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Alternate Reality Comics
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Comic Books Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Comic Books, Bookstores [Edit]
4110 S Maryland PkwySte 8
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Neighborhoods: University, Eastside
(702) 736-3673
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sun 11 am - 6 pm
Wed-Sat 10 am - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
35 reviews for Alternate Reality Comics
Review Highlights
35 reviews in English
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Review from Steph A.
Westside, Las Vegas, NV
5/23/2012
This is THE place to go for comics! Such a knowledgable and friendly staff!
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Review from Lisa S.
Las Vegas, NV
5/9/2012
By far one of the best comic book shops ive been to.
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Review from Laurent M.
Los Angeles, CA
5/8/2012
I just fell in love with the store and the amazing guy owning it (Ralph)! Great selection, and awesome customer service! Ralph introduced himself to me when I walked in, and helped me find what I was looking for. He shared his knowledge on a few topics I was interested in, and by doing so won a new happy customer!
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Review from Saskia R.
3/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
According to my husband the best comic book store that he visited in the US. I especially liked the huge sellection indies. Very friendly and helpful owner.
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Review from Ryan B.
Las Vegas, NV
8/26/2011 2 Check-ins Here
What is there to say about Ralph's wonderful comic book store that hasn't already been said? Let's see here. It's spacious. It's clean. It's well lit. The shop features a magnificent amount of books which aren't limited to superheroes and the big dogs: DC and Marvel. This place has more indie titles than you knew existed!
Most shop owners come off as pretentious when they bestow knowledge upon patrons, acting as a sort of keymaster to the world of comic lore. Ralph, however, is quite the opposite of most shop owners in this regard and almost every instance otherwise. He is more than happy to answer any questions you might have about the world of comic books and will even sit there and talk with you about story arcs, movies, etc. If you're looking for a great place to pick up your books, don't pass up Alternate Reality, it's one of the best shops in town! -
Review from Frankie's Favorite O.
Las Vegas, NV
3/1/2012
A true comic book shop. Always has a wide selection of both mainstream and underground comic titles, but always of the best of quality. No gimmicks and first rate selection and service. The fellow who runs it has always been wonderful when we drop off flyers and we hope he stays around for a long time to come!
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Review from David S.
6/30/2011
Alternate Reality is my sure fire gift place for my perpetually broke friend. He puts a stack of comics in a reserved box which makes for easy pick up when it comes time for Christmas or birthdays. Even if my friend didn't do all the work for me to sweep in for the credit, I am sure I could find something on my own to meet his standards.
Ralph is a really nice guy that is always very helpful. He always strikes up conversation and knows the people that frequent his shop well. One day, my friend might have the money to purchase until there is no more in his box, but I am sure a talk with Ralph will lead me in the right direction.
The wide selection of comic books, apparel, collector's items, and manga will satisfy even the most selective individual.Listed in: With a Rebel Yell! She cried…
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Review from Stephanie T.
Las Vegas, NV
9/19/2011
My favorite comic book store anywhere. Amazing selection and friendly customer service. I love the new store; so much more room for more comics!
Ralph is really nice and always gives my kid a licorice when we get comics. I love the $1.00 back issue selection, as I can give my son and his friend a budget of $10.00 each and they come away with a ton of reading material. -
Review from Javier J.
5/6/2011
Just because you're on vacation or making a weekend get away to the Vegas strip doesn't mean you have to toss aside your comic addiction.
No no, once you're done plunking down that paper bills down those slot machines and actually want a little entertainment for the amount your wasting you have this really neat comic shop just a bit down from the strip to fill those comic book needs.
This place carried a lot of indie stuff and non-marvel/dc comics. The shelves looked like they were restocked with the newest in weekly books and the walls are covered in art and other comic promotion material.
Being that it is free comic book day on May 6th, it's well worth checking out and getting back into the funny books.
