all
F/VF comics are upstairs and its not a huge collection).
The store itself is three floors and has a nice collection of
random nostaglia. Its a nice overall store and can't be bad if
I got most of my Plastic Forks there for under cover price.

__MISSISSIPPI__
_COLUMBUS_
Gun Dog Comics
Russell Shopping Center HMY 45 North, Next to Wal-Mart
Starkville, MS Columbus, MS
601-324-2808 601-327-0050
Information Hotline: 323-8555
From: Paul Adams <pa...@ERC.MsState.Edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Both Stores:
Started in 1989 by 2 brothers who were then students at Mississippi
State University, these are the premier stores in the NE area of
Mississippi. The staff is wonderful. Both stores carry a large line
of Marvel, DC, and independents. They have a fairly good number of
back issues available. They also carry a large number of cards,
gaming supplies, science fiction paperbacks, and Star Wars
memorabelia.

A-1 Cards
2411-1/2 HWY 45N
Columbus, MS
601-327-1283
From: Paul Adams <pa...@ERC.MsState.Edu>
Date: 3/3/94
rds and a few comics. Newstand comics
are 10% off, backissues are cover price. The newstand comics are just
the major players and the backissues are all recent (less than 2 years
old).

_JACKSON_
Star Store
Meadowbrook Mart Shopping Center
4212 N State Street
Jackson, MS 39206
601-362-8001
From: Paul Adams <pa...@ERC.MsState.Edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Large back issue selection of comics and magazines. Carries mainly
Marvel, DC, and a few independents. They do not carry any cards due
to the big bust in the card market. The staff is helpful, but not
personable.

Grand Slam Collectibles
Northpark Mall
Jackson, MS
601-957-6577
From: Paul Adams <pa...@ERC.MsState.Edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Very limited back issue selection. Carries mainly Marvel, DC and the
well known independents, but due to their small size does not carry
them all. They do have a subscription service that gives a 25%
discount on comics, as long as they are the more well known ones. Has
a medium amount of cards which seems to be their main source of
income. Open from 10am-9pm.

Books-A-Million
4950 I-55 North
Jackson. MS
366-3008
From: Paul Adams <pa...@ERC.MsState.Edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Limited back issue and cards selection, but large current selection,
mostly Marvel and DC with a few independents. Large selection of
other magazines and books.

_RIDGELAND_
Omega Comics
579 HWY 51
Ridgeland, MS
601-856-1789
From: Paul Adams <pa...@ERC.MsState.Edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Small selection of back issues. Carries mainly Marvel, DC and the
well known independents. They have a small card collection as well.
The staff is very helpful. Generally open from 12-6 p.m.

_STARKVILLE_
D&B Sports Cards
HWY 12 West
State Shopping Center
Starkville, MS
601-324-8162
From: Paul Adams <pa...@ERC.MsState.Edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Very small store with mostly cards and a few comics. The comics are
mainly Image and Valiant both at the newstand and in the backissue
bin. Both are overpriced. A subscription service was going to be
started in February with a 20% discount, but I do not know what the
status of that is. They do seem to be trying to expand beyond just
those two comic companies and the staff is nice. Be advised that the
store stinks from teh heavy smoking there. I never bought a comic
there so I do not know if they would absorb the odor or not.

__NEW HAMPSHIRE__
_LEBANON_
Club Comics
Address:Lebanon, NH (In the only mall in Lebanon)
Phone:(603) 448-0130
From: jb...@moose.uvm.edu (Justin D. Bell)
Date: 3/13/94
Definately one of the best comic stores I've been to. The center
on Super Hero genre, but have many independants as well as D&D Gaming
supplies, PVC figures, T-Shirts, posters, cards, and videos to rent.
Their back issue selection is one of the best I've seen, and all are
bagged and boarded. The owner and manager are both really cool guys
and know their stuff. I highly reccomend you check this one out.

__NEW YORK__
_BUFFALO_
Store Name: Comics Plus
Address: 904 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: (716) 881-1613
From: Justin Sherrill <JCS...@ritvax.isc.rit.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
What they Carry: Superhero genre with strong secondary markets
(in the words of one of the owners). They have Marvel, DC, Dark
Horse, Malibu, plus others. There is a large selection of back
issues, and plenty of merchandise (comic cards, shirts, etc)
Opinion: My favorite store in Buffalo (not just cause I work there)
because the owners will go way out of their way to get you what
you want, and are pretty nice guys, too.

