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Category: Comic Books [Edit]
Neighborhood: ClairemontMon. 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Tue-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Hands down, the best store to get your geek reading on in San Diego!
The place is filled with good stuff and the people who work here are super friendly.
They dont overprice their old stuff like other joing (ie. Comics N Stuff) and they have one of the largest collections of trades, not just from the big 2, but from independent stuff as well.
Now that im in grad school in San Francisco and dont have time to read as much, im sad. but when I ride into town i will make time to always stop by here!
GEEKS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Enuff said.
But seriously, don't you just love checking out their endless action figures and cute keychains?!??? GREAT for cube decorations and FUN to look at. Just kind of pricey since a lot of them are imports (at least the ones I like). Why is the Yen rate so darn ugly?!??!? Damn dollars.
I really like the spacious parking in this plaza. Also I love Sypz restaurant and checking this place out after dinner for new action figures and comic books. It's just cool to look at, and fantasize about.............
Don't need no pricey Comic Con when you can just drop by anytime!!!
3.5 stars overall. Wish it was bigger so I don't bump into people!!
People thought this was:
I went here a few weeks back and it was just an alright experience.
First, the bad. As some have mentioned, this place was very messy! There was literally a stack of crap taking up 1/4 of the store!? You couldn't navigate through it or sort through it at all!? Some of the prices on the variants were WAY overpriced!? I don't know how some shops get away w/ the crazy prices they come up with?! Also, the staff didn't seem too friendly.
The good was that they had a great selection of toys and statues! From making phone calls and having brief conversations w/ some of the staff...it seems as if they have some decent knowledge compared to other shops around town. Other than that stack of boxes piled up, the rest of the store was pretty organized.
I have been buying comics from this store since they were in a tiny hole in the wall shop next to Vons and Mervyn's (Mervyn's now deceased)
Anyways, they totally rock it! They cover many interests, I can even come here with my girl and shop around for awhile, she usually finds some art book or alternate interest grafic novel to keep her occupied. Not the usual nagging to leave attitude. If they dont have something youre looking for just ask, they are very familiar with thier stock. Great place for trades but not back issues.
I see some people bitching about the store being messy. SHUT UP! its a comic book store not a doctors office. Besides imagine all the goodies that could be hidding in the messy back area. It reminds me of the wand shop from Harry Potter.
Read More Comics
Comickaze is hands down my favorite comic shop in San Diego County.
As such! I feel the need to address the heinous accusations of what a mess it is. This is not to discredit what other reviewers have said. When I first started coming here it really was kind of horrendous. There were boxes and boxes full of books at the foot of every bookshelf. They just had entirely too much stock for the space they had. However, they have since invested in several new shelving units and the place is downright pleasant & easily navigated.
Anyways, the only reason this was even an issue to begin with is because they have such an incredible selection. Indie. Mainstream. Manga. Collectibles. Clothing. Whatever your heart desires. It really isn't a small shop in the way of comic stores at all, but they really carry everything, so it's cozy.
The organization of the store can be a little tricky your first time in [mainstream separated by publisher then title - indie separated by title or author, depending on how many books the author has released - manga i couldn't say.] but the staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. They are always ready to help you find something & if they don't have it they will order it for you and e-mail you when it comes in.
I will also mention that they are right next door to sipz. & sipz is delicious. I have made quite a few evenings of getting comics and dinner down in Clairemont, even though I live half an hour away.
Went in the other day by mistake. Was trying to find So Cal Comics but was a epic fail. So I ended up here. I have been in here before a few times but wasn't impressed even though they did have some cool things. I think they do have the best display of superhero statues for sale in San Diego. I do wish they had a Bowen Deadpool though. I would buy it in a second. Besides E-bay, I haven't seen a Bowen Deadpool anywhere =( .
