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Chicago Comics
Category: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Comic Books Comic Books [Edit]
3244 N Clark St(between Belmont Ave & Aldine Ave)
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview
(773) 528-1983
- Nearest Transit:
-
Belmont (Brown Line, Purple Line, Red Line)
Wellington (Brown Line, Purple Line)
Addison-Red (Red Line)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat 12 pm - 8 pm
Wed 11 am - 8 pm
Sun 12 pm - 7 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
93 reviews for Chicago Comics
Review Highlights
"They have a great selection of action figures."
(in 11 reviews)
"Great selection of comics, manga, and books."
(in 12 reviews)
"By far the sweetest zines and small press books are here."
(in 3 reviews)
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93 reviews in English
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Review from Norman R.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
great comic shop...ive been to this store a lot over the years...they always have a great selection ..and rarely run out of an issue. ive been collecting comics for years and i have to say this is a class A establishment.
they have tons of back issues as well..say your looking for the complete moon knight(1980s series) or the fallen angel issue from x factor to the breaking of the batman's back by bane issue..chances are youll find those here and LOTS MORE...i feel like a kid in a candy store everytime in in this place.
the staff is smart, friendly, and helpful ..the prices are decent too... back in the day i used to frequent a store called hep cat comics and for the love of toons comic shop..and the guy behind the counter knew the owners..so we had a nice chat about them.. plus they had some macross kits here...so thats an extra kudos :) -
Review from Chris B.
Chicago, IL
2/3/2012
Honestly, this is my favorite comic shops in town. I go once every two or three weeks to stock up on my graphic novels. Here is a comic shop you could bring your girlfriend into. (If you had one.)
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Review from Nick M.
7/19/2011
I've been here a dozen plus times and yet somehow I always find it ASTONISHING. They have a SPECTACULAR selection, I even MARVEL at their toys. Oh, they even have a dirty section. The staff is SUPER about taken care of you and when to give you some space to absorb it all in. Then you look at their prices... holy GALACTUS!! I know this is normal now and days but it is still very much a NEW MUTANT to me. It can totally play HAVOK on you wallet! Though I still love to run the GAMBIT of the old school selection, to which, you can always find comics at a HULK of a good price. Last time I walked into IRON MAN playing over the PA which was interesting.
In my opinion the biggest X-FACTOR to Chicago Comics is their selection of old and new, plus they keep some local artists novels stocked as well. Their owner must be a DAREDEVIL to bring in so much inventory!
P.S. DC... don't changeListed in: Lakeview, Reading is our friend
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Review from Michael S.
Denver, CO
12/5/2010
How cool is it that when I walked out I got this comment from my 10 yr old:
"Dad, that's a place I'd like to work, because I would always be learning new stuff and I'd always be thinking. I wouldn't be doing the same thing over and over again."
The guys who work here engaged my little one with unending patience, answered every question, offered new information and tidbits, and had him captivated and excited to read and return.
So, we will. -
Review from Barney B.
Chicago, IL
4/22/2010
I'm not the usual comic book customer, but I have been coming here for at least 10 years and always come out happy.
Great selection of comics, figurines, collectables, t-shirts, and a couple of my favorite magazines. I always find some weird shit here, folks. Conspiracy Card Sets, Beatles Comics, all that kinda stuff.
I'm sure any comic fan would find something here to buy.
Oh, and great service. Not snobby towards the occasional customer such as myself. (I get that at other places...) These guys are successful because they're good. How many other stores on Clark St. have been there that long? Not many. -
Review from Lindsay K.
Chicago, IL
6/9/2009 1 Check-in Here
*fangirl squeal entered here*
This place is like Disney World! On days that I'm blue nothing cheers me up like that old comic book smell. There's nothing like it!
I use to loathe Chicago Comics. I thought it was all hype and no personality. Either they changed or I did. Either way I'm happy I made the switch from my previous local shop.
First off, they rock in pulling my list every month. Right on target and check every time if I want to add/drop anything. And no hard feelings about dropping any books either!