_ITHACA_
Comics for Collectors
Ithaca, NY (currently on the commons, moving during 3/94)
From: b...@tristan.TN.CORNELL.EDU (bruce berger)
Date: 3/9/94
Pretty good store. Large selection - most everthing by the top 10
or so publishers plus a large variety of independents. Tends to sell
out of a few titles per week. Fairly good back issue bins, going back
only as far as the late 80's when the store opened. Also has stores
in Elmira and Corning.

_TROY (ALBANY)_
Aquilonia Comic, 412 Fulton St, Troy, New York (near Albany).
From: pau...@ils.nwu.edu
Date: 3/3/94
I don't know the phone #. I'm one of their oldest customers, and
have had a mail-order relationship with the owner (Joe) for the past 8
years. Carries mostly mainstream - I'm not sure what independents
he's carrying these days. I use him for mostly my Marvel and DC
comics.

__NORTH CAROLINA__
_CHAPEL HILL_
Second Foundation Bookstore, Rosemary Street in the back of the
NationsBank Plaza.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Former employer of myself and netter Kevin Maroney, it's an sf and
comics bookstore. Good independent and graphic novel selection,
although to be honest I think the comics section has dropped off a bit
since Kevin left. Still a good store, even if not as unique as it was
15 years ago under the original owner and name of Foundation Bookstore
(back then, the tag line was "The only sf, fantasy, and comics
bookstore in the Carolinas").

__NORTH DAKOTA__
_FARGO_
Paradox Comics and Cards
26 Roberts St. Suite 111
Fargo,ND
701-239-9505
From: ba...@badlands.NoDak.edu (Jeffrey P Bakke)
Date: 3/3/94
New guys on the block. (Open for less than a year) Good selection
of new books (Mostly Marv,DC,Image,DH,Valiant). Books stay on the
shelf for a month. Good selection of back issues (Again, mostly
Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse, Valiant).Good selection of cards (non-
sport). Lots of in store promotions,they also give away all
gold/plat./whatever editions they receive. Friendly and knowledgable
staff, always willing to deal on books.

Comic Junction
1692 S. University Dr.
Fargo,ND
701-233-8574
From: ba...@badlands.NoDak.edu (Jeffrey P Bakke)
Date: 3/3/94
Good selection of new books. Books stay on the shelf for at least a
month. Best selection in town of Manga, indies and small press. Best
selection in town of hardcovers and TPB's. Rents videos of
Japanamation, Monty Python, etc. Has some cards and back issues,
although they have moved recently (Jan 94) and had a large sale on
these, so their back stock is short. Knowledgable and friendly staff.

Omni Hobby
T.J. Maxx Plaza
Fargo,ND
701-282-5675
From: ba...@badlands.NoDak.edu (Jeffrey P Bakke)
Date: 3/3/94
A hobby store that sells comics, games, models, trains,etc.
They carry mainly Marvel and DC books, usually lots of gimmick
books, but usually have Marvel and DC's entire line. No small
press or indies. Some back issues, but mostly stuff from the
last year or two.

Lantern Comics
520 Broadway
Fargo,ND
701-235-2562
From: ba...@badlands.NoDak.edu (Jeffrey P Bakke)
Date: 3/3/94
Has a good selection of new books, but will pull "hot" books off the
shelf in a day or two. Jacks up prices on hot books. Do carry some
small press and indies. Good selection of back issues, but uses CVM
and will not bargin on the prices. Also carries cards (both sport and
non),books and a large selection of magazines. Questionable staff.
More interested in just selling books than knowing anything about
them.

__NORWAY__
_BERGEN_
Berghulen
(They are rumoured to have moved since I visited them last time)
Bergen
From: Jon Lovstad <jo...@dhhalden.no>
Date: 3/3/94
On the West Coast we find Berghulen in the cozy city of Bergen. Bergen
is well worth a visit anyway, but this shop might have some nice items
as well. They might have moved to larger premises since I visited them
last time and their selection should have grown as well. Pricing is
standard, but their back issue bin is the most well kept I've seen in
Norway. Last year they even had a lot of older Spidey books! Bergen is
rumoured to be the Valiant city #1 in Norway so you might expect a
large amount of new books and scarcity among the old.
The shop was fairly new when I visited it, no discount bin to be
seen...

