The Collective: A Comic & Game Community — Local services in Altamonte Springs

Very first time visiting this store and it is sizable. Went straight to the comic racks and they are laid out nice from right to left as you enter. Impressed how they segregated the variants - though they appeared to be in no particular order. I can tell that on Wednesday’s they more likely than not have a good selection of the latest (speculations).

Asked about a copy of a free comic book and here is where the confusion came. For reference I had a couple of comics in my hand that I was due to purchase. The person helping me asked, “Are you buying any books?” I held up the two books. “Ok, I have some here so, I will give you two.” Uhhh ok, I’m thinking how is it you get a “free” book under the auspice that you have to make a purchase. His statement was confusing.

Anyhow, this same guy also helped me find a variant I was looking for.

Overall, I found the prices slightly higher for the (variant) that I purchased, but get committed because he took the time to locate it. Moving forward, I don’t think I’d do that again. However, I would not hesitate to come on a Wednesday to participate in new book day.

Not much for Funko Pops if you collect those. But, it appears as they have a designated area for gamers. The overall all fit and feel of the place was positive. So, I’ll be back but for now. I’ll stick with my current LCS, though this would be a good alternative.

Update May/June 2022 My experience here has drastically improved in-terms of customer service and direct interaction. This honestly has improved my “comic” experience and therefore, I’ve been visiting more often than the past. Adding a star for improvement.

My rating system consists of a 3-star being exactly what you expected and neither good nor bad. A 4 means something was extra special and a 5 means you were blown away. A 2 star rating was disappointing and a 1-star...

Prices are way too high, sometimes double, on items that aren’t difficult to find. Just do your research.

Membership is nice if you like paying $50 for the right to get items at retail prices.

Most offers don’t combine, yet some staff will combo discounts/stamps/etc while earning stamps. Still others insist you can’t earn stamps while using stamps, discount doesn’t apply on items lowered to retail by being a member, or that stamps aren’t earned if you use membership to purchase an item that’s “normally $250, retail price of $100 cheaper for members”

Just realize this is a store with a great layout, good variety and helpful staff. That doesn’t mean you should buy most things here.

It is the Bed Bath and Beyond of comic/hobby stores. Mark everything up, so there is perceived value in buying at a “discount.” Not talking about rare/market price shifting items. Most of that kind of stuff you can check and they have it close to the market price for rarer items. Unopened and new stuff is really the issue. Especially on TCGs

I’ve assumed on a few different products that they were retail price and have regretted it later. All because I want to patronize a local business instead of ordering online.

2 stars because staff are awesome and layout is cool. Otherwise 1

Just don’t buy the membership and DO go there to get comics/stuff at market price that you know ahead of time, or hang out with cool...

This shop is a bit out of my way, but the closest comic store to me was unfortunately not sufficient for what I'm looking for. I like the new Powerpuff Girls book, and I want to be able to pop into my local shop when it releases to pick it up. Immediately when I walked in, I saw a sign that said "Subscriptions", so I knew immediately this was the place I was looking for!

The person who checked me out (Gen Z, wavy brown hair with glasses and bangs) was super kind and answered all of my questions. They set me up on the ordering site so I can hopefully make sure I get the books I want (they did advise me that there were issues with one of their suppliers, so ask about that if you plan to subscribe to anything!)

My secondary reason for the visit was to see if they had puzzles, and thankfully they did - mostly some very "meh" White Mountain (I found one I liked), but there were a couple of Disney Ravensburger puzzles too. They had tons of board and card games, a section for kids books, graphic novels and lots of new comics, a generous selection of back issues on the floor, rubber ducks, enamel pins, dice, paint and paint brushes, some model kits, tons of stickers and tiny glass tchotchkes, small jewelry, plushies, blind boxes, genuinely this place has everything.

If you're in the area and have any sort of hobby or interest at all, make sure...