Next, their communication rocks! I email them at work when I have a "oh! I need to add that!" moment. And they always confirm that it's taken care of.
Their selection is amazing! They have the Marvel, DC, the dirty books, the kids books etc....but go allll the way in the back of the store and browse the books that look like they were made in Kinkos (which they probably were). Those independent little gems back there are fantastic!
I could go on and on...just go and give yourself at least a half hour to browse.
Add another hour if you're like me and like to dig through thr .25¢ bins!! Good stuff in there!!
Also, there's a Wonder Woman reusable shopping bag I have my eye on if someone really loves me and wants to give me a present! C'mon! It's to save the planet! Diana Prince would want me to have it!Listed in: Geek Grrl
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Review from Jerry M.
Chicago, IL
8/15/2008
Well, smack me on the ass and call me a comic book nerd.
Over the past year I've been flirting with comic books, or more importantly, various incarnations of Joss Whedon's 'verse in cartoony form, from Buffy Season 8 to Angel: After the Fall to the Astonishing X-Men. Not to mention Fray, half of a slayer over 200 years removed from our time. Throughout all this, I steadfastly claimed it wasn't the comic books that I was obsessed over - it was only the call of Buffyverse that pulled me into Chicago Comics more than twice a month for my Joss fix.
That is, until today, which shall live on as Gorram Friday in my world. I just had to do it. I had to ask the desk guy how to store the pile of comic books sitting on my living room floor.
I'm not sure exactly what transpired, but I walked out with something called a "Comic Book Box," whatever that could be. I'm doomed.
I'm ready for my nerd spanking. Be gentle.Listed in: Buffyverse in Chicago
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Review from lorenzo r.
5/6/2009
I have seen a lot of comic shops in my time, and Chicago Comics is one of the best. It has a great mix of almost everything in the world of comics culture. There is a wide selection of comics of all genres,superhero, alternative, adult, tpb's, hardcover graphic novels, action figures, statues and more.
If you are a creator, they have a huge number of zines and indie comics that you can display on a consignment basis. I have actually sold more books here than any other store.
And the staff is really cool. They don't treat you like crap if you like something that they don't or if you don't know the entire history of the DC universe up to the present. -
Review from John B.
8/11/2006
I'm not even into comics, but I know this is a great comic book store. How do I know?
1) They have an amazing selection. This is not a big store, but they have comics I have not only never heard of, but could never imagine.
2) Books. That's right, they have genuine books, generally in the back of the store, on fascinating and obscure topics.
3) Toys. Lot of 'em. Mostly of the action figure variety, of course, but again in all shapes and sizes.
4) They leave you alone. The staff seem knowledgeable, and many are very hot in that alt-geek kind of way, but they'll let you browse for as long as you can take it.
5) Clientele. This place can get pretty crowded, but aside from the occasional pushy 84708er, the people who shop here are courteous regarding other people's space.
My friends from New York who are into comics make it a point to hit this store when there in town, and always find something they couldn't at home. That says something to me. -
Review from E M.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2010
After Windy City Comics shut down for good I was left with few options, comic book guy at Variety was cold and unpleasant but has a good selection (at decent prices) of back issues and well Graham Crackers was just there. So I found a home and solace in the warm embrace(s) of Hatuey, Dave, Eric, Eric and that other guy...I can't remember his name...sorry?
It's been a while since I've been there and had to sadly close out my pull box because collecting became disgustingly expensive (I was ringing up more than $40 a week) and I had become a father. But they always had great deals on TPBs and back issues and they have their infamous .25 box!!!!! Eric and the gang would always help me out if I needed an issue (Dave actually gave me his copy, to buy, of Amazing 500) You also get the luxury of getting cool collectibles like a Jill Thompson "Chicago Comics" designed beer glass thingy mabob!!!!
It smells like paper and ink. -
Review from Kriss S.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2010
why I've never had the thought to talk about these guys before is beyond me - not that you need my opinion amongst the sea of others already here - I'll give it to you anyway though only because you're doing yourself a serious disservice by not coming in here and seeing what they have in their independents section alone.
