Stores

I travel all over scouring every town I visit  to find the comic shops that I find.  Below you will find the shops that I have visited, and the grade I gave it.  Keep in mind, this was my own personal experience, the grade is based on a certain amount of points awarded for things like back issue stock, condition of store, and prices.  Still working on getting all the details down such as websites and such – but let me know what you think – and leave a comment below if you have visited any of these stores and want to share your experience.

CT

Buried Under Comics – Manchester, CT
– Back Issue Stock B
– Toy/Statue Stock B
– Condition of Store B-
– Fairness of Prices C+
The store is good – it has quite a few pieces all around the store and the comic issues are stocked pretty well. I really enjoyed the visit although felt like the prices on some pieces were a bit out of whack. The store itself and the people working there seemed like good people with a good knowledge of comic history.

Wonderland Comics – Putnam, CT
– Back Issue Stock A-
– Toy/Statue Stock B+
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices A-
This store is certainly one of the tops. The store is broken up into a few different rooms – stocked very well with back issues that are hard to find and priced extremely fair. He has plenty of toys to go through as well as board games and some busts and statues. The owner is a huge DC fan – but I won’t hold that against him, Tee-Hee!

MA

Acclaimed Collectibles – Hanover, MA
– Back Issue Stock D
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store C
– Fairness of Prices C
A collectible store that feels like a thrift shop.  There are some premium comics as well as a $1 box and $5 box.  Overall, I have found some decent finds there but the owner seems shady to me and it makes it hard to trust what he says. 

UPDATE: This store has been closed.

Bedrock Comics – Framingham, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices A-
A very small but well stocked store. The owner is very friendly and helps out whenever he can. They focus on back issues rather than new releases and they are always re-stocking! Every trip is enjoyable and I’ve found something to get every time I go.

Last Visit: 7/23/21

Blast from the Past – Falmouth, MA
– Back Issue Stock F
– Toy/Statue Stock B
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices D
This store is beautiful – no doubt – and they do sell comics, but it’s not really a comic shop. He has a bunch of the high end collectibles, which are nice to look at, but I don’t think the owner has a pulse on what is selling and for how much. For example: I saw the Koto Hulk movie bust and inquired about the price. Keep in mind that this bust doesn’t sell for retail – which was like $50.00 to $60.00 – but he was asking $80 for it.

Last Visit: 8/23/17

Boom Boom Games – Billerica, MA
– Back Issue Stock D
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store D
– Fairness of Prices F
I wandered into this store quite by accident and was pleasantly surprised when they said they do have comics. They had only 3 long boxes full of very common comics that weren’t bag and boarded properly and they weren’t priced at all. I picked out 11 books that should have totaled out at between $20-$25. The man then took the books into the back and, no lie, spent 20 minutes to look them up. He came back with a total price of $85. I was shocked and asked him to break down my pile. He was overcharging for 2 of the books, but one of the books he had priced for me, he was charging the rare variant price for.  The book in question was not that variant.  The next day, a different man, who said he owned the shop, gave me a price of $35 – closer to what the price should be but still high – so again I asked for a breakdown.  He was still overcharging for two of the books even after I showed him proof with completed eBay sales that the prices were too high.  They told me they were more of a gaming store and not a comic shop.  If that’s the case, stop trying to charge premium prices for books that you have no idea what they are. 

Last Visit: 12/11/23

Collector’s Guild & Comics – Mansfield, MA
– Back Issue Stock B
– Toy/Statue Stock D
– Condition of Store C+
– Fairness of Prices B
This store is located in the basement of an auto parts store – but it still has a somewhat generous amount of back issues to sift through. Worth a trip to check it out. The owner used to have a store but it’s a sports memorabilia store now – so don’t get fooled! Like I did…

UPDATE: This store has been closed.