_OSLO_
Avalon
Paleet on Karl Johan. Oslo.
Phone: Shop
Warehouse +47 22 11 61 60, +47 11 22 61 61
Fax: Warehouse +47 22 11 61 65
Open:day closed
From: Jon Lovstad <jo...@dhhalden.no>
Date: 3/3/94
Avalon is the shop run by Grendel Distribution, the largest (and
only...) distributor of American comics. They started out ten years
ago as a gaming shop and drifted into comics about five years ago.
Their shop is mostly games and related material, but they have a fair
selection of mainstream comics and collections as well as Sci-
Fi/Horror novels. They also get 2-3 boxes of the major trading card
releases.
Prices are set at the Norwegian "standard":1 US$ = 10 Nkr which is the
cheapest I've encountered so far in Scandinavia. Their back issue
prices vary from fair to ridiculous, as these people are no graders.
The back issue bin is poorly maintained and as soon as a book is
bagged ad boarded for the bin it increases by 3 Nkr in price. They do
have some bargains though - I found the hardcover reprint of Marvel
Comics #1 for $7, and Big Numbers #1 for about 75 cents. The 50cent
bin recently disappeared.

Fantastico. Oslo.
From: Jon Lovstad <jo...@dhhalden.no>
Date: 3/3/94
Located almost across the street for Avalon, these guys had Fantastico
going for a couple of years before joining in with Spillspesialisten
to form Avalon. After a year or so they split and reformed Fantastico.
Sadly, they've gone in Avalon's footsteps and are now carrying mostly
games.
They are currently offering most books at 1 US$ = 8 NKr, but it hardly
makes up for the poor selection. They are stronger than Avalon in the
Image/Valiant department, though. Their back issue bin is poor, as is
their "50cent" bin (Nkr 3 = 1 US$ bin actually). I managed to find
some gems in there though.
The firm has an apparent cash flow problem and I doubt that they get
it off the ground - they've been this way for a year and a half now,
telling us that a major shipment is around the corner. Took them two
months to get anything at all when they reformed.

Spider-Man!
Kirkegaten. Oslo.
From: Jon Lovstad <jo...@dhhalden.no>
Date: 3/3/94
This little shop is located at Fantastico's last premises. It isn't
really a comics shop, they mostly deal in used Nintendo/Sega carts and
used Norwegian comics and magazines. They do have a small selection of
new American comics,, mostly Marvel and Image. They're all bagged but
poorly kept due to the unsuitable rack they're kept in. Saw some
expensively priced trading cards there last time I looked. All comics
are priced at US$1 = 10 NKr.

Lucky Eddie
Trondheimsveien. Oslo.
Open: Mon-Fri. 10-16, Sat. 10-14, Sunday closed.
From: Jon Lovstad <jo...@dhhalden.no>
Date: 3/3/94
This shop is a second-hand shop which deals in comics, magazines and
records. This is the place to make finds! They sometime get their
hands on US books and although they're mostly Marvel and the like
they've also had som real gems in there.
Prices are usually firm for the *type* of comic - standard books go
for 10 Nkr, New Format/Baxter type books for 15 Nkr and prestige books
for 25 & up.
Gems found/seen at this shop includes Nexus (original run w/record),
first printings of TMNT 2-5, a very decent (a bit flaky on the "spine"
- I enjoyed it nevertheless) copy of The Cowboy Wally Show for $7 and
some early X-Men and Miller Daredevils at rock bottom prices.

__OKLAHOMA__
_STILLWATER_
Comic Connection
126 N. Main Street
Stillwater, OK 74074
From: mwg...@osuunx.ucc.okstate.edu
Date: 3/9/94
Owner:Darren Porteen
Titles:Carries all Marvel,Image,DC,Dark Horse, etc. Mostly main-stream
and main-stream alternatives.
-10% discount on new/subscription comics
-Darren is knowledgeable and friendly and has cut me some deals of up to
40% off back-issues
-Annual/Bi-annual sale of 50% off all back issues. Uses OCBM as a price
reference
-Great back issue selection of Amazing Spider-man(I have gotten some
great deals on issues 160-170,284-288,303-315). I have also bought some
back issues of UXM(120s & 130s), but they are generally hard to find
prior to issue 90.
-Back issue selection is OK for a town the size of Stillwater. Ask him
about certain issues and he will look for them in our area.
-Carries boxes/packs of current non-sports cards only. No card
singles,chasers, holos, etc.
-If you stop in here, ask to see the convention stock if you don't find
a particular back issue that you need.
-I have seen a few Tales to Astonish, Tales of Suspense,Journey into
Mystery, and similar Silver-Age books, but they don't stay around too
long!

