Fantastic Comics — Local services in Berkeley

This is not a bad store, but it does lack a few elements, and also, they can make a couple changes that would have pushed my rating higher. Love the feel of the store, it is always very organized, and the staff is always nice and helpful (they even offer 10% off for students, awesome!). They have all of the new issues, and a really good selection of TPB's. This location does lack back issues, and doesn't have the selection that a "classic" comic book store has.

The things that I have a problem with: The back issues that they do have, which consist of a lot of issues that are still fairly new (a couple months to a couple of years old), are EXTREMELY over-priced. For example, issues of the current Amazing Spider-man series that are only a few months old were marked as high as $10.00. These items are easily still cover price or cheaper at other local shops as well as online. My second issue is their bargain boxes. I give them credit for having a bargain box, which they actually have a solid selection of back issues, most are marked 1.00 and 2.00. The problem though is, they stick the price tag on the cover of the comics. WHO DOES THAT? To a collector, that eliminates almost ALL value to even pay a dime for the book. A suggestion would to be to separate the 1.00 books and 2.00 books, and just keep them in a 1.00 box and a separate 2.00 box, and mark the FRONT of the BOX. I truly believe this would easily solve the problem and more collectors would be willing to grab a couple dozen books in one visit. Plus, separating the 1.00 and 2.00 books into their own boxes would save a lot of labor next to having someone hand...

A welcoming, friendly establishment for everyone from the most seasoned indy comics veteran to the greenest rookie fresh off the Avengers film boat, Fantastic Comics has it all. And what they don't have on hand, they are happy to order for you. I have personally ordered several copies of the hardcover collection of Adventure Time storyboard artist Jesse Moynihan's amazing comic, Forming, to give to friends. It's just that good. With their convenient location right downtown, mere minutes from campus (and SECONDS from BART), their academic discounts, their sweet subscription service, and their friendly & extremely helpful staff, Fantastic Comics is the only comic store for the discerning...

Right next door to Half-Price Books is this comic book store. Unlike most comic shops that I've visited, Fantastic Comics is very spacious, though a bit dimly-lit. As a manga reader, their manga selection is very limited, but it is very organized. The staff leaves me alone to browse, which I appreciate, because I am one of those shoppers who likes to be left alone unless if I want to ask for help.

They also host events and signings here, like when Marjorie Liu and Gene Luen Yang visited. Sadly, I have yet to attend such an event here, but it's wonderful to see a local comic store right by Downtown Berkeley Bart host...