Comics N’ More – Northampton, MA
– Back Issue Stock C
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store F
– Fairness of Prices B-
Another small store but this one is a mess inside. There is a huge bin in the middle filled with comics – but they aren’t in order and if you ask for help they really can’t point you in the right direction – since the comics are cluttered. The pricing goes as follows: 1 for $3, 5 for $5, 13 for $10 and 40 for $20. While that’s a great deal – most of the comics in the bin are all beat up and unless you have the time to search through – the deal isn’t worth it.

UPDATE: This store has been closed.

The Comic Palace – Haverhill, MA
– Back Issue Stock A-
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices A-
This great, little shop has an array of wonderful silver age books – a lot of affordable “reader” copies – which are priced very fairly – as well as harder to find issues in the boxes. The owner seemed like a nice guy – he’s been there for 16 years – and he certainly will work with you on prices. His action figure and bust inventory is a bit lacking – but what he does have is displayed just fine.  Check out their channel on YouTube.

The Comic Stop – Watertown, MA
– Back Issue Stock C+
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices B+
A very small store that has a semi-generous amount of comics. The back issues are separated between bronze and modern – and they are all bagged and boarded. The issues are affordable as well as in decent condition. Despite the small space, it’s used pretty well and very nicely organized. The owner is a soft spoken but friendly man who is always happy to help! 

Last Visit: 12/12/23

Command-D – Dracut, MA
– Back Issue Stock B
– Toy/Statue Stock C+
– Condition of Store C
– Fairness of Prices C+
The outside is one of the freakin’ coolest stores ever! It has huge murals of characters you have to see to believe! The inside is not too shabby either… after discussing with the owner I found out why he has action figures hanging from the ceiling from every nook and cranny of the store! A good selection of back issues – but just a bit too pricey for my liking – the owner seems to really rely on a comics price guide. That’s always a turn off to me, when you ask how much something is, and they pull out a book and look it up. The owner is a great guy to talk to though, and the store is what we call “a gem” – and he does something else I really like – the more pricey back issues are not kept in the long boxes, instead he puts photocopies of the cover and you have to ask for them. Keeps the books in good condition and lowers the handlers of the books.

Comically Speaking – Reading, MA
– Back Issue Stock A+
– Toy/Statue Stock A-
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices C+
I have visited this great store many times – I’ve picked some rare items and hard to find comics. The owner is such a nice guy. You can tell he enjoys comics and as an added plus – He loves the Hulk! He has one of a kind Hulk pieces that you can oogle at- not to mention his store is chock full of great items. You can spend hours in there just looking around at all the great pieces he has. The only issue I have is his prices. I noticed in my last trip that his books – although plentiful – are often bent to all heck and he still charges mint prices on them. It was a real let down as I really enjoy this store – but can’t get over the price tag on some of the comics I saw – with the condition they were in.

Last Visit: 12/11/23

Comicopia – Boston, MA
– Back Issue Stock C
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices B-
You will certainly find a lot of TPB’s in this store – but it doesn’t seem like they focus on keeping their back issues stocked. It’s a clean and packed store that is worth a trip – especially if you’re looking for a hard to find TPB. They keep those stocked like it’s going out of style!

Counterplay Comics Collectibles and Cosplay – Burlington, MA
– Back Issue Stock: B-
– Toy/Statue Stock: B
– Condition of Store: A-
– Fairness of Prices: B+
A great selection of back issues with a friendly guy behind the counter made for this trip to be well worth it! The place is also willing to work with you on prices. I saw some back issues I have never come across before and seeing affordable keys is always enjoyable.

Last Visit: 2/22/23

Crazy 4 Comics – Northborough, MA
– Back Issue Stock: B-
– Toy/Statue Stock: B
– Condition of Store: B
– Fairness of Prices: B-
I had a very pleasant visit but wish the store was more organized and all the comics were priced out. The owner makes it very apparent that he doesn’t pay much attention to a lot of the stock unless it’s keys, or higher priced books. His main focus is on his online sales and charging for pressing and cleaning the books he sells.

