Isotope Comics
Category: Comic Books [Edit]
Neighborhood: Hayes Valley326 Fell St
(between Gough St & Octavia St)
San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 621-6543
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
94 Reviews for Isotope Comics
One of Isotope Comics' Favorite Reviews
Wow. A comic store you won't feel embarrassed to be seen in. The owner is awesome, friendly, and the complete opposite of the "Comic Book Guy"
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You know how there are some of those comics shops where people just don't care? it's messy? Dirty? Cluttered? Well, this place is the opposite! People here are friendly and very knowledgable. The place is very clean and welcoming - it's actually hard to leave. It's a very neat and organized shop and I really enjoy coming here. If you're looking for the newest comics and trade paperbacks, this place is perfect.
When you're here, you actually don't feel that bad about being a comic book nerd! Be proud!
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I don't really know how to explain this without sounding like a poser but half the reason I read comics (ONLY HALF, OKAY?) is because I'm really into nerdy looking dudes who understand the difference between their, there, and they're. In short, I'm into guys who read comics. I'm into them. I find them very attractive.
So now that we got that out of the way... I was surprised when I accidentally stumbled into Isotope.
Why? Many non-comic reading (or buying, rather) folk would assume that this is just another comic store. Far from! ALL comic book stores smell like online gaming and look like dogshit. I'm sorry, but they do. And you know what? That doesn't bother me! But it should be noted that that's the norm for comic book store design.
Isotope successfully designed a BEAUTIFUL comic store that is SUPER BADASS and would MAKE STAN LEE proud. It is AWESOME. Plush red sofas, lots of metal, it's sexy. It reminds me of a 1957 Dodge Coronet (this one: http://www.dodgecorone...).
But anyway, I DO really appreciate the fact that Isotope takes the "we're grown-ups" approach to design and actually TRIES to make it a nice-to-visit space. Because, well, it IS a nice store to visit.
If I were more comfortable around that many cool dudes I would have gladly curled up on one of their red sofas (see photos) and read some B+W crime novel or tried to talk to a hottie about how I really like Brian Wood and his style, how he is kinda like a new, hipster version of Transmetropolitan, etc. But alas, I am not.
Anyway, this store gets 5 funtastic stars. I love it and I can't wait to go back! Maybe I will score a date (or at least some Halo Jones) next time.
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Where was this place when I was in High School?
On second thought, it's probably a good thing that I had to buy my comics through the mail or at the grocery store when I was young, otherwise I would have gone bankrupt a long time ago.
As it stands, the folks at Isotope are helping me make up for lost time, and I'm happy to say that I've spent way too much money there. I used to buy my graphic novels at Borders, which I frequent more often, but ever since coming to Isotope I can't bring myself to buy new comics anywhere else. (They don't have back-issues there, though, so I don't consider it infidelity when I go elsewhere to track down missing issues of MiracleMan or NextMen)
The very best thing about this place is the enthusiasm. Everyone there loves comics, and if you want a recommendation they're more than willing to share their thoughts and opinions. And, even better, when you sit down and read the books they told you to buy, you realize how very right they were. They have fantastic taste that runs a wide range of styles and genres.
If they had a liquor license, I might never leave.
One giant gallon of comicy awesomeness!
After 25 years of comic store shopping all over the world, I can definitely say that Isotope is the most fun you can have in a comic store. The staff are incredibly friendly and approachable. They really know their comics too. They've got everything, from the mainstream DC and Marvel, all the way down to some crazy local indie comics written by 7 year olds. The space is comfortable and inviting, and they frequently have some of the best parties in town, (which incidentally include appearances by some of the great comicbook creators).
I cannot recommend the store highly enough, they just understand what makes comicbooks such a wonderful part of life.
I remember back in the days when Isotope was in the Sunset. I really dug the toilet seat art. I'm glad that they're still doing it till this day. That, is really unique and one of a kind type of thing. I was at a show at Rickshaw Stop and decided to walk around and I didn't know they moved on Fell. I walked in and my jaw dropped. This was far removed from the Sunset store I went to. On top of that, Jim Lee was there signing for his Batman run. I was really impressed. A good selection of books, and the setting is really great. Well lit, spacious and very welcoming, you don't get any pretentious comic book hipsters all up in your grill, you can bring your girlfriend and she can sit down on the sofa and read something while you run amok looking for the latest issue of The Boys. I feel like a I've walked into a club/lounge, except for comics.