__OREGON__
_EUGENE_
Emerald City Comics
??? 13th Street
Eugene, OR 97403
From: j...@frame.com (James Drew)
Date: 3/13/94
(This info is 3.5 years old...)
One of the oldest stores in the state and very friendly. Discount
(I assume they still give one) applies to new issues or can be
doubled for credit on back issues. Back issues are not public
accessible ("behind the counter") and aren't bagged, with the price
lightly pencilled on the first page; prices are good, though. They
also have a downtown store which I've never visited.

__PENNSYLVANIA__
_PHILADELPHIA_
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Fat Jack's Comicrypt, Center City around 18th and Sansom, but check
the address in the phone book. They've remodeled since I shopped there
when I lived in Philly in the mid-80s. Looks very nice now, and has
expanded the space a lot. Good independent and graphic novel
selection.

_PITTSBURGH_
Phantom Of The Attic, 214 S. Craig St. (412)621-1210. Pittsburgh
From: Jason M. Borlinghaus
Date: 3/9/94
Pluses: Incredibly friendly and knowledgable staff. Will learn your name
if you've been there more than twice. Will keep an eye out for stuff
that may interest you. They carry mainstream and alternative comics,
anime (magazines, comics, videos), non-sports cards, gaming materials
(literature, games, models), other comic related items. Constantly
trying new marketing ideas - give-aways, reduced comic sales, coupons
for frequent customers, etc.
Minuses: Small store (though crammed from floor to ceiling with stuff),
small backstock, poor parking (on-the-street).
Note: Phantom Of The Attic is a comic book store chain in Pennsylvania
but they are individually owned stores and have little/to no
communication between them (different prices/different titles/
different backstock/etc.)

_WILKINSBURG_
BEM, 622 South Ave. (412) 243-2736. Wilkinsburg.
From: Jason M. Borlinghaus
Date: 3/9/94
Pluses: Carries mainstream and alternative comics, original comic
art, paperback books books (both comic-related and other-wise),
old comic-book related trikets (1960 Spider-man doll, etc.)
Parking lot behond store. Couches in front of store, staff
encourages patrons to leaf through issues before purchase.
Large backstock.
* The entire staff is crazy over "Love & Rockets". They cover the
walls in original art, they really push the "L&R" comics.
Minuses: Store is located in the middle of nowhere.

__RHODE ISLAND__
_NORTH KINGSTOWN_
Adam Pinhead
Near the University of Rhode Island.
From: Eric Jaron Stieglitz (eph...@ctr.columbia.edu)
Date: 3/3/94
Last time I visited this place, I could only find mainstream material,
most of which was quite recent. The place didn't really have much to
offer, in terms of stock or prices. Unless you're stuck at URI I
would not recommend this place.

_NORTH PROVIDENCE_
Ocean State Comics and Cards
Circa 1500 Mineral Spring Avenue. (If you are going west, look for the
building on your left with Spiderman on the wall. If you are taking
rt. 146 north, make a right on Mineral Spring and go past the fire
station.)
From: Eric Jaron Stieglitz (eph...@ctr.columbia.edu)
Date: 3/3/94
This is generally not my favorite store to visit, since the
prices are somewhat high, but I've found back issues here that I could
not locate anywhere else. Doesn't really carry much non-mainstream m
material, other than superhero stuff, but has some interesting back
ire no
discounts on new books. They do have a large "wall" selection with
numerous older and more expensive books, especially from Marvel (lots
of pre-150 X-Men).

_PAWTUCKET_
Comics and Stories
Circa 300 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Pawtucket. Careful!
Main Street Pawtucket is one of the worst-designed streets in Rhode
Island.
From: Eric Jaron Stieglitz (eph...@ctr.columbia.edu)
Date: 3/3/94
A quality store with a large mainstream and non-mainstream selection.
The manager is quite knowledgable about the items he carries. 2-3
times per year, the store has a sale where DC is sold at 75% off,
Marvel at 50%, and materials on the wall (stuff over $10.00) at 25%
off. Has various racks dedicated to non-mainstream material. I managed
to find _The Blue Lily_ at this store. This is a good place to hit
during their month-long sales.