Last Visit: 12/27/23

D&J’s Comics and Collectibles – Marshfield, MA
– Back Issue Stock A
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store C
– Fairness of Prices C-
Overall, this store is chock full of nostalgic goodies. They’ve spent a lot of time getting the store in order lately – so I’ve given a better grade there. The sign outside says “Chris’ Comics” – not the actual name of the store. They don’t take CC – which is a huge mistake in this day and age. They have wall books that they rotate all the time – and a case full of classic comics.  Not usually known to haggle on prices – which is a mistake – but I keep going back because they have the kind of back stock that comic shops just don’t have anymore.   All and all it’s a great store with friendly owners who are more than willing to help you locate any issues you need.

Last Visit: 1/10/17

UPDATE: This store has been closed – hopefully they will re-open and I will make sure to let you know if they do open once again.

Excelsior Comics and Games – Maynard, MA
– Back Issue Stock F
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store C-
– Fairness of Prices D
This is a gamer shop – mostly dedicated to gaming.  Oddly, the word “comic” is in the name first and that’s misleading.  They have no back issues to speak of but only trades – which they call sets – and while they have a eclectic array of toys they are overpriced and not reflective of market value.

Last Visit: 2/24/17

Friendly Neighborhood Comics – Bellingham, MA
– Back Issue Stock C
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices C
This store has constantly changed and not always for the better.  The back issue bins are mostly filled with recent back issues with slim pickings on anything older.  When they do bring in a collection it seems to be separated from the rest and then priced out aggressively.  They are active on social media constantly doing “selfie” videos where a guy stands there explaining what is going on rather than showing some shots of the store or merchandise.  What was once a promising shop that I often made sure to stop at has become a begrudgingly visited store to see if the selection gets any better.

UPDATE: This store has been closed.

Gary Dolgoff Comics – Easthampton, MA
– Back Issue Stock A
– Toy/Statue Stock N/A
– Condition of Store N/A
– Fairness of Prices A
I don’t think it’s fair to judge the condition of this place – right on the site it says that they aren’t the typical comic store. They are mostly mail-order – but man, it’s amazing to walk into this place. Box after box of classic issues! They definitely have a pick of grades to choose from. If you want to pick up a NM issue – they have it – if you want something a little more affordable, like a F of even G – they have them. One trip here, you will NEVER forget it. Worth the trip every time!

Hall of Comics – Southborough, MA
– Back Issue Stock B
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices D+
This store is set up very nicely but be ready to pay the highest eBay prices possible. While they have a great selection they will take every opportunity to overcharge and fleece their clientele. One of the odder features of this store is that their wall books are without price tags.  The owner said that they like for people to ask about the books and have conversations about the books – not just look at the price and walk out without asking. 

Last Visit: 8/26/19

Harrison’s Comics and Collectibles – Medford, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock B+
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices C
Located in the Meadowglen Mall this store has a large selection of pretty much everything. The only downside is that the prices are pretty steep. I’ve bought quite a few things at a time and wasn’t offered any kind of discount. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – a price break for large purchases goes a really long way. The store is really well organized and displayed nicely though – and they are open mall hours so it’s open a lot later then normal shops.

UPDATE: This shop no longer exists but the larger, main store is still going strong!

Harrison’s Comics and Collectibles – Salem, MA
– Back Issue Stock A-
– Toy/Statue Stock A-
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices C-
Located on a beautiful area of Salem this is the main store of the three – this is a large store packed to the rafters with everything you could possibly be interested in. The bins are stocked full of rare issues and they have a lot to offer in the silver age display racks. The people there did work with me when I haggled with the prices but haggling is certainly needed as the prices are sometimes (hugely) inflated.

Hub Comics – Somerville, MA
– Back Issue Stock C+
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices B-
I really thought this store was genuinely fun – but not very much back issues to speak of. Practically NO silver age issues and only a few real modern stuff. But a ton of TPB and a lot of indie comics – worth the trip – check it out!

