Brainstorm Movies, Comics and Gaming

5.0 star rating
79 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Comic Books, Music & DVDs  [Edit]

1648 W North Ave
(between Marshfield Ave & Paulina St)
Chicago, IL 60622
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
(773) 384-8721
Nearest Transit:

Damen-O'Hare (Blue Line)

Hours:

Mon-Tue, Thu 12:30 pm - 8 pm

Wed 11 am - 10 pm

Fri-Sat 11 am - 8 pm

Sun 11 am - 5 pm

Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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"Robert and his staff are truely amazing." (in 24 reviews)
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"I even set up a pull list with them - that's how much I..." (in 5 reviews)
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"Their video rental section is to die for." (in 12 reviews)
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79 reviews in English

  • Review from Yesy D.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here

    If you like friendly workers with insight and are more than willing to help and answer your questions, this is the place. I have been to comic book stores where the people who work there are pretentious and annoyed if you ask questions, this place is nothing like that. They helped out my 12 year old brother and answered every question he had and even helped my 4 year old find age appropriate comics. I don't know the guy's name but the guy with the cool Ren and Stimpy shirt he made was very helpful. There was another guy there who I can't honestly remember how he looked like that also was nice and helpful.

    I intend on bringing my brother her more often and giving these people my business. Street parking is reasonable but metered. I read the reviews after we decided to go there and I can see why the reviews are great. With one visit you now have 4 new fans! :)

  • Review from Ashley B.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    1/4/2012

    Solid spot. I didn't get too much of a chance to brows that thoroughly but we did land a couple awesome presents for my younger cousin. I'll be back!

  • Review from Doc M.

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    • 0 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/27/2011

    Great staff! Cool selection! I love it!

  • Review from Carly L.

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    • 4 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/24/2011

    Even more reason to cancel your Netflix membership. There's really nothing bad about this place. Great selection of kids' movies, and by great I mean the movies are actually stuff you'd be able to watch with your kids without wanting to drill a hole in your head. Unbeatable deals, and who needs a movie for more than 5 days, anyway? Parking is really not a problem if you're able to turn your car right or left and park on a side street instead of North Avenue. The employees are super helpful and friendly and won't make fun of you even if the only comics you read have Buffy or Angel in them. (At least, not to your face.) I'd also recommend visiting around Halloween just to see Matt the Mean One's latest costume. They're pretty amazing.

  • Review from Robert C.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 7 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/16/2011

    Great!   Enough said....

  • Review from Joy D.

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    • 1 friend
    • 23 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Pretty good selection of DVDs. Staff friendly and knows their stuff. If what I need is checked out at Facets, and Odd Obsession doesn't have it, Brainstorm will probably have it.

  • Review from Laura B.

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    • 11 friends
    • 19 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    10/15/2007

    Well, I can't believe it's taken me so long to write this review. I started going to Brainstorm a few weeks after they'd opened (about 5 years ago, now, I think) because they were an excellent alternative to the now closed (and condemned-looking) Blockbuster down the street on North and the highway. And, truthfully, they still are. Brainstorm's selection of horror, cult, and documentaries is terrific, and it's only now that I've got a new neighborhood video store that I truly appreciate their clear and easy to navigate organization (Toots and Grandslam--I adore you more than words, but it's craziness on those shelves! Who doesn't alphabetize, for the love of Beta-max??). In addition to the lovely selection of movies, they do have comics, and quite a lovely selection of those, or so says my HUSBAND, who I MET AND FELL IN LOVE WITH AT BRAINSTORM!

    Yes, that's correct. About five years ago I had a Jaws-sized crush on the "cute video store guy" at Brainstorm, and we're now married (it's been 2 weeks, and we just reorganized our collective comic book collection.). Though, to the store's credit, my new husband is not the only lovable fellow working at the store: Robert, the owner, Matt, the artist and writer extraordinaire, Sean, the very tall and very fabulous, and pretty much everyone else who works there or has worked there, and everyone who goes there to rent videos or buy comics or play hero-clicks. It's a great community there, and a great business to patronize. (But ladies [and gentlemen], if you see a cute comic-book patron with horn-rims and an adorable buzz-cut, he's taken.)

  • Review from Matt C.

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    • 6 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    10/15/2007

    Here I was, searching for Brainstorm on Yelp!, assuming that no one else had heard of this magical little Chicago gem.

    Then I notice it's ranked like number three on the list of best shops in Chicago.  Well, it's like that for a reason.

