On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Mon-Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Loading...
i never leave here without buying anything. I love coming here to get my issues of Fathom.
When i always come here, they are always polite and ask me if i have any questions. Their service is great here. They take time to check if they have any of the comic books i want in stock.
Came here one day with my seven year old nephew who wanted to get started in reading comic books. The manager asked my nephew what kind of comic books he liked, type of genre and directed us to kids/teen section.
My man, Mark knows what I want before I want it and Francie is some sort of customer service god. I have some much fun in conversing with them, I happily drive past four other comic book stores to see them and their staff.
You got to visit this store!
FOR WHAT?
Because it is that good.
But seriously, stick around after your purchase and I can almost guarantee you will find a comic book gem that you should be collecting.
Fables
Invincible
The Walking Dead
The Incredible Herc
Powers
Planetary
I found all of these listening in on what the conversations. You could also ask them what is good to read, but where is the fun in that?
Black Cat Comics... What can I say that hasn't been said already?
Want it? They've got it.
Don't see it? They'll get it.
Want to chit chat and geek out about the latest issue of Batman? They can do it.
The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, courteous, and full of good cheer. They're genuinely decent people, who give a damn about their customer base. You're not just a source of income to them, you're a key to doing what they love.
A recent reviewer mentioned that he rarely sees sales or promotions - I think this is just not true. There are constantly sales and promotions going on at Black Cat. They're all about doing what they can to promote the reading of comics among the masses, and put themselves out there on the sidewalk in front of their store every chance they get.
I go there every Wednesday like clockwork. It's a part of my life!
well, my dad has been going there since i was a kid and now i go there.... they have a cool staff which is very helpful. new books come in on wednesday and thats always exciting and going there it super awesome... the only thing is i spend to much money there... i can't help it. I love comics.
Nice comic shop in Milpitas. Best (only?) in Milpitas.
Pros
- Nice owner & wife & sidekick
- Wed comics; stays open past 7:30pm if you ask.
- buys/trades old comics - good deals.
- parking lot in mall
Cons
- so/so back issues
Return Visit
- Yes
Ever wonder who would win in an epic battle: Hulk vs Wolverine? Do you ever fancy yourself wearing a cape? As a child did you wear Spiderman underoos? Or maybe you still do? Come to this inner bastion of comic book glory, and unleash your heroic imaginative impulses as you relive those childhood days that never left you in adulthood.
I've been to many a comic shop in my day, and this has to be one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of walking into. Though not the largest shop around, everything is cozy and organized which dictates a certain intimacy that I like. Neatly arranged in stacks, back issues of old comics are easy to find as they are all alphabetically sorted along the wall. No mess here. Recent issues, released every week, can be found on a dedicated wall towards the back.
Have a question? Never fear, the knowledgeable staff got your back. Owner and comic expert, Mark Causey, can usually be found behind the counter. Ever the friendly guy, he'll talk you up and answer any question you may have. Whether it be recommending a specific comic issue to suit your tastes, or locating an obscure book you've been dying to complete your collection, he'll leap over tall buildings in single bound to satisfy your every need. And if on the rare occasion that Mark happens to be unavailable, Marcus, his sidekick, is just as capable in answering any lingering questions.
Make no mistake, these guys are enthusiasts. If geek cred were measurable, they would have power levels rivaling the strongest of superheroes, even the mighty Thor himself.
I grew up going to this shop when it was Pendragon and the Twins worked there.
I still live in Milpitas and still read comics, finding myself going here on random New Release Wednesdays.
Mark and Francie are the bomb.
So is the other guy.
I just remember Mark and Francie cause they were on the same flight as me going to Comic Con San Diego 2008.
They know A LOT about comics and are very friendly and helpful. They have a very good selections of comics and even all the other stuff like toys and busts.
One of the last great comic stores in the Bay Area. Well stocked books and titles, great staff... they've taken my respect to the establishment to a whole new level preserving what the previous owners (Comics Pendragon) did in the 90's.
