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Bridge City Comics
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Comic Books Comic Books [Edit]
3725 N Mississippi AvePortland, OR 97227
Neighborhoods: North Portland, Boise, Mississippi
(503) 282-5484
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 7 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
28 reviews for Bridge City Comics
Review Highlights
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"...with a wide selection of graphic novels and independent..." In 2 reviews -
"...they have some $1 back issue, and really cool atmosphere..." In 3 reviews -
"There's the standard Marvel/DC sections, but also shelves..." In 3 reviews
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28 reviews in English
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Review from Ryan a.
Portland, OR
1/4/2012
Bridge City Comics rekindled my love for superhero comics when they first opened several years back. Like most on-again off-again superhero comics fans, it's pretty crucial for me to share enthusiasm with other fans to maintain interest in what's coming out, and the folks at Bridge City Comics were really instrumental in that for me. The owner, Mike, has a very clear love for the stuff he sells and his enthusiasm is infectious.
Bridge City Comics is the kind of mom 'n' pop shop that (sadly) almost doesn't exist at all anymore, a real neighborhood, family-friendly store that remembers your name and tries to sell you stuff not just to turn a profit but because they know you'll love it as much as they do. Over the years I've gotten to know the folks over there and have come to look forward to visiting them as much as I look forward to picking up my new comics. I'll always remember talking with Kameron about my plans about going back to school or her giving me yoga advice, and I'd always end up talking comics with Lucas so emphatically that we eventually became friends outside of the store.
Portland has at least 3 truly great comic book stores, and each has a fantastic niche that it fills that makes it a necessary part of the landscape. Bridge City is the best store for superhero fans, and the best place to bring your kids to. Watching the owners' own little girl grow up as you make your weekly pick-up is as much a testament to this as anything. -
Review from Jessica G.
Portland, OR
5/5/2012
Absolutely fabulous, dahling. While on a search to "have what I wanted when I wanted it" I decided to branch out of my usual shop (Bridge City) and take a tour of some of the other shops to see if they had what I was looking for. They didn't. It was a good lesson in why I love Bridge City comics so much. I'm not talked down to and the staff is genuinely enthusiastic about all of the mediums they carry in their shop. I've even had suggestions from staff that are now favorites of mine. Like others have said the shop is clean, bright AND always captivates my attention(which says a lot coming from a genuine A.D.D. 'er like myself). I won't even get into my complaints about the other shops because that's not what this is about. Let's just say that Bridge town has what the others do not: charisma, style, and attentiveness. My girls and I will continue to get all of our favorites here.
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Review from B R.
Portland, OR
4/23/2012
I stopped this place after visiting one of the local restaurants. It was a sunny day, so I stopped in. I never actually noticed the comic bookstore. But, once I went inside, it was pretty cool. I love comics. This business is very clean and well organized. There is something for everything. You do not have to be a nerd or geek like myself to enjoy comics.
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Review from Mindy C.
4/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Well lit and brightly colored - the polar opposite of what you would expect if you are operating on any pre-conceived notions of local comic book shops.
Was only here to attend an evening signing event, but the staff was courteous and helpful. Plus, there was free beer!
BONUS TIP: Beer and unpurchased comic books do not mix. If you are prone to spilling.
Beer and already purchased comics, however, do mix.
OTHER BONUS TIP: If attending a free event and drinking free beer - it's important to purchase SOMETHING. Comic book stores are a dying American entity, which is super sad. They need your love, support and money. :) -
Review from Erika L.
Portland, OR
11/9/2011
We usually come here because of the friendly staff and great set up. I have a young comic reader, seven years old, and they always seem excited to help him find new things. Recently we walked out of the comic store near us and decided to drive to BCC, because we knew we'd get great service, and great attention. Only coming here from now on!
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Review from Kenny H.
Portland, OR
3/4/2011
I like being able to pick up my TPBs here and not have the place feel like it's a bloated, overstocked "Android's Dungeon"-type store, or the personal storage for bric-a-brac that the owner couldn't give two shits about.
Clean, well-lit with great selection, and the staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgable. One of the great Comic Stores in PDX. -
Review from Ben P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/4/2007
On their website, Bridge City Comics describes themselves as a "family-oriented shop that caters to the needs of families." I have no idea what the hell that's supposed to mean. I half expected Bridge City Comics to, like, be selling diapers, contraceptives, mashed peas, breast pumps, and bulk packages of mac and cheese. If only. That would have at least been original.
