Local Comic Shops Serve Nerds Before, During, and After ECCC

Comic strips and comic books have been around for over a century, but the start of comic books as a phenomenon began with the invention of a character called Superman in 1938. This began what is known as the Golden Age of Comics, which lasted roughly until the Comics Code Authority was created in the 1950s. During the Golden Age and into what is known as the Silver Age (1950s-1970s), comic book sales were a solid business for newsstands, grocers, and drugstores. Comic books were a little cheaper this way because if any books failed to sell, they could be returned to the publisher for a refund.

Into the 1970s, publishers began to notice a rise in specialty shops and decided on a direct market system where these shops would buy from a comics distributor rather than a magazine distributor like the newsstands. This was great for publishers because any unsold merchandise would be kept by the shops to use in their back issue bins. This also gave rise to comic book collecting and pricing. Comic shops have overtaken newsstands as the primary source for new comics and the primary buyers from comics distributors.

What is thought to be the oldest comic shop in the world is right here in our own backyard. Golden Age Collectables began in 1961 and has continued to thrive in its location at Pike Place Market to this day. It has its loyal subscribers like any shop, but if you've ever been at Pike Place on a weekend in the summer, you know how much foot traffic increases. That’s the biggest difference between Golden Age Collectables and other shops; more than anything, it’s a tourist attraction.

Recent difficulties like the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown and the bankruptcy of major comics distributor Diamond have complicated comic shops. Compound that with rising rents, a lack of interest in single issues (which continue to increase in price), and the prevalence of online and digital marketplaces. Comic shops are now having to make tough choices. The recent closure of the wonderful shop Destiny City Comics in Tacoma has been a blow to their devoted fans as they were bulwarks in their community, promoting stories outside of the traditional capes and cowls. Many more shops are going to have to make hard decisions like this in the near future.

Though, there’s always hope against the comic shop’s looming difficulties. The annual comics celebration Emerald City Comic Con is a great time to discover local shops that carry books by the incredible artists you met at the show. 

Here are five shops from across the Puget Sound region that will serve all of your geeky needs. These are by no means the only shops to visit, but have made a particular impression on a comic lover like me:

Everett Comics is one of the larger shops around. They have racks for the most recent comics, but also boxes upon boxes of back issues to peruse. You will find a gem or two if you take the time to really look. The graphic novels are extensive and feature far more than just the big two (Marvel and DC). Though, being across the street from Funko Headquarters, their toy game cannot be beat. There are a wide variety of Funko's offerings as well as the latest action figures and tabletop games.

Storefront of Dreamstrands in Greenwood, Seattle.

The Evergreen Echo

Dreamstrands Comics and Collectibles is nestled in the heart of the Greenwood neighborhood in Seattle. The shop is laid out very precisely with fun labels on certain shelves. As an X-Men reader, I appreciate that they have a section in the graphic novels just for the myriad X-books from across the eras. The middle of the store is taken up with a back issue perusers delight. Not only is it organized alphabetically, but in series and volumes. Once again it warmed this X-fan's heart to see the main title volumes separated into their unique adjectives (Uncanny, X-treme, Astonishing, etc).

Stargazer Comics resides between Elegant Octopus Games and Nerd Alley on Tacoma’s 6th Ave. A place of nerd bliss on the hippest block in Grit City. I was a subscriber at Stargazer for many years and it became a place to get lost while talking comics. The incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff give great recommendations. They have a well-stocked selection of new comics and a fabulous wall of graphic novels and manga. They also use the convenient ComicsHub app to manage subscriptions and do special orders. This saves their time and yours, and keeps you up to date at what’s waiting for you at the shop.

Gabi’s Olympic Cards & Comics is a gargantuan warehouse of comics bliss in between Olympia and Lacey. There is shelf after shelf after shelf of games, graphic novels, trading and collectible cards and, of course, comics. There are also tons of gaming supplies for those with a yearn to roleplay. If you’re a back issue hunter, it is absolutely well worth your time to make the journey from wherever you are. Just seeing the staggering amount of short boxes that line the walls will make you itch to flip through them.

Phoenix Comics & Games lights up the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. They carry a mix of new comics and graphic novels, but the coolest stuff to look through is their collection of zines and locally produced independent comics. There’s something amazing to be found within those racks. They also have a dedicated, year-round space for LGBTQ+ comics and graphic novels. Though, the biggest draw for Phoenix has to be their tremendous collection of games and the always lively group of gaming tables in the back. They have everything from board and card games to RPG books and supplies.

Phoenix Comics & Games in Capitol Hill, Seattle.

The Evergreen Echo

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No matter what shop you frequent or just pop into—and there are many more that I didn’t cover—know that you’re doing the work of supporting a small business. Even more than that, you’re keeping community spaces going. Comic shops are a melting pot of people and culture. They can seem intimidating and not all are welcoming, but the great ones want you to feel like your whole self when you walk through their doors. They want to share their passions and welcome new people into the fold. Enjoy!