A host of comic shops

If you’re a comic book fan — or want to be — you probably already know where to get your fix: your friendly neighborhood comic shop.

There, you’ll find rows and rows of new and back issues, graphic novels, manga, and probably even some toys and collectibles. For decades, when it comes to helping comic fans with their pop culture obsessions, local comic book stores have been our heroes.

But as with pretty much everything else, 2020 was a rough year for the comic industry. Comic shops saw widespread issues with distribution, massive event cancellations, and lockdowns that forced them and other nonessential businesses to close or severely curtail their operations.

“We want everybody to survive,” Steve Geppi, founder of one of the industry’s largest distributors, Diamond Comic Distributors, told Fortune last year. “The consumer is going to be the one to decide the fate of the industry.”

So, basically, it’s comic book fans’ turn to be their favorite shops’ heroes. And luckily, in the Philadelphia area, there is no shortage of local comic shops to support.

Here are some of the best comic stores in Philly, the suburbs, and South Jersey to check out when you’re looking for your next issue. Check out the list below:

PHILADELPHIA

Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse

Running five years strong now, Amalgam is a comic lover’s destination and the first Black femaleowned comic shop on the East Coast. They’re open for curbside pickup (and shipping), so place your orders ahead of time — whether it’s a copy of Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer or the latest release in DC’s Future State series (or you can grab a bunch of $1 comics).

2578 Frankford Ave., 215-427-3300, info.amalgamphilly@gmail.com, amalgamphilly.com, @amalgamphilly, Tue.-Sat. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Atomic City Comics

Open since 2001, the Black-owned Atomic City Comics has been a staple on South Street. Today, the shop is known for its massive selection of comics and collectibles, including new and back issues, manga, and graphic novels. And don’t forget to check the dollar comics.

638 South St., 215-625-9613, atomiccitycrew@gmail.com, facebook.com/atomiccitycomics, @atomiccitycomics, Sun.-Tue., Thu. noon-6 p.m., Wed., Fri.-Sat. noon-9 p.m.

Blue Line Collectibles

Head deep into South Philly, and just off 17th and Ritner, you’ll find one of the best-kept secrets in all of Philadelphia comicdom. While it might look unassuming on the outside, the shop’s interior is extremely well organized and has just about anything you could be looking for. New comics, graphic novels, rarities, cool collectibles — you name it, they have it, or likely can get it.

1728 W. Ritner St., 215-467-2583, blueline collectiblesphilly@gmail.com, facebook.com/BlueLineComics, @bluelinecollectibles, Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Brave New Worlds

With shops in Old City and Willow Grove, these folks have been slinging comics in the Philly region for more than three decades — and they’ve got the wares to prove it. The Old City shop is stuffed with everything a geeky heart could desire, including memorabilia, figurines, card and board games, and tons (and tons) of comics. Check them out in-store, or order ahead for pickup (and shipping).

55 N. Second St., 215-925-6525, rob@ bravenewworlds comics.com, bravenewworldscomics.com, @bnwcomicsoc, Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fat Jack’s Comicrypt

If you’re looking for an experienced comic shop, you’ll have a tough time beating Fat Jack’s. This Center City shop has been at it since 1976, making it the oldest comic book store in the city — and one of the oldest in the country (there’s also an Oaklyn, N.J., store). Despite some trouble in 2019, this piece of local history is still around to peruse today (and, as a bonus, there’s shop cats).

2006 Sansom St., 215-963-0788, fatjackscc@outlook.com,comicrypt.com, Fat Jack’s Comicrypt on Facebook, Mon.-Tue., Thu., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Sun. 1-6 p.m.

Johnny Destructo’s Hero Complex

Open since 2016, Johnny Destructo’s has quickly become a go-to spot for comic book lovers in Manayunk. This boutique-style shop has all kinds of comics, graphic novels, and manga, and operates a subscription service for new releases. Owned by artist JD Korejko, the shop also has a focus on original art and T-shirts, and Korejko even takes commissions. Check them out in store or online.

4327 Main St., 215-482-7700, jdsherocomplex@gmail.com, jdsherocomplex.com, @jdsherocomplex, Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Ontario Street Comics

If you’ve seen M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable or Glass, you know what Ontario Street Comics looks like. The shop was used as a set for scenes in both movies. But besides being low-key famous, it also happens to be a great, old-school Port Richmond comic shop with a huge selection of back issues and new comics, collectible action figures, and plenty of trading cards.

2235 E. Ontario St., 215-288-7338, wfink27240@aol.com, facebook.com/OntarioComics, @ontariostcomics, Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

THE SUBURBS

Comic Universe

Head down MacDade Boulevard in Delco’s Folsom neighborhood, and you’ll find a comic shop that has been slinging ink since 1979 — making it one of the longest-running comic book stores in the area. While it’s on the smaller side, it is absolutely packed to the ceiling (literally) with all kinds of comics and collectibles, and there’s even a subscription that can save you 10-15% on your purchases.

