If you're looking for a great selection of books and comics, in addition to an on-site bar, Atomic Books may be your destination. Located in the Hampden section of Bmore, Atomic Books would easily satisfy the inner book nerd in you (*raises hand...). Upon entering, the ambiance was chill with music playing over the speaker with just enough volume to not get in the way of perusing the incredible book collection. The books are sectioned according to genre, which makes for ease in looking for a specific topic. They have a magazine section as well with titles you won't find in an ordinary newsstand (a magazine titled "Bomb"?.... I'm impressed). The cost of the books varied, but was not so to bust your budget. They also have a selection of comic books in addition to t-shirts and items with the Atomic Books logo. The staff were pleasant and customers who came in seemed to be locals supporting a great small business. I liked that. And don't forget I mentioned a bar....located in the rear....serving adult libations. Can you imagine yourself purchasing a favorite book and settling in at one of the seats in the bar sipping on your favorite drink? Or playing the video game back there? I could and would have...if I had the time! All in all, a cool neighborhood bookstore/bar to chill out, grab a book, and a drink. read more

See all

This is a great bookstore packed floor to ceiling with fiction, non-fiction, how-tos, cookbooks, manga, comics, illustrated books and more! All the books were reasonably priced, and service was quick and efficient when checking out. We had time to kill before a dinner reservation nearby so we walked in to see if we could find a book to bring with us to the beach. After searching through the shelves and seeing all that Atomic Books has to offer, my husband and I both found something that piqued our interest. I love shopping small and supporting local, and Atomic Books has classic Baltimore charm mixed with the unique punk vibes of Hamden. The next time I'm around grabbing a bite, I think I'll stop in and buy another book to enjoy. read more

Atomic Books - Comic Books Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

I have loved Atomic Books for years! The store has an incredible selection of books that span a wide array of genres. If you stay long enough, I know you'll discover something new and unexpected. Not only does the store sell books, comics, manga and gifts, but it also has a cool zine section - something you definitely don't see in mainstream bookstores. There is a bar located in the back of the store that serves alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for folks to enjoy. The store also hosts events like game nights, book clubs, signings and more. If you're a fan of the filmmaker John Waters, you will find all of his books and may even run into the man himself on occasion (his fan mail is sent to the store). I met him several years ago at the store and we had a great conversation. If you love books and things that are outside of the norm, definitely check out Atomic Books! read more

I've been coming here for over 15 years, and it is such a treat each time. They have an amazing selection of comics snd other novelties. Best Baltimore stickers and gifts, as well. I always try to pop in when I visit Baltimore. read more

See all

Went in to Atomic Books just to peruse and left with a book I didn't even know existed. Atomic Books had an incredible selection of books running the gamut of genres. I did a pass through the entire shop then spent most of my time in the music section. I was pleased that the offered so many books featuring punk bands and music. I bought a book about Crass and the Thatcher years in England. Price seemed reasonable for a harder to find book. My wife and I also grabbed some stickers. The person working the register was nice enough. Didn't really go out of their way to greet us or help us out. I am totally fine with that as I could work my way through at my own leisure. read more

The shop personnel were rude. We stopped in to buy a gift and the staff was unprofessional and unwelcoming.

Such a cool spot! Wow, so many great finds inside. Novelty gifts, books and comics that you can't help but impulse buy. I can tell it's a local favorite, too! If you're in the area, surely go! read more

I love atomic books. I think it's great to be able to support a local small business for buying books instead of a giga cooperation. This cute cozy nerdy store is absolutely jam packed with reads. They have an ever changing curated section that their book clubs are reading, their staff recommends, and what's trending. Making picking a books easy if you can't decide. I've only ever had positive interactions with all the staff, and they have a great loyalty program! The books are competitively priced to online retailers. I don't know what more you could ask for for a local book store. But wait there's more! There's a cute little dive bar in the back where you can cozy up with your book, read, drink, and socialize. It's WONDERFUL. read more

Brilliant in nearly all aspects... Bonus points for a knowledgeable (and fun) staff. The requirement to hit 85 characters seems silly in most cases... read more

What's not to love about a comic book store that has a bar in the back. It's a divy hipster bar in Hampden. The crowd is a little order and it's cheap drinks and beers with usually a live show. The staff is friendly. I've heard John Waters (creator of Hair Spray) does signings here on occasion! It's a fun spot. They do have regular fiction books as well! read more

Atomic Books - Bar area - Comic Books Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

See all

Quirky, fun, and friendly. I've been a fan for more years than I can count. Great selection of books and more. You can order online, too!