Korner Komics II – Easton, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock D-
– Condition of Store B
– Fairness of Prices C
A very small store that has some comics scattered around the store. It seems like a fine store – but the owner pulls out the Overstreet when charging you for the comic. He’s using mint prices to charge for comics that are far from mint. He does give you a discount for a number of the issues you buy – about 10% – which is fine, but hardly makes a dent if your buying only a few comics. Not sure how long this store will be around as the owner kept saying he’s old and the shop will be closed soon… but who knows what that even means?

UPDATE: It seems as though the old man was correct as the store is no longer there. The store has closed.

Larry’s World of Comics – Lowell, MA
– Back Issue Stock B+
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store B-
– Fairness of Prices C
A fine store – very large, I have visited a few times and found some really nice back issues. They are pricier than a lot of the shops I’ve been in and don’t seem to sway on the listed prices. That’s enough to keep my visits rare. They do have a HUGE selection of trades and quite a few statues and actions figures available.

UPDATE: The store has closed. They are currently seeking a new home but nothing has happened just yet.

Laughing Shield Comic Shop – North Attelboro, MA
– Back Issue Stock C-
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices B+
Discovered this shop on my travels across MA. This shop opened right at the start of the pandemic. It’s a small shop, well organized and very clean! There are a decent amount of back issues but not too much I was interested in. They have a few statues but seem to focus more on slabbed books and signed issues. 

Last Visit: 3/23/23

Legends Comix and Games – Littleton, MA
– Back Issue Stock D+
– Toy/Statue Stock D+
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices D
Another shop that is focused more on gaming than on comics – not that there is anything wrong with that – but the back issues are pretty sparse and mostly the junk issues no one is looking for. Their valuable back issues are extremely over priced. They ignore condition and set them at mint prices and store them with old bags and no boards. A terrible comic shop but beautiful gaming shop.

Last Visit: 4/19/23

Magic Dragon Comics – Arlington, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock B
– Condition of Store C-
– Fairness of Prices B-
This gorgeous store has one great big flaw and that is the disorganization of their back stock. They said they bought a huge collection back in August and haven’t finished sorting through it – that spells of laziness and disaster. How many books have fallen off due to not finding the time to sift through the back issues and getting the store in order. Also, a huge turn-off for me – when you bring a stack of comics up to the register and the dude immediately begins scouring eBay to find a price. The guy said he can’t be giving any $700 books away for $2 – but if you work or run a store – you should be aware of the comic market enough not to waste the time of your customers searching for prices when they are checking out. I had books that should have been apparent were nothing special, we’re talking Nightstalkers, Marvel Tales featuring Spider-Man and some beat up Time Sale Batman books. I don’t feel I was over charged but I do feel like it took too long to arrive at prices for the books.

Last Visit: 1/28/23

Modern Myths Comics and Games – Northampton, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock N/A
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices B+
There is a lot to go through here, I like the store – he doesn’t seem to deal with figures at all and his back issues are all grouped together, which is fine, but if you’re looking just for one issue in a series then you are out of luck. A ton of trades and HC to go through – it’s a beautiful store inside and the owner seems like a really nice guy. The used trade shelves are certainly worth the look and pick up!

Music Quest – Worcester, MA
– Back Issue Stock C
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store F-
– Fairness of Prices C
The owner likes to say that his store is unlike any other store out there. But that’s just an excuse on why his store is in the condition it’s in. I was shocked and dismayed when I entered this store – I really try to keep things positive AND honest – but I can’t give this store a good review at all. It’s packed to the rafters with stuff – but good luck finding any of it because it’s boxes stacked upon boxes upon boxes upon boxes. There’s hardly any room to move around – the “aisles” are narrow lanes between stacks of stuff piled over your head. Ugh. There may be some hidden treasures in there – but that’s if you have enough time to go in and search through everything.

UPDATE: This store no longer exists. Thank goodness.