    Robert and the rest of the staff at the place are helpful.  No wait, that is an understatement.  Robert will literally throw discounts and comic books at you just for frequenting his store.  I cannot recommend this place more to anyone, even people who don't read comics.  I tell everyone I know about this store.  It's amazing.  Their video rental section is to die for.  Any old jerk could go to Blockbuster and rent Daddy Day Care, but could you rent The Monster Squad, Spellbound, or the complete series of The Greatest American Hero?  I think not.

    Like I said, if you're a comic collector, this is your new store.  Every comic is bagged and boarded FOR FREE, and if you have a subscription service or video rental account (which both are free,) then you also get a 10% discount on any comics in the store.  Honestly, why go to any other shop?

    Don't.  Go to Brainstorm.

  • Review from Michael P.

    Louisville, KY

    5.0 star rating
    2/10/2008

    BRAINSTORM IS INSANE!  Most triumphant!

    I'm not much into comic books, but I love to go to a video store, find a random movie that's interesting, and watch it.  This is the place to do that.  They have tons of obscure and bizarre films adjacent to the classics and popcorn movies.  The staff is really friendly as well.  Mike answered all my questions about Pumpkinhead, since I'd never heard of it and it looked fucked up and amazing.  It quickly turned sociological.

    Also, they have a better selection and cheaper prices than the large chains.  However, they don't have multiple copies of titles, so sometimes you might not get what you're wanting.  For the indecisive, it helps narrow your choices down, but if it breaks your heart, rentals are only for 2 to 4 days so just come back.

    They also said they were going to consider my suggestion of splitting the comedy section into "smart" and "dumb."  That, too, would be aces.

  • Review from Lindsay K.

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/8/2009

    And thanks to one kick butt community of geekdom Brainstorm is back before it ever went away!  Congrats and nice job to Robert and Matt!

    And bravo to everyone that helped them keep their doors open! :)

    Listed in: Geek Grrl

    Was this review …?

    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 5.0 star rating
      8/19/2009

      What a sad announcement this morning that Brainstorm is closing.  Robert and Matt, you're awesome… Read more »

    Comment from Matt F. of Brainstorm Movies, Comics and Gaming 8/27/2009   
    We asked for a miracle and we got one. We're staying put.… More »
  • Review from Robin W.

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    • 67 friends
    • 203 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/8/2008

    Robert is the coolest business owner.....my friends are really big on comics and I'm sort of a traitor to their world having given up on graphic novels a long time ago. They make it a point to come here every week and when I tagged along, I saw why that Simpson's perspective of the bitter, life-wasting, useless fact squandering "Comic Book Guy" is changing!

    No matter what your thing is....Robert will find a charming way to interest you in a new storyline! He overheard me commenting about some videos to a friend (YES, this is ALSO a GREAT VIDEO STORE), and he did not hesitate to list a dozen movies and comics that have similar story lines. He is a walking "If you like that..try this!"

    Moreover, you can get a personal box subscription to different comics, and he'll order them and set them aside for you...so you can pick up things in bulk.

    P.S. If you havn't checked out comics in a while, take a look at anything Grant Morrison.....it really turned me back onto the scene.

  • Review from Carl W.

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    • 25 friends
    • 82 reviews

    Santa Clara, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/10/2010

    When it comes to buying back issues (assuming you avoid eBay as I do), there are two main options; a bunch of quarter bins where you have to flip through each issue to find what you want, and a well-organized series of boxes where everything is marked up to hell (I got most of the issues of Hourman for a quarter each, whaddya mean it's $4 per issue here?).

    Brainstorm gets my undying admiration for marking almost everything that came out in my lifetime at $1 (except for the rare item that's actually worth something). Sure the quarter bin at other places is cheaper, but they have more recent stuff here, and you won't have to dig for gold as long, which makes it worth it. I haven't checked out the movie side of things, or the new comic side of things for that matter, but it looks impressive enough.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Matt F. of Brainstorm Movies, Comics and Gaming 10/12/2010   
    Thank you for the awesome review! As a collector myself, I… More »
  • Review from Euripides X.

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    • 3 friends
    • 264 reviews

    ASTORIA, NY

    5.0 star rating
    12/7/2010

    Who doesn't love this place?  Seriously, just look at these reviews.

    Robert and the gang are so great.  Brainstorm has the right formula that keeps customers loyal and eager to return.

    If you haven't checked this place out yet, then what the heck are you waiting for?

  • Review from Eric B.