What "family-oriented" means, in this case, is booooring. It means Donald Duck and Superman on the low shelves, and stuff that shows titties or the "fuck" word way up on the high shelves away from innocent little hands of toddlers. It means how Republicans have sex. On the other hand, it also means, at least, that the floors are pretty clean.
__________________________
UPDATE: 3/21/07
I originally gave Bridge City 3 stars: a perfectly average rating for a perfectly average comic shop.
But after Michael R, the owner of Bridge City Comics, contacted me via Yelp Compliment with the following insulting and dumb message, I'm revising my review accordingly. Thanks, Michael, for proving that your store is anything but average!
"Hi there-
My name is Michael Ring and I'm the owner of Bridge City Comics. I just read your review of my shop and was curious if you ever actually visited the store. If so, I'm surprised at the vitriol in your review. Did we not have what you were looking for? Did an employee not treat you well? I'd be curious to know why you'd pull a quote from our website out of context (the full quote is "We're a fun, family-oriented shop that caters to the needs of families, new readers, and casual fans, as well as hard-core comics fans!").
And honestly, what's wrong with having a shop that families feel comfortable going into? I completely understand that we can't be everyone's favorite shop but, yikes, do we really deserve some weird review where you mention mashed peas in an effort to be funny?
I'd really like to know what specifically caused you to write such a review if you have the time. Hey, we can't get better if we don't get constructive criticism, right? :)
Thanks,
Michael"Listed in: Comic Books
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Review from Eric B.
5/3/2010
Early in our relationship, Gayle was surprised to learn that I read comic books. Actually, she discovered my "Infinite Crisis" series, another DC Universe reboot. Since that time, I've tried to "grow up" and phase out my comic book reading, even though I didn't really want to. And with a few exceptions (like last year's Star Trek Movie prequel), I've pretty much turned into an occasional browser of the art work, including periodic inquiries on how old Kal-El and the Phantom Zone gang are getting along these days.
Bridge City Comics feels more like a grown up book store and maybe just the place for a good comic intervention. It's uncluttered, nicely organized, and with a respectable family nerd factor. The space itself has a hip industrial garage vibe and it's easy and comfortable to just hang out and look around. They also have a nice local comics selection and a guy at the front desk who both answers your questions and leaves you and your imagination alone. -
Review from Kalani C.
7/30/2010
I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for comics. Instead of books, this was my first entry into reading, graphic desgin, print animation, anatomy and sex appeal.
After grade school, I'd get car pooled to my friends' father's car shop to await pick up from my mother an hour later. Nothing exciting about that. However, next door was a neighborhood comic and book store.
I'd spend hours reading these comics that ignited my imagination, taking me far away from the misery of school, bullies and imature antics. This was my escape from grade school reality.
It was a pleasure walking into a bonafide comics store. Bright, clean and well organized. Memory lane. I browsed the selections and marveled at the high caliber of the graphics present. Actual graphic novellas with sweeping sagas and immaculate artistry. Impressive. These stories and heroes are more complex and uncanny as ever.
A thoroughly pleasant browse experience that brought back great memories. Thank you Bridge City Comics!Listed in: The Beaver State: All things…
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Review from John T.
1/20/2009
Nice uncluttered comic shop. I like how they leave me alone to browse. what is most interesting to me is the local comic section which is definately a huge plus.
I know i haven't bought or read a comic in years and my questions should have been pretty frustrating to answer but the guy at the counter was nice enough to explain it until i understood what the difference was. that to me is awesome! -
Review from Rebecca H.
Dublin, CA
7/24/2008
I used to be a comic fan, reading "Myth Adventures" , "Heavy Metal," "Arkham Asylum" and "Elfquest." And then, for some reason, I stopped. It's too bad, there is some great stuff out there. I don't know much about what makes a great comic book store anymore, but the staff at Bridge City Comics was perfectly helpful and pleasant. I didn't get stink eye when I thumbed through some of the comics. I had a nice conversation with the guy that works there about Comic-Con and how commercial and studio oriented it is now, no longer is it really for comic book geeks.
I bought a little book for my niece, and the guy was honest that he hasn't read it and doesn't know how scary it is, so I'll read it first to make sure I don't send her the stuff of nightmares.
I was very happy with my visit and purchase, and found that it is family oriented, with something for everybody. That isn't a bad thing. -
Review from Lindley E.
Chicago, IL
6/10/2007
The service here was amazing -- so what if the selection is more mainstream, with only a slight tip of the hat to underground and indie? I received some of the most polite, helpful and constructive service I have ever received in a comic shop. My dude (forgot to get his name) didn't care that I was woefully naive when it came to comics - he walked me through a number of titles he thought I might like and explained them to me, without any pressure to buy.