BEWARE WHEN ORDERING ONLINE **SCAM ALERT**** I ordered 2 books from here that were never sent. After a huge go around and trying for 3 days to reach someone I managed to get my order canceled. Now today my card was charged for the same amount... not sure what games they're playing or if they thought I wouldn't notice but this is blatant fraud. Don't waste your money or time, find another place to buy from. Trust me it'll save you loads of stress and money. read more

Atomic Books is a great little bookstore on Falls Road in Hampden. It's definitely on the smaller side, but it's well laid out and has a great selection of books, comic books, and graphic novels. While they can't have every book you might want to buy (not enough space), they will order books for you! They also have a little hidden bar (Eightbar) in the shop where they sell local and craft beer, wine, ciders, meads, and more, which I need to check out next time I stop by! Atomic Books is also special as it collects fan mail for John Waters, which he picks up from the shop regularly. Atomic Books is a special Hampden spot. Check it out and buy local! read more

The store has expanded their hours, as follows: 12-6 p.m. on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12-7 p.m. on Fridays & Saturdays, 12-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 12-5 p.m. on Sundays (closed on Mondays). Also; their bar (Eightbar) will be open from 5-9 p.m. on Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. on Fridays, and 4-7 p.m. on Saturdays. A vaccination card must be shown in Eightbar. Atomic Books has raised a good point about ordering way ahead for the holiday season, since they're already contending with a significant problem re: supply-chain strain (manufacturing, distribution, shipping and labor). Many of their items are selling out quickly and it's highly doubtful they'd be able to restock this year, if ever. Also, they might have to cut off all mail order in December because of what happened last year (it took weeks for their Priority Mail packages to arrive at the destinations). Another point they've raised is that UPS & the USPS are adding surcharges to shipping as of next month and the USPS has slowed First Class mail for as much as five days. read more

Atomic Books was a definite Baltimore must! I don't need to remind you that John Waters gets his mail here. A perfect stalking.... I meant local hub for all things literature! It was my first time here and I immediately feel for it. It might have helped that we were in the car for hours and I made a b-line for the bar in the back. Yes, you heard me loud and clear. There's beer here. I was quiet happy to see a little couch with Waters and Divine head pillows. And I couldn't resist playing a couple rounds of Ms. PAC-MAN. When my friend showed me how to start it. I was only one point away from the win. The bartender last Saturday was a super sweetie and helped me select the right sour "Sorry Chick" to quench my thirst. It was delicious! She also complemented me on my outfit. It's like she wanted me to move in with all the love I felt. I spotted a cheap book rack and immediately went for the pickle book. I was tempted. There was a family in the back who was also trying to convince me about the book. I should be in a "Cookbooks Anonymous". I admit I have a problem and that's the first step. The array of books had so many of my favorites. I focused a lot on the illustrated comics. Liana Finck's new book "Passing for Human" was in the mix. She's one of my favorite cartoonist for the New Yorker! I also enjoyed the John Waters x-mas card wall. Buscemi one will always be my favorite. There was also signed books of all his novels. A real must see for all fans! You can also pick up your "Baltimore: I actually like it" t shirt for 25 bones, Tip: We didn't know but word on the street is the record store (True Vine Record Shop) next door is amazing and Waters loves this area so spend some time walking around. read more

See all

This was my first visit here. I've been in Baltimore all these years and I finally stopped in. They have a mask policy so I ran back to my car to grab one, just a note to anyone planning to go. I was impressed by their diverse selection of books and comics. I was able to get what I wanted and then some. I was going to rate this review a 5 star but I honestly felt like I was watched the whole time I was in the store. I would move from one side of the store to the next and still notice it. I just ignored it and kept shopping. My wife also noticed it without me mentioning it. read more

Atomic Books - Comics I got! - Comic Books Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

One of my favorite bookstores in all of America. Thanks to John Waters I first learned about this amazing bookstore. Today I received another package from Atomic Books and once again, top notch service! Not only were my items neatly and securely packed, everything looked pristine as though I went into the store myself. I might be on the West Coast, but I can truthfully say Atomic Books is an amazing store and you should absolutely support it. They always do a wonderful job shipping items out and all around great service! read more

Awesome shop with a great selection of novels, art books and comics. They also have cool novelty items like a capybara finger puppets!

