Fourth World Comics in Smithtown, NY

If you are a fan of sci-fi or fantasy, then you most likely have a wide varieties of hobbies and interests covering everything from comic books to Star Trek, fantasy art to model building, toy collecting to japanese cartoon culture (commonly known as anime or Japanimation.

If you've been actively seeking a one-stop shopping location encompassing all of the above and more, then look no further than Fourth World Comics in Smithtown, NY.

Fourth World Comics originated solely as a small shop about the size of bedroom, selling mainly comics, long before the comic book infatuation hit America. Two companies ruled the comic world; Marvel, and DC. Smaller independent companies occasionally produced a comic of merit, but these were sparse and rare, and in a small store with a small clientele, taking chances on ordering new products was not likely.

But as media and movies began to steadily focus more on comics due to increasing interest in mature story lines and skilled artists, the demand began to grow. Fourth World moved to a larger building in amore central location, and expanded its products. Now, it carried role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, easily the most popular at the time, and others, in addition to models based on comic book characters or movie characters, Japanese robots, and more, as well as a small variety of novelty comic book based items and action figures.

When the store was sold to current owner Glenn Fischette, it became a bastion for comic book, fantasy, and sci-fi fans all across Long Island. Glenn expanded the stock and products for sale, attracting new customers and enthusiasts, and garnering fame as one of the best comic shops on Long Island.

As smaller independent companies began producing more comics and gaining in popularity, the mainstream public began to recognize a profit in comic collection and sales soared. Additionally, a number of start-up comic book shops opened as well, but without the quality and stock to fairly compete with Fourth World. As with any trend, the market soon became over-saturated comics and comic dealers, and values declined as quickly as they had risen, leaving many soured on the prospect of comic collecting, and forcing many of the small stores to close and dump their stock.

But Fourth World Comics, ever a contender, still reigns and is going strong, thanks to its diverse range of products, monthly sales and specials, membership club, and knowledgeable, dedicated staff.

Walking through the doors, your eyes are dazzled by the plethora of collectable items filling nearly every inch of wall-space and shelf-space. A portion of wall-space is covered with hundreds of action figures based on comics, movies, and television shows. Glass cases hold pre-painted models and statues of popular characters. An aisle holds an extensive collection of anime VHS tapes and DVDs. Another aisle stretches toward the back of long store lined with bookcases, packed with an eclectic assortment of both fiction and non-fiction, collected comics and more.

Looming down from above, over a hundred pre-painted statues depicting all manner of character and creature are perched on shelves overlooking the store. Beside them are models to be constructed and painted, many of them rare.

The portion of the store devoted to comics features the newest releases from the last few months, covering all the major and minor companies. You would be hard-pressed to find a more complete collection of current comics. The back issue collection is large, and sales often focus on the back issues, where you can find older comics at a great price.

The amount of role-playing product is staggering, with the most common (Dungeons and Dragons, Vampire) taking precedence, but dozens more systems available. The store takes pride in having the latest products as well as keeping the previous releases on the shelves.

A large selection of art books is also available, representing the best of the world of fantasy and sci-fi art, as well as books on how to hone your own artistic skills should you be interested in drawing or painting for the world of books or comics.

In addition to all of the above, you will find many more hidden treasures packed into every nook and cranny. Indeed, you may need to circle the store and peruse the shelves slowly in order to catch everything.

And don't forget the holiday season, or even if you need a birthday gift; chances are Fourth World has something for everyone, most especially yourself.