Really, the fact that this place a lot of smaller titles and comics you may not have heard of but are really good is well worth checking into. The owner/employees are pretty helpful in telling you what they have and in offering recommendations.
Prices are pretty decent, then again, for comics you really can't complain about the prices since they are typically all over the place. A pretty awesome comic shop indeed. -
Review from Kevin P.
7/6/2011
I heard that Spiderman died! Ohh noeezzzz!
I remember when I went to UNLV that there was a comic book across the street so I went back to where my memory brought me and it wasn't there! Alternate Reality was nootttt there, noooooo.
Then my Spidey-Sense was tingling and Yelped it's location. I found it! So I web swinged my way over and Ralph was still there but at a slightly bigger store. He had in stock the 7 or so comics that detailed the death of Spiderman. =(
The store is stocked like the last time I was there with comics, manga, etc. The owner Ralph is very nice and knowledgeable. The store is organized and clean. Glad this comic book store is still around!
rip Spidey! But Captain America died too but they brought him back to life, can't wait for Spidey to return! -
Review from Ashley B.
5/14/2011
I have been to Alternate Reality twice now and each of my visits were awesome. On my second visit yesterday Ralph the owner was working and he is a very nice and knowledgeable guy.
I really like AR because you can tell the shop takes a lot of pride in itself. It is always clean and everything is very accessible and organized. Although, sometimes I can't reach things on the top shelves because I'm short, hee hee! But that's okay, I've never had a problem asking for help to get something that's way over my head. :)
The two times I've been I went directly here for a specific comic and found both easily!
I love their selection and the location. I really can't give enough accolades to this particular comic book store. Highly recommend! -
Review from Doug D.
Las Vegas, NV
2/28/2011
Ralph is "the man". Alternate Reality is the best pure comic book store in town. What I like most about the shop is the diversity. From Marvel/DC to the most eclectic alternate press books, you'll find them here.
Ralph knows his stuff. There are few people whose opinions I take as gospel, and his is one. If I ask him to recommend "something new", Ralph always has something spot on. He knows my tastes and points me to stuff I may not have heard of, but is also unafraid to recommend something from a genre I rarely read ... just because the writing or art is top shelf. If Ralph says it is worth my time, it goes right in my stack.
My only complaint is the store it too far from my home and that is my fault, not Ralph's. So, I don't get in as often as I would like. But, if I am in the neighborhood, I always make a point to stop in and let Ralph take my money. :)Listed in: Comics & Games Stores
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Review from Rob O.
12/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
A truly great comic book shop doesn't just offer customers the comic books they know and love--anyone can carry the entire line of current Marvel, D.C. and Dark Horse comics. The best comic stores are the ones that introduce customers to artists and comic books they haven't discovered before.
This is where Alternate Reality Comics is brilliant. The owner has put together a wonderful collection of local comic artists, alternative comics and some of the most inventive work being done in graphic novels. That said, they also have all the usual books you're looking for and a decent collection of older books (not anything and everything under the sun, but a solid core of comics).
It's the kind of store where you know that the owner is a comic lover from the moment your step in the shop. And it's wonderful to buy from someone as excited about comics as you. -
Review from Jeremy Z.
Las Vegas, NV
7/20/2011
Ralph's place is easily the best comic store in Vegas.
He and his staff are always friendly, caring, know they're stuff and run a wonderfully clean spacious store.
I've been a fan of his store for years and always point people to his place.
Great deals, great selection, always happy to turn you on to new things. -
Review from Chad S.
Lake Isabella, CA
12/29/2011
The reviews here on Yelp are the reason I took my friend to Alternate Reality Comics during our Vegas vacation and we had a great time. My friend is a Manga maniac and she found plenty to be excited about. We met Ralph and he was very friendly and knowledgable. The only suggestion I'd have is maybe a few more Vol. 1's in stock in the manga section. Still, it was an excellent experience and I think Ralph runs a great shop. I highly recommend stopping by the store if you're into graphic novels, comics or Manga. We had a great time browsing.