I really wanted to support a local bookstore and not go to a major chain or Amazon. Unfortunately, this store won't be the one getting my business. Not only are customers not allowed to drink a covered coffee and are forced to leave it at the front register, but they also don't have a bathroom for customers to use. Those blanket policies with no room for individual discretion are par for city life in the US, which is a shame. So I have to run out of your store and not buy anything to SUPPORT YOU because duty calls? Your loss, really. The other sincere issue with my experience was the attitude of the woman who relayed these policies to me. Utterly unfriendly and her tone suggested I was a complete moron for even daring to bring a coffee into the store or asking about a bathroom. "There's a sign on the front that says there's no bathroom." Oh, okay. But maybe USE YOUR DISCRETION to allow customers who are clearly not going to ruin your bathroom? Or maybe employees actually do defecate in a bucket all day and this store legitimately has no bathroom? I doubt it, but that's possible. Could have been why she was so damn mean and salty, perhaps? Or maybe it was because I was the only customer in the store, the store is going under, and she's pissed that she'll be jobless soon? News flash - if you provide good customer service rather than JUST products, people will come back. I can get your books ANYWHERE. That's not why I come to YOU. What you provide that's special is yourself, not your products. Some business owners don't understand that, and then they wonder why no one comes back. It's truly not about your product, especially when they're generic products like mass produced books. It's about the person and ethos behind the product. Wish you understood that. Either way, great job driving a customer away. I won't come back, nor will I encourage others in my wide network to go, as I normally would for a business that treats their customers well. There's more than one reason Amazon is taking over the world, and shop employees/owners like this are definitely one of them. read more

Atomic Books is a beloved bookstore in Hampden in Baltimore. It carries a variety of new comic books, magazines, other books, zines, and gifts. If you're into unique books, go here. They have an amazing selection! The staff are helpful and they often host events throughout the week for the community. If you go in the evening, there's a fun bar in the back with a few games and couches to sit on. read more

LOVE IT‼GREAT PRICES I GOT A FEW BOOKS FOR UNDER $1 I love them they're addictive I hope they continue to make part 2 in some of theses book love the pictures.love the vibe great service was a quick in easy check out read more

Atomic Books - Comics perfect - Comic Books Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

Came in to inquire about renting the back room and could hardly get answers to simple questions from Rachael, who was dismissive, snotty and bereft of customer service skills. Kudos to the young lady at the counter who tried to rescue the negative interaction but ultimately that flier went in the trash. I'll spend my money elsewhere. read more

I enjoy shipping there, even though I had to wear a mask on 8/14/22 They say you can judge the quality of a bookstore by the quality of their restroom. This store has no public restroom That tells you a lot :-( read more

**Review for Eightbar** I love that this bar is in the back of a book store! I love that there are comics all over the bar top! And I love that they have a set of Cards Against Humanity for spontaneous drunken mind play! The drink selection is nice with a mix of local favorites, seasonal treats, and unique things like spiked sparkling water. Now I was on a bar crawl when I came here, but it was only the second stop so I was coherent enough to judge and remember. It's a great atmosphere. Makes me wish I was into comic and graphic novels. Bring friends, hang out, read stuff, drink stuff, you won't be disappointed I promise. read more

See all

Honestly, it had something for everyone. My one wish was that things were more clearly labeled so you could tell which section you were in. Definitely look in the sale books. They're either overstock, damaged, ect. I got a book for $3.98 today, all because of a small rip in the cover. Saw a few books they had on the floor for $10-15 cheaper. Always look there!! The pin machine is honestly super cute. For a $1, you get a mystery pin! read more

An amazing comic book store and one of the few places where you can purchase adult comics.