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I read the reviews prior to checking out Isotope and was almost turned off by the comments about the staff being rude/snobby. I almost didn't go in but I am so glad I did. The staff was wonderful! They were friendly and offered suggestions on other books I might like and so on and so forth. They were great!
Isotope is simply awesome! A broad selection of comics from marvel to self-published, sofas that devour you and chill music make this place look nothing like your regular comic store.
James and other people who work there are always glad to give a word of advice or recommend a book. On top of that Isotope regularly hosts various events and parties, which are always fun to visit and again, it looks nothing like a basement d&d contest or a secret furry meeting. I'd recommend visiting this place even if comics are by no means your passion.
This place breaks the comic book store stereotype of being condescending, smelly, and unkept.
Isotope is a well lit store with modern red and white styling. There's even plush sofa seating!!! (Besides the employees, who reads comics in a comic store?)
SIngle issue comics are displayed on metal racks while trades are in the back. The single issues are stacked half-cover over each other. This makes searching for a title, or just looking through the comics cumbersome. When I wanted to put back a comic book, it was a bothersome task, especially since I was holding a bag in one arm. The trade collection would benefit if there was some signage to separate categories. Overall categorization is a bit confusing. I'm sure if you asked they could find it for you or order it.
Even though this place looks really cool and hip, I don't feel particularly comfortable here. It feels like you're entering one of those exclusive jewelry stores, aka Kid Robot. This feeling is not too bad and I actually welcome the atmosphere. Maybe it felt weird because I'm so used to all the other stereotypical comic stores?
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Categorization and organizations needs some attention, but basically a solid store.
Great selection packed into a small area. Super good taste in unusual, indy, out-of-the-main stuff.
Could wish for more of a 'books facing front' style, but space is premium in this town.
One thing I'd love to see in this kind of place is those 'staff picks' shelf talkers...
Overall best place I've found so far in SF....
I unabashedly adore Isotope Comics! I have read comics since I was a wee lass, something which apparently outside of San Francisco and before Vertigo was an uncommon thing. I have been to every variety of comic store, from the seedy dusty dives to the slick toy palaces of the mid-nineties when everything was "collectible." I have even worked in three different comic specialty shops over the years, so I can say with some authority what a wonderful, welcoming spot Isotope is. James, the owner, is the nazz, with his slick suits and contiually upbeat attitude - he's not just a proprietor, he is a Host, handing you the weekly selection, and helpfully pointing out any new titles that might appeal to your specific tastes. Of course, any good comic retailer can do that, but James and his staff do it with such aplomb! Plus it is a comfy hang out to meet up with friends, chat, dig the music (almost always some really great rock'n'roll) or even meet up with a writer or artist. And it's right downstairs from Hair of the Gods, where I get my hair clipped, so I can get my style and fangirl fix all at once! How cool is that!
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This place rocks. We went in to look at the Tim Sale exhibit and were pleasantly surprised. What was great for me is that while I think comics are cool, and my companions are comic nerds, I'm more of a nerdy wierd art person and they had stuff for me too (Juxtapoz etc). Also having read some of these other reviews I'm really surprised because I went in looking like a frump and the person who I am assuming was the owner was totally awesome to us. He was super nice and personable, gave us cool cards, chatted and just seemed happy to have us there. Bonus for the groovy decor and cool tunes.
I will definitely be back!!
Edited to add:
I did some research and the guy that helped us was indeed the owner. And I forgot to mention that he himself resembles a comic book character himself with his groovy pin striped zoot suit and crazy hair.
Check out their website and see for yourself.
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To hell with all these negative (non-5-star) reviews, they obviously don't know and love James and Kirsten. The Isotope is more of a specialty comic book shop. They don't have everything. So what? As far as comics not being shelved in any kind of order, I don't know if this is the case, but all you have to do is ask James and he'll hunt it down for you.
I'm not even into comics, and I love the Isotope. James always makes me feel welcome, always takes time to chat with me, and is always friendly. I go there from time to time with my housemates who are comic junkies.
The Isotope is the coolest comic book store, period.
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What a great store! There isn't anything I can say that hasn't been said already about this super cool place.
Now if only I could find some time to tear through the next few volumes of Y: The Last Man!!!
It's hard to resist browsing in this place... plenty of seating, and room to sit on the floor and hide into a corner with a good read.
Comics = good. Some mainstream stuff. Plenty of indie stuff. I like sneaking peeks at the indie stuff!
Books = Interesting.
Decor = very red, but open. So clean. So neat. So easy to browse. Like I said!
Prices = typical. But you can't beat the service.
