ABX - Comics & Games — Local services in Augusta

I've come here a total of 3 times within the past month and a half yet I think that it's safe to say this place is one of my favorite attractions. As someone who isn't familiar with Augusta very well, I immediately googled nearby places to fit my interests and Augusta Book Exchange came up for nearby Comic Book Stores. I chose to go to this location opposed to larger places like Barnes & Noble or going online to Marvel's website because it's a better feeling of going into a smaller business and supporting them and honestly I wasn't disappointed. I originally went in the store looking for Secret Wars related comics or maybe pick up a volume of Hickman's Dawn of X or maybe some Doctor Doom comics and sadly there wasn't any available but I had no problem with browsing and looking for some alternatives from their limited but wide variety of books. Augusta Book Exchange offers items from Comics, to Manga, to Collectibles and all at a good price. So far, I haven't seen a single comic that costs over what they're really worth which is what earned my respect for this store. I find myself picking up more comics than I initially came to buy whenever I go there because of the fact that this store has so many hidden gems amongst the selection and all for a really affordable price. I may be just looking in the wrong places but if you've come for comics made by indie creators then you may not be in luck but I may be wrong. Always be sure to ask the clerk if there's anything that the store has or does not have and, in my experiences, he's always given me a kind and respectful response. The aesthetic of the inside is reminiscent of an older Comic store which is something that I don't mind. All of the comics that I've seen were always in good condition and placed in protective sleeves unless they're displayed on shelves. This place offers a space for players to play D&D, Warhammer, Yu-Gi-Oh, etc.and also sells accessories for them as well, if you're into that. I've personally never engaged into those activities so I don't know how they work so I can't tell you how they do. Overall, it's a good place and I'll definitely shop there again. I will come here for any of my comic related needs but will have to order certain things online if they don't have it, which I don't mind.

[p.s. I wouldn't come here if you have a cat allergy. the last time I visited, I was met by two well-kept cats. They aren't aggressive and don't bother the customers so you won't have to worry about that part and they're...

UPDATE: New location is far superior, and cleaner. Great selection of new titles and dollar bins. Back issues are rather spartan, at least on the Marvel side, and not well-organized at all. Prices are reasonable and they offer a military and veteran discount which is hugely appreciated. Had nothing but good interactions with staff on my every visit. I would delete my previous review below, but I can't believe I worked in "duodenum"...also a testament to vast improvements and experience. Very bright, always a lot of activity with the gaming tables....and not a cat in sight, :) .

• Old 1 star review from their previous location ** There is something that hits in the face and duodenum the moment you set foot in the door. Is it awe you ask...is it wonder? It is none of those things...it is the ammonia from cat urine that will hit you like a downhill fertilizer truck. I tried my best to suck it up and look around and while they had some good comics and collectibles, I knew it would take 8.2 metric tons of Febreeze and Clorox to cleanse any item that wasnt vacuum sealed. I appreciate that the owner wants to save every cat in Augusta and have nothing against cats, but you are also running a business that isn't an animal shelter...but honestly...animal shelters...

I've been in this store two to three times in about 15 months, it hasn't gotten any better. Dusty, dirty and unkempt. Last time I was in there were a collection of 3-4 young kittens sort of left to their own devices, obviously with eye infection or worse. Zero customer interaction. I was not greeted, nor even acknowledged, and when I asked the staff behind the counter a question about product, it was slowly "explained" to me, as if I were a misbehaving child. Air is stagnant and full of the bouquet of unwashed bodies, mixed with smoke and generally poor hygiene. Player base (I spoke with four to six groups over my trips) is very closed off, closed minded and protective assuming "you ain't from around here?". IF you are looking for comic associated things (graphic novels, odd comics, figures etc, this "may" be the place for you. If you're looking for somewhere to game and call a home away from home and have lived in the area for less than 4 generations, this place probably isn't for you. I"ll be spending my time, effort and money elsewhere. Neighborhood is very sketchy, with vagrancy, breaking and entering, and theft pretty rampant. Generally, not a great...