Space Cat
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
10 Reviews for Space Cat
I've been to great comic shops. And then I've been to bad comic shops, this is one by my home. Unfortunately, its cramped by way too much for sale that just needs to be thrown away like cassette audio tapes and LP records and guitars and adult porn comics. Just give me my Sandman and Preacher and Watchmen and anything Vertigo please. That being said, the selection here is pretty good so it gets one more star. The unholy thing about this place is that on Free Comic Day, they charged tax on each comic after the first free one.
Their selection of single issues is definately lacking. (only downfall)
As far as their graphic novels/hard backs/independent comics go...? They have the largest selection I've seen. They have shelves and shelves of art books, magazines, cassettes, VHS, video games, toys, etc.
They also have tons of boxes full of vinyl records ($0.25-$8ish). The only problem is that they're not organized very well, so its harder to find certain records. (BUT there are some good ones in there!)
More of a mish-mash of comic book store/thrift shop. Yeah everything is unorganized and dusty but you can still find some pretty cool crap. Everything from NES carts, records, cassette tapes, paperbacks, porn, toasters. Yeah, it's pretty crazy. Prices are decent and I've never had any problems with the staff. If I'm not mistaken, the place is closed on Mondays so call ahead before visiting.
Love this store...exactly what a comics shop should be: packed with back issues, action figures, graphic novels, and a very knowledgeable staff. Kudos especially to Mike, the manager...he is friendly, helpful, and the main reason I keep going back. I especially appreciate the recommendations--the staff frequently recommends books based on what I am currently reading! Pay them a visit...spend thirty minutes or an hour exploring...you will be a customer for sure! (As an added benefit, I can even walk in with my dog--a definite plus).
You'll find this place by it's big cartoon sign. It's located next to a toy collectible shop, a vintage vinyl record store, and a mexican grocery store. There is ample storefront parking especially on weekdays. Whenever I come here it's almost always void of customers. Maybe one kid on the arcade machine. It feels ghastly on occasion.
Space Cat is a pretty big comic shop that needs a good cleaning and one hard day's worth of organization. I don't think they utilize the space as well as they could. The floor plan is crowded with shelving. You kinda have to look a bit to get what you want. Their best section is their monthly comics. They don't get put the past months comics in storage, rather they put the older comics in sequence like at a music store. They have recommendations to highlight their favorites. Other sections include independent, magazines, toys, art books, and a alphabetized shelves full of trade paperbacks.
They also carry a lot of used items and collectables like trading cards, toys, and movies. This is one of the main reasons why the store has a poor appearance. I've never tried to sell anything here, but this would be the first place I'd call.
The condition of older comics and trades can vary from new to slightly bent.
The service is alright. They don't really go out of their way to ask how you're doing, but if you ask them for help they're pretty good about it. They can order stuff for you if you ask. They also give you free bags and boards with your purchase of comics. And that's a good thing.
The last time I went here, their storefront window was boarded up. It turns out that a drunk homeless guy threw his a bottle at the window. Good thing it didn't hit the Star Wars collectibles..
***Update*** 4/18/08
One extra star added due to the fact that they seem to have cleaned up the store a bit. They do still look as though they are in the middle of cleaning up an earthquake spill. This is mainly due to the fact that they have brought in some new shelving for their used items. The new shelving mostly holds used video games, cds, vhs tapes, and dvds. It's certainly better than what they used to have. This however doesn't solve the problem of the cluttered space. If you know what you want to you zip in and out; however it's not a comfortable store for browsing. They also have an area for comic book supplies like boxes and sleeves. The adult section has a better covering drape, yet I never go in here (I'm not lying!).
Additionally they've added a pinball machine right next to the arcade machine. I haven't seen a pinball machine in a comic shop, a nice addition. On the outside storefront they affixed paper signs in Espanol and English stating that buy and sell used merchandise. These signs look a little cheap and tacky. At first I thought they only bought movies, music, and games; but they pretty much buy anything. The owner said the only thing he doesn't buy is jewelry, but everything else is under consideration and has resell value.
good place to go, but 4 star for old, dust, and under construction...
but still a good place for go, and love the old staff....wow
This is a really horrible place. I ONLY ever go to Space Cat if what I want isn't at three or four other stores first. Both stores are always a huge mess, action figures are WAY overpriced, the back issue bins are hidden away in a dark corner UNDERNEATH a table covered with some used appliances they're trying to sell, and if you DO find what your looking for you have to wait for them to call the manager to search on Ebay for what that issue is going for on the internet. There's this really loud old lady that I've seen at both stores that is always yelling, and giving dirty looks to customers (I always feel like she thinks I'm going to steal something), and she obviously knows nothing about comic book culture (the very thing her store trades in).
Other employees seem really chill, but both stores have such high turnover rates, that I doubt they'd be there when you come back.
This used to be my preferred store, but nowadays, I go to Black Cat in Milpitas. It's a little bit farther, but its worth it
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My very first review. This must be the smelliest, unorganized comic book shop in San Jose. EVery time i go there it smells like a wet dish rag or a dog that needs a bath! Comic books lying on the floor, toys that needs dusting. geez if you're trying to sell something at least clean up the item first before displaying it. Overpriced action figures. They have this subscription system where you list down the comics you want them to hold for you for a month which doesnt work. I actually saw an employee grab a copy from another customers pull list for his friend! I go there at least 2x a month and everytime i walk in there is this lady who's always yelling at somebody on the phone. Or cussing.
Last week I tried to buy some comics so i was ready to hand my atm when suddenly the cashie/owner dropped the card as if he was about to touch a Lepers card or something what an idiot. He said they dont accept cards for purchases less than $5. I said can I get the new Checkmate issue then? He just shrugged and said "my bro here is still sorting out the comics". Wow. great service Space cat. I will NEVER go back to your comic shop.
When I lived in San Jose, this was the only comic book store I would go to. It had a good selection of indies - serials, graphic novels, and one-shot small press - and it was fun to look for new artists and stories. I even enjoyed their (small) selection of foreign indie comics, which is a rarity in comic book shops.
They also carry lots of mainstream comics, action figures, art books, and collectibles. Though organized in their own little sections, the place was always disorganized: open boxes on the floor, toys strewn carelessly in some places, the display cases disheveled. The 18 and over section is even disorganized (yes, i ventured behind the broken-beaded curtain, which voided the point of hiding the porn from the kiddies). The staff is nice and helpful, and not so nerdy. Be weary when they have those live action / card games going; they can be loud, but you hear the funniest things from those players!
update 09.09.07: the place is better organized with nice shelves, the 18+ section has curtains, and there's a good selection of graphic novels! It's still a bit crowded and hard to walk through the aisles. But i love the place.
I remember getting off the bus everyday after school in the early 90's and stopping here. They moved a lot back then. Slowly into a bigger spot each time. I would come in, a browse the books for at least a half hour a day! They never got tried of me asking the lamest questions ever, and helped me build my collections. Extremely friendly staff and the best selection of books, toys, cards, and mags around.
Space cat is also buying and selling your old DVD's, VHS, books, Cd's, and electronics!
I bought a used DVD there the other day for $3!!!
LEGIT!
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