Cape and Cowl Comics — Local services in Oakland

I've been a customer off and on in the four years I've been in Oakland. Since the lock-down, the way the store is run has obviously changed. Unfortunately, it has been for the worst.

No one is able to assist when you're unable to get into the website after you've lost and changed the password. (This is probably an issue they had before the lock-down, but then you could just go in-person and get what you need). They have another site, Comic Hub, which I was told was used to buy items from the store as well as pre-order....but then I was recently told it was ONLY for pre-orders.

For a time, I was able to have items I wanted added to Comic Hub when I called in and told them my issue with their official website -- Kevin would help me with this. However, more recently one of their other employees would insist I go on their official website and order items even after I explain my issues; it would be specified by this employee that Comic Hub was only for pre-orders...as aforementioned.

When I would further seek assistance, as a customer -- how else would I get my comics, other than going to another store that won't have you jump through hoops? -- he told me to the effect, in a tone I didn't deem professional: 'I'm busy. I have other people here and there are only two of us.'

As a person who worked customer service (and still does to a degree) I can understand multitasking and stress (if that's what it was), but you're also a problem solver. This person didn't care to solve my problem.

I spoke to the manager/owner Eitan and told him about my experience and how I felt I needed to take my business elsewhere.

He was dismissive as well.

Fortunately, there are various comic stores online (including those in the Bay Area) where I can get the...

Today was Free Comic Book Day (5-7-22) and it was such a fun event! There hasn't been one in the past couple years due to the pandemic and prior to that it seemed like I would always work on them. That made it super fun when I was told I would have today off so I looked up my closest comic store and this place showed up.

One of the people was dressed as old tyle Thor with the winged helmet and the staff was so nice inside. They had a great selection of comics and had some great signage so I knew exactly was in each isle. They also offered a little selection of Funko figures, board games, dice and Magic the Gathering cards. I was very happy with the 5 free comics I got today for stopping by and I even bought a hardcover to continue my Avatar the Last Airbender collection.

They also have a rewards program stamp card for buy 9 get the 10th free so I'll definitely be returning to get some more goodies from them in the future.

Also the staff is super easy to talk to and even the small interaction with the cashier felt genuine since we were talking about a specific author that lives...

Always the best! Well organized shop, friendly and helpful staff that can answer just about any comic questions. Some comic shops can feel intimidating to new readers, if that's you, Cape and Cowl is a great place to go to get into comics. They have a great variety of stories and styles, and always seem to have the #1 books I'm looking for to start an older series, as well as a huge selection of current runs. They carry a lot of different books, but if you're a Batman person in particular they've 100% got you covered. Also the app is great for subscribing to a run so you don't have to worry about missing out on a new run or the next issues! They also have a punch card for a free 10th book! So glad I got back into comics after all this time with their help. Go check out Cape and Cowl and sign up with them on comics hub. Following comics has never...