I am writing to echo the sentiment of several reviewers here as I too experienced an uncomfortable interaction with who I believe is the owner. My wife and I were checking out the Ithaca Commons and leisurely walked into this comic shop. As soon as we walked in, the owner asked if we needed help. I said I was just browsing. He then asked if I collected comics. I said I used to up until 2005 but then sorta lost interest due to the over-saturation of the semi-annual crossover events, but I still have a rough knowledge of the happenings in the current Marvel Universe. The guy then started getting really pushy by suggesting that I get back into comic collecting by picking up a trade paperback. I felt pretty uncomfortable so I just kept browsing around the store. My wife tried making small talks asking if he had any nearby restaurant suggestions. He gave an awkward answer (I'm paraphrasing here), "not really, food is food." And then resumed pestering me to buy a book. If I haven't bought a comic in the last 20 years, what makes him think that I was gonna start in his shop during a trip 3000 miles away from home? I was getting really uncomfortable at this point with the awkward silence so I picked up an issue that I had mild interest in. I imagine if we walked out empty handed he would have scolded us like he did to many other people here. 2 stars instead of 1 because he wasn't awfully rude I guess. ‍ read more

Best place in Ithaca to buy comics they have a good selection of old and new comics and if you don't want to miss an issue of one you can get a subscription. read more

Making an account to leave this review. If I could give it zero stars I would. I've been going to this shop (unfortunately) for about three years, during my time attending college in Ithaca, NY. Before coming here, I remember being excited to have a local comic shop, something I'd recently lost when my hometown one went out of business. To be perfectly frank - I'd prefer to have no comic store here than ever have to lay eyes on that place again. Selection is minimal, back issues aren't priced (so you never know how much you're spending until you get to the register), but the worst part about the shop is the owner. I went in to pick up an issue that came out today that I knew could sell out. I arrive at the 10am time the store advertises as their opening to be met with a STICKY NOTE saying "open at 12". Fair, I spent two hours in the library waiting. At twelve, I head over, and he says that he has no copies, every issue has been 'reserved'. Understandable, but how few copies of a book do you have to buy in order to have NONE on your shelf five minutes after you open? Of course, the owner begins guiding me through the store, forcing comics in my face and telling me to subscribe, again and again, subscribe. Buy a trade paperback, etc. etc. I told him I have no interest in buying any other issues, and I intended to just get that one copy I went for. Instantly, he gets mad, telling me I'm "not supporting local comic shops" (I've bought from him multiple times before and explained I have subscriptions to my other store at home), and he got frustrated that I'd not shown interest in the other books he wanted me to buy. It was like he was searching for reasons to be angry. After I told him I regularly (now used to) shop there, he just stood by the door with his arms crossed and remained silent -- judgmental. Save yourself the trouble and money and do not go here. I don't know how I put up with this store for as long as I did. read more

This was my first time visiting the store. I was excited to have a new store to buy magic the gathering cards from. When the owner started to help me out he gave me so much attitude and made me feel dumb for asking for a specific card and how it wasn't worth his time to look. I get that and was more than willing to look myself but just made me feel like I was wasting his precious time. I walked out without buying anything. I'd rather support another small business. read more

The service was great. The selection was good but not big enough. The value on the books were good

I've been to a number of comic shops since I was a teenager and there are very few I actively hate. Comics for Collectors is one of the precious few I actively hate. The last time I went to this place the owner was upset he wasn't getting as many customers as he used to. He was openly brainstorming an idea where he'd charge customers an entrance fee. If they didn't buy anything, he'd put that money towards a store credit they could use for future purchases. Not sure if he actually initiated that idea or not. Honestly, I'm not sure how this place managed to stay open as long as it has. Rude, condescending owner. I have seen him scold customers for looking through a back issue bin in a way that wasn't to his liking, I've seen him talk down to customers because they asked for something he didn't carry. Additionally, the selection is incredibly limited for a comic shop in a college town. Plus, there was a period where the back issues weren't priced so you'd have to take them to the counter and the cashier would price them before you'd buy - an incredibly sleazy tactic. I also remember it being one of the few comic shops with a three dollar bin. Granted, I know the days of the 50 cent bin are dead, but THREE DOLLARS?! The only positive thing I can say about it is the owner's dog which was far friendlier than the owner. read more

