If you happen to be riding the train, or going out to get lunch this weekend and you happen to see Batman and The Joker sharing a sandwich; or Superman and Wonder Woman being a little too friendly don’t worry. New York City hasn’t driven you insane–it’s Comic-Con weekend. NYCC has become the second most popular comics convention behind “THE” con in San Diego. With that reputation, thousands of people from around the country have made the journey to NYC, to meet up with fellow nerds for the love of all things pop culture.
It comes as no surprise to us that in less than a decade since it first started, we are home to the second biggest comics convention in the United States. Comic book and nerd culture is rampant in NYC, with the many comic book readers who reside here visiting their favorite comic shop every Wednesday. With so many comic book shops in the city, which ones really stand out? If you were 2.7 seconds too late to get tickets to Comic-Con this year like so many of us sad nerds, let us help feed your you fulfill your comic book needs with this list of the best comic shops in NYC.
1. Midtown Comics
Midtown Comics is one of the biggest and most popular comic book shops in NYC. It has been since the first location opened in 1997. You want selection? How about 50,000 different titles from all of comic book history. They have Manga, T-Shirts, just about anything a comic book fan could want or need.
The store has been fundamental in showcasing the positive aspects of nerd culture, while helping get rid of the stereotypes many non comic-book fans had toward the culture for decades. More than anything, Midtown respects loyalty, that appreciation comes in the form of a $20 credit for every $100 spent in store. We can not tell you how many Wednesdays we have spent picking up new comics and graphic novels. And how delighted we became when we got that extra 2o bucks to get something else.
In the 17 years since opening in Times Square, Midtown Comics now has stores on Lexington Avenue and the Financial District.
Midtown Comics is located on 200 W. 40th Street, 459 Lexington Avenue & 64 Fulton Street
2. Forbidden Planet
Before there was a Midtown Comics, there was Forbidden Planet. A mainstay in the comic book culture of NYC since the 1980s, Forbidden Planet is known for not only its incredible collection of new and classic comics, but for its extensive line of collectible toys and accessories.
Starting out in London, then expanding to Scotland and, of course, the United States. The comic book shop named after the sci-fi classic of the same name is the perfect place to go to after watching one, of the seemingly endless amount of superhero movies being released every summer. With every new major Marvel or DC film release, the shop located near the Union Square Regal has special events and sales based on the hero of the moment.
Forbidden Planet is located on 832 Broadway
3. Bergen Street Comics
While nowhere near as large as Midtown or Forbidden Planet, Bergen Street Comics is probably the best-looking comic book shop in all of NYC. Focused mostly on selling graphic novels and independent comics, this small comic shop in the middle of Park Slope has held events featuring some of the most popular voices in independent comics.
Bergen Street Comics is located on 470 Bergen St
4. Jim Hanley’s Universe
Many comic book shops over great selection. They also have many collectibles, t-shirts and accessories that many comic book fans want to spend their money on. For the fan who just wants his store to be 100% comics, there is not better place than Jim Hanley’s Universe. A staple in Midtown for decades, the selection of Jim Hanley’s matches that of any other comic book shop in the city. However, it does not have many personal space issues. We have gone to get rare and much sought after graphic novels without having to squeeze in-between people every three seconds. To some of us nerds, especially in the summer months, the thought of breathing space alone is enough to get us to go to Jim Hanley’s.
Since its opening over twenty years ago, the shop has expanded to Staten Island and a now-closed shop in New Jersey.
Jim Hanley’s Universe is located on 32 E 32nd St
5. St. Mark’s Comics
Sure, St. Mark’s Comics is not the biggest, or nicest looking comic shop in NYC. However, the charm of this little, but respectable comic shop is that it stays open way later than other shops in Manhattan do. Also, on numerous occasions, we have been able to get our hands on a comic book or graphic novel seemingly nowhere to be found elsewhere in the city. In the heart of St. Mark’s Place, which changes seemingly every month, St. Mark’s Comics survives to offer its customers great deals and rare finds.
St. Marks Comics is located on 11 St Marks Pl
If you happen to have an extra pass to Comic-Con this weekend or just want to talk about comics, contact the author @ChrisLInoa