Came here and spent $20 but didn't have much time, came back the next day and looked around for about an hour, bought a $5 drink, and was planning to come back at the end of my day in Hampden since I didn't want to carry the books around while shopping. However, one of the employees loudly publicly shamed me for "reading all their books" and asked me if I was planning to buy anything on my way out, while I was holding the $5 drink I bought. I read exactly 10 pages of one graphic novel. It wasn't just me being sensitive - another patron left when I did and said the employee was really rude to me, so they felt like they had to leave too. What do they gain from publicly embarrassing someone who has bought multiple things from their business for flipping through *10 pages* of a book? I don't see myself coming back now. read more

Atomic is my go to for comics! I love the wide selection they have from superheroes to weird, indie graphic novels and of course, good ol' books. read more

One of the coolest book and comic book shops I've been to, especially here in the city! The interior is pretty big and honestly it seems like they carry almost every major title or comic as well as smaller titles as well. The wall and shelves of different graphic novels and mangas are enough to have one browsing for hours and hours. I also like the way different books are spread throughout the store depending on the topics that are relevant at the time. They also even have a table dedicated to local authors and creators, some of the books are even signed! Don't forget to check out the back area where there are plenty of seats, few arcade games, and a BAR! That's right, during certain times you can not only grab books but you can also grab some great local beer and just relax for a bit. This place is a local gem. read more

I wandered into Atomic Books for Free Comic Book Day and I was very impressed. They have a super unique and specialized collections - lots of local zines and books from independent publishers - stuff that you wouldn't find at a Barnes and Noble. They even have some free things (like local magazines and zines) that you can take! It's always fun to go to Atomic Books and see what they have stock. read more

An institution in the Hampden neighborhood. This is a comic store that is choosey about its comics, a bookstore that's selective of its books, and an independent zine store that sells a myriad of artists and unusual stuff. And it has an enormous selection of graphic novels. The book shelves for instance contain art books, pretty much everything Vonnegut has written, and all three Wildwood books by Colin Meloy. I love the selection of books laid out on the tables in the middle of the store. They are eye catching and appear carefully curated. They attract you to really cool books you might not pick off a shelf or find online. I almost always want several. The rumor is this is where John Waters gets his fan mail and it makes sense. This store is just smart, a tiny bit weird, and as others say here...geek heaven. Oh there is a bar in the back too. read more

I went in hoping for a John Waters sighting (circa 2016) and left with three new books, including one about "fucking apostrophes." Absolute treasure of a place and informative, friendly staff. read more

I took my daughters on a walk today to go to Atomic books as we'd been wanting to check out the store and buy some new books for our little family. We waited outside the store as their were others already inside shopping. When it was our turn to go in, I was told that children under 10 weren't allowed inside the store. Yum it's a book store! I have been waiting for the last 2 weeks to go here with my girls and had every intention of making a large purchase today but I suppose I'll looked elsewhere for the books i I wanted to buy. Very disappointed with my first experience here and I'm not sure I'll go back. read more

This is actually a review of Eightbar, more so than a review of the shop. Yes, Atomic Books is a comic book store. Yes, they have a cozy little lounge. No, not a bookstore with coffee, but a comic book store with a bar. Yes, a bar - with wine, cider, and great choices for beer. Adrienne - I'm not sure that's how you spell it - is fantastic. I went on April's first Friday - the first Friday in the month - and she held down the rush like none other. On this particular Friday, they had a Coney Island Brewery takeover. I started with the hard rootbeer - for no good reason. It was exactly what I expected - sweet, just like rootbeer. Adrienne served it over ice, which helped. Whew! what was I thinking? Clearly, I wasn't because my next drink (which was after 7 when the even started) earned me this fancy mug. And in true fashion, I wanted to try everything so I tried the Hard Orange Creme Ale. Thank goodness my friends joined me and helped me finish it. That was it for me and beer. This place has some decent wine choices - given the size. I started with a rosé from California, which was fine, but this Pinot was much better - even though it came in a can - almost three glasses worth. Perfect for sharing. Check this place out next time you are looking for a cute and relaxing spot. Just a note, you have to buy the books and then you can bring them in the lounge; they also don't let you bring the drinks into the store. Probably a good plan, given how clumsy I am. read more

See all

Atomic is a solid book store, with a bar in the back to boot. Good layout, open space. Always on point with the selection, ranging from local zines, comics, artbooks, NYT Bestsellers, to fun cash wrap novelties. A perfect blend of book store and comic store. I went when it was up the road and I continue going on Falls. I appreciate you, Atomic. read more