Everytime I go there, I send more than I usually can afford!
Even a year later after my first review, this shop just plain rocks. Once you become a regular, Mark has my subscriptions and even anticipates my comic reading needs (even if I didn't know it).
I have been a reader of comic books for a short time, but for the complete novice this is a great… Read more »
These guys are great. You can get in and out fast, or you can sit and talk with them for forever about anything. Comics, Football, Hockey, whatever you want.
They are very knowledgeable about the comic book industry. They have a good setup to keep their comics in great condition.
I always come here to get my comics.
mark is a jerk for first displaying some cool seventies batman and detective titles that i have never seen before...were reasonably priced for their grade so i snatched em..but since then i have been like a junkie on picking up more and more silver age books. ugh.
addiction to these old books has overcome my ability to think straight and i have been hit with avarice. thanks mark!
awesome staff, store, the whole shebang.
great layout with currents around the walls, along with bundles which are conveniently placed in the same area by title or theme. lots of paraphernalia but displayed in a way that is organized and not looking like everything is going to fall over on you.
i like how they even payed homage to their namesake with an old black cat comic on their front wall, yeah i catch all those easter eggs baby!!! you will have black fingertips after leaving this place, which fer most would be like yuck!! but we know differently don't we ; P
yep. i am a N E R D, but not like this...
http://www.dailymotion...
This little place is a comic book fans dream. There is an unpretentious organized outlay and along with the mounds of current comics and a few graphic novels on hand, they have lots of little cosas for your lady friend too (if she likes the funkier things in life, which I do). Which is good because if you ditch her, to talk to the staff about every comic book that was made into a movie (the inconsistancies, what worked, etc), she might not have the option of going home right away.
In all fairness though, the forementioned staff member was eager and knowledgable and helped that particular gentlemen locate a copy of a comic that was not carried by Black Cat. This is definatly a place that knows how to cater to their demographic.
I hate to say that I don't remember the owners name but I believe we are even on that. He comes over and always says hi and then grabs three comic books and stuffs them in my hands with a quick compare and contrast to my specific tastes that he has remembered over the years. Not a single recommendation has ever turned out to be anything less than perfect. Although the shop is not gigantic, if you have needs or wants and let them know, they can find it for you usually.
For service and atmosphere, I sincerely say five is not enough for this place. The man and his staff love comics and readers of comics and act like it.
And I forgot to mention his old hilarious TV ad. one final word.... plastic man.
The TV ad is here and is worth a watch for any super hero fan that can take a joke :) http://www.blackcatcom...
I remember when this place was called Comics Pendragon when it first opened up about 18 years ago. There were these twin blond haired dudes with long hair and I think I've seen them still there from time to time. I think they are part of the family that owns or used to own the place. I used to just come in all the time and read all the new stuff until they kicked me out telling me this "ain't no library". Can't believe that was so long ago.
I haven't collected comics books in awhile, but I still come in from time to time to see what new things the comic world has to offer. I've been to a couple of other stores in San Jo and Palo Alto and not many stores beat out Black Cat for their inventory and best of all; their customer service. I remember back in the day when they were still in the baseball card biz, I used to bring cards of my own to sell to them to earn some quick cash. Ahh, the good ol days. I will probably take my kids there one day just to keep the cycle alive, but that won't be awhile because I'm in no hurry to even get married yet if ever.
They still have their subscriber discount (10%) for pretty much all the popular titles for those who still collect. They also have a lot of paraphernalia like posters and action figures so check it out if you're a fan and find yourself in Milpitas.
Black Cat's a great place to go if you're looking primarily for single-issued comics. Their single-issue selection is very well kept and organized. All of the new releases sit on alphabetical shelving that surround the outer parameter of the store. Additional sections include: "back in stock", "new releases", and "recommendations".
They have an okay selection of back issues. I'm not too sure about posters, action figures, statues, and cards; although their selection seems to be limited.