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Review from Monique M.
Washington, DC
11/24/2010
What I know about comics and graphic novels = zilch.
What I knew after leaving Alternate Reality? = zilch.
But I felt like I did!!
Being a complete newbie to this genre, I was a bit intimidated by the store, but in desperate need of a gift for a 12-year-old nephew...so I sucked it up and marched in.
Knowing that i know NOTHING, i went straight to the counter and asked for help. Ralph (aka Godsend Savior) spent 20 minutes picking out items not only for my nephew, but also my niece...and ME! He gave me a 101 on the range of topics and genres...i.e. it's not all superheroes.
I don't know how he did it, but he managed to make me not feel like a complete tool for being in a shop I have no business being in. When I thanked him for that, he simply said "I like to see good books go to good homes."
Wow, i love business owners that really love their business.
The store is clean, inviting, with couches for reading, racks and racks of comic books and graphic novels (sorry, i can make zero comments on the selection itself)...with very, repeat VERY, fantastic posters covering every inch of wallspace.
I will be back in a week or two to do my christmas shopping. Thanks Ralph. -
Review from Holly C.
1/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I haven't been obsessed with comic books since Ben Edlund stopped making The Tick, which was a very, very long time ago. So I may not be qualified to review a comic book store. But I think it's really cool that this store promotes local comic book artists and writers, such as our very own PJ Perez.
You can tell the staff and owners really love comic books and know their stuff! As a former comic book addict (albeit on a very limited basis), I can definitely recommend this store. -
Review from Nathan B.
Henderson, NV
12/1/2011
If you haven't you should. I go out of my way to shop here. Ralph is awesome.
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Review from Kayla W.
9/28/2011
If you love comics then this is the BEST place you could go. I love the owner, he makes me laugh every time I have gone there. Also, they have comic books for pretty much everything that I could see. I love my Batman, but at the same time I am a huge tv watcher. This place had Charmed comic books, which blew my mind. I love Charmed. I watched this as an 11 year old and am now 21 and still love it. Since it has been over for years, when I saw the comic books, I was like heck yes!!!! I have read the books from B&N and now I can read their comic books! I was sooo stoked. It will take time for me to get them all, but trust me I will. They had V for Vendetta, Buffy, Supernatural, etc. I think if you asked or looked hard. I love the other merchandise too. Like neon signs and shirts. It is overall a great comic book place.
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Review from Danielle D.
Las Vegas, NV
11/22/2011
Awesome selection!
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Review from Christina A.
Dumas, TX
9/6/2011
I love Ralph the owner. He is very knowledgeable and he has an awesome assortment of both mainstream and indy comics. Go in. Don't be afraid.
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Review from Kristyn M.
Las Vegas, NV
6/23/2011
The owner is so sincere & he knows everything there is to know about comic books. I come here as often as I can with my boyfriend & we always stay longer than expected browsing through the sale items & graphic novels. I'm a big fan of Grimm Fairy Tales & I've gotten most of the volumes from this store. We'll be going back for the Beyond Wonderland & Street Fighter books soon.
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Review from Austin W.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
12/11/2010
As an official representative for the unrecognized Nation-state of Los Angeles/San Diego/Tijuana, we cast five stars upon Alternate Reality Comics not only for being warm and personable, not only for having a wealth of information of manga and anime, but because of the content of their character.
Ralph has therefore been granted honorary resident of Los Angeles/San Diego/Tijuana and his visa will never expire! Viva la Suplente Comics Realidad!!! -
Review from Victoria M.
Las Vegas, NV
1/21/2008
Second in the series of reviews of comic book stores in Las Vegas. This is the store I consider my home store.
Ralph (the owner/operator) is awesome. He remembers your name and shows a true dedication to the force by having a clean well-stocked store with an easy to navigate layout. He has the hook-up, and knows what the best stuff coming out is, so ask him for recommendations. He usually doesn't steer me wrong.