I don't go near their toys or dvd's only because they mark them up to the fullest possible retail price point (understandable because they don't have the heavy discount buying power from Diamond that another less reputable chain in the Chicagoland area has - it's just, my wallet can't afford full price) but their back stock of comics is absolutely massive.
Their indie comics section is where they really shine though, the only place you'll find a better selection in the city is sister store Quimby's. Really, I'm probably giving them atleast three of those stars up there because they put a copy on hold of the TMNT compendium that came out last Summer and quickly went out of print. I wasn't even a regular and they remembered to put one on hold and remind me that it came in when I ventured into the store one day.
Solid place (and honestly, the chances of hearing Fugazi while perusing back issues of Nightwing? DEFINITE!). Go here. Now. -
Review from Nilda R.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2008
My absolute favorite.
They seem to have everything (except the elusive Epicurus the Sage. Seriously, will someone lend it to me so I can scan it, please? I'm sure we can barter if you're the exchanging type).
They'll always offer to order stuff for you and actually call you when it arrives. The prices are always reasonable.
Then when you go to pick it up, you can pile on the new issues of B.P.R.D., a beautifully illustrated German trade paperback, a calendar, an obscene packet of chewing gum, a greeting card that'll freak out your mom, and whatever Sue Coe's done lately. You might find yourself skipping dinner in order to read. Or maybe you spent too much.
It's called Chicago Comics for good reason. It's the go-to. -
Review from Emily C.
Naperville, IL
2/24/2007
Large selection of non mainstream comics and items. They truly appeal to an indy audience with tons of alternative titles that other shops just don't carry, and they have a really unique window display!
How can you not love the shop that brought us Hello Kitty Vibrators at ComiCon?? -
Review from Cali M.
Sacramento, CA
6/12/2006
Chicago comics, is well.. Chicago comics. It doesn't have that cute homey feel that the majority of comic book stores I am used to have. It is very cramped and usually rather busy. I agree with one of the other reviewers who said that the clerks are a bit standoffish.
Chicago comics is a great place to buy imports (Gothic Lolita Bibles!) and some other hard to find items but I would stick with your run of the mill corner comic store for most of your comic purchases. Oh! And I almost forgot to mention! Chicago comics is open until 10 on weekends!!! For when you just need your comic fix!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Johnny T.
2/13/2008 2 Check-ins Here
My name is Johnny T and I am a comic book nerd. I always have been. Comic books taught me how to read and have always been a source of my imagination and vocabulary. I take them very seriously. But, at the end of the day, they are comic books. The clerks at Chicago Comics didn't get this memo. The store is dank and depressing. For a comic book store there's...just no JOY in the place, you know?
Yes, the selection is big, current and well stocked. But there's no sense of community. There's no camaraderie. We comic book nerds are an oppressed group. We know public scorn and mocking. Thus, we tend to be a close knit group and we rely on each other when the chips are down. There is, however, another sect of the tribe - The (Simpsons) Comic Book Guy. Largely anti-social and joyless, this sect likes to act 'over' it all - even their fellow tribesmen. And that's not cool. We're adults who read and love comic books. Are you really THAT cool?
When I was a kid, I used to beg my dad to take me to the comic shop. It was such a fun experience. I never get the sense of fun here. And, if comics aren't fun, then what's the point?
Stars for the inventory.Listed in: In the Mean Time, In Between…, Performance Anxiety, Shopping
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Review from Dissatisfied C.
Scranton, PA
7/10/2011
The gold standard of comic shops. Huge selection of new releases, back issues, TPBs, and action figures. Staff is fantastically knowledgeable about all things comic book. Reminds me of the comic shops I used to frequent as a kid, all of which have since ceased to exist
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Review from Jonathan H.
Chicago, IL
5/5/2009
I've been a customer for over 10 years. When I moved to Chicago and saw them in the phone book, I hoped they were not an improv group.