So here's a little story: I grew up in Watkins Glen, NY about 30 minutes from this store, as a kid there were 3 Comics for Collectors, one is Elmira, one in Corning and one in Ithaca. When I was a kid, the one is Elmira was great, friendly people, good stock, and a clean organized store... then it shut down. When I was in HS I went to the one in Corning on Market Street, again, great staff, even better stock and it had a great atmosphere. It's probably one of the best memories I have of any comic shop I ever went to. I then moved to the South for 10 years, and when I came back to live in Ithaca, the Corning branch had shut down as well. I figured the Ithaca store was the first one, so it must be good.... I was totally wrong. The key problem for the Ithaca store is the owner. He's rude, sells the comics from your pull (Subscription) and doesn't seem to care about his customers. This shop is the reason I started doing a mail order pull from another shop in NYC. It was so hard for me to stop going to a local shop but I couldn't stand that my pull was CONSTANTLY wrong. I went to CFC for a 6 months and EVERY week comics were missing. I ended up having to spend more money to track down comics from other shops or on the internet. Besides the terrible service the store is small and doesn't have much stock. I would say avoid this store if at all possible, and if you do go in, DO NOT have your pull there, you'll end up incredibly frustrated. read more

When I was growing up in Ithaca Comics for Collectors was the only comic/game/rpg store in town. Time, the manager has been referred to in very unfriendly terms by my friends who have worked there. He admits that he dislikes children (great business for a comic book store). I've had horrible results of my subscription being sold (day it arrived) and a per issue fee to subscribe. He is very rarely in the store (you'll see a "back in 10 minute" sign for over an hour some time), when he is he is grumpy and has yelled at me for looking at a book (I might bend the corners, funny thing is I was going to buy it until he yelled at me). I would give him 1 star and the store 3, so it averages to 2 because, hey, sometimes tim isn't working, and the store is worth going to. If there is any other store in town, go there. read more

I've been shopping at CFC since I was a teen. I have good memories of the Corning and Elmira stores, mostly due to the fact I didn't interact with the owner that much. In the past 11 years being in Ithaca, I have had more negative interactions with him than I can count, and seen even more firsthand happening to other customers (I once saw him ask a man to take his young son out of the store because his dog wasn't child-friendly). He went too far on a recent visit by actually pushing me out of his way so he could attend to the only other person in the store while his very unfriendly dog Astro growled and jumped at me. I've vowed not to spend another dime there, though it pains me with so many good titles coming out. Luckily there is a great shop in Elmira and a new one opening here in Ithaca soon so keep the faith people. In the meantime, walk right past Comics for Collectors to save yourself from being frustrated, angry, and disappointed. read more

The owner was so rude to me when I went in, I don't know much about comics and was looking for a gift. The owner was rude and condescending about the fact I didn't know everything about rare and unique comics. Only go here if you have a lot of knowledge on comics and what you're looking for or else you will be turned away read more

I recently visited this store while I was in town. I had read the other reviews warning me to stay away from this store due to the owners attitude. However, I decided to give the store the benefit of the doubt and still check it out. Turns out, the reviews are not lying. While this store actually has a pretty decent stock of books (hence my two star review rather than one), the owner truly does not have a good attitude when it comes to dealing with his customers. I went to the store twice and ended up picking up a book that was priced well for the condition it was in. But when I tried asking for other books when I visited a second time (and he was alone in an empty store) I was met with no attempt at even trying to assist me. What finally set me off was the fact that he clearly did not know the town he was in. Ithaca (as many people know) is a college town. While I can understand pricing the rare keys at super high prices, the lack of wiggle room when it comes to negotiating was a little surprising to me given my previous experience at comic book shops. Finally, when I tried to talk to the owner and explain why I was not able to purchase a set of books due to the price, he basically told me then I wouldn't be able to buy any good book at his store. Again, knowing this is a college town, you think he would be understanding of the budget of people who can't easily drop 100 bucks on a single issue (unless they are Richie Rich). Overall, if you can get to the store when the owner is not in, the experience will be fine. However, I would visit another store if you are looking for consistent treatment as a valued customer and not just as another wallet. read more

Very nice owner and had great deals on some old comic books. The deal at the time was 20 for 10 and there were some pretty good books there. Others were also half off and there was a bin of 80 percent off graphic novels. read more

Sufficient comic book store in a college town. Carried a wide variety of independent comics and a good supply of back issues. Bought wicked and the Divine. The owner could answer basic questions. It is along a busy street, but parking is easy to find. Bagel place next door. read more

Comics For Collectors - Comic Books Near Me - Ithaca, New York

Glad I discovered this shop when I was in the area. Solid back issue selection, helpful staff, and wide selection of new books. Recommended.