Going inside the place it doesn't seem as cluttered as in past visits. The store actually looked pretty well organized. I do have one beef though. The shop had tons of great comics but they are crammed on wireracks unbagged and unboarded. It pains me to see comics getting all tore up cause the racks can't hold all the comics that are on them. A suggestion would be to bag and board each comic. That would solve that problem.
Other than that, I was happy with my experience there. Found some comics that I liked and purchased. Thought the place looked very good compared to past visits. I am glad I gave them another try. Definitely a place I would come again if I am in the area. Support your local comic book shops especially if there good. This is definitely one of the good ones.
Clean up the effing store!
Typical comic shop I guess. Owner -- at least I think he's the owner -- is chatty as long as you're at the register, but otherwise couldn't seem less interested in the fact that he owns a comic shop. Actually, when I do shop here, I always walk away thinking he really isn't happy...but what do I know. Guy does seem to more or less know his inventory, so if you don't see it, do ask him. Just don't expect him to actually be able to find it. You know, because the store is a disaster. Watch your step. Not kidding.
Really cool dude used to work here on the weekends, but I haven't seen him in years.
The state of the store is seriously so bad that I can't even come up with other things to improve upon.
As I look down to click "post," I'm noticing the "wheelchair accessible" radio buttons. Unfortunately there isn't one for "not exactly, on account of HUGE MESS."
People thought this was:
Comickaze just down the road from Southern California Comics. I don't know how two comic shops can be in such close proximity, but here we are.
Allow me to compare the two:
Southern California Comics is a mini-warehouse sort of affair, with lots of comics in it. Comickaze is only slightly bigger than the average comic shop, with lots of comics in it.
Southern California Comics has a decent selection, but a decent selection is inexcusable considering their size, so ultimately it only appeals to fortysomething lifers who have some uncontrollable fetish for Captain America. Comickaze has diversity (mainstream! indie! manga!) and a fantastic selection especially considering its size, and thus has something for everyone.
Southern California Comics is hidden away in some business park where you have to look out for the cardboard signpost with an arrow and the word "COMICS" on it. Comickaze can easily be seen from the road, and it's right next to the wonder known as Sipz Vegetarian Cafe.
Advantage: Comickaze.
Please shop at Comickaze, for I'd hate for it to go under and then find myself having to face Southern California Comics after my above statements.
People thought this was:
I like this comic book shop. They have a great selection of trade paperbacks which is what I buy. Their selection of independent stuff is larger than their Marvel and DC stuff. They also have manga and action figures if you're into that.
If you're looking for back issues and a clean, organized comic shop then this is NOT the place to go. This store is filled with so many toys and other comic related items that you feel claustrophobic. What a mess!!
Today is Eric's birthday! HOORAY! So I came here to see if I could get him a gift certificate, since A) the boy loves comics and B) I have no idea what he would want! I am clueless about that kind of stuff.
So, after taking U-turn after U-turn (because I am also clueless about the Clairemont area - hint, it's in the same shopping plaza as Sipz, Joe's Pizza, Weight Watchers and VIP Chinese restaurant - I think those were the names of the places I noticed), I finally made it.
The parking lot is ample. I got a spot right in front of the store, and could have had my choice of several spots nearby.
I walked in to the store and OH MY GOD, really? It looked like a bomb went off in there, or a tornado came through. The gentleman who was working was very polite - he was helping another customer at the moment, but would be right back to help me.
I was able to get a gift certificate for any amount I wanted. He did a lot of typing and clicking to get the thing printed out, and I was sort of standing there thinking, UM...wow, this is a process. But all in all I was there only about 5-10 minutes at the most. I can't even imagine how the guy found the register behind the counter with all the crap around. But I got my gift certificate - on paper, mind you. An actual certificate, not some plastic card that my boyfriend is likely to lose. AND the guy even put it in one of those plastic sleeves that I guess people store comics in. What a cute touch!