They were not and I am happy about that, and I see them once a week. Best selection of comics, figures, weird stuff I didn't know I needed, and good "comic nerd" conversation. Also, they don't have the stuck up practice of you have to buy it to read it a little at the stands. Just awesome. -
Review from Sam P.
IL
3/5/2007
I've been shopping at Chicago Comics since it was it's old location on Clark just south of Wellington. Then it was one of the only comic stores nearby that I could get to easily as I went to school down the road and used to hang out at the Century mall when there was an arcade in the basement where you could always play Dragon's Lair at.
There has always been a great selection here, with the mandatory subscription service, although I believe there is a minimum amount of titles you have to subscribe to, or at least there was when I had the service back in the early 90's. I only get Walking Dead, DMZ, and The Ultimates these days.
Good toy selection, if a bit marked up. Usually pretty good music playing also. Occasionally get a signing here, as with Jhonen Vasquez a little while back. And they always have a big booth at the Wizard World Convention. -
Review from Steve G.
Chicago, IL
7/1/2010
This is totally where I would go if I had enough money buy comics and space at home to store them. If either or both of these situations change for the better, I'll be at Chicago Comics weekly.
Friendly staff, great selection of new and old, mainstream and indie. Etc. Certainly, you can find graphic novels and collections and things like that at cheaper prices online, but this place does have it all. That makes it very convenient. -
Review from Elisabeth N.
Denver, CO
11/25/2007
I go here to buy copies of Found (love the Dirty Found ones!), Missbehave, and other random bits and pieces. They've a decent selection of Japanese magazines/comics (although I really wish they'd stock the Fruits magazines and not just the books). You will find your Gothic Lolita Bible here, also, if you're into that sort of thing.
No complaints about the staff. I like to look in peace, so I don't want some overeager sales associate hovering over me, anyway.
Far too many weird comics that I want to buy just based on the weird-factor. I like this place.Listed in: 5 Stars! {Chicago}
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Review from Nathan W.
Luray, VA
8/26/2008
I generally can't go past this place without going in to ogle all their new stuff. They have a great selection of Action Figures/Maquettes, random other toys, and of course a plethora of comics. It should be said, if you're on the hunt for lot's of back issues, Graham Crackers is probably a better choice. However, Chicago Comics is a store for the modern all-encompassing nerd culture.
From time to time, they also hold special events and meetups to galvanize their future customers. I at one point attended a collective that gave wonderfully in-depth instruction about self-publishing, and usually the guys would hang around after and you could pick their brains about all kinds of other related trades, like screen printing and so on.
There's even a special section for the grown ups where you can see animated women get sexually violated over and over again by the tentacles of fictitious aliens who only come to earth to impregnate animated Asian women at will. -
Review from Stephen R.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2008
Comics for the alternative crowd. Perfectly fine store, but the staff can be a bit rude and disaffected.
I just want my mainstream Marvel titles. It doesn't help that they're spliced in with EVERY OTHER COMIC EVER making that one issue nigh impossible to find. And trades? Forget it.
Not a very extensive back issue collection, either. Difficult to find anything.
If you're looking for something more independent and off-the-wall, I guess this store would be for you. I much prefer Graham Crackers down the road at Wrightwood for my mainstream stuff. -
Review from Nikki O.
Cook, IL
8/31/2008
The selection is there, and yet..... The staff would rather talk to each other than greet you. The lighting is decent, but all that black makes you feel like you're in a dank cellar. I asked about a comic that was out of stock. The clerk said they would order it for me and took my name & number -- and I never heard back from them. Even if the comic is no longer available, would it hurt to call and tell me that? IF I'm in the area, I'll stop in but it isn't worth a trip otherwise.
Like: Selection
Dislike: Pretentiousness -
Review from Michael M.
Chicago, IL
5/14/2008
What!? A comic store that DOESN'T just sell things with Batman and Spider-Man plastered all over them? No way.
If you are looking for some indie fare to go along with your capes and cowls, then Chicago Comics is the place to go. They have a huge selection of independent titles that you won't find anywhere in Chicago. You may think comics aren't your thing, but I would bet good money you will find something you like at Chicago Comics.Listed in: Comics are cool.
