Mekanik Strip — Local services in Antwerp

In the centre of Antwerp, there lies a mysterious dwelling filled to the brim with stories about magic, love and heroism. All beautifully illustrated by masters of their craft. For those who dare to enter Jens and Jens2 will be waiting with advice.

The Mekanik strip is an enormous comic shop where you will find everything from comics of big brands like Marvel and DC to smaller more independent authors like Stjepan Šejić or Charles Soule and Ryan Browne and of course our own Belgian artists like Willy Vandersteen or Mehro. Outside of all the comics you could ever want they also have a giant collection of other pop-culture memorabilia like posters, mini-figures, artbooks, etc.

Of course, with that many different items, it is easy to get lost. Luckily the staff there are always willing to help and can give great advice whether you are looking for something to buy a gift for a friend or just looking for your new favorite series. Jens can tell you everything there is to now when you are looking for the latest comics and Jens2 will help you find the best manga for you.

On top of all the great stuff you can find there and the always helpful staff, it is a very beautiful shop and a shrine to everything nerdy… I mean pop culture. The shop is built in an old building in the centre of Antwerp very near to the train station. And is completely covered in comic books and pop culture merch.

The Mekanik strip is recommended to any comic or manga fan in the centre of Antwerp, and thanks to the fantastic staff also accessible for anyone just wanting to get started on their...

Mekanik Strip truly is THE comic Walhalla. Located in the heart of the cosmos, you will find nearly everything that is comic-related. This shop has been around for over 30 years and has conquered a place in every Antwerp nerd's heart. I bet some of them even shared their first kiss here while looking for some of their favourite European or American comic books.

On the first floor of this famous comic emporium there is a small gallery; here you can check out nifty exhibitions from lesser known artists. These creative souls are given a chance by Jens and Kim to reveal their work to art enthusiasts. Are you talented? Do you love comics, graphic novels or urban art? Then you might want to send in a suggestion for a temporary exhibition featuring your work. As Yoda would say: "Do or do not; there is no try."

When your artwork is being displayed and you miraculously become wealthy and famous, I hope that you won't forget about little old me. A good philosophical graphic novel as a thank you will do. Yes, I am a FANBOY. I love Alan Moore and look down on Trekkies. I was uncool before uncool was cool and I grew up with the 'Thundercats,' chasing my tail.

Thinking of this place makes me feel elated and wildly enthusiastic. To the non-believers all that remains is this: broaden your horizon, give the nerd inside you some air to breathe and some...

You could get lost in this place with all your superhero's and villain all packed inside this amazing place. Comic books of yesteryear are all over. You could spend hours and hours inside and not be bored. It is a visual feast. I took my kids here the other day and they literally were shouting and screaming as they recognised some of their superhero's which they watch on television. My five-year-old was all wide eyed as she touched the books, dolls, props, and signs. My older kids were simply transfixed to that special place in their mind as they were swept away instantaneously. It was just not kids I saw inside the store, which had a second floor. I saw other enthusiastic adults - both men and women, all smiling and living their childhood memories all over again. It is a very good place to buy your favourite comic books and become a...