Overall, a decent experience. I was able to get what I needed, relatively quickly, and the service was friendly. I can't give a full "WOO HOOO!!" review, until Eric actually goes to the store and buys something. He'll be a much better judge on the quality of the goods they sell, the overall experience, etc.
People thought this was:
I have to confess that I'm not a hardcore geek. I'm pretty selective about what I read, and a lot of it falls outside the conventional comic book category--the Alan Moore/Neil Gaiman/Grant Morrison stuff more than what I tend to think of as bam/sock/pow comics. I *like* a healthy serving of bam/sock/pow, but only when balanced with more literary or mind-bending stories or characters.
Comickaze definitely caters to a broad range of readers. No matter what you're looking for, you can find it here. The tough part is not getting distracted by all the cool geeky ephemera on your way to the comics. People keep citing the mess factor as a major drawback of the place, and while it's pretty cluttered, I think the mess is largely attributable to the sprawling selection of titles and sheer stuff available. That said, it has gotten cleaner in the past few years.
I don't go in regularly, but I've found the owner to always be genuinely friendly and enthusiastic, willing to make a few recommendations or talk about a particularly interesting project a writer worked on. The only time I've seen the staff get rude is with teenagers, which I think is par for the course when it comes to comic book shops. At least no one working in the store wears a ponytail.
Oh, by the way, I had to laugh after reading one of the other reviews. Apparently I'm not the only one who lures his friends to Sipz (or Aladdin across the street!) as an excuse to peruse some new titles.
People thought this was:
Of course I end up having a bad experience, after reading all these great comments and reviews. I'm not going to bash the place (or give them a "1" just to be spiteful) because clearly they've got a following, but, since I was directed to this place by Yelp and had a "memorable" experience, I feel that I should provide some feedback.
I'm new to San Diego and don't really know of any comic shops here. I chose this place specifically because the reviews indicated that this store was not snobbish. Despite the fact that I prefaced my question with "I'm not really in the loop on comics", the guy I spoke with on the phone was rude and very short with me. He even cut me off mid-sentence to rudely, loudly repeat himself when he thought I was asking him the same question again which, of course, I wasn't! My mouth was hanging open as this happened. I thought to myself, "WOW, what a d*ck!". It was really shocking how rude the guy was.
I didn't get mad at him. I just told him that wasn't what I was going to say and then I tried to kinda win him over by asking if he wouldn't mind sharing some of his "expertise" with me.... but flattery was not getting me anywhere lol. The guy's demeanor throughout the conversation really gave me the impression that he just couldn't be bothered with my foolishness. I thanked him for his time, hung up and decided to share my experience here.
Technically, I am not a customer of this store. But, having managed a retail store before, I can tell you that you need to treat every caller, browser, and Looky Lou with the same respect that you treat your existing customers. If not, why would I do business with you?
People thought this was:
I'm a regular. And for a few years now. I always get the feeling that the owner is annoyed with having customers in his store, but then I remember that I don't care.
It's the best store I've found in SD, but it could be much better. Behind the counter it looks like a variant bomb went off, and left a collectible limited edition fallout, and I don't think they care. Shit everywhere.
Lucky is the other guy, and he knows his geekness. Both the owner and Lucky are well read and usually know what to recommend if you ask. So ask.
People thought this was:
The owner is a pretty friendly guy and always helpful in hunting down anything you'd need. Just like robert s. said, part of the store tends to be mildly chaotic. The place is cool in that they pack the last story arc for Y: The Last Man into one packet so that you don't have to wait till June for the last volume to arrive. The selection is great and I've never had a moment where they didn't have what I needed.
Also, for people who buy books for the Yelp comic book club meet up, you get 10% off.
People thought this was:
I have a secret. A dirty, dark, shaming secret. Ready? The truth is, I use SIPZ as my excuse to come here. As much as I like SIPZ I usually don't go out of my way unless I'm getting the aint-read-a-comic-in-way-too-long-and-i'm-starting -to-lose-it-blues. I can't lie to you, fellow yelpers... I... am... a... bonafide geek. From Buffy to Battlestar, Alien to X-Men, Dark Knight to Spiderman (there is no pattern there, so don't even try to decipher it... and yes, I put Buffy first on purpose.)