_PROVIDENCE_
Atomic Comics:
Circa 800 Hope Street, area code 02906.
From: Eric Jaron Stieglitz (eph...@ctr.columbia.edu)
Date: 3/3/94
A small but cozy store on Providence's East Side. The owner stocks the
place with lots of mainstream superhero goods, but also makes a large
effort at maintaining his non-mainstread clientele. Along with the
usual offerrings from Marvel DC, Malibu, Defiant, Valiant, and Dark
Horse, Atomic also stocks many non-mainstream books like Cerebus,
Hepcats, and others that are quite far from mainstream. Recently, the
owner dedicated a whole shelf to Bone, so that all the issues could be
prominently displayed.
The back issue selection varies from more recent "hot" items to early
"Tales of the Beanworld" issues and Silver Age materials. Atomic also
has back issues of older undergrounds in stock. Despite it's small
size, the store has a very large variety of stock, with a large amount
of non-mainstream materials. The staff is generally quite knowledgable
about the comics market and can make decent recomendations about
items. There is also a small video section for unusual films and
anime. The store has a subscription service which offers a discount on
new items.

Starship Excalibur:
60 Washington Street, area code 02903 in the heart of downtown
Providence.
From: Eric Jaron Stieglitz (eph...@ctr.columbia.edu)
Date: 3/3/94
I haven't visited this place in a while, but back when I used this as
my main comic store, it sold a variety of mainstream comics and
Dungeons & Dragons material. I recall there being a small amount of
non-mainstream, along with somewhat-decent back issue boxes for
mainstream material. The prices were somewhat high. I haven't visited
in a while, so things may have changed.

__SOUTH CAROLINA__
_COLUMBIA_
Store: Silver City
904 Knox Abbot Dr., zip code 29033
(803) 791-4021
6729 Two Notch Rd., zip code 29223 near Columbia Mall
(803) 736-3989
From: Ernest A. Cline <cl...@usceast.cs.scarolina.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
Silver City has two locations, the original on Knox Abbott Dr.
in Cayce and a relatively ne one over near Columbia Mall that I
don't go to. Decent selection of new comics (DC, Marvel, Image,
Malibu, Viz, other major independents) and will special order
out of PREVIEWS for the more exotic stuff. (Special orders can
be a hassle though.) No hassle to change the pull list.
Also does non-sports cards, RPGs, and war games. Until
Boardwalk and Park Place (a game only store) opened at Columbiana
Mall, they had the best game store in Columbia.
Discounts apply to all comics and supplies, but not cards or games,
and are based on the number of monthly titles on your pull list.
(More titles, more percentage discount.)
Backstock is mostly 80's and 90's stuff, and mostly DC and Marvel,
but has a smattering of older stuff and Independent. Has an
irregularly scheduled standard 50% off sale on the backstock,
so unless you see something you need now or can't risk it'll be
gone, wait for the next sale.
From: J. Hunter Johnson (jhun...@io.com)
Date: 3/11/94
Largest store in Columbia (I believe). Also has a good selection of
gaming merchandise. They run frequent sales, and have a sub
service. I've found they're staff to be well informed, if not as
personable as those in the smaller stores. "Over 40000 back issues",
probably between their two locations.

Devine Comics:
4441 Devine St., zip code 29205
(803) 782-7900
From: J. Hunter Johnson (jhun...@io.com)
Date: 3/11/94
Small store, very friendly owner. "Hot" new comics are sold with
bags & boards included in the cover price. Subscription service
is offered. Another store in Lexington.

Heroes & Dragons:
1410 St. Andrews Rd., zip code 29210
(803) 772-4376
From: J. Hunter Johnson (jhun...@io.com)
Date: 3/11/94
They are only open to the public on the first weekend of every
month.

Heroes & Dragons:
1561 Broad River Rd., zip code 29210 in the Boozer Shopping Center
(803) 731-4376
From: J. Hunter Johnson (jhun...@io.com)
Date: 3/11/94
Small store, with a limited selection. Small selection of gaming
material as well, and some Star Trek items.