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    • 6 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    1/24/2007

    An update, Sept. 2007:
    So my wife is tooling around Yelp the other day and she says, "Did you know you gave Brainstorm only 4 stars. Every one else gives it 5. You love that place." I'm thinking, well, yeah, 4 stars is good and I don't want people to think I'm easy...but it started to bug me. Yeah, I love this place, the boy loves this place and we can't get to the store enough. The boy always wants to ask Robert (the owner) something (right now: What's the name of the blue guy from the last X-Men movie?) or show him the new 'guy' (action figure) he got from Grandma. The wife is right: it's a 5 star store.

    From Jan. 2007...
    In my quest to make sure the boy knows that Peter Parker is Spider-Man and Bruce Wayne is Batman--really, what education would be worthwhile without such knowledge?--I tip my hat to the fine folks at Brainstorm Comics and Gaming. They seemed genuinely excited when a dad and his 3-year old came in to check out some new bedtime reading material. They have a nice section for all age comic books...good selection of all your major super heroes...and a nice, comfortable atmosphere. In fact, on our first visit, the owner came over and gave the boy a little Batman action figure (sure, it was on closeout for less than $1, but the gesture was hugely appreciated). We'll be back.

  • Review from Michael M.

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    • 42 friends
    • 283 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    10/11/2008

    Because I love going to new comic stores and it is so well reviewed by other Yelpers, I finally found some time and tried out Brainstorm. God, I am glad I did. What an awesome store. Their comic selection is excellent and for quarter bin divers like me, they have a lot of awesome deals and back issues to pour through. the guys working there were extremely nice too. They saw that it was my first time there and gave me a little swag bag. How cool is that!? I would definitely recommend Brainstorm to any comic reader.

    As for the movie selection, it actually makes me sad that I don' t live closer. I would be renting there all the time. Their rental library has a lot of great titles and stuff that you wouldn't find anywhere else. There is no reason not to be renting from Brainstorm if you live in the area.

  • Review from Gene W.

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    • 36 friends
    • 306 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    9/28/2009

    Don't know why it took me so long to finally make it to Brainstorm, but I'm glad I did. I've very recently gotten back into collecting comics (just the financial drain i needed, as if records and retro hockey jerseys needed competition) and this is exactly the kind of place I'd been looking for.

    I dropped in on Sunday right when the opened, and the gentleman behind the counter was super friendly, and made sure we felt comfortable approaching him with any questions. The store has a great inventory of back issues, many conveniently packaged together as complete story-lines at a discount price. Words cannot express how nice that is. Great section of trade paper backs, though I wish they had a few more volume 1's of collections. Everything that looked interesting seemed to be stocked from volume 2 on, but that's a real minor nitpick that may just have to do with coming in at the end of the week.

    After reading the other reviews, I wish I had payed more attention to the movie section. I will definitely be frequenting this place, so I'll have my opportunity. All in all, the trip to the store was completely satisfying. Now I just have to come in sans girlfriend so I don't feel bad about meticulously picking through their inventory while she putters around aimlessly. (Note: though she's not much of a comic reader she was thrilled with the tpb of Mr. Stuffins I nabbed for her).

  • Review from Christine R.

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    • 24 friends
    • 193 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    11/17/2007

    **Edited 1.02.08: Since the comic books I like seem to go pretty quickly, I now will start special ordering them - making this my definite new favorite comic book shop!! :)

    My fiance and I stopped there and he fell in love. I'm not really into comics, but I ended up picking up a couple that looked interesting. The staff was really nice and helpful. The discounts boxes are fun to go through and find little odd comics you would have never thought to buy.
    It's definitely a place we make an effort to go to.
    My only sadness is that the only comics I actually look for are Slave Labor and I didn't see any, oh well, lots of other new ones to discover.

  • Review from Joe T.

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    • 8 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Battle Creek, MI

    5.0 star rating
    8/5/2007

    Great place to shop for the comics, and grab an DVD as well.  I used to live in the area, and still come here regularly even though their are two comic stores close to me in Lakeview.  And this is why:

    Robert, Matt and staff are great, knowledgeable,  people and pleasant to all.  This is important, as the Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons is a stereotype for a reason.

    Great, clean, pop art store.

    Discount on already bagged-and-boarded comics, and a free holding service.

    DVD & Comics, under one roof.  Nuff said.

  • Review from scott B.