The guys here are like big brothers to me. We share eye-rolls for the teenagers who just go in there to goof off, and don't secretly pine for those paperback, card-board braced, plastic-sheathed treasures as we do. As long I can peruse until I'm blue in the face, I guess I can stand the kids who giggle at the sexy comics a little longer. Don't put it past me to say something snide to them next time, though.
People thought this was:
I woke up with the shakes again. Sure, I had a bit to drink the night before but this was something different. This was geek withdrawal.
I stumbled out of bed, pulled Too Much Coffee Man off my shelf. It did nothing for me. Throwing the comic to the ground I grabbed Invader Zim, started up the DVD and pushed play. It was good, but man, I needed to read! I was craving something fresh, something different and I had to have it now.
I made it to the car and headed for the 805. My dealer is on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Just ten minutes, I keep telling myself like a mantra. Finally I pulled into the lot and bolted for the store, ignoring the complaints of the lady I almost hit in my hurried attempt to park. I saw the sign, Comickaze and the more important one, Open.
Maybe the staff said hello, maybe not. I had tunnel vision and it was focused on the comics. I hurried past the displays of figurines, toys and other paraphernalia. There's time for that later. The shelves of manga made me grin, but that wasn't on today's menu. Usually I went for the niche stuff, Wormwood: Gentleman's Corpse or The Plain Janes but not today. I needed the pure stuff, the hard stuff, Marvel, DC...the boys in spandex. Then I saw it, Batman Year 100 (2 of 4), off the shelf and to the counter in record time. The staff member looked at me knowingly.
No thanks. I don't need a polybag, pal. I'm a user and I'll be done with this before I even make it home.
See you next week.
People thought this was:
I end up in Comickaze about once a month. I've enjoyed comics for a long time, going from Marvel & DC to more independent titles in more recent years. At this place, you can get you fix for all of these. They also have a small selection of memorabilia--mostly action figures and statuettes. I also enjoy finding the odd book or magazine. More often than not, that's what I end up walking out of here with.
The staff is friendly, but rarely ventures out from behind the counter. Seems pretty standard for comic shops now that I think about it. If you have a question, you can always ask.
My only issue with this place (and for me this is a big issue) is the place is a mess. Stacks of graphic novels line the ground, obscuring the bottom shelf in most places. The books are crammed into the shelves library style. Whenever I peruse the stacks, I feel like I'm missing something. I'm kind of a lazy shopper in that I don't like digging when I shop. I want it all laid out in front of me nice and neat.
So if you're looking for a cool comic or graphic novel, stop by and check this place out. I'm sure you'll find it...somewhere.
A few years ago I was excited when Comickaze moved to its newer location from down the strip center cuz that meant more Trade Paperbacks (TPBs)!!!
If you're reading this review you're looking for a comic shop I presume. However I wouldn't presume you'd know what a TPB is. It is a collection of previously published comics, usually a story arc, bound together, often with an introduction of some sort.
TPB's half-sibling is the Original Graphic Novel (OGN), a longer-format original work that is bound to last. These are much longer than traditional 24-page comics.
Now Comickaze is the place to get TPBs and OGNs. Yes they have comics and cards and action figures. They have subscription services, meaning you can specify which comics you want held for you when they come out and receive a discount for it. They are very knowledgeable and friendly.
But really, go here for the TPBs and OGNs.
This store has the largest collection of trades I have ever seen. As a previous reviewer mentioned, this is a great place to go to get into or get back into comics because they carry the collected works of everyone and everything collected. To get an idea of what all is out there to be had, check out http://tplist.com which covers batman to maus, hellblazer to hellboy.
Really, these guys specialize in carrying TPBs, in case you hadn't caught that. I filled much of my collection from here.