On the shelves, they also put related trades and hardcovers together with the single-issue monthly comics. They don't put the single-issues in sleeves but they do put the trades and hardcovers in sleeves. While this sleeving protects the product, it repels the customer from leafing through the item to preview its contents. Don't come here for trades because they don't have a big collection, unless you order it directly from them.
They also don't carry independent (some), foreign, manga, anime, fringe, or art books. Their children's section is kinda limited as well.
___
This store is primarily for the single-issue superhero lover. Not a huge collection or store, yet what they do carry has enough variety and is well presented to please most comic fans.
Black Cat Comics is THE best comic shop I've ever come across.
Others have mentioned the subscriber service (with 10% discount), so I'll skip on that, but this is just the best place. It's SOLELY comics-culture based (they don't have a bunch of junk cluttering up the place like a certain place in West San jose); the staff absolutely doesn't have the snobby attitude of another (now defunct) shop in downtown, and they actually CARE about comics, not sales, unlike another shop in east san jose.
However, Black Cat Comic's quaities stand on their own. Every single employee there knows and loves comic book culture. They've usually got tons of recommendations if asked, but never try to force anything on anyone. They're always willing to answer questions about any book or about reordering.
I've been to other shops, but Black Cat is the place I call home.
Nice to see comic book stores still in business and seemingly thriving--heck, these days it's good to see ANY independent bookseller still in business!
And Mark & Francie and their large staff are exactly the kind of people you'd hope to find in any bookstore--friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable & helpful. Black Cat is not some exclusive club solely for the ubergeek--first-timers are welcome, innocent questions answered patiently and without derision. Children and adults alike are treated respectfully as peers.
More things I appreciate:
* Subscriber service: When the titles we want come in, they are put aside just for us, at a discount. So, we don't have to call ahead & beg, or try to come in religiously every delivery day. AND-- we got a free totebag when we signed up! Comic world meets NPR! Also, if you subscribe to certain titles & something similar comes in, they'll set it aside just so you can check it out before it disappears--no pressure to buy.
* Looking for a title they don't have? They'll order it, no prob! We've gotten a lot of our manga this way, plus the hardbound collected Peanuts, and a lot more.
* Convenient location--Calevaras and Milpitas Boulevard, makes it conveniently on the way SOMEPLACE--you just have to decide where!
Black Cat is cool cat, & this is one independent locally-owned business you can support on reasons beyond just principle.
Even if this wasn't the only comic shop for 10 miles...
If you need comics and other geek-out items (action figures, RP trinkets, trading cards, etc), this is the place to go. The employees are great, and will bag and board while you wait. And speaking of geeking out, you can always count on a big discussion/argument about who did what to whom last week and who could defeat who in hand to hand combat!!!1! If you buy certain issues regularly, be sure to get a subscription (they give 10% discount for subscribers) and you can just come in and pick everything up, no browsing. Yeah right, like you could come within 100 meters of a comic shop and not go in to browse. Geek.
Nice, fairly large, clean and well-organized place. Owner is super nice. Greets you right as you walk in. Decent selection of toys.
It's good to know that there is still a place that caters to super hero fantasies. I especially appreciate Black Cat because they are willing to help you locate specific comics, even if they don't carry them. Plus, it's obvious that the employees are true enthusiasts.
I called to see when the next issue of Powers were going to come out and they were very nice and helpful! They put me on a list and said that they will call me as soon as they get it! Also the organization in the store is great! Easy to locate comics.
This comic book store is by far the best I've ever come accross. Their books are well organized and the stores layout is simple to follow. The staff is always very friendly and are always there to offer their comic book suggestions. The books are always, ALWAYS, in perfect condition, unlike other stores where they have books that are all tore up. They have a great selections toys too!
I've been a loyal customer of BCC since I moved to the SF Bay area back in '04. I must say that I like the service and the friendly and knowledgeable staff. They are always ready to discuss different artists and plot lines, as well as movies, culture and politics in general.
I like the subscriber discount, and the fact that they don't mind my coming in only about once a month to pick up my titles, rather than weekly.