A good selection of new comics and graphic novels. Also a good number of used and vintage comics. The staff there are always friendly and helpful; no one looks down their nose at you and they seem like they love to take questions. A kid-friendly section is right near the door with everything from My Little Pony and Adventure Time books, to some cool throwbacks like Astrix. They also have a section of small press comics. A great little independent comic book shop, and a fun place to browse. read more

Comics For Collectors - A variety of new and used comics and graphic novels. - Comic Books Near Me - Ithaca, New York

See all

Used to come to this store back when it was on the 2nd floor of one of the store areas in the Commons. Happened to be in town while driving through upstate NY. Surprised to see the same comic book shop owner from before. Good selection of comics as it has had in the past. Had some decent stock of back issues. Didn't plan on it, but saw a book on the wall that appealed to me. Condition was at least fine to very fine. Price was good. So I bought on impulse. Owner was nice to me. read more

I started going here in 2012 when I moved into town for grad school. While the selection of what's in the store isn't always amazing, they're always willing to order what you're looking for. Unlike what other reviews say, I've never found the owner or other employees to be unapproachable, I often find myself sticking around after I've already picked up what I was looking for to chat with them about recent events, movies, various current series. I don't know how they are with kids, but I've seen children with their parents in the store and haven't seen a problem. They're also active in local events, helping with IthaCon and telling patrons about other small conventions in the area. I've never had the owner sell something out of my pull list, like another reviewer states. Often, the owner will try to pull things you might have forgotten to mention to them based on other books you're pulling. Only once or twice have I had a problem with pulls, and it's generally because I ended up having a large number of books pulled for me that week and they missed a single issue. As one of the only comic shops for miles, I'm extremely thankful they're here and really enjoy my visits each week. read more

Small store with a decent collection of new books and trades. The only comic book store in Ithaca, it is what it is! My husband had problems there years ago when he was on the weekly pull list (mostly missing issues from his pulls). read more

I was drawn to come to the shop by a window display that featured comic book versions of some Miyazaki films. Once inside (about a half hour before closing), my girlfriend and myself were greeted by an exceptionally friendly Samoyed. The dog followed us around the store and eagerly waited for belly rubs and pets. This was by far the highlight of the visit. Other than that, the owner was completely and utterly preoccupied by an individual who must work for him who was discussing their work schedule and what shifts were coming up in great detail. We were in the shop probably ten or more minutes before the owner acknowledged us at all, and it was very awkward. I'm the kind of person who feels bad for visiting a store close to closing without purchasing something, so I bought a volume of the 'Spirited Away' graphic novel for ~$10. In reading other reviews, I kind of wished I hadn't given this place my business. The owner did follow suit of being aloof and not particularly welcome, as mentioned by other yelpers. I would think twice about visiting again to purchase comics. But, I would visit again to see the dog. Take that as you will. read more

I am a regular customer here, but the owners attitude is very off putting. He reprimanded me for handling a graphic novel that I was picking up to bring to the register. I was then kinda pissed that he was being rude, so I put it back. I buy comics here nearly every other week, and I always try to be courteous and polite, but he makes it hard to shop there. The only reason this place doesn't get 1 star is he has other employees who are kind, courteous and helpful. read more