Stan's X-Cellent Comics Cards & Collectibles
1332 Main St, zip code 29201 in the Arcade Mall
(803) 765-0423
From: J. Hunter Johnson (jhun...@io.com)
Date: 3/11/94
Most eclectic store in Columbia (that I know of). "Columbia's
Specialists in Golden Age & Key Silver Age Comics". He stocks a lot
of older board games (like Star Wars, Starsky & Hutch, etc.),
magazines, records, posters, etc. Runs an ad in the paper about
once a month that includes a coupon for a free comic, but this must
come from a separate box of back issues that he keeps for this
purpose. Nothing valuable, but what do you want for free? Not
very competitive pricing, but a varied selection.

_IRMO_
Comics Incorporated:
6801 St. Andrews Rd., zip code 29212 in Quail Valley Plaza
(803) 732-1772
From: J. Hunter Johnson (jhun...@io.com)
Date: 3/11/94
Small store, friendly staff, although they'll answer a question
whether they know the right answer or not. They offer a
subscription service. A small TV is usually on, sitting out
in the main store area.

_LEXINGTON_
Devine Comics:
711 E. Main St.
(803) 356-2100
From: J. Hunter Johnson (jhun...@io.com)
Date: 3/11/94
see _COLUMBIA_ section for info on this store; never visited this
location.

__SWEDEN__

_GOTHENBURG_
Dolores Records & Comics
Drottningegatan 52
Gothenburg
Phone +46 31 150 818
Fax +46 31 152 340
From: Jon Lovstad <jo...@dhhalden.no>
Date: 3/3/94
This shop has a wide selection of comics and
HM/Thrash/Speed/Death/Punk records! The comics part used to both
Swedish and American, but the last time I visited the shop (too long
ago...) the Swedish mags were almost gone.
The usual price for new books used to be 1 US$ = Skr 12, but the
Swedish Krone has suffered a lot the past two years so I'm not really
sure about that anymore. Back issues used to be 1 US$ = Skr 13.5. They
didn't follow any priceguides since the market is too different from
the US (something the folks in Norway have yet to discover). Some
items which has been imported afterwards might have a higher price (I
saw the first Lee X-Men in their boxes at $5 when it was approx. $20
in the US).
Nice and cozy shop, great atmosphere (ecspecially if you like the kind
of music they play around there as well...) and *really* nice people.
Well worth a visit.

__TEXAS__
_HOUSTON_
Phoenix Comics and Games
store 1 is at 3806 Shepherd, Houston, TX, 77098 (713)-524-1150
store 2 is at 1947 N Gessner, Houston, TX, 77080 (713)-464-1209
From: Joshua Carpman <jcar...@owlnet.rice.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
The reason I like them is that I am a collector of strange comics
(anthr they get almost all of them. They also know me
by name and vice versa. They also have all the mainstream titles, and
all back issues are cover price. If they don't have it, they'll order
it for you. They also give a 15% discount to local college students
(like me :)). They don't hoard "valuable" comics, or do any of that
crap. A first-rate establishment, IMHO.
From: "Chris M. Cavers" <cav...@Menudo.UH.EDU>
Date: 3/9/94
Sheppard store
Fairly decent selection. Lots of older 50cent - $1.25 books unbagged
and at cover price. Limits hot books on the shelf to one per person.
(real hot books like Superman 75 and Knightfall 1 - not like
Youngblood, Cyberforce, Wildcats when they came out.) They also have
some gaming stuff. Anything that is bagged goes for straight
CVM. I've never seen a 25 cent box there.
North Gesner store
Same as the Sheppard store except I've seen a 25cent box there twice.

Bedrock Comics
Hillcroft and Westheimer (on Westheimer just to the East of Hillcroft)
From: "Chris M. Cavers" <cav...@Menudo.UH.EDU>
Date: 3/9/94
Decent selection. Mostly mainline Dc and Marvel. Lots of tpb's at cover.
Occasionally, they have a high dollar book or two (e.g. Superman 4) in
decent shape. Extensive silver age stock. They always have
100-400 25cent books around. Pretty friendly people work there.
All back issues are straight CVM.