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    • 2 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    7/23/2008

    NO QUESTION ABOUT IT THE BEST COMIC SHOP EVER!!!!
    No limits on pulls, discounts on top of discounts.
    Plus Matt, Robert and Sean, whacky, knowledgable and funny, whats not to like. Oh yeah, and they have movies!

  • Review from Brad C.

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    • 190 friends
    • 645 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/1/2008

    All around an excellent store. Great selection and a friendly staff too boot. I go in everyone once and awhile just to check out whats new. I rarely buy comics these days.

    My buddy got a rental card from them a few years ago and the card they give you is a magic card. How unbelievable nerdy is that. =D

  • Review from Marissa P.

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    • 16 friends
    • 86 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    9/4/2008

    My favorite comic book shop evar.

    Matt loves Jeffrey Combs as much as I do!

  • Review from Jeannie B.

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    • 6 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    5/16/2008

    Best Rental Store EVER. PERIOD.

    end of review.

  • Review from Chip B.

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    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Carbondale, IL

    5.0 star rating
    5/30/2011

    Amazing. Store.

  • Review from Ryan C.

    Chicago, IL

    4.0 star rating
    8/10/2009

    I have to fess up that I really cannot stand anything to do with comic books and RPG gaming.  So what the hell am I doing in Brainstorm then?  The movies.  The selection of movies is not the biggest; however they have a great amount of Horror, Cult, Film Noir, Classics that you typically won't find elsewhere.  They do have some new releases, but not the same beat down releases that you will find at Hollywood Video or Blockbuster.  On top of that, the movie rentals are dirt cheap and well categorized.

    Next time you rent a movie, go to Brainstorm before you decide to go to the other chains.  Even though I don't like comic books and RPG, I would go there if I was.  

    Only downfall is actually getting there.  I don't live within walking/biking distance and have to feed the parking meters when I go there.  Them moving to another location is the only solution to that, but I don't see that happening.

  • Review from Maia H.

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    • 24 friends
    • 41 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    5.0 star rating
    11/13/2008

    I've died and gone to nerd heaven!
    This place has made my heart skip a beat and pound with so much lust after first stepping into the place. Not only do they have a pretty amazing video rental collection and finding all the classics I haven't been able to find elsewhere.By the way, my rental card will beat any of your magic cards.Its pretty much indestructible....But let me tell you about the comics..good grief, I end up spending a good 50 dollars each time I go in there. The staff is insanely knowledgeable about everything, including all the Dark Horse distribution.  I'm a huge Joss Whedon fan.

    I'm bummed to be moving so far away...but I will still get my fix in as often as possible..

  • Review from Dave S.

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    • 14 friends
    • 77 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    11/10/2009

    Recently relocating to Bucktown from the south side, the one thing that troubled me was finding another local comic shop that felt like home.

    Sure theres no shortage of them on the north side, but I get new comics every Wednesday so I'd have to find a place that I felt comfortable spending money, hanging out and supporting.

    Brainstorm is my comic store, I LOVE IT!

    The "comic store guy" stereotype sadly is very real. The sarcasm, the superiority, the elitism, the body-odor-isms.

    Brainstorm breaks the mold of what a comic store traditionally is, the staff is unbelievably humble and down to earth and awesome.

    Robert, Matt and Sean are extremely helpful, friendly and generally awesome dudes.

    They have an awesome selection of comics and movies and it's a treat having it so close to me, and knowing the guys who run it aren't just my "comic store guys" but they're my friends.

    BRAINSTORM!!! WOOO!!

  • Review from Keith C.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 22 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    6/11/2006

    As a comic shop this makes a great movie rental place. It's the type of joint where they keep the comics that came out that day--- not even that week, but that day--- in the window, and where your comic comes in a mylar bag. That's not a bad thing, as at least you won't find anyone with carefully arranged bedhead in here; their utter lack of any non-superhero comics ensures that.

    As a movie rental place this is pretty swell. It beats going to Earwax and having some goof scoff at your selection, and they have reasonable selections of new releases, classics, and Criterion discs, along with a totally unreasonable selection of comic book adaptations, Japanese horror and so on.

  • Review from Nikki O.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 15 reviews

    Cook, IL

    3.0 star rating
    8/31/2008

    Great little store. If I lived closer, I'd probably be there more often and would give it an extra star. Their trade section is ok. I've never seen any manga there (but I haven't really looked because it isn't my thing). The indie selection could be a bit better, but if you asked I'm sure they would order for you. They always have something fun showing on the tv (which you can rent because they also have an awesome rental selection). As others have mentioned, Rob is great at giving you suggestions for new titles to read.  

