Big Lick Comics — Local services in Roanoke

The store atmosphere was amazing! The prices... not so much. A lot of the stuff was waaaaay overpriced. The lowest back issue that I found was $4.

The staff was polite, but seemed to be intentionally trying to rip me off. One was sorting comics when I came in. He picked up a comic with a 20 cent pricetag and asked me if I could believe that a comic with a 20 cent pricetag could still be sold for just $10.

I said that I thought that was pretty unbelievable, but for a different reason. I am well aware that a lot of comics, even old ones, aren't really worth much of anything. It probably didn't help that the particular comic he held up is one that another local shop, the Basement, had multiple copies of in their $1 and $.25 cent bin the last time I was there which made a $10 pricetag all the more unbelievable.

I'd like to think that overpricing was unintentional, but I've seen a lot of comic shops come and go with overpriced stuff that can be bought cheaper online or, as in this case, another shop. The way the question was asked also made me feel as though the staff was fishing to see if I could be taken advantage of which definitely doesn't make me want to go back anytime time soon. To make a long story short, I was...

So the first time I went into the store there was 1 person in the store but no one said hi to me or welcome. So I looked around and was astonished at how high the prices were! Its like they raided WalMart and Target and doubled the prices! While the store has a decent setup, I would question the "knowledge" that they have. I asked about 3 different comics I was interested in... I was told they could order them and should have in a few weeks. Well, for one, I knew those issues were not even in print so that was a lie and second, how could you notify me when you never asked for my contact info! Its all smoke and mirrors, no vintage stuff, overpriced current merchandise and questionable knowledge. I have been in the store 3 times and each time I just shake my head as I walk out with my money. Did they just wake up one morning and decide to open a comic store? Better options for selection, knowledge and credibility on the other...

I just moved to Roanoke and Big Lick Comics has been a go to for me each week. Sometimes more. I had fallen off comics and with having more free time I decided to get back into it. When picking up my first few and setting up a box one of the clerks recommended to me some other horror comics that were coming out soon that I didn’t know about. They took the time to see my interests and recommend titles that I’m loving and they always treat my 3 year old with respect and keep her entertained. When I have questions about new releases they are always upfront about delays, but let me know they can pull it so I don’t miss out. Kudos to Adam and crew for making my shopping experience easy and fun and staying calm when a chatty 3 year old is screaming...