Legends Comics
Several stores
From: "Chris M. Cavers" <cav...@Menudo.UH.EDU>
Date: 3/9/94
These guys are the largest comic shop in Houston. They do almost
all of the big shows (NYC, San Diego). They have the largest
silver age selection in Houston (maybe in this whole part of the
country). They ususally have the big dollar books ($500+) in
in fine, very fine, or better condition. Silver age books are
straight Overstreet (even for lower grade books) unless the
books are only $1-$4. They do decent deals for large purchases.
They will buy large collections. The owners are more realistic
about 1980 to present back issues. You can ususally work a
decent deal if you talk to one of the owners. Recent stuff is
priced at Overstreet.

Southwest Comics and Cards
Richmond (inbetween Gessner and Fondren)
From: "Chris M. Cavers" <cav...@Menudo.UH.EDU>
Date: 3/9/94
Back issues are priced around Wizard. They usually have 100-200
25cent books around. Nothing special.

__VERMONT__
_BARRE_
Comics Outpost, 27 Grantite St., 802-476-4553, 800-564-4553 (VT only)
From: Dan Parker <cnpa...@cscacs.csc.vsc.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
Decent selection of back issues, with decent prices (abt. 10-20%
below Overstreet). Good selection of new comics - not comprehensive,
but much more than just the hot books. Join the comics club: for
$10 you get 20% off back issues and 10% off new issues, as well as
$5 of free comics on your birthday. Staff is the best in
Vermont. Doesn't cater to speculators. Very few trade
paperbacks/graphic novels.

_BURLINGTON_
Earth Prime Comics, 152-154 Church St., 802-863-3666
From: Dan Parker <cnpa...@cscacs.csc.vsc.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
Good back issue selection with good, but not great, prices.
Nice amount of silver age. Solid new issue selection, but no
discounts. Virtually no graphic novels/trade paperbacks.
The staff leaves a lot to be desired. A *lot*. *Should* be the
best store in Vermont, but never quite been able to put it all
together.
From: jb...@moose.uvm.edu (Justin D. Bell)
Date: 3/13/94
Earth Prime is a terrific all around comic store. A great
selection of Super Hero and other comics, independants, and a huge
selection of back issues. They also have posters, cards, T-shirts,
Star Trek stuff, and a lot of action figures. Very nice all around
store.

Switchhitters
Address:Dorset St. South Burlington, VT
Phone:I don't know
From: jb...@moose.uvm.edu (Justin D. Bell)
Date: 3/13/94
Switchhitters isn't the best store I've seen, but their specialty
is sports cards, as the name implies. They have only a few boxes
of back issues, but they get all the new stuff, and the owners
are very friendly and helpful.

_MIDDLEBURY_
A Child's Dream, 71 Main, 802-388-2411
From: Dan Parker <cnpa...@cscacs.csc.vsc.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
Decent back issue selection, but expensive. Considers X-Men #1 at
at $3.00 "on sale". All the hot Marvels, DCs, and Image books,
but few, if any good independants. Don't know if they have a
discount for new books.

_RUTLAND_
Country Dreamer, 118 Woodstock Av., don't know phone number
From: Dan Parker <cnpa...@cscacs.csc.vsc.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
Might be out of business. Had a great selection of back issues,
although they were expensive (or overgraded - take your pick).
Lots of new issues, though mostly super-hero stuff.
Few trade paperbacks/graphic novels.
Owner of the store is clueless - has no idea how to run a comic store.
Generally has a discount on new issues, but seems to change from week
to week.

Rutland's Baseball Cards & Comics Inc., 24 Center St., 802-775-6212
From: Dan Parker <cnpa...@cscacs.csc.vsc.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
One of those baseball card shops that taped "and comics" below
their sign. They have a couple of decent key books, but are *way*
overpriced. I can't imagine them ever moving them. Their "back issues"
(and I use the term tentatively) are beat and overpriced. To
top it off, the owner is a jerk. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

West Side Comics, Forest St., 802-773-9539
From: Dan Parker <cnpa...@cscacs.csc.vsc.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
Weak new issue selection, although they are 20% off and come
with a free bag. Almost purely super-heroes. Back issues are
expensive - CVM prices. Owner is a great guy, though. What
really makes this store is the 50 cent boxes. There are around
45 of them, and there is some great stuff. A lot of the
best stuff has already been weeded out, but there are still plenty
of gems left. Very few graphic novels/trade paperbacks. Nice little
little selection of T-shirts.