It's sort of ridiculous that Alternate Reality is in Las Vegas, because this store is way too good for my shit hole of a hometown. It could easily fit in some hipster neighborhood in a big city thanks to its well-stocked shelves. This just makes it stand out more, because it's a little oasis of sanity that should not exist.
My one complaint is that I have become addicted to porno comics since leaving town, and as a friend commented to me, it's sort of like Ralph stocks them because he's the alternative comic book store and that's what alternative comic stores do. (They're in the little corner by the window, next to the back issues of The Comics Journal.)
I also wish it was a bigger store in general. I am sure he does as well.Listed in: Comic Book Shops in Las Vegas
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Review from Robin M.
7/4/2007
My son always insists on stopping here even though we are on the way to or from Comic Con. That's how good this Las Vegas shop is -- it can compete with San Diego's Comic Con which fills the entire convention center floor with dealers.
Alternate Reality is truly fun to visit. If you are into comics, don't miss it. If you think you aren't into comics, stop by and find out what you are missing. Comics are not just for kids these days. -
Review from damon s.
Brooklyn, NY
1/25/2007
A truly independent spirit! As all of the other small mom and pop stores falter all around our hero/owner Ralph....he ( year after year ) stands triumphant amongst the rubble.
Why you ask? Well, in my opinion....sticking to his guns, an original vision. Walking into to Alternate Reality you realize it lives up to it's name. Meaning, the mainstream takes the backseat. Sure they carry the regular Superhero comics and action figures but......the whole front of this RAD shop is dedicated to independent comics and books from smaller publishing houses. It's very impressive.
To anyone that's a cynic when it comes to comics.....you should go, and randomly pick something up, give it a try. It'll be the first time you realize that comics aren't only about capes and tights.
Oh, and there's usually really great music floating through the air.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Crystal A.
Las Vegas, NV
5/31/2011 7 Check-ins Here
I've recently taken a new found liking to comic books- I've read a few in the past but lately, it's my new dig. I wondered into Alternate Reality Comics a few weeks ago and discovered a world of AWESOMENESS. Ralph, the owner was so polite,helpful, and knowledgeable about what's new, interesting, and worth reading. He has definitely made my experience at the store a stimulating- much needed- treat during my lunch. The store is packed with of course, comics :b, bad ass t-shirts, action figures, and more! They even have soda-drinks for sale and a couch to chill on while you check out the books- PLUS it's right by most two favorite places - Buffalo Exchange and Long John Silvers- so I'm able to browse around- grab a Baja Fish Taco- and get some new gear all in a 1-hour lunch break! Doesnt get any better than that!!
Listed in: Get Nerdy With It
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Review from Christopher B.
Las Vegas, NV
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
If an alternate reality is this comic book store, then leave me Bizarro world. I'm home Auntie Em, please take care of Todo, you'll find me in the back issues if you need me. This comic book store that sits at the northeast corner of Flamingo and Maryland Parkway next to Buffalo Exchange is quite a gem. The place is well-lit and well organized. I was on my life-long quest of searching to complete my collection of "Beautiful Stories for Ugly Children" by Dave Louapre and Dan Sweetman. The person behind the counter who I am assuming is the owner didn't have any copies when I inquired on his selection of Piranha Press titles but was very knowledgeable on the title and where I might be able to find it, even commenting that another comic store had tweeted they had copies recently. I was looking for a good read and picked up another volume of the Walking Dead series and another selection recommended by the store. They also had a sale going on graphic novels which made me even happier to be in the confines of this great place. This comic book store definitely deserves the positive marks it has received and I now have a definite place to find the title I enjoy reading which aren't of the Marvel and DC variety. This place ranks up at the top with me along with Maximum since the whole place looks like it was put together and formulated to appeal to the avid fan boy or the newbie looking to dip their toe in the lake of comic goodness.
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Review from Aziz B.