And being the best comic shop in San Diego, they often have local creators in to buy their pull lists (your subscription list). The same creators end up signing stuff. And Comickaze, unlike elsewhere, sells them the same price as anything else. I've picked up Age of Bronze, Mystique, Y-The Last Man, and Runaways all signed. Which makes me smile.
But so do TPBs and OGNs. And so does Comickaze!
People thought this was:
I think I could waste hours reading the manga here. This place has all sorts of rarities.
Also, for the more typical non-otaku comic nerds, they have quite a lot in general (comics, action figures, and relevant collectibles). Well, it looked like a lot to me. I wouldn't really know ...
People thought this was:
UPDATE: I don't know why I haven't done this in a long time but here. If you're going to go to a comic book store on clairmont mesa blvd, hell if you're going to go to any comic book store in San Diego got to SOCAL Comics.
Owner is a great guy. If i lived closer i would probably shop here all the time. Seeing as i live quite a ways away i go about once a month. Great for back issues, all of his comics don't go to subscribers. My only complaint is that the right side of the store is messy, and occasionally the books are damaged Other then that no complaints.
People thought this was:
As a Marvel Comics fan and way too frequent purchaser of comic books, Comickaze is an awesome store. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and chatty. They're definitely great for a conversation on whatever type of comic--be it DC, Marvel, Manga or otherwise--interests you. My only complaint would be that there are no chairs or anywhere to sit when in the store--but I'd assume that the store would rather not encourage you to use them like a library, which I definitely have done. =)
Great staff, good selection, and overall positivity keep me from trying other comic shops in SD out of loyalty. I love Comickaze.
People thought this was:
I'm not really a comic kind of girl, but I am one of those Buffy geeks. Having only stepped into one comic book store in my past, I have to say this place gave me that warm fuzzy feeling. The three times I've been here, the owner and employees are talking to customers like they are best friends (and maybe they are), and are exceptionally helpful to me.
But the important part is that they carry Buffy Season 8.
People thought this was:
This is the store for folks looking to get back into it or starting. All the pop culture you can handle plus. The guy who owns the place is usually there when I visit. He offers subscription service and nonjudgmental advice.
I generally was all alone (i.e. the only customer) in the store. I don't go to comic stores on Tuesday or Wednesday as that's new issue day depending on the store and delivery schedules.
Enjoy.
People thought this was:
The guys who work here are really helpful and friendly, and while the store is small, it's packed full of great things. Even if you aren't hardcore about comics, you can probably find something you like in there! They also have toys, blind box toys, and a sweet collection of magazines like Rue Morgue, Fortean Times, Geek, and more!
People thought this was:
It's a comic book store that actually feels like it's selling comic books and not just action figures and X-men or Bat titles (though it has those too). And that's pretty much all I need.
But the place is also large and crammed with comics from independent writers, titles from large and small publishers, a decent selection of back issues, an f-load of trades, and novels from known comic writers. And on Free Comic Book Day, they usually have signings as well as all of the sample issues.
Some of the organization can be confusing and sometimes the books are damaged. On the other hand, they don't hermetically seal everything up in bags so you can actually *check out* new titles before buying them, and the employees and owner are really friendly and will help you find something if you ask.
Plus the guys working the store are super-tolerant. My friend kind of went crazy over the toy section and I physically lifted and dragged her anemic ass out of the store before she could spend her whole paycheck. as she made handsies at the displays and whined, "But I want it!" They were amused more than anything else, and recommended me some stuff. Good times.
The location is just off the 805, with a ton of parking and some decent restaurants (Di-Chan and Sipz) nearby.
Wow I can't believe people are rating this store so highly. To each his own I suppose.
My experience here is that this is the most disorganized comic store in the county. Place is always a mess and hasn't improved over the years. No back issue bins. The guy who works there barely says two words to me in like five visits to his store. Not the friendliest of people. Always seems more pre-occupied with his computer than helping a costumer.