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Review from Crystal P.
Chicago, IL
12/17/2008
You have to love this place!
I went in the other day looking fro some presents and stocking suffers and as usual they had a bunch of fun new stuff that almost doubled the amount of money that I wanted to spend.
If you are into comics or the toys/ collectibles that are born of them this pace rocks!!
I live with a huge Spiderman fan so this place fits the bill!!
it is also good for the Anime fan or indie comic fan!Listed in: I am a Closet Nerd!
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Review from Jason R.
1/8/2011
ZOMG yes. There's not much to say here that has not been said. Staff is polite and not condescending as is too often the case. I could spend quite a bit of money so I only come in here maybe once a year. I also like how fantastically organized it is. It's nice to be able to find things on my own. Makes it feel more like a treasure hunt.
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Review from Dave S.
Chicago, IL
11/15/2009
Awesome selection of current stuff and decent trade selection.
Back issues are way too expensive but then again, any self respecting comic fan will get those at a show.
The guys there are always super nice and helpful.Listed in: Best Chicago Area Comic…
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Review from Joshua D.
Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2006
While wandering up and down Clark looking for a place to eat, I happened to wander into Chicago Comics. Wow. This place has something for everyone...ignoring for the moment their excellent selection of actual comic books of all genres and years, they have a selection of tchotckes unrivaled by anywhere else I have seen in Chi-town thus far. Where else could you find a family guy action figure of greased up deaf guy, the batman handbook, and a bacon scented air freshener all in one store??
I've looked...not too many places, that's where. If you're looking to kill an hour, show off a neat chicago landmark to a friend, or just need to find that one issue of the uncanny x-men that your collection is missing, chicago comics is the place! -
Review from Karen L.
Chicago, IL
3/10/2006
This is my most favoritest comic store EVARRR. Chicago Comics is located near the Belmont stop of the El and it packed wall to wall with all sorts of stories and art. Everyone can find something they enjoy. They carry collectible toys, novelty gifts, rare movies, unsusual books, magazines, independent zines, posters, and of course.... COMICS! Yes, they got your superhero, your children's, your small press, your manga, your pornography, your self-published, and pretty much everything under the rainbow. The only sad thing about the store is that it's so hard to get a job there. I can't stress enough how wonderful this shop is; you gotta see it yourself!
Zinesters, this store will gladly sell anything you can throw at them, so use it to your advantage!Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Kristen F.
Austin, TX
1/20/2008
I love this place, which makes me sad because I live about fourteen million (yes that many) miles away from it.
They're always really helpful but not pushy and I didn't feel like anyone was following me around checking to see if I'd stuffed shit into my purse.
Of course I'm still waiting for the copy of Epileptic they said they would order for me that I never got the call about... if only they weren't fourteen million miles away from my house, I'd go investigate to see if it came in. I guess I'll have to wait for spring to come, making venturing outside not so terrifying.
Go here. It's nice. The end! -
Review from David J.
Portland, OR
3/3/2006
Fubulouso!! Great selection, very helpful, wonderful combination of mainstream and non-mainstream publishers. They generally have tough to find stuff in stock.
Ask for Eric. -
Review from Ms T.
Chicago, IL
4/30/2007
1. Staff is super nice.
2. Huge selection for me.... that means there is a good selection of avant guarde, unusual, or imported comics/zines/magazines/etc..
3. All kinds of toys and doo dads!
4. Always playing some totally cool music on the radio in here.
I heart this place. -
Review from Isaac H.
Oakland, CA
3/6/2009
An excellent comic book store that covers all your bases, from mainstream to indie. It's all there, and if not - go ask one of the guys behind the counter and they'll try to order it for ya!
If you happen to be a comic artist entrepreneur, you can get your own comics in the store for people to see and hopefully add moolah to your pocket. No promises though, since 1) it's in the far back of the store, and 2) most of us are too cheap to buy and will rather just read it for free. *Cackle* It's never about the money right? Publicity publicity publicity.