New England Comics – Brockton, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store B-
– Fairness of Prices B-
The Brockton store is actually one of my favorites. They have a whole bunch of wall books that seem to stay stocked pretty well. Their long box selection is pretty average – but the clerks are helpful when they are asked – and sometimes even when they’re not asked! All NEC have a V.I.P. program that offer discounts for people buying back issues and greater sales for members.

Last Visit: WEEKLY

New England Comics – Cambridge, MA
– Back Issue Stock C+
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices B+
I love this store. It’s right in Harvard Square – it’s one of the smaller NEC stores – but that doesn’t make it any less worthy. These are the kind of shops that give you help when you need it in tracking down issues and they let you hang out and talk geek for a while. Pretty good stuff all around.

UPDATE: This store is now closed.

New England Comics – Malden, MA
– Back Issue Stock C
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices B+
The Malden store is a smaller one with a difficult parking situation – but the people who work there are characters and it’s worth a trip just to hear the on-going conversations they have. I also like the $1.00 boxes they have. Overall a decent place to visit for your comic fix.

New England Comics – New Bedford, MA
– Back Issue Stock C+
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store B
– Fairness of Prices B+
One of the newest NEC so it’s understandable why it wouldn’t have the best back issue stock – but one of the biggest complaints is the lack of boards in most of their back issues. It’s one of the smaller stores – but still nice – and the clerk here seems to be a real nice guy. Bonus!

UPDATE: This store has been sold to the former manager and is now called Twilight Comics.

New England Comics – Norwood, MA
– Back Issue Stock C-
– Toy/Statue Stock C+
– Condition of Store D
– Fairness of Prices B
Another NEC whose long box selection is pretty average – but they do have some older wall books that are nice to see. The store is fine – I’m not a huge fan of the set-up, sort of speak, it seems to be a bit too spread out with different little islands in the middle of the store.

Last Visit: 4/20/23

New England Comics – Quincy, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store B-
– Fairness of Prices B-
This is the main New England Comics and has the great “Silver Age Room” – a room dedicated to hard to find older comics usually chock full of Marvel and DC goodness! They have a great selection of trades, the only thing really lacking is there Statue and Bust inventory – they do have some, just not too much.

Last Visit: 1/18/21

Nick’s Comic Strip – Danvers, MA
– Back Issue Stock A-
– Toy/Statue Stock A-
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices C-
The amount of back issues is pretty impressive. I do wish they were a little easier to sort through but overall, a very clean, well-organized and fun shop! The prices of the comics is the only thing that would stop me from going constantly. They seem to be skewered toward the higher side of values making shopping there a little too expensive to make a special trip.

Last Visit: 2/20/24

Omar’s World of Comics – Lexington, MA
– Back Issue Stock D
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices B-
Another store that offers trades, and while that is fine, they aren’t comics per say. Their comic back issue selection consisted of about a dozen half boxes filled with random issues that ranged in prices and condition. Nothing special and nothing worth making a trip for.

Last Visit: 2/22/23

One Stop Shop – Marlborough, MA
– Back Issue Stock D
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices D
The very slim offerings they have as back issues are pretty beat up and overpriced. It’s a beautiful store but really a gaming store and not a pop culture store offering everything.

Last Visit: 12/27/23

The Outer Limits – Waltham, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock B+
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices B
Really decent comic shop full of statues and figures and a good amount of back issues. Mostly common back issues – nothing too spectacular or note worthy – but a generous amount of issues. A lot of affordable copies and reader issues and a whole bunch of statues and action figures. I would certainly return for a few more visits.

Over the Edge Comics and Games – Fairhaven, MA
– Back Issue Stock C-
– Toy/Statue Stock D-
– Condition of Store B
– Fairness of Prices C
To be fair – this seems to be more of a gaming place than a comic shop – but the comics they DO have are not displayed very well and the people working there seem to be more interested in playing computer games than helping you find something.

