The new location is compact, but it's run by the same people, experts in comics for decades. Honestly I like this small footprint better--it reminds me of the jewel box shops of Paris where you interact directly with the proprietor or shop clerk. What it loses in anonymity, it gains in character. The shop is perfect when you go in knowing what you want--you just ask the person at the counter. They will order what you need if it's not in-store. Done! If you don't know what you want, I think it's even better to limit options in a small well-curated shop. Any item on display can be considered a recommendation of sorts. No need to browse through thousands of square footage of books, worried that you will miss the best thing on the next shelf. For serious collectors, there is a downstairs area. I do miss the cat. read more

Call in Saturday the 14th of February. I asked about a specific book made in the 80's. These were adult comics that are no longer made, part the of underground comics. Before calling here, multiple comic book stores that I have called in are not familiar with this title, so I made sure to ask. The person from this stores tells me he does not have that, I asked have he heard of it, and was quick;ly given rude answer I just told you. Its very apparent you do know how to run a business nor how to give basic customer service. I was able to get a proper answer from another store in Oakland, although they did not have what I was looking for, I was given a suggestion of what they have. Happy to say, I bought a few issues recommended to me and some. It's that simple dude, not hard, and your welcome. You learn something from me today, although you never deserved it. read more

Came all the way from across town to check it out. It was small. Bad vibes all around the minute we walked in. Wouldn't recommend.

Stellar. If you just want to find, you can find; if you want to discover, even better. Staff is knowledgeable and will work hard to understand your tastes and help you navigate the sizeable inventory. Great spot! read more

My buying experience was good. It's the only decent comic shop I found in the area. The shop is small but has a good selection and the owner was super helpful with good comic knowledge read more

If I could give less than one star, I would. Horrible extremely rude owner. Rude to some children in the store from the moment I stepped in. When I asked to see the basement section which was advertised as a section for back issues, I was refused to go down there after politely asking to check. He said: "Why would you go down stairs?" and as I tried to explain he cut me off and said "If you dont know, you dont KNOW". I immediately left after such a hostile attitude that made this store an uncomfortable environment to be in. Probably the worst comic book shop ever. I just wanted my boyfriend to have a nice time :( . We definitely did not choose to make any problems and the owner pictured here blind sighted us with his poor attitude read more

Fantastic Comics - proof that there IS another room that apparent only "worthy" customers are allowed in - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great comic shop! Lots of random treasures- owner and staff were great. Will come back again next time in town

Uel and his vast wisdom about all things comic books and beyond is what makes it truly Fantastic. Frankly it's impressive on any level the passion he has for his life's work and how lucky he is to be doing it well while sharing it with the community. If you've taken a long hiatus since the days he was a dour-faced youth at comic relief working under Rudy, or more recently the Jack-of-all trades Owner/worker/Entertainer at his shops previous location on Shattuck next to HPB. COME BACK and restore the fires of your imagination with all the great characters and stories we grew up on! Comic books are as awesome as ever if not better and Fantastic Comics is the Berkeley spot to get them! read more

Big, clean and centrally located. My husband is a comic collector. His big complaint was that the back issues were on the floor under a table. It is difficult to navigate and find what you are looking for when the back issues are stored that way. Regardless, it is nice to find a cool shop! read more

I always support small business and what I mean by that is a Mom&Pop shop. Not a multimillion dollar family business. Berkeley has 2 genuine comic shops and this is one of them. Formerly on Shattuck they are now only a few blocks down from University on MLK in a nice small quaint spot that means business. What is that you ask? Well one word Comics! New books every week! Some back issues hidden away for a more than fair price and even some grade-able gems. If ya do mums the word. Beware its comics so ephemera is not the focus. But some $1 dolla holla deals are to be had. read more

Right next door to Half-Price Books is this comic book store. Unlike most comic shops that I've visited, Fantastic Comics is very spacious, though a bit dimly-lit. As a manga reader, their manga selection is very limited, but it is very organized. The staff leaves me alone to browse, which I appreciate, because I am one of those shoppers who likes to be left alone unless if I want to ask for help. They also host events and signings here, like when Marjorie Liu and Gene Luen Yang visited. Sadly, I have yet to attend such an event here, but it's wonderful to see a local comic store right by Downtown Berkeley Bart host prominent guests. read more

