We were sad when Atomic Comics closed all of its stores last month, but luckily, there's no shortage of alternatives for comic book fans in the Valley.
Whether you're looking for an energetic atmosphere filled with caffeinated gamers and superhero mannequins, or a quiet vault filled with endless boxes of meticulously slabbed back issues, there's a place for you in Phoenix.
Ash Avenue Comics & Books
All About Books & Comics
The selection here is staggering. New titles fill half a dozen racks near the entrance of the store, as well as most of the store's south wall. Graphic novels take up most of the north wall, and the rest of the store is shelf after shelf filled with box after box of back issues. We've had to use a step ladder more than once to reach some of those back issue boxes, but it's always worth it, because we usually find what we're looking for -- or something else equally interesting. 5060 N. Central Avenue. Call 602-277-0757 or visit allaboutbooksandcomics.com.
Some other cool comic shops in the Valley:
Jesse James Comics: 10620 N. 43rd Avenue, Suite #1, Glendale. Call 877-926-6427 or visit www.facebook.com/jjcomics.
Drawn to Comics: 5757 W. Glendale Avenue, Suite #2, Glendale. Call 623-847-9090 or visit www.drawntocomics.com.
Pop Culture Paradise: 707 S. Forest Avenue, Suite A, Tempe. Call 480-557-6640 or visit www.popculture-comics.com.