UPDATE: This store went out of business. I think it’s a beauty salon now…

R & R Cards and Comics – Hanover, MA
– Back Issue Stock B+
– Toy/Statue Stock D
– Condition of Store D-
– Fairness of Prices C-
This shop is located in the basement of the owner’s house – the owner is a really nice guy and very friendly. He offers all of the options that any comic shop does including subs, pull lists and such. He also told me that there is a discount depending on the amount you’re pulling. All which is very nice – here’s the problem… most of his issues are kept in filing cabinets which makes browsing back issues a lot harder than it should be. Also, the back issues are just bagged – no boards – and that means they’re bent to all heck and not in the best shape, and he still charges mint prices. It’s way too crowded and unorganized…

Last Visit: 2/1/18

UPDATE: This store no longer gets new releases due to it not really being a store front. There are rumors it is now closed.

Rubber Chicken Comics – Bellingham, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock B+
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices B+
I have visited this store quite a few times – the set-up is really nice – it’s pretty easy to find what you’re looking for, if they have it. Some of their nicer books are displayed proudly behind the register, easy to see, and the clerks are knowledgeable don’t mind haggling prices if you’re spending a ridiculous amount like I do. Long box stock isn’t too bad and there’s a whole wall displaying some recent as well as older action figures.

Last Visit: 1/2/23

Steve’s Comics and Collectibles – Bridgewater, MA
– Back Issue Stock C+
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices C+
A new shop – a bit tiny – but has some great stuff inside! Wall books are posted all over the store walls and a section of almost a dozen dollar boxes near the front of the store. Found some pretty hard to get issues. I had to remind this shop that comics do not get taxed in MA but they were quick to remedy the mistake. Overall, a pretty good shop I look forward to visiting when I am in the area!

Last Visit: 5/3/23

StillPoint Comics and Games – Fall River, MA
– Back Issue Stock C+
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store C
– Fairness of Prices B+
Most of their store is dedicated to Role Playing games. I don’t think the store is a complete waste – but it’s pretty bare of comics in general. The people working there don’t seem to know whether or not they have something in their back stock. I asked for Defenders they gave me a miscellaneous “D” section and said “if they have it would be in there” They do seem to have a lot of variant issues that they aren’t charging an arm and a leg for – so kudos to them.

Temptation Comics & Awesome Guitars – New Bedford, MA
– Back Issue Stock C
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store C-
– Fairness of Prices C-
This shop is a bit strange – it’s both a music AND comic shop. It’s not even separated at all – they have everything together – which makes it difficult to look at some of the comics because you don’t want to bump into anything… expensive. Also – nothing is priced… which also makes it hard to shop in. He probably has some good stuff – but it wasn’t easy to browse through.

Last Visit: 10/22/19

That’s Entertainment – Worcester, MA
– Back Issue Stock B+
– Toy/Statue Stock A-
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices B-
What I would consider one of the first HUGE comic shops I ever discovered – I was dating a girl who went to Clark University – this place is so big it’s almost intimidating! They have so much stuff you’d be hard pressed to get a good look in just one day. I do love huge comic shops – and this one is one of the tops! There’s also a Framingham location – not as big – not as stocked as the Worcester – but still worth a trip if you’re in the area. I think the onlly real downside I see in their back issues is that the issues aren’t always bagged and boarded. They really should be.

Last Visit: 12/28/23

Time Capsule – Seekonk, MA
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock B
– Condition of Store C-
– Fairness of Prices C-
In my visit I was not sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised to see the size of the area dedicated for back issues. I was disappointed to see that a lot of it was focused on relatively new comics. The issues they did have were priced between $3-$5 for regular issues – which once I got home I saw the real condition of these books – most of them really should be $1. The man there was nice but overall the shop is starting to look pretty run down and dusty. A good overhaul is badly needed.

On my second visit I had an exchange with the clerk where he told me the price (with tax). I then told him that comics in MA don’t get taxed and he laughed at me saying “you’re not the first guy to try to get away with that one” and he told me that he’s been selling comics for 23 years – that he knows what he’s talking about. I told him to Google it and he denied the request 3 times before sighing and finally doing it. Upon doing so he learned that ALL comics, new and collectible, are tax exempt. He then acted like this was a new law and said “you learn something new everyday”.