I agree with codename V in that the staff is very friendly, and definitely not snooty (or creepily geeky, for that matter). They have been ready with reccommendations based on my prior reading habits when I've been in search of new titles to try out.
Their displays are bare bones, but one is not paying for ambience. I would like it if they had had more manga, but we all have our preferences, and the local B&N has more floor space to accommodate the 14+ books these series often contain. However, they are happy to order whatever you want if they don't have it in stock.
Finally, the line of cat-themed fashion items in the front glass case is charming. I bought a Red Tango purse here last year, and I still love it. I wish that some of the Emily the Strange stuff came in 'adult' sizes, (that is, ones that would fit a size 14) but that's my only gripe.
The place to go in Milpitas if you are into cards/comics. Place is clean and well organized. Changed owners and names a few times but this place outlasted the other cards/comic shops in town.
haha, comic book stores are such a rarity nowadays...
but seriously - you know that comic book guy from THE SIMPSONS? most of the guys that work or hang out here crack me up... last time i was in here, i overheard a conversation that made me want to die laughing...
"who was the best captain of star trek?" - just so happened to be the subject matter... and their arguments were just insane and random. great place to pick up a few things if your a big collector or just a curious passer by.
Best comic bookstore in the Bay. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Convenient location. EZ access from the freeway, lots of parking; close to McDonald's
Oh man! These guys are great. I used to go there all the time when I was a kid and they would give me a discount when I bought stuff. I used to think it was because I was cool....until I found out they're just awesome people.
Probably one of the better comic stores around. But I use to really love this place. I'm a trade paper back kinda guy, and back in the day, they would have trades arranged by publishers. For me, it was awesome. I didn't have to wade through stuff I would never read. Now I'm lost. But it's still a great place to go. Huge selection and the staff is very helpful. Stop in if you're in the area.
I don't write many reviews, but when I do, it is for a great reason. I don't know why this review is not my 1st or 2nd. Sorry Mark and Francie (owners). Black Cat Comics is the very best in comic stores. None of that nose-in-the-air attitude I sometimes get at a place in Campbell or the junky atmosphere of the one near San Jose City College. The staff and owners are fabulous. I feel like I am a special customer and get treated like one whenever I go in. Everything is easy to see and find. If you can't find it, let the staff know and they will get it for you. Just like Emily's review, you got to get a subscription. Subscription is always the best way to go so you don't miss an issue. I have not missed any issues since I started shopping there three years ago. Easily accessible via 880 or 680 in Milpitas near City Hall. Convenient hours and lots of parking. Help support your local comic store!
been a saver since they took over the place. the staff are very friendly and courteous. they carry all the dc, marvel, and tons of trades. like all comic stores these days, no much back issues since they are worthless. they do have good sales during holidays to clear all the back issues off their inventory.
Black Cat is easily the best comic shop in the San Jose area. The staff is amazing!!!!! They'll help you in any way they can and they're uber friendly. They'll reserve any new releases you want and if you miss an issue, they'll do everything they can to get it for you. They offer subscriptions at no extra cost and if you subscribe to multiple titles you get a 10% discount. Black Cat is primarily for new releases. They have a fine selection of back issues but it seems to me the main focus is the new stuff. However, they do have recent back issue bins and a buy 5 get 5 free deal that accompanies them. They also have 1$ bins that feature the same deal. They also have a bunch of cool other stuff like T-shirts, posters, toys, etc. If you plan on buying new comics on a regular basis this is the place to go. Besides, if you want a lot of back issues you should just get them online anyway. Seriously, the best reason to shop here is the service. After all the arrogant or embittered A-hole's I've dealt with who work at comic shops it was refreshing to find a laid back, hip, friendly staff.
Fremont, CA
Cupertino, CA
Category: Toy Stores
Belmont, CA
Category: Hobby Shops
Santa Clara, CA
San Jose, CA
Category: Comic Books
Places to go in the south bay when there's a whole…
Where 237, 880 and 680 all meet up. Really it's…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
My list of shops I like - based on inventory,…
