Comic Book Stores in the San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area has a nice selection of comic book stores. I will introduce you to my top three stores. Most of these stores have a long history, and have built up lots of connections in the Bay Area and in the industry. Another thing I especially like about these stores is that you don't need to brave the big cities of San Francisco, Oakland or San Jose to get to them, but they equal any stores you will find in the big cities.

I am going to start with Crush Comics in Castro Valley, California at 2869 Castro Valley Boulevard, next to the Chabot Theater. Parking is not all that plentiful, but can be found on side streets a short walk away if Boulevard parking is not available. This store becomes quite popular with folks waiting in line for the next movie to begin. One advantage of Crush is you can reach it from the Castro Valley BART station and walk there. The walk is about 6 blocks, but do-able. You can also go shopping at the Castro Village on your way, which also has a bowling alley. There are lots of eating places on the way, and if you time things well you can take in a movie, too. Tuesday is the best day for a movie (saver Tuesdays). As you can see, I often make an afternoon of it.

Crush carries an assortment of new comic books from "The Archies" to "Thor". This store has a great collection of other types of comic style publications including ones from Japan. It also carries a collection of collectible cards, and other items. In addition, it features a large selection of used comics for sale. If you want to relive your youth, or show your kids what comics looked like during your kid days, this is the place to go. The shop has a web site at www.crushcomics.com and you can use it to sign up for e-mails of new releases. Comics are brought to your computer about once a week or so. The store is open seven days a week, beginning at 11 am for your viewing pleasure.

Another Bay Area gem is Treasure Island Comics in Fremont, California at 40819 Fremont Boulevard. This shop features new arrivals each Wednesday and also takes special orders. It has a web site at www.treasureislandcomics.com and also lets you sign up for a newsletter by e-mail. TI Comics also lets you sign up to purchase comics at a discount and pre-order your comics. They are usually open most days starting at 12 pm for your shopping pleasure. You can also order on line and ask that they ship to you. You can't lose with this type of service. They also feature some collectibles and show these on their web site as well. As these are limited and change often, you really need to stop by the shop to see them. This is strictly a drive-to site, however, but it is an easy drive.

The last comic store I wish to present is Black Cat Comics in Milpitas, California at 73 North Milpitas Boulevard. This store is open seven days a week, starting at 10:30 AM. They have a great web site at www.blackcatcomics.biz. This site will let you reorder comics and also let you brouse through the store's collection of old comics and other items relating to comic books. You can also have these shipped to you, and sign up for a discount on comic book purchases. Some things you really need to go to the shop to see, however. This is also a driving destination, but easily reachable. These people really want your business.

So, there you go. Three comic stores in the San Francisco Bay Area without the grief of going to the big city. Good hunting for your comics.