Last Visit: 9/30/23

3 C’s Shop – New Bedford, MA
– Back Issue Stock C-
– Toy/Statue Stock C-
– Condition of Store C-
– Fairness of Prices C-
This store is a bit run-down. If you have to time to rummage through the very bare back issues they have you might find a diamond in the rough. Be prepared to pay list price though. The owner isn’t really sure of what is in stock or what he has in there.

Tin Soldier Games and Hobbies – Amesbury, MA
– Back Issue Stock D
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices C+
A store that is more focused on gaming – the comics they do have are more recent – no real back issues to speak of – but the store is beautiful and the people there are very attentive to their customers. Not a great comic shop though…

TJ Collectibles – Milford, MA
– Back Issue Stock C-
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store C-
– Fairness of Prices C-
I have visited this store many times – and every time the store is confusing, seems a mess, it’s hard to find anything – comics are everywhere. The wall books have been on the shelf too long and are starting to bend – the prices aren’t reasonable. The owner seems nice – but a little too quick to badmouth other stores. Not the worst store I’ve been to – just no where near the best.

The Toy Vault – Attleboro/Dartmouth, MA
– Back Issue Stock D
– Toy/Statue Stock A
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices D
The Toy Vault, and this should come as no surprise, main focus is on action figures.  Action figures of every kind and all genres – it’s actually an impressive shop to walk into!  You could spend hours checking out the goodness this store has to offer – but good luck getting something for a fair price.  Everything is overpriced and there is very little to no wiggle room that the clerks there are willing to give.  The staff do know their stuff and are pretty abreast with what they have in stock – but I still make my visits rare due to the outrageous nature of their pricing.

Last Visit: 1/22/21

Twilight Comics – New Bedford, MA
– Back Issue Stock C-
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store C-
– Fairness of Prices B-
I will make sure to update you as this shop was still in the middle of being redesigned. It looks different enough from when it was a NEC but I am hoping to see a lot more back issue stock to make a trip worth it. Keep an eye on this space!

Last Visit: 5/11/21

Web Head Enterprises – Wakefield, MA
– Back Issue Stock B+
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices B
A very clean store split into different areas for CD’s and DVD’s and comics – the set-up of the store is really nice – and the back issue room has a great display of the older comics in glass cases above the long boxes. The prices didn’t seem too bad – but I bought a good amount of comics and wasn’t offered any kind of discount – that kind of thing really goes a long way into bringing back customers, in my opinion. I visited once – and don’t really have a desire or reason to go back – but the store was pretty darn fine.

Wild Time Comics and Collectibles – Attleboro, MA
– Back Issue Stock B+
– Toy/Statue Stock B+
– Condition of Store D-
– Fairness of Prices B
He seemed to have a real decent back issue stock with plenty of comics in real nice condition. Worth the trip. I just wish the store was let cluttered and cleaned up. There are boxes upon boxes piled up on top of other boxes where all the back issue stock was. Hopefully the guy is able to clean up the store soon as it has a ton of potential.

Last Visit: 5/11/23

NH

Chris’s Cards and Comics – Salem and Seabrook, NH
– Back Issue Stock A-
– Toy/Statue Stock A-
– Condition of Store B-
– Fairness of Prices B-
Two locations – I’ve been to both and both are nice. I prefer the Salem one and have found quite a few back issues I needed there. I’ve haggled with listed prices as well – and any shop willing to do that is top-notch in my book. They have some of their older and nicer and more expensive books lined across the ceiling and a whole room dedicated to back issues and TPB’s. Really worth a trip if you’re in the area. The Seabrook location is HUGE and has a great selection of $.50 boxes – worth a trip to check out all the deals there.