I did end up going back, the list he wrote me in hand, and buying a few titles, which I read on the plane on my trip home. I can only imagine what the grandmother sitting next to me thought of the adult woman reading comics next to her in first class.... -
Review from Mike W.
Portland, OR
9/10/2008
The people who work here really, really love comics. They don't love only superhero stuff or only artsy comics. They appreciate comics in all its forms. That really helps when I'm looking for something new to read or I want to branch out in a different direction from my usual stuff. I never feel like I'm being judged. That's probably my own neurosis but it never manifests here.
This is definitely one of the better comic shops in Portland. The emphasis is on graphic novels, not the loose, monthly comics. They have those, too, but no real back issue selection.
The selection is pretty diverse. There's the standard Marvel/DC sections, but also shelves and shelves of indy/small press stuff. Stuff for the little ones has it's own section. Only one bookcase of manga, but you can find that anywhere, these days.
Reading other reviews, I'm kind of mystified how someone might think the little kid stuff is "on the low shelves" since most of the place is sorted alphabetically. I'm going to agree with the owner's questioning of whether the reviewer has ever actually been in the store. And, boy, the owner asking for constructive feedback so he can fix any perceived problems sure is a dick move. How dare he! I will agree with one thing, though. The floors *are* clean. -
Review from Christen M.
Portland, OR
2/6/2007
One day my boyfriend and I were walking down Mississippi when something in the window at Bridge City Comics caught my eye. He said, "I can't believe YOU'RE leading ME into a comic book store." See, I pretty much quit comic books when I left Archie behind at age 10. Now, I read the occasional graphic novel, but still, it's rare that I want to spend any time in a comic book store.
As it is, we both found ourselves poring over lots of stuff. In addition to comics comics (lots of Dark Horse, etc.), there are plenty of books that appeal to a more general pop culture sensibility. Including books about the history of comics, pop culture collections, etc. And the first poster is simply incorrect in his assertion that the naughty words and boobs are hidden from view. The item that piqued my interest was a collection of Playboy interviews; I also thumbed through copies of Fun Home and Lost Girls, both of which contain scenes of explicity sexuality, while wandering through the store, and I didn't have to get special permission or anything. That said, it's true that not only can you take your non-comic-book-geek girlfriend to Bridge City Comics, you can probably feel safe taking your impressionable niece or nephew there and loading up on hardbound Peanuts collections. -
Review from Jenn W.
Portland, OR
5/12/2007
Clean, inviting and friendly. As a female I don't feel weird going into this comic book store, and I really appreciate that!
I wouldn't mind if there was a little more "pizzaz" to the store, but if you're looking for a well organized and varied selection, you'll be happy here. -
Review from Christian L.
Portland, OR
10/22/2010 20 Check-ins Here
Bridge City is a very very nice comic shop. The staff are knowledgable, but not snobby or elitist. They are indie fans, mainstream fans, you name it, and they're always happy to talk about comics with you.
Great selection, from local mini-comics to the latest trades, and a huge wall of monthly titles.
It costs nothing to start a box to collect your favorite books, and they're always available by email, facebook, twitter (@BridgeCityComx).
There's a Book Club once a month where folks get together to talk about a book in a casual setting - lots of fun! -
Review from Oliver C.
Durham, NC
7/27/2010
This a really great neighborhood comics store with a wide selection of graphic novels and independent comics. If that's not your thing don't worry because they also have an array of other kinds also.
The employees are friendly and my favorite thing about the shop is the recommended and local wall. You can definitely pick up random books you've never heard of before and trust that they'll be awesome in some way. I am now enchanted with Blaise Larmee due to this place...not that I understand what the hell happened in this comic.
Bridge City is a great comics hub for the neighborhood. -
Review from wayne s.
San Francisco, CA
8/21/2008
Good selection of comics here, but the Marvel section goes on for days and days??? Local Portland comic artisits are well represented. I was in here for awhile and I was the only patron - oy vey! Fans of comics are seldom understood...
p.s. A good place to duck in from the rain. -
Review from Vincent M.
Portland, OR
11/29/2009
I used to be into comics 30yrs ago. I was curious to get reacquainted with the graphic novel genre but didn't know where to begin.
The staffperson here was extremely helpful and the suggestions he recommended were spot on, I am a fan once again. The selection seemed very broad, diverse and I appreciate that they have a local authors section.