The owner knows plenty of the comic/artsy people...so he'll let ya know the ins and outs...;-)
Heard that they throw parties too..maybe some day.
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It's this simple: Isotope changed my life. I now see my obsession with comics as a way to align myself with others instead of feeling isolated. I am pursuing my dream of being a comic book professional and I have a great group of friends that I found at Isotope. I don't feel judged about what I read every time I buy my books on Wednesdays. I'm lucky enough to live in a city where I can choose where I buy my books. I've tried other shops in the city. None of them gave me the support I wanted, the community I craved and the inspiration I needed.
I've been in some really unhealthy relationships in the past with comic book store owners. You know the type: crusty curmudgeons with an exterior so crystallized with bitterness that they practically radiate hostility. The kind of guy so jaded with the world (and the microcosm known as the comic book world) that you wonder why the hell he even owns a shop in the first place. The kind of guy that you almost have to court to find just a glimmer of sweetness. You want to believe that their heart once shined with a childlike sense of wonder, but you're never really sure 'cause they're always yelling things like, "This ain't a library, jack!" or "How can you be buying that? It's crap!"
I need my comic book retailer to be the kind of person who thinks that art can bridge the divide of human suffering, that we all have the potential to be super-heroes (or at least larger than life) if we put our minds to it. I want to know that they believe in the power of imagination to transform people's lives. Well, I found exactly that person.
His name is James Sime.
Sure, he's cool. He's hip. He's charming. He's witty. He's down with all the pop culture references. He reads the books he's selling and he knows where to send you if you're unsure of what books to read or if you like one kind of thing and want more like it. All that is amazing enough to find in one person.
What I appreciate is his uncompromising enthusiasm. Comics = Joy in James Sime's world and it's downright infectious. That's why you'll find women and children and geeks and queers and people of color and executives and blue collar workers and more all shopping at Isotope. If you're looking for comics community, you just hit the jackpot (tiger)!
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This place is awesome. My husband, a complete comic book junkie and I come here every Saturday. He goes crazy buying comics and chatting about them with James and Kirsten. I enjoy checking out all of the cool artwork or kicking back in one of the giant red leather chairs.
They put stuff on hold that they know my husband will totally dig. They also host some really fun parties here. It's a great chance to meet some of the people who write and draw the comics they sell in the store.
This is a truly unique store run by people who are passionate about comic books and life in general.
Very cool, friendly to both the professionals and the indie creators, they have cool art on toilet seat covers....what more can I say. The owner and the great people working there welcome you to relax and browse their selection. A must see if you are in town for the A.P.E. Convention. Thank you for making us feel at home Isotope Comics! ^__^
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Basically Isotope Comics is one of the most important landmarks in San Francisco. In my older age I'm not able to keep up with the latest comic book trends. James and the rest of the staff have excellent recommendations and great in store events. Their annual APE party is not to be missed. Isotope does a good job in supporting independent publishers as well. Granted I could probably find stuff online for cheaper but I'd much rather support my local comic book store.
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I'm really torn on this one.
James, the owner, is a really nice guy. He's very open and friendly and personable, which is a brutal rarity in the world of comic book retailers. He definitely deserves praise for making his store clean, well-lit, stylish, and welcoming, and his post-APE afterparties are essential for any devotee of the medium who is interested in socializing with like minded people. Finally, as a small-press geek, his willingness to stock zine-style books and lesser known work is a big draw for me as a customer. Plus, the toilet lids thing is pretty nifty.
On the flipside......
I'm not a emotionally stunted weirdo or anything, but I am very much a shy person and there is definitely a clickish, what-are-you-doing-in-the-cool-kid's-store mentality that permeates a lot of the staff and the regulars that seem to congregate into snobby clusters in this place. I've left the place on several occasions feeling very uncomfortable with the reception I received. You can pretty easily get a sense of that reading some of the reviews of this place here on Yelp. And, as other people mention, there are no real back issue selection.
Basically, this place is definitely worth checking out. People who want to avoid the skeevy filthy stores out there would be very comfortable here. James is a helluva guy. It's not my primary comic store. When I go there, it's usually because I'm looking for something specific. I leave as quickly as possible.
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Even if you are only marginally interested in graphic novels...
Wander in and tell James (the owner... the friendly and passionate guy in the zoot suit and the kooky hair) what you like. He'll hook you up with some wonderful suggestions (and a huge smile on his face).
I hear they throw some pretty awesome monthly parties too... One of these days I shall make it!
It's rare you find such a genuine shop/owner in the big city.