Last Visit: 7/27/21

The Comic Shop – Nashua, NH
– Back Issue Stock C+
– Toy/Statue Stock B
– Condition of Store C+
– Fairness of Prices C
My visit to this store was pleasant enough but I wanted to buy a bust – I asked how much they were asking and the person working there didn’t know. He called someone – had to leave a message and get a call back to find out. Listen, your running a shop – try to at least have things priced – or, at the very least, tell the people that’s working for you how much things are. The shop itself has a lot of stuff PACKED into it. Displayed fine, just not terribly easy to shop in and browse.

Double Midnight Comics – Manchester, NH
– Back Issue Stock B+
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices B-
This is surely one of the nicest stores I’ve been to. On a business trip to N.H. I found a few shops to visit – and this was by far the nicest. Also, they have a great selection of back issues and a pretty friendly staff. If I take another trip to N.H. I will certainly keep this place in mind.

Last Visit: 5/1/21

Pop Culture Cards, Comics and Games – Raymond, NH
– Back Issue Stock B-
– Toy/Statue Stock B+
– Condition of Store A-
– Fairness of Prices A
This store makes the best of the space they have. They offer great books for just $1 while also offering quite a few higher priced books. They have a decent offering of action figures including loose figures you can spend hours sifting through to find some real gems. The man behind the counter, who I assume was the owner, was not only friendly but a generous guy with a great attitude!

Last Visit: 5/1/21

NJ

The Joker’s Child – Fair Lawn, NJ
– Back Issue Stock A-
– Toy/Statue Stock A-
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices B-
This is a beautiful store – absolutely stunning when you walk in. Everything is displayed finely and wonderfully. Easy to browse, easy to shop in – my one complaint is the prices are sometimes outrageous and they don’t seem to sway on them. I would’ve stayed in this shop for HOURS just browsing their bins.

Zapp Comics – Wayne, N.J.
– Back Issue Stock A+
– Toy/Statue Stock A
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices A
To explain just how great this shop is I will tell you a true story that happened to me.  I was recently at a comic shop in MA and was asking them about their back issues.  They mentioned Zapp Comics while we were talking and then, unprompted, started heaping praise on the store – not only their back issue stock but also mentioning how reasonable the prices are.  This is a stranger – a rival, sort of speak – that praised how great this shop is.  Every other shop should look to this shop as what every comic shop SHOULD be.

Last Visit: 11/19/23

NY

Alternate Realities – Scarsdale, NY
– Back Issue Stock C
– Toy/Statue Stock A-
– Condition of Store B-
– Fairness of Prices C
This store was certainly packed. The small space they had was chock full of merchandise – in fact, I walked in and was greeted with four boxes – two Faux Bronze Abominations, a Faux Bronze Dr. Doom and Daredevil. I asked why they were still in the box and the guy said “I have no room to display them” which sums up this store perfectly. A lot of merchandise but not priced to sell.

Midtown Comics – New York, NY
– Back Issue Stock B
– Toy/Statue Stock A-
– Condition of Store A
– Fairness of Prices B+
I was fortunate enough to visit the shop in Times Square and even found the last Tales to Astonish I needed (#59) the store is clean, beautiful and easy to browse. Also, the staff their seemed friendly so all in all this store gets high marks. An added bonus is the great website that is easy to order from.

The Phoenix – Scarsdale, NY
– Back Issue Stock C-
– Toy/Statue Stock C
– Condition of Store B+
– Fairness of Prices B+
Not a lot of stock and certainly lacking in the back issues but the people there are very nice and the store is spacious. Some of their oldest comics are displayed in glass cases and they are stocked pretty well with trades.

RI

The Time Capsule – Cranston, RI
– Back Issue Stock A
– Toy/Statue Stock B-
– Condition of Store B
– Fairness of Prices B+
A store I visited just once – but when I did I picked up quite a few real classic and rare comics. The owner seemed like a solid, nice guy and he told me they are constantly re-stocking the back issue bins. I will absolutely go back anytime! Great store! They also have an area that has old LP’s and videos – but the comic area is so amazing I couldn’t leave it!