I highly recommend this place. -
Review from Brandon H.
Portland, OR
10/12/2008
Yeah, Bridge City's got the monthly hero books, but just a quick peek through the window gives you a solid sense of where their focus - and adoration - is really at: graphic novels. Which makes me particularly happy.
The staff's great, the selection of graphic novels is comprehensive and superb, ranging from the Marvel and DC hero titles to the critically regarded Vertigo and Darkhorse stuff, a great selection of smaller press titles, and an outstanding representation of Portland artists. They cover the big monthlies well, but if you're looking for every monthly on the planet, they're probably not your shop. Graphic novels, baby. When comics-loving friends from out-of-town visit, I plan to bring them here.
The earlier-posted review devolving into pretentious hispter jackassery pertaining to Bridge City's "family friendliness" is exactly that - pretentious jackassery. Bridge City's just friendly - period. -
Review from Wael N.
Beaverton, OR
5/18/2011
great lil place in an awesome lil town.
okay so the place isnt huge or anything but its definetly worth the visit, they have a used comic rack ( good quality discounted prices) they have some $1 back issue, and really cool atmosphere, the owner is always there and is very helpful, and i love the organization of store. plus he has some pretty cool vinyl toys. -
Review from Wendy C.
Portland, OR
3/31/2009 ROTD 12/22/2009
I don't believe I've owned a comic book since 1981. It was probably Richie Rich or Betty and Veronica, and probably purchased with my allowance pennies at the local Fry's grocery store. Where Small Child got it in her head she wanted a comic book, I don't know! I expected Bridgetown Comics to emit bachelor stink and to have to shield Small Child's eyes from covers showing disembowlments and boobies. However, it was easy to find the small kiddie section and avoid the grown-up covers, plus the place was neat & clean. Small Child found an Avengers Fairy Tale to spend her $2 allowance on and the nice folks working there threw a couple of freebies in the bag for her as well. A totally non-scary/non-smelly experience for people who really have no desire to enter a comic book store, hurray!
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Review from Johnny M.
Portland, OR
1/31/2011
Not having been a reader of comic books or graphic novels I was unsure of what I was doing going into this store. Someone told me that I should really give graphic novels a try so I did. Walked in and took a look around. Felt really comfortable and not overwhelmed at all. Not that they didn't have a great selection, just that I felt comfortable browsing. Loved the variety of material. Nice guy working behind the counter who didn't make me feel like a loser buying a copy of Watchmen 6 months before the movie came out. Clearly I'm behind the times but whatever. Have been back a couple of times since and will probably only ever buy comics here. or maybe Powell's. Thanks.
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Review from Scott E.
Portland, OR
12/15/2010
I love this place. They have a lot of books for such a small looking shop, and the folks there are always helpful. I went in to buy The Walking Dead 2 the other day, and the guy at the counter offered that they just got a used copy in. It was in great shape so I got it for $8 less! A lot of places would just ignore that and let me go ahead and buy the more expensive copy. They are always good for recommendations too.
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Review from Gabe C.
Portland, OR
6/25/2010
I'm not really into comics. I like the occasional graphic novel and what not but can hardly say it's something I'm in to. My brother however is. When he came to town to see a concert and returned with his bounty of items...he was thrilled. People are super nice in here. They had stuff my brother couldn't find anywhere else (and he'd been looking for awhile). My endorsement isn't worth much here (or anywhere really) but I'd like to chime in on this one and say ditto....yes indeed it is awesome if you are into comics.
Listed in: M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I
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Review from Brad C.
Chicago, IL
2/1/2007
I thought Bridge City Comics had a great selection, especially of Dark Horse. They didn't have as large of a selection of Graham Crackers Comics in Chicago but still enough to make me happy. They also had a great selection of Portland comic artists. If Bridge City Comics and Missing Link (on Belmont) became one store it might be the greatest store in Portland.
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Review from Jose S.
Fort Lee, NJ
12/22/2009
Good selection and very helpful staff
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Review from Walter C.
Portland, OR
8/6/2009
This is a great shop and its really nice to have a store in North Portland. I've been there a couple times and the employees are nice, like to chat and let you browse in peace. They offer box's, no discount but they don't have a minimum and are pretty laid back about pick-ups which is nice. They have a very small (like 3 or 4 long boxes) back issue inventory, so keep that in mind. They even have a small shelf of used TP's which is cool, selection is pretty sparse though. All in all a very nice store, its my new Wednesday shop.