_ST. JOHNSBURY_
Comics City, 67 Eastern Av., 802-748-3060
From: Dan Parker <cnpa...@cscacs.csc.vsc.edu>
Date: 3/9/94
I've only been there once, but I remember them having a decent
back issue selection. Nothing really old, though. I don't
know if they have a discount on new comics. Owners seemed nice
enough.

__WASHINGTON__
_SEATTLE_
Xanadu, U. District and downtown.
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
Moriarty patronizes the downtown one, which I've not been to. The U.
District one is the best store in that area, but I'm not that
impressed with it. It strikes me as a very good, but not great, store.
There are a number of other comics stores in the area, and it's worth
walking around, but the others aren't as good as Xanadu.

Golden Age Collectables, Pike Place Market (I think that's the name,
but I'm not sure. It's the only comics store at the Market anyway).
From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
It's in a tourist attraction and knows it, still it's surprisingly
good. Prices are a bit high, but a good selection, particularly of
ancillary material.

_TACOMA_
O'Leary's Books
<address?> (In south Tacoma)
From: j...@frame.com (James Drew)
Date: 3/13/94
(6 year old info...)
At the time, half comics, half used books. Good selection of comics
and back issues, some Japanese stuff. No discount.

Lady Jayne's
<address?> (In Fircrest/west Tacoma)
From: j...@frame.com (James Drew)
Date: 3/13/94
(6 year old info...)
Small store, but very friendly. Carries some more esoteric titles.

__WASHINGTON D.C.__
THE CLOSET OF COMICS
7315 Baltimore Ave. (Route 1), College Park, MD 20740
(in Prince George's County - Washington, D.C. suburban area)
(301) 699-0498
From: Mean Mister Mustard <ma...@wam.umd.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Has a wide selection of DC, Marvel, Image, indies, etc.
Gives a 10% discount when you buy $10 or more of comics, not counting
back issues.
Good selection of back issues, trade paperbacks, cards, posters, etc.
Overall, a good place to buy comics. Friendly staff.

PANDORA'S BOX COMICS
(or phone # - it's also on Route 1,
though)
From: Mean Mister Mustard <ma...@wam.umd.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Good selection of new (last 6 months or so) comics,
DC/Marvel/Image/indie/etc.
Currently 10% off _all_ new comics.
Has a limited selection of back issues, prices vary - the "hot" titles
cost a lot, but less faddish ones can be a real bargain.
Often has sales of up to 30% off. Also a good store, one I would
visit more if it were within walking distance. The selection isn't as
great as Closet's but it can be quite a discount.

From: t...@valhalla.HQ.ileaf.com (Tom Galloway)
Date: 3/3/94
I've yet to find a comics store in the Washington area that I like to
visit. The one in Georgetown (Another World?) is overpriced and a bit
skimpy on non-current issues. Closet of Comics in College Park near
UMaryland suffices when I'm in the area (it's fairly close to where
I work and stay while there), but if I lived there I'd be semi-
activelylooking for a better store as there's nothing that strikes me
as really special about CoC.

__WISCONSIN__
Rockhead's Comics And Games
2527 75th street
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53142
From: David Gehring <geh...@cs.uwp.edu>
Date: 3/3/94
Brian Miller, owner
He carries all the Big Stuff (Marvel, DC, Image, Valiant, etc...) and
a LOT of the Indies (Fleetway, Dark Horse, etc.. You name it) Brian's
personal favorites tend to be Hate, Flaming Carrot, and Cerebus so you
know what he likes to get into. The shop is not large, but there is a
lot packed into it. Board games, miniatures, Fanstasy Games, Animation
videos, cards, dice, Back issues, toys (models, super hero/Sci Fi
action figures, dolls, etc...) I really enjoy going there every
Friday. If I miss a comic he is willing to reorder or find me a copy
of what I want. He doesn't talk much, but his store speaks for itself.
I believe he has been in Business for over 7 years and his location
has changed once. I highly reccommend one visit to anyone with a love
for comics and games. It is an experience. He has a lot of stuff
crammed into that little shop.
--
Geoffrey R. Mason | j...@elm.circa.ufl.edu
Department of Psychology | ma...@webb.psych.ufl.edu
University of Florida | pro...@maple.circa.ufl.edu

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