I went to CFC yesterday for the first time looking for books for one of my courses up at the college, on the recommendation of my professor. There were four items on my list, only one of which was in stock at the time. The owner, who was helping me, said that one of the books was out of print and I said something like, "Oh, no problem, I'll look online." The owner then trapped me in the land of angry small business owner whinefests. He lectured me for 15 solid minutes. First, it turns out I am contributing to his financial troubles and, indeed, the financial troubles of all small, local comic book stores everywhere. Then, surprise, I am also directly responsible for the decline of the local economy -- sales tax, he said! The local economy, he said! I shifted awkwardly from foot to foot. I learned that I am narrow minded, unworldly, young, and villainous. Monstrous, even, because wanting to read a comic on my kindle, even once, is a crime of the highest order. A betrayal of trust between me, a woman who has never set foot in a comic book store before, and him, the store owner. Really, was not our bond the most true bond of all? Strangers, brought together for those long, long moments only because he was very vocally opinionated and I was too polite to interrupt him. I was moved by his teachings, I really was. Moved to nod, and occasionally verbally agree, so that the conversation as it was would end as soon as possible. It was a cold day out, you know, but looking at the face of this man I evidently led to financial ruin I longed for the harsh wind, the icy sidewalk, and the knowledge that at any moment a strange mixture of sleet and snow and hail may start falling from the sky. Did I want to buy comics from him, when all was said and done? Well... No. But I was afraid that if I left without buying anything he might chase me out into the street to tell me again at length all the ways in which I have maliciously wronged him particular and the wider independent comic book shop scene as a whole. So I bought the one assigned text he did have, in order to assure my safe passage out of his realm. read more

Great comic bookstore, very helpful when looking for comics. Their staff has helped me find some hard to find comics. Looking at the reviews made about this store, I have to say that my experiences and interactions have been positive ones. read more

I'm having a hard time saying anything positive about this place. I had originally gone there to find my Golgo 13 fix and it was met with comments from the owner on why anime at the time was not a big deal, but over time the industry had moved on. I think the customer service was lacking and that there wasn't any effort to make the customer happy. I know that there is decent quality of selection for books, comics, and games, but the customer service was horrible. I came in an optimist, I left the store a pessimist. I rather take my business elsewhere. read more

Ithaca is a great shopping town, but the comics scene is sadly relegated to this pit. I've joined the other reviewers in having completely given up on the shop, which I tried very hard to like and support. The issue is the owner, a very unfriendly man who seems to hate younger people. (Wrong business and wronger town, pal!) I came to expect some witlessly condescending remark every time I tried to buy a comic book. He had a friendly dog who I think has unfortunately passed, but his other dog (who is always in the store) yells and bites. I have given this jerk a lot of business because he manages the only place in town, but it's not worth it anymore. I grew up knowing that a comic book store was a place for geeks to feel good about their interests. The owner does not even seem to LIKE storytelling. As the name of the store suggests, comics are treated strictly as collectibles. Relieved to see that I'm not alone in my nasty experience, but sad that I don't have a local comics shop. The Owl Cafe, which is very friendly, does sell some used graphic novels...and the dude who runs the place always seems to take a little off the price when you buy multiple items. Buffalo Street Books, also nearby, has a small but eclectic section as well. Both are very good local businesses. Green Dragon, a shortlived comics shop, was just coming into its own when it closed a few months ago. Comics for Collectors has an okay selection, given its small size, but it simply isn't a shop you want to visit. Also, just a heads-up to the owner: if you want to review your own store to boost the yelp rating, and if you want to deceptively start sentences with "the owner says...", that's all well and good. But...your name shows up on the review. read more

When I came in there the prices were good and I got a good deal for the comics.But the owner there had to ruin it by giving me a lecture by him losing money when I went to buy the comics using my debit card.I really don't recommend this place to get comics not unless the owner gets a better attitude about things. read more

Here's my story, as it just happened this morning. I went into this store on a whim because i usually go to Play the Game Read the Story, but i was in Ithaca at the time and thought i would take a look. I ended up spending a lot of money and setting up a few subscriptions while i was there. The owner was not rude, nor was he pleasant even after i basically paid his rent for one month. I walked out relatively happy in large part because of the reading material i had just acquired. Some time had passed, and after 3 phone calls from the place telling me i had outstanding subscriptions there i told them that i wanted to cancel them simply because i was unable to come back up to Ithaca (i live in Cortland so its hard to go there for just comics.) Fast forward to this very morning and i get a call from the store, i am met by an employee who tells me "I don't even know why you did this. You are the worst customer i have ever seen. You will be black listed." I have worked in customer service/retail for 4 years. Whether or not you feel this way about a customer you don't voice it to a them, especially when they previously canceled. I am very sorry but it is not my fault that they didn't cancel when i told them to months ago. I can tell you that my business now will be taken exclusively online because i never want to be treated this way again. For those of you looking for a great site i suggest www.mycomicshop.com. read more