    Likes:  Set-up is good and you can see everything easily. Staff is excellent.
    Dislikes: Limited trade selection (unless you like Marvel). Not so crazy about having to open a bag & board to see a comic.

  • Review from Kaycee M.

    •  
    • 2 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/27/2007

    I used to live across the street, and loved this place.  I forget the guy's name who worked there, but he turned me on to a lot of TV shows and documentaries on DVD that I really enjoyed.

    I was always greeted by name at this place, and the staff knew you well enough to make great recommendations.  I'm not a comic book fan, but their movie selection is eclectic and reasonable.

  • Review from Jeffery S.

    •  
    • 31 friends
    • 14 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/5/2008

    Everyone wants to reclaim that glamor and love of comics they had when they were kids. But at the same time you don't want to feel like a retard because you didn't know Mary J and Peter Parker aren't together anymore. (Long story) Brain Storm Comics is the place to get your geek back!

    The store is easily laid out, the owners and staff are AWESOME with helping you find books that you'll like, keeping you up to speed on new arcs and helping to recommend books that might be of interest to you. I've on several occasions walked in and had a couple of new comics pulled to the side based on conversations and or my reading habits. "No pressure to buy, just saw these came in and thought you might like them because they tie into the Secret Invasion line really well".

    Subscriptions are free. All books come with bags and boards. They also have a movie selection that was hand picked by Jesus, Odin and Zeus. Any comic book related film or TV show you can think of I'm sure they have it. Statues and awesome specials, discounts....you know what. I'm rambling like a school girl about the cute boy in class.

    The bottom line is this is an awesome shop. It's got everything you need and in an easy location to get to via public transportation. Nice LATE hours too. (Open till like 10 on a Sunday? INSANE!) Check em out, you won't be disappointed.

  • Review from Dave D.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 12 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/11/2008

    I love, Love, LOVE Brainstorm!

    Everyone is always very friendly and knowledgeable. The service is exquisite. The selection is amazing!

    I broke a bone in my foot recently and am unable to pick up my comics for the next couple months. Robert is shipping my comics to me so I will have plenty of reading material while I recover. Everyone at Brainstorm really goes the extra mile to keep customers happy!

  • Review from Justin R.

    •  
    • 3 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    4/1/2009

    Brainstorm is what every comic book store should be. Knowledgeable, helpful, friendly staff that makes shopping there a great experience. Hell, they even make me think twice about ordering books off internet sites that I could probably save a couple of bucks on.

    After a hiatus in my love affair with comics, I recently was bit by the bug again and decided I needed to find a new comic book store to plant my roots. This was no easy task, since I am generally not that easy to please. I shopped around at all of the stores in the area and while none of them turned me off, Brainstorm simply rose above and beyond the rest.

    Within five minutes of looking around the store for a particular comic, Robert asked me what I needed and was helping me track down some back issues and graphic novels I wanted.

    Every time I have gone into to the store thereafter, I am constantly reminded how much they care about their customers and just how generally cool and knowledgeable the staff is. No one is ever pushing you to buy any new books, but they will give you great recommendations on what you should be reading based on what you like.

    Now I am a weekly regular and I just started taking advantage of the awesome movie selection and the great Wednesday (new comic book day) deal of 3 dollars for 7 days. So that you can come back in to grab your comics and some new movies while dropping the old one off. Even with my Netflix account, it is still worth it!

    I cannot say enough with how much I love this store. If you are into comics, make this your pull and hold store, you will not regret it. You will always come into a friendly conversation and walk out feeling part of a great little community.

  • Review from Casey H.

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    • 3 friends
    • 8 reviews

    IL

    5.0 star rating
    2/20/2007

    I just stopped by here for the first time after moving to the neighborhood and love this place so far. They have a great subscription service with no minimum comics quantity. I thought they had a pretty extensive trade section for the size and they have some cool cult movies you can rent too.

    My membership card is a Gamorian Gaurd from RotJ, that is neat.

  • Review from Cali M.

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    • 78 friends
    • 121 reviews

    Sacramento, CA

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2006

    They are so friendly and nice!

    It is a very cute store on the small side with lots of great art on the wall and lots of unique movie rentals. Good selection of trades and a bargain bin at the front of the store by the register.

  • Review from Patrick R.

    •  
    • 4 friends
    • 18 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    7/27/2006

    I put a lot of stock into where I buy comics. To get my business, a shop must stock all the latest titles, offer a convenient subscription service and provide intelligent fan-banter upon entry.