446 MacDade Blvd., Folsom, 610-461-7960, comicuniversellc@yahoo.com, comicuniversellc.com, @comicuniversellc, Mon.-Tue. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed., Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Thu. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Cyborg One

Located in sleepy Doylestown, Cyborg One opened its doors in 1992 and has long been a destination for Bucks County comic lovers and tabletop gaming fanatics alike. There’s no shortage of comics (including vintage graded issues), toys and collectibles, or card and board games, so you’re bound to find what you need (or didn’t even know you wanted). Shop in store or online.

44 E. State St., Doylestown, 215-348-1451, comments@cyborgone.com, cyborgone.com, @cyborgoneinc, Sun.-Tue. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

The Maroon Hornet Comics & Collectibles

Few other stores on this list have a name worthy of an actual superhero, but this Chester County shop’s title was inspired by the local high school’s Oxford Hornets, and their maroon and white school colors. The idea, the shop says online, is to get kids back into comics, and away from their phones — so, with a family-friendly atmosphere, and loads of comics and collectibles, this one is good for all ages.

19 S. Third St., Oxford, 610-745-7640 , themaroonhornet@gmail.com, themaroonhornetcomics.com, @maroonhornet, Tue.-Fri. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Phantasm Comics

This New Hope shop opened its doors in 2016, and since then, it’s become one of Bucks County’s must-see comic book stores. That’s thanks to a wide selection of comics, vintage trading cards (for real, who even knew Dinosaurs had cards?), action figures, and collectibles. There’s also a focus on horror merch, apparel, and DVDs, so give them a look if you’re a bona fide gorehound.

26 N. Main St., New Hope, 215-693-1822, phantasmcomicsnewhopepa@gmail.com, phantasmcomics.com, @phantasmcomics, Sun.-Mon., Wed.-Thu. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Showcase Comics and Games

Showcase Comics has been at it since 1988, and they have locations in both Bryn Mawr and Swarthmore. The latter location has a specialty in tabletop games like Warhammer 40,000, but the larger Bryn Mawr spot is the place to go for all things comics. There, you’ll find a huge selection of back issues, massive bins of all kinds of comics, and plenty of manga — but don’t worry, there’s a large selection of board games, too.

1015 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, 610-527-6236, bryn mawrcomics@hotmail.com, showcasecomicsandgames.net, @showcasebrynmawr, Mon.-Tue., Thu. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Wed., Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

NEW JERSEY

The Comic Book Store

Across the Delaware River in Glassboro, The Comic Book Store has a huge selection of new and old comic books that run the gamut from $2 single copies to almost complete runs of rare titles. Plus, if you’re looking to unload, they buy comics from the 1970s on back, and offer free appraisals. Or stop in for any of your tabletop gaming needs, from Magic: The Gathering to Warhammer 40,000.

30 N. Main St., Glassboro, 856-442-0402, thecomicbookstore@gmail.com , thecomicbookstore.website, The Comic Book Store on Facebook, Mon.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.

Crossroad Comics & Collectibles

The folks at Crossroads specialize in new, back-issue, and vintage comics, and even have a large selection for bargain hunters with the massive collection of $1 comics. Plus, if you’re into toys and pop culture collectibles dating back to the 1950s — or have some retro toys to sell or trade yourself — this is definitely the place to check out.

23 S. Broadway, Pitman, 856-582-0396, info@crossroadcomics.com, facebook.com/crossroadcomics, @crossroadcomics, Wed.-Sat. noon-6 p.m., Sun. noon-4 p.m.

Plunder Palace

If you’re looking for new-release comics, hit up Cherry Hill’s Plunder Palace on Wednesdays. But if it’s something a little older, like a back issue or vintage comic, any day will do, seeing as that’s their specialty — and they’ve got racks and racks of issues to prove it. And you can also pay them a visit in-person for all your retro video game, toy, movie merch, and other pop culture needs.

914 Township Lane, Cherry Hill, 856-528-2646, plunderpalace@startmail.com, plunderpalace.com, @plunderpalace, Wed.-Fri. noon-7 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m.

Secret Origins Comics & More

When Secret Origins relocated to Collingswood from nearby Barrington in 2019, they reportedly became the first comic shop in the town in decades — and the wait was worth it. But, yes, while they have just about everything you’d need comics and pop culture-wise, there’s another big draw: The owners’ pet Chihuahuas that actually run the shop.

554 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, 856-448-5496,secretoriginscom ics@gmail.com, secretoriginscomics.com, @secretoriginscomics, Wed.-Fri. noon-7 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Stormwatch Comics

At it for nearly three decades now, Stormwatch Comics is a South Jersey staple among area comic fans, and given their selection, it’s pretty easy to see why. Here, you’ll find thousands of available comics, from new releases to back issues and graded rarities, as well as an extensive selection of collectibles and action figures. Check them out in-store.

449 NJ-73, West Berlin, 856-768-8186, facebook.com/Stormwatch-Comics, Sun.-Mon. 12-4 p.m., Tue. noon-5 p.m., Wed. noon-7 p.m., Thu.-Sat. noon-6 p.m.nvadala@inquirer.com

215-854-4517 njvadala