Henderson, NV
1/11/2010 17 Check-ins Here
Alternate is the kind of store you go to when your tastes need satisfying. The shop is varied and lives up to its name as one of those rare stores that carries just about everything. Ralph, the owner, loves comics and is willing to talk about them until the day is over, and his store matches that passion.
Looking for a specific genre? Just walk right in and check out the vast selections of racked material going by crime, humor, vertigo, and just about any other style you can imagine. Better yet: he carries foreign books! It's hard to find a store that carries manga and the most recent translated material, but Alternate Reality comes through.
The only fault is it's sometimes hard to find books as the sorting system outside of Marvel, DC, Vertigo due to author, category, and genre styles varying from shelf to shelf. Still, all it takes is a quick question to the owner and he's either looking for the book or offering to order it.
With a pull box service for your weekly fix or just a quick graphic novel, Alternate Reality is a centrally located shop in Las Vegas for any comic book fan.Listed in: Nerdcore!
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Review from Ramsey H.
4/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is great. A nice central location. Super clean and organized. Friendly and knowledgable staff. And a really good varied selection. Everything you could ask for or need from a great comic book store.
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Review from Shawn A.
Astoria, NY
6/10/2009
With a bit of time on my hands, I figured I would make my weekly comic run in Vegas as opposed to waiting until I got home.
The internet told me that this was the closest one to the strip, and that it was a solid store as well, and I was not disappointed.
As the name kind of implies, there is a heavy emphasis on alternative and indie comics. The entire front half of the store is dedicated to more off-beat publications, which is a nice change from most stores that I've been to that relegate their oddities to the back.
But I was there for my superhero addiction, and Alternate Reality Comics delivered there as well. They had a great selection of new and slightly less new issues, with a bunch of graphic novels as well.
My one quibble was that it was all organized a bit strangely. Sort of by property, kind of alphabetically, but kinda of not really either. That didn't mean it was particularly difficult to find anything, it was just kind of off putting. But the space is small enough that you'll be able to find everything just fine.
And if not, there's always the owner, who I found to be extremely friendly. He instantly smelled the stink of an out of towner on me, and we wound up having a nice chat about the New York comic book scene (even though he hadn't really spent any significant time there at all... now that's a knowledgeable store owner!)
If you're in Vegas jonesing for a fix, I can definitely recommend this place with a huge smile. But know that I'll call you a huge nerd for needing to go comic shopping while you're on vacation on Vegas.
Nerd. -
Review from Pamela R.
Orange, CA
10/12/2007 4 photos
We were in Vegas for a mini vacation and went to Alternate Reality Comics because of the rave reviews here on yelp. We were not disappointed.
This is one of the coolest comic book stores I have been to. Talk about lots of independent comics. I picked up a true gem of a comic called "The Pro" (Ennis, Conner, Palmiotti, Mounts) and what a funny, funny comic (not for the politically correct).
I could not believe the selection of odd ball, off the wall stuff. Right up our alley. We purchased lotsa stuff.
The guy we spoke to (I think he was the owner) was an oddball himself and very charming. We talked about San Diego Comic Con and the difficulty in finding good comic book stores or comic book stores with staying power. He was a fountain of information and willing to order any comic book you wanted if he didn't have it in stock. Very nice and accommodating as well.
If we lived closer to Las Vegas this would be one of our regular stops. Very warm and hospitable atmosphere. -
Review from Nicky F.
Henderson, NV
4/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been going here since I started at UNLV in 2004. The guy running the joint is awesome and conveniently located for students on campus. There might be other comic places around town, but I always end up coming back to Alternate Reality.
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Review from Brynn S.
Las Vegas, NV
10/3/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I stop in here at least once a week to get my DC fix. Ralph is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. A great place for those discovering comics or have been reading them for years.
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Review from Melissa P.
Henderson, NV
10/4/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Alternate Reality is always my top recommendation for comic book nerds. I've been shopping here since I was in high school. The best selection of old, new, indie, and cool. Love love love this place.