    Luckily, Brainstorm does all three. Unlike many comic shops, where the clerk only grudgingly puts down his meatball sub to ring you up with greasy fingers, Robert at Brainstorm is a great guy who always has time to chat about nerd stuff. It's refreshing in a big city like Chicago.

    Their subscription service is great: free bag-n-board plus 10% off, AND there's usually no lag time in adding or dropping a title from you list.

  • Review from Luke S.

    •  
    • 5 friends
    • 10 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    3.0 star rating
    8/24/2009

    Wow, Brainstorm has some ravenously fierce customers. Sorry for being blunt in my opinion, store just wasnt my cup of tea ( it was early May when I stopped in) I'm sure if I lived around the corner I would stop in more often but I personaly  wouldnt go out of my way like I do for other stores (comic and non comic alike). Glad you arent closing, cause that's a sad statement on the industry and not your store.

    Can't hit them all out of the park, I'd still shop here over other stores in town (if not just for the actual friendly people that work there) but the video aspect doesnt hold intrest for me. Good luck in the future.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Matt F. of Brainstorm Movies, Comics and Gaming 8/24/2009   
    Not sure when you were in last, but we did rearrange to… More »
  • Review from Chris S.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 4 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    3/31/2009

    Great movie selection, good layout, everything where it's supposed to be and great employees (The black guy with glasses rocks!).

    If you can't find what you're looking for anyplace else, chances are Brainstorm has it.

    When I did have a problem, it was quickly, attentively and personally addressed by the owner himself.  Definitely worth checking out.

  • Review from Mandy C.

    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 51 reviews

    Chicago, IL

    5.0 star rating
    8/22/2009

    Brainstorm has marked their entire comic inventory 50% off. I was there last night, and they said that if they have enough response to this sale, they may not close after all. So, if you want them to stick around, go and buy!

    And for the record, I love Brainstorm because they are super friendly and they don't give me either the googly or the stink eyes because I'm a girl.

    Was this review …?

    Comment from Matt F. of Brainstorm Movies, Comics and Gaming 9/8/2009   
    Thank you to everyone who came out for the sale. The trades… More »
  • Review from Jillian S.

    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Grayslake, IL

    4.0 star rating
    11/21/2008

    Alright, so I walked from Union Station to this place. And to anyone who doesn't know how far that is. It's FAR.

    And it was worth it! :]

    I walked in ready to fall asleep on the floor but was immediately revived by the store's charm, and clean, welcoming layout.

    I gave it a four out of five stars, only because I didn't stay for as long as I would have. (Only about 45 mins) But even from just that and sifting through a bare minimum, this place is great. And I'd probably give it a five overall.

    Walking in wasn't intimidating, nor was I welcomed by creepers, but two of the nicest faces I'd seen all day.

    (I don't know if that's a true compliment seeing as I had over 20 blocks of snow flakes, and disgruntled faces, but hey, I mean it in the best way!)

    I wanted to spend a lot more at the store but needed to spend money on a taxi to go back. I ended up managing to spot the top left corner of an art book about 2 feet above my head stashed in a corner behind about five other books, and got that before I left.

    The DVD selection from what I could tell was awesome. I wish I had more time to look through it!

    After I bought the book me and my friends got a bag of Misc. comics, for our journey. x] Lovely gesture~

    Still don't know which one had the curse though.

    Other than that. Worth the trip. And I sure as hell would like to think I made one.

    Certainly going to go again next time I'm in the area!

  • Review from Denis F.

    •  
    • 9 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Berlin

    Germany
    5.0 star rating
    7/14/2007

    I've been quite a fan of this place since moving to Wicker Park.  While I don't rent movies from here, I do purchase a number of comic tradebacks. For mainstream and the occasional indie comic, I would most certainly recommend this establishment. There is also a collection of action figures, t-shirts, collectible games, and serialized forms of the comics.

    The staff is friendly and initiates conversations quite regularly, ranging from movies to comics to politics and more. If you have a question, they will do their best to answer.

    I often take friends from out of state on a tour through my neighborhood, and during one such excursion a friend and I were perusing their action figures, and were flummoxed at one character. Upon our puzzled voices being heard, we were just as quickly told about the full run of the character, in which issues she had appeared, and her significant role. I have yet to ask a question and be treated as anything but a customer who was curious about the subject or specific storyline.

    Again, the staff helps make this a most wonderful place that makes a customer feel s/he is respected.

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