A nice addition to the store is also their massive selection of collectibles, ranging from your general action figures to your limited resin kits. It's all there, and most of the time, a lot of them are on sale. Or at the very least, they're not trying to rip you off.
Friendly and knowledgeable staff, with a strong collection of works, not too far from the Belmont eL - what's stopping you? -
Review from Nessie V.
3/8/2009 2 Check-ins Here
I wanted to wait until I went to atleast one other comic book store before I made a review of this place. It's not perfect but it's pretty good.
It's very large and inviting. Its more like a regular bookstore in many ways, and they do have some prose books here as well. This is a good place to bring those people who are scared of comic book stores. I've even seen women in here by themselves sometimes (GASP!)
The comics aren't arranged how I like, with everything in one big section mostly. I tend to miss the more indie stuff I'm into when it's all jumbled in with all that superhero underwear pervert stuff (you know, like how superman flies around in his underoos).
The staff is real friendly and talkative, but aren't pushy or anything. They'll help you find something if it's hidden on the shelves somewhere. Sometimes they pile a different title on top of an older on on the shelves because of lack of space. -
Review from Jacob J.
8/4/2008
Solid comic book store.
I had comics as a kid, but gave up all that stuff (at some point). It's time and cost consuming. A dirty sin. Chicago comics feeds that lust for color. I try to avoid coming here for the simple fact that I can easily find a ton of material I'd love to finger. Through.
There aren't many comic stores in the city that can carry the same weight.
Good for kids? Naw. Times have changed, there is erotic stuff easily available in different areas, keep the kids to the kiddie comic shops. Clientele is finally seeing a different breed of people, your local goth discussing the new Thor issue with the finance guy from the Loop. -
Review from Benjamin B.
Chicago, IL
3/30/2007
I really like visual appeal, professional look and overall selection that they have to offer here at Chicago Comics... but please... let's face it... the staff are a gaggle of Elitist Uber-Geeks who think their sitting high on the pedestals above the 'worm-like' other geeks.
They're predictably smarmy and flirtatious with any and all women that set foot in the store as well. In fact, one time I caught one of the guys who works there (who knew I was dating this woman at the time)... touching and complimenting my girlfriend in an overtly sexually-laden sort of way -- all while I was browsing the latest books 15 feet away.
I do have to admit however that they have one of the best selections of comics, toys, graphic novels, books and other geek-dom trinkets & accessories known to the nerd-world. Stop thinking I am being condescending too by over-utilizing the words "Geek" and "Nerd" -- I too am in the nerd/geek/dork arena.
Go there, but be careful... oh... and they need to start carrying bourbon.
Where's my flask?Listed in: Born to Shop!
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Review from steve d.
Hatboro, PA
3/27/2011
This is by far one of the best comic shops that i have ever been to, and i make sure to visit every time i'm in Chi town.
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Review from Virginia T.
Chicago, IL
11/24/2007
Chicago Comics has been a favorite hang out of mine for years!
Occasionally they have signings/special events (I met Jhonen Vasquez here a while back) but it's a large enough, clean and organized, which makes browsing through the comics, action figures and more something that ends up taking me hours! I love their wide selection of local zines, they even have a decent selection of "misc oddball" stuff like bacon air fresheners, whizzing gnomes, and mint flavored tennis balls. O.o -
Review from Liz K.
9/8/2008
Love this place. Huge selection as far as current issues and most trades go, but they don't necessarily have the best stock of back issues. The organization for that is also a bit confusing.
Nonetheless, I've been coming here since I was like 15 or 16 and I progressed from interest in manga to just comics now that I'm older.
Love the staff, too, especially the guy with the shaggy hair and glasses. Huge crush on him. Haha.
P.S. The staff will actually talk to you, joke around, and recommend things. -
Review from Tiffany k.
Chicago, IL
10/13/2009
This place is HUGE. And I must say, I like it a bit more than Quimby's. There is no way that Quimby's could match Chicago Comics in the comics department. There is seriously something here for everyone, and I like that no one here is super pretentious.
Can't wait to come back and get some Batman comics.