I am new to Baltimore and stopped by this store while exploring the city a bit. They had an amazing selection of books available to browse curbside, and I picked up three used cookbooks that were like new for $12! I didn't know until I got home that they were allowing customers to shop by appointment, but I absolutely cannot wait until I get the opportunity to take a look around inside the store! read more

Rachel was awesome and I highly recommend this independent bookstore. I ordered a John Water's autographed BLU RAY of "Female Trouble" but recieved in error "Polyester". Rachel sent out the correct BLU RAY in a super fast hurry. And today I was told I could keep the autographed copy of "Polyester". Now that's customer service and when I'm in the neighborhood I will definently be shopping there. Keep up the great work. A loyal customer now for sure! read more

I stopped by to check out one of my local bookstores. I'm an avid reader, but a healthcare worker and can't bring physical books into my workplace, but I work long overnight 24h call shifts and do all of my reading on my phone through my library app. Yes, I get it--on the face, it seems like I'm a bad book-buying customer since I can't actually use them, BUT after reading them, I always purchase my favorites in hardcover from small local bookstores such as Atomic and keep them in my home. I take pictures of the old ones I've read and the new ones I'm going to read whenever I have a chance to go. And I'm a sucker for the little cards and pins sold by bookstores, so I usually walk out having bought a bunch of merch anyway, which are much more expensive than books overall. Booksellers in other corners of the DMV area are usually pretty kind and appreciate the business, even though the things I buy aren't always books. Today was one of my usual visits, and I was taking some pictures with my husband at the beginning before browsing the merch. The employee came over and seemed to intentionally make us feel uncomfortable about it, then again after checking out, said some things that seemed to also imply we weren't welcome, suggesting that I was taking pictures to be an 'influencer' without buying anything. He questioned me, asking more and more about it, and definitely not in a nice or curious way--he genuinely seemed to want me to feel bad. But at the same time, he was ringing up the $20 worth of stuff we were buying (mostly quirky greeting cards, things on which I suspect they have a high margin). I get it, that's not a ton, but it's more than the $10 paperback that I took a photo of. We were there for ~30 minutes and not in anyone's way, as far as I could see, and paid before closing, so I felt hurt by his passive aggressive tone. I get that not every customer is the same, and probably a lot of business is lost towards people buying books online. But that wasn't my intention, and being nice to people is better for business than his judgmental tone. This place probably would have been cool if I didn't feel him hovering over my every move after that. I was curious about the bar in the back, and definitely would have stayed longer and certainly would have bought more without this experience. If he said something like 'no photos allowed, sorry,' I absolutely would have apologized profusely and stopped, but I don't think that was the case, to my knowledge. He reinforced my decision to temper my purchasing (and not buy the book I was considering adding to my collection) with the second set of comments in the checkout lane. At that point, I almost said 'forget it' and put my stuff back, but I was too shy and hurt so I still bought it. At first glance, it reminded me of my favorite comic/graphic novel store that closed years ago, and I desperately missed. I'm disappointed I didn't find that in Atomic. read more

What a quirky fun space. It's everything you would expect from a hampden bookstore with a twist. The back doubles as a comic book bar. (At least it appeared to be comics to me) but bright colorful complete with video game and beer. I immediately thought of my best friend and how she would adore this little space. Well done Hampden Village Merchants! read more

Atomic Books - A book I may go back for.. bestie would love this - Comic Books Near Me - Baltimore, Maryland

I love bookstores. Wanted to check this one out for awhile now. But while there's a large, good selection, I didnt feel as welcomed as some other bookstores I've been to...almost like you walk in and you've interrupted someone's busy day. There was no offer for help, or if there were any questions etc after browsing for about 30 minutes which could be good and bad depending on why you're there and well...as much as I'd like to love it, I didn't. But to be fair, I didn't hate it either. Just would stick to larger chains (which is NOT something you'll usually hear me saying!) Or online books. Good aspect is that there are books here that you would not find at many of the bigger chains and a decent sized wall of zines. P.S. the sign asking you not to take a photo of stuff unless permission is obtained is well....in this day and age...kinda old, especially when I may want to spread the word about cool stuff they sell there but of course I respect a privately owned business' request. read more