This is my last resort comic shop I only visit this place if something is sold out everywhere else. If you use your Credit or Debit card expect to pay a fee.
Plenty of graphic novels and most of the new issues. If you're looking for back issues, this is definately not the place to go. Place is a bigger dump than my dorm room in college. Leave bread trails as you go along or you might get lost in all the piles of piles all around and not find your way out. For slobs though, the guys there are pretty friendly. Prices higher than most for the few back issues they do offer.
This place is a mess, but everything is in good shape. I like to step in because the clerks are cool and treat the store like they care about it. I can never get through without someone mentioning something they think I might like. Sure it might just be cross-selling, but I don't think they care about sales approaches as much as talking about kick-ass books (or maybe just Kick-Ass, the book). Good for the weekly/monthly purchase and to idle away your afternoon basking in the myriad of books that they present to the public. Variety can't be beat.
I hate to give any place a 1 star rating, especially a comic store as I'm sure they need all the help they can get, but this place deserves it.
First the positive thing about the store. They have a large selection of graphic novels. If you are looking for a paticular book, and the other better stores in town don't have it, this place may have it.
Sadly, that is the only good thing to say about the place. Everytime I've been there the guy working behind the register (it has been the same guy in the 4 or 5 times I've gone) has been unfriendly and not very helpful.
The store is normally a mess and not very organized, and the shelves they have in the store that new comics are on are terrible and most of the comics are going to be damaged a little, so if you want your comics in mint condition this certainly isn't the place for you.
They also charge a fee to use your credit or debit card which sucks as well.
The thing that really topped everything off and made me give this place 1 star was actually showing up here for Free Comic Book Day. Since this is one of the closest stores to my house, I figured I'd run by there, pick up some of the FCBD titles, and grab a trade paperback to support the store on FCBD. When I showed up there was a huge line inside the store, and I though "wow, good for them, FCBD is really working out", but I really didn't have time to stand in the line so I picked out my free comics, and figured I'd just come in tomorrow to buy the book I was after. On my way out the door I get stopped and told even if I'm not buying anything, I need to wait in line to checkout. The line was going super slow, and there must have been 25+ people in it, some looking pretty upset to be stuck in that line as well. I just said forget it, gave the comics back, and left. What was the point in making people wait? All the line did was discourage people like myself from buying anything so they didn't have to wait in line. Anyway, that was the last straw and I wont be going back, especially with 2 great comic stores in the area, Comic Gallery, and SoCal Comics.
Comickaze is a good place for graphic novels. They have the largest collection of independent and small press graphic novels that I've seen.
In the past their stock was rather disorganized, but I was in there on the 13th of June ('09) and it was really organized and clutter free!
I love that their 'shelves' are bookshelves, not magazine racks with a dozen titles conveniently facing outwards for quick perusal. I'm talking ye' auld 4' x 6' unit filled with books. I spend hours staring at the indie shelves. *happy dance*
They used to be over by the Dairy Queen, on the corner of Genesse and Balboa (before that whole complex was torn down for the Rite Aid).
Anyways, if you like graphic novels or you're looking for some indie titles and you don't mind spending hours grazing through shelves (which I happen to enjoy) than ComicKaze's a good shop to visit.
this place was utterly messy BUT it has so many comics. it wasnt jsut selling toys and dolls and shit there was a small section for collectors items but the rest was a bounty of comics. it was organized pretty well i found what i wanted to find and if it wasnt there, w/e no big. I'm not a fan of comics so much but it was entertaining. so many comics. OMG and they had this deal buy 2 get 3 free or something. idk it was bizarre. but i like the name!
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa
Category: Comic Books
Neighborhood: Clairemont
Category: Comic Books
National City, CA
Category: Hobby Shops
Neighborhood: Mission Valley
Category: Toy Stores
Neighborhood: La Mesa
Category: Comic Books
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