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By far one of the more captivating shops I have been in to being it is in the always sunny Hayes- makes great use of natural light by their large windows and incredibly high ceilings. Love the staircase that leads to a great indie book loft-section and what i think is used as a VIP signing area.
Like Bucky said, I know that James really is Stephen Vincent Strange and i am sure what we see as a cool bookstore really is the Sanctum Sanctorum as it is disguised as a starbucks in the new avengers.
I love how the last time i went here i asked for James to run a bunch of back issues and he came back with the right titles but was off on the numbers by like 200...though he nearly sold me on them with his knowledge and humor..
Oh yeah, the toilet seat art gallery is a gem of Isotope. Where the fuck is Wong at?????
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Anytime the owner of store says "product A is like really good cocaine, but Product B is like shooting heroin into your eyeball!" then you know the store you are in is not run-of-the-mill. Hopefully, you don't hear this quote outside of a movie. I have this store to blame for getting me back into comics for the first time in 13 years.
They call it a comic lounge and it is kinda appropriate. The shop is not filled with rows of back issues in long boxes. The oldest comics only go back a few months but they heavily stock graphic novels...which is more my speed now anyway. The atmosphere is unique and fashionable...so the lounge part sticks. James as you might be able to tell is a very interesting character and is great at selling his favorite books. Sometimes he'll even hook you up with a freebee or 2.
Thanks to James giving me and my girlfriend more reason to blow more money on stuff.
I'm not a big comic book guy, but when the most sharply-dressed comic store guy in the world gets talking about a book he loves, then you're a fool to not dive in.
A couple months back he gave me a twenty-minute breakdown of Cerebus, and I'm now four (of like 16!) books away from finishing the series.
And, you know, the toilet lids.
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So i don't get it. i read the awesome reviews for this place and my boyfriend and i were pretty excited to check it out, making it our main activity one day last weekend.
overall impression: it's small, has weird trying too hard to be cool decor, and the 2 people working there mumbled what may have been a hi to us and i think that it's.
i also couldn't figure out the small upstairs part (is it for employees only or what?)... i went up there but got what i thought was a dirty look from one of the employees.
Anyways.. i'm what i think my boyfriend secretly thinks of as a 'faux comic reader'. meaning i read adrian tomine, daniel clowes, jeffrey brown, etc. i don't like "real" comics i guess, no super hero stuff for me. bring on stories about self involved sad relationships, etc. he however, is Mr. comic- this very moment he's absorbed in volume 4 of the preacher series. anyway- needless to say he was even more excited than i was to check out this place and even more disappointed than i.
i guess we might be a little spoiled. we both moved to oakland from chicago- home to chicago comics and quimbys- possibly 2 of the best comics stores in the country. but we were happy to find a pretty decent store only a mile away from our new home- Dr. Comics on piedmont- super friendly staff- great selection and filled to the brim with not only comics but board games, toys, magazines, etc. And absolutely zero attitude.
So maybe that's the problem... maybe there was a little too much pretension, too much emptiness, and over all just not enough nerdiness you come to expect and love in a good ol' comic book shop.
Oh yeah- and don't ask for a board for your comic cause "we don't do boards"- what's that about?
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Uhm, how am I the first person to review this? Surely there must be some mistake.
Welcome, Yelp reader, to a review of one of the best comic book stores in the country, if not the world.
Hyperbole? Never, true believer! This is what a comic store is all about, and then some. On to the silver bullet points:
-- The owner, James Sime, is a true innovator and just one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to hang out with. He's is one of those guys who is making sure that the comic book scene remains as fun and relevant as possible. Whether he's recommending some kid's self-published, photocopied comic about working as butcher at the local market or extolling the many virtues of "Project X Nissin Cup Noodle" or debating where various X-Men storylines or going or just joining you in singing the many praises of Ed Brubaker, James just KNOWS comics and is happy to help you find something you're gonna like.
-- The store has a great lounge quality to it. It's well designed, there's a gallery of toilet seats with the drawings of many a comic super star artist, there's an open studio for guest artists, and the Isotope events are just a simply must attend.
-- Great selection of current comics (mainstream and independents), vast array of trades, and tons of everything else. The crowd will vary from your weekly comic book goers to the confused parent trying to find a comic for her kids.
-- Fantastic, friendly staff--what a dream job, by the way.
-- No snobs, pretty much everyone's there because they enjoy books about people who wear their underwear on top of their clothes who can fly and do other stuff.
Definitely a must stop for any comic book fan, this is just another great part of San Franciso's culture.
