WHAM! BAM! POW! These Local Comic Book Stores Deliver the Final Punch

One of the toughest things about moving to a new city or country is the feeling of starting all over again. It is both a blessing and a curse. I should know because when I moved from British Columbia, Canada to New Jersey, USA I left behind my old life and started anew. While it is an exciting prospect it is also a difficult one. Things that people take for granted-relationships, familiarity, accomplishments-don't always follow you around from place to place. But I'm also an avid believer of the phrase that "home is where the heart is." This I quickly learned when searching for a comic book store.

Comic books have this long time association of being children's entertainment and disposable publications. After all anyone can pick one up at the local corner store or 7-Eleven. To the uninitiated it's almost a waste of time and money. Over the course of time comic books have found some respect when specific establishments dedicated to housing solely comic books started popping up; hence the advent of the comic book store took life.

But just housing comic books isn't enough to make it a great store, as with any type of establishment. So many factors come into play starting with the atmosphere of the place and the staff. Then there is the layout of the store, the products available, and even the crowd. Other things such as price and events also help give a store its own personality. In essence these stores are the best because they incorporate these factors- perhaps even more-to instill a sense of community.

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IMPERIAL HOBBIES
5451 No. 3 Road
Richmond, British Columbia
V6X 2C7
Canada

This may seem like a strange pick considering it is mostly a gaming and hobby store but Imperial Hobbies also sells comic books. I also have a bias towards this place considering I was a regular customer for fifteen years before I moved away to another country. I would be in this store at least 3-4 times a week not to only pick up my weekly comic book fix but to hang out with my friends, from the staff to the customers. I'm really proud with the level of customer service, as I have witnessed countless of times when I was there.

Imperial Hobbies has been in business for over twenty-four years selling almost everything. Besides comic books, there are board & card games, gaming accessories, model kits & accessories, paints and tools, novels, slot cars, role playing games, action figures, statues & mini-busts, posters, and so much more.

It's in your best interest to become a subscription customer in order to ensure that you get the comic books that you want without missing an issue.

The store is open seven days a week with late opens on Thursdays and Fridays. What I love are the many events from the Boxing Day blowout sales to HeroClix tournaments on the weekend to simple Wednesday gaming nights.

Imperial Hobbies is more than just a storefront; it's a community of friends and family of like interests coming together and enjoying each other's company.

Website: www.imperialhobbies.ca
Phone: 604-273-4427

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THE JOKER'S CHILD
12-23 River Rd
Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410
USA

When I moved to Northern New Jersey, one of the first things I did was look for the local comic book store. I assumed there would have been more stores in the vicinity. Instead I was surprised at how few were in the area. But I did manage to find one in The Joker's Child.

Located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, I immediately felt at home when I first walked the through the doors. It looked and felt like a comic book store. There was no way to mistake it for anything else.

The layout of the store is designed very well. I like how all the new release comics are against the wall and listed in alphabetical order. It's organization like that which creates repeat customers. All types of comic books are available, including independent comic book labels as well as manga. The back issue collection is immense and effectively organized. In addition plenty of action figures, statues, models toys, collectibles, cards, magazines, and even Japanese animation is available. The bottom line: The Joker's Child carries almost everything.

The subscription service is great making sure that you never miss an issue of your favorite comic book issue. Just keep in mind that this store is only open six days a week. That's right they do take a day off but only on Tuesdays. It helps them refresh the energies when tackling the new comic book shipment on Wednesday.

More importantly, the staff is extremely welcoming and very helpful. While I don't frequent comic book stores as much as I used to in the past, this is the one place where I feel extremely comfortable. In fact it almost feels like I've been frequenting the place for many, many years.

Website: www.jokerschild.com
Phone: 201-794-6830

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COLLECTOR'S COMIC SHOP
96 W. Pleasant Avenue
Maywood, New Jersey
USA

My first experience with Collector's Comic Shop opened my eyes when I realized that there was a comic book store in the mall. Wow, what a concept. I'm sure that it's not anything new but I loved the idea of having a place to hang out while everyone else was shopping. Sadly, this store no longer resides inside a mall. The good news is that they have relocated to a better place, a standalone store in a great community.

Collector's Comic Shop has been around since 1976. They have every right to claim itself as one of New Jersey's oldest comic book establishment. I could tell by the way the staff interacts with its customers and why so many of them come back for more.

The new place is Maywood, New Jersey isn't a big store but then again the one in the mall wasn't any bigger as well. What they lack in real estate is made up with the products that are available. New comic books are in the line of fire for customers to see followed with many magazines, graphic novels, statues, and toys. In fact the graphic novel section is the one take notice as they have some excellent selections. They also have a great selection of back issues for those who love the thrill of the hunt.

I love this whole unassuming, non-threatening façade. It's a comic book store that may look very simple in appearance but it's quite enjoyable showcasing the necessary elements. Too often I see places with a lot of distractions and I'm glad that this store realizes that it doesn't need that to attract customers. A lot of that has to do with location.

Maywood is a great community-oriented town and everything necessary is located within a few blocks. Surrounding this store is a post office, a deli, a grocery store, a lot of small restaurants, a bank, and a gas station just to paint a picture. In other words, it's always buzzing with people.

I appreciate the knowledgeable and hilarious staff. These guys really know their stuff and it shows through their love of the subject matter. It's always a treat to walk into this store no matter how many times they may have to relocate. The customers are loyal and will follow.

Website: www.collectorscomicshop.com
Phone: 201-843-4353

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Comic books are receiving another lease in life thanks to mainstream exposure of successful comic book movies featured in film. The regular passerby is reacquainting itself with this medium as it is becoming more accessible to the public thanks to the many graphic novels frequenting bookstores. Even new released comic books are ending up in these establishments. While I applaud the growth I still support the local comic book stores. These establishments provide the quality and knowledge that comes from the love they have for this medium. Besides I love having a place to hang out with people of the same interests and being able to geek out in peace.