As far as everyone else claims, I've never had an issue with Tim or any of the other people who work in this shop. They actually just recently started running a Ladies Night hosted by this lovely young lady, Laura, every other Monday night around 6 PM (I think they also have a Friday night group for those who can't make it Mondays.) We all go in and discuss news in the industry, women's roles in comics and how that's changing, and a sort of book club where we recommend different graphic novels and series to read each week. Tim was nice enough to offer discounts on any of the materials we are reading. I am always going into deep conversations with Tim whenever I'm at the shop, he's always very friendly. Usually I start the conversation with him, but I think he just doesn't want to be nosy; he'll tell you everything you want to know if you just ask! It is a small shop, and yes, I've been to bigger stores (Midtown Comics in NYC). But it's local, and they do a good job of keeping in stock most of the well known series. I don't have many comics on pull, right now I'm only subscribed to Wayward and the Rocket Raccoon series, so I haven't had an issue with that. I do wish they had more of a manga selection, but it's hard to compete with the local Barnes & Nobles on that front. They are definitely the best choice in Ithaca for comics though, and I'm happy to support them any way I can! read more

The owner is odd and very high pressure. Do not go in and browse, as he will question you and berate you until you make a purchase. Poor customer service and a bad attitude. I would rather support businesses that value their customers read more

A friend recommended a comic to me today. I'm in my 60s and never owned a comic in my life. I googled, then called this place because it is closest to my home. The lady who answered the phone was very friendly and helpful. read more

Upon my first visit to this store, looking for comics and/or graphic novels for my son's birthday, I encountered an angry man who I later found out was the store owner. I told him and even showed him pictures of what I was looking for. He couldn't seem less interested or knowledgeable about what I was looking for didn't provide any assistance whatsoever. I wandered around the store looking for ideas and came up with a few. As I approached the register, I said that I would order what I didn't find there online. He proceeded to berate me for 30 minutes and blame me for why brick and mortar stores go out of business. "Don't you want to order from me and help your local community?" Although I saw his point, I had already explained to him that I needed these gifts within the next several days; I did have a week to wait for the shipment. Not to mention the way he came across gave me such a negative experience, vowed to myself never to return. In all my years, I have never in my life been treated this way by anyone, let alone a shop owner. After leaving the store, I called my son and said I would never return to that store and explained my experience. As it turns out, I ended up purchasing something my son already had so we had to go back to exchange it. The second experience although not warm and fuzzy, was uneventful most likely because my son ended up spending approximate $250 on comics/books and ordered a subscription through the store despite my objections as we live 45 minutes away. After the first week, my son called to cancel the subscription realizing it was not practical to do every week. Now today, 3 months after the initial order and subsequent cancellation, an associate calls and tells my son "I don't know why you even subscribed, you've only been in once". My son tells her that he cancelled them some time ago. She continues to tell him that he is a terrible customer and that he's been blacklisted from the store. In my opinion, beyond poor customer service and lack of knowledge of your product is why businesses fail. Even if this was the biggest comic book emporium in the world, I would not recommend this store to my worst enemy. Very unprofessional, not knowledgeable about his products, and downright awful treatment of customers. If I could give zero stars I would. DO NOT GO TO COMICS FOR COLLECTORS on Aurora St, Ithaca NY!!! read more

Just recently brought in my boyfriend's comic book collection. The collection, as a whole, could have retailed for $1000 easy. One comic book alone was worth $300, and that is not including getting it rated. The owner, Tim, took forever going over the collection, and we had to call him to ask what was taking so long...turns out he was done looking them over, and wanted us to come in and talk $$$. We went in with expectations of approx. $500 for selling, with a chance for the guy to make a big profit. There were other profitable books that could sell to make up his purchasing price. He tried to tell me and my boyfriend that the $300 comic book, which was in good condition, was in extremely POOR condition and someone wanted to buy it for $20. He is completely full of you know what. He said he wanted to buy that comic book and one other for a grand total of...$45. He said he would take the whole collection for $100. Just a tip, Tim, if you are going to try to pull the wool over someone's eyes to make a banging profit, be a bit more reasonable with your offers! This man was rude, brisk, and clearly just wanted to take advantage of us instead of working out a good deal. We walked out with our collection and plan to not ever go back to that shop. read more