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Outstanding customer service and a great selection in a beautiful shop. Really great cheerful energy and careful attention to detail on special orders. Thoughtful recommendations too.
Worth stating, given the reputation of comic book stores, that this place is completely woman-friendly.
(Note: this is a shop oriented to comic book and graphic novel READERS not primarily for collectors. No back issues, no bags, no boards. And since I start reading 'em walking home, that's just fine with me.)
This review may be one of the hardest I've written so far.
See, I realy like the interior decorating. It's very cozy, actually stylish, hip, and an inviting welcoming space. It is a fantastic place to bring newbies to sample some comics, because it definitely does not have the intimidating, geek-boy know-it-all pretentious vibe.
You know the one that comes from developmentally arrested teenage boys whose bodies have grown into an ambiguous 30-40 something old frames fed on soda and junk food, turned into petty gods of their very tiny domains of their comic multiverses (Marvel, DC, Image, Darkhorse, or even worse yet, Fantagraphics), arguing about continuity problems in various versions of the X-men (X-Factor, X-Force, Teeny-X, Xistance, Xcrement, Xegesis and on and on and on).
This is certainly NOT that store.
And, I did not have to put on my geek-shield (which admittedly is not as sturdy or impenetrable as non-comic book readers', since I am a defacto geek by my comic book habits. But still, EVEN I require one when entering comic book shops).
They did have a very good selection. And a nice range of indies. And an arty collection of toilet seats displayed on the wall.
But......
They have no back issues. And a comic store should have back issues, in my opinion. If you are going to set up a relationship with a comic store, you want to know that they bother to look for older comics to help you fill in gaps in story lines.
And the display was infuriating. Part of the fun of comic book stores is browsing through the display for the next promising story line or artist, or the new book by that writer you love. Everything was just piled on top of each other on way too minimal shelves, making it impossible to really browse.
So, I'll go back, try again, perhaps revise my review. But for now, despite all the advantages of toning down the geek, I'm afraid style won out in this store instead of purpose. Form did not follow function, despite the modernist conceit.
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walk into this store, and look immediately up at all the autographed toilet seats hanging on the walls, if james the crazy-haired happy guy isnt there to give you a spirited high five first. the selection is jaw dropping, the late-night alcohol-serving art shows/signings are a blast, and it is simply a fun place to be for the comics purist (no toys, no bs.. just comics).
The look of the place is magnificent and VERY welcoming. The moment you walk in the shopkeepers greet you with an open mind and an air of charm that makes you want to stay and hang out and be late for work. The trade selection is great with mainstream and independent brands. The In-store events are SWEET where you can enjoy mixed drinks, rub elbows with local creators and prolific comics writers, comics and music lovers and just plain interesting people.
However the back issue selection is very limited and they often have trouble with shipping so the new issues aren't always there which is the main reason why i stopped coming on a regular basis.
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It's official: comics are for beautiful people.
With their red and white leather cash register booth, beautifully laid out space, and somehow esthetically displayed toilet seats illustrated by top comic artists, Isotope can validate the comic geek in anybody.
Isotope puts out their recent issues of comics on beautiful slim thin steel display shelves. Be warned in advance that they don't stock back issues; they only carry the most recent issues. However, they do have an interesting array of the mainstream mega houses as well as the smaller indy presses.
The deluxe boxed cases that are being packaged by many of the mega houses are also put out for admiration and perusal. Near the back are graphic novels...I am thinking of returning for Bone. Oh, if you chance to be there while they are still carrying Percy Gloom (which I saw displayed in the window), make sure to take a peek at it. Whimsical, but also managing to be profound, it's quickly made it onto my favs graphic novel list.
Since this was my first serious perusal of a comic book store, as opposed to picking up my graphic novels at a regular indy bookstore, I was too stunned to buy more than the first issue of Breath and a recent issue of Wonder Woman (who can resist Wonder Woman? I have such fond memories of Linda Carter as Wonder Woman bringing up those bracelets to shield herself from bullets).
Be there, be one of the beautiful people.
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Oh, Isotope, I miss you. It's not that I don't like comics anymore. I just fell off the wagon. You're the only comic book store in town that I would dream of going too, I swear.
I love you because for so many reasons. No dusty dark interior, no cardboard cutout of Slave Leia, no grim and torn cardboard boxes of back issues of Starbrand... Just a beautiful, clean, modern storefront, and staffed by the hippest comic book jockeys this side of the Mississip'.
I came in the first time because I was looking for something similar to Box Office Poison, and within moments, a dapperly dressed James had laid out of stack of little black and white masterpieces that I could scarcely believe. Pretty soon I was there every week...
You've got a terrific selection of big name superheros (to which you broadened my snobby tastes), and a positively mind bogglingly vast collection of small press, indie, mature and foreign titles. It didn't take long before I started spending more on comics than I was on food.
I don't know what happened... I started working more hours, and my time for comics shrank. But some day I'll be back... I find myself lying awake, wondering whats happening to Yorrick and Ampersand. Plus, one of you still has my "Call of Cthulhu" DVD, and there's a new Fell and Ex Machina trade coming out... hmmm.... is tomorrow good for you?
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If i wanted to go to a night club, I would. This place wants to be hip and cool and that is fine, but if I am reading comics I don't like feeling like I am sitting around with people who are judging me, even if they are not. Saddly isotope feels this way.
best store in town. hands down. and i'm not even limiting that statement to comic shops. its the best store. the service is fantastic. if you can't find something, ASK! the staff will find it for you in no time. if you want back issues, ASK! they'll order you some. AND they'll probably recommend some awesome new books while they're doing it.
fantastic store. just...fantastic.
So, you keep seeing all these fine flicks that turn out to be based on these "graphic novel" or, even stranger, "comic book" things and you're not sure where to turn. You've seen them in Borders (or better, Green Apple Books!), but you've heard of entire stores dedicated solely to their existence. However, if Simpsons have taught you anything these are usually dark & dank Android Dungeons that are not inviting to the common man.
Well, if you're in San Francisco, you're in major luck. Not only is the Bay Area mecca for the comic book fan, but its nexus of all awesomality is focused in Hayes Valley in a inviting, well lit established called Isotope.
Isotope's the every man's comic shop. Sure, if you're into debating the finer merits over Thing beating the Hulk (you'd be wrong, though. Hulk would totally win) there's definitely a place for you there. However, if your'e looking for something with a little less spandex the fine staff at Isotope is ready and willing to show you the light. Their store is stocked in the latest sweet reads and the greater classics of all genres. This is the perfect place for someone who has never been inside a comic shop to become a full fledged addict. It's home to black & white weepy romantic novellas, mini-comics fresh off the Kinko's press, and four color corporate punch comics.
As I mentioned, they have a very fine staff. Everyone from the owners, James & Kirsten, to their employees Jared & Josh are some of the friendliest folks I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. They're all very knowledgable and can definitely get the comics you're looking for (especially if you didn't know you were looking for them in the first place!).
Plus, there's the parties! Check out their swell website for more on that. I don't think I have the words to hype them up enough.
My only problem with Isotope? I'm not there enough! It's a damn shame that I don't get over there as much as I'd like.
Also, if you're itching to check it out I highly reccomend new comics Wednesday. The place is full of folks who practically breathe the love of comics.
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Isotope sure has set the bar high. I got the new hard to find Homeless Channel book this weekend and was really blown away by the service and selection. The guy working took time to make thoughtful recommendations, pointed out toilet seats drawn by artists I like, and pulled down books that he thought I'd like knowing I wasn't going to buy them. No attitude, no snobbery, no bullshit, just pure geekdom. I love it.
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This has been by far the best comic book shopping experience I've had. Between Comix Experience and Al Comics I'd definitely visit Isotope over those. Granted, those have their own "vibe" but the guy who helped us was awesome. I bought Smokin' Guns and he let me know the author was there. Kirsten was amazing and signed my comic and I got a free poster! "Kirsten's of the world unite!" My name is Kirsten too so it was dorky special. ;)
Plus, he threw in a couple freebees because my boy and I bought so much. shhh....
OOooo! And it was free comic book day. I picked up some Optic Nerve so he handed me a pile of free comics by the same author.
Go! Buy comics! It'll make you feel good.
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The astronaut mannequin will come alive, I swear.
And yes, the comics, the space, the music playing in the background (Freezepop!), the toliet seat art, everything is FREAKING AWESOME. I love the place. I need to go here more often.
I love Isotope so much I want to marry it! :)
This is by far the best comic book store I have ever had the pleasure to visit. The vibe is hip and funky. As a designer, I appreciate the aesthetic! No big dumpy cardboard bins you have to scrounge through. No cheesy pin-ups of scantily clad women. Graphic novels and comics displayed nicely. They have loads of great indie titles on the shelves as well as the bigger publishers. The staff and the owner, James, are passionate about comics and super nice folks.
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