Fantastic Comics is a good spacious comic book store, they have a lot of new releases, including a great assortment of graphic novels / collected editions / trade paperback / hardcovers to choose from. They also have alphabetized recent released comic books by Marvel, DC and other publishers. Their one weakness and it's academic of most comic book shops is their lack of collectible back issues going to the Golden, Silver, Copper, and Bronze age before the 1990's. I know it's considered to many retailers, sort of dying inventory that ties up resources (both funds and space)... but that's what differentiates one comic shop from another, it's unique inventory you can't easily find from one store to another or shopping online. This is a beautiful store aesthetically, and in fact it feels like 1/4th of the space is dedicated to a restricted employee only sorting/inventory area which might mean there's room for the store to continually evolve and grow. Parking is tough in the area, but not impossible at all. It's easy to take public transit like BART and is close to the UCB Cal campus too. read more

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Not sure what to think of this place. The selection was pretty good. There was a good collectible toy selection, wouldn't know it. My son, he just turn 14, was just standing there flipping over a couple of books.One of the staff comes from behind the counter and stands three feet away from and just watches him. I was on the other side of the store watching the interaction, so I causally walked over and stood next to them. After an awkward silent moment, the staff asked if he can help and walks away at the same time. So no, no thanks, no need for me to spend anything here. read more

Had a horrible experience here a while back. Owner was extremely rude to not only me, but also some children that were in there with me. Would NEVER recommend. Go elsewhere. read more

This place is just OK in my book. It's smack dab in the true heart of Berkeley and I guess I just miss the back issues the old place had, but this place really lacks in the nostalgic comic store vibe. Staff are friendly and there is a lot of space to walk around. So if you enjoy walking, come here and do some laps. You'll get a workout. They have most of the newer books, even though it lacks a true definition of organization. Sometimes I feel like I'm lost trying to find what I'm looking for. Still, it does have the size. Now they need to fill it up. read more

I absolutely love this place. It's always up to date with it's comics. It's always clean and organized. The owner and staff members are friendly and professional. And a plus, the owner's pet dog is always there looking absolutely adorable and will cuddle with you if you give it a long petting. The prices here are very reasonable. The comics are usually all in great shape (meaning to tears, bends, or folds), although there was one time I did see one comic book with a tear in it. The staff also knows how to handle your comic book, so you don't feel anxious as their scanning the thing. They also have a nice little selection of shirts and comic related miscellaneous items. Overall: I would definitely recommend place to all the comic book junkies out there. read more

It's great to know where to go for comics and this place has been the spot for many for many years. This was where I fell in love with comics again when I was in college at CAL during the Marvel Civil War days. In the wake of the tragedy, the U.S. Government proposed the Superhuman Registration Act - More on Marvel.com: http://marvel.com/universe/Civil_War#ixzz4PYKvCtfl But that was a good while ago. I graduated, thankfully found a job, and went to work, forgetting about all the good times. Who would have guessed that I would eventually find my way back, now as a young professional, in time for Civil War II :D and that this would be the place where I fall in love all over again. read more

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Went there with my son just now as I wanted to get him some comics during our vacation. The worker out front sweeping whom also claimed to be the owner stated they were not allowing any browsing cause he didn't want us to infect his comics. So how am I supposed to buy if I can't browse? That's the whole point of a comic book shop. Why even open if you are fearful and projecting bad vibes to your customers even in these times? I'd pass..and support another shop. read more

This place is easy to locate as it is close by Downtown Berkeley Bart and a couple stores down from the big Half Priced Books store. The store is clean and spacious inside. The inventory is well organized and kept in alphabetical order. The staff are friendly and helpful. A couple times, I saw a small and well mannered (I never seen it bark or jump on anyone) dog walking around. I think he/she belongs to the owner. In addition to comics, they have comic related merchandise (figurines, action figures, and posters). I grabbed myself a DC bombshell Black Canary poster. They have a kids section on the right side of the store. The store carries a series of knowledge related comics with various subjects (philosophy, religions, science, etc..). I have never seen these series before coming here. If you are interested in something outside of the D.C. and Marvel series, they have plenty of other titles. If you are just starting out with comics and don't know where to begin, the staff will be happy to give you some recommendations and some titles will have a post it underneath explaining why you might be interested in the series. To be honest, I haven't been to many of the other comic stores to make a comparison on who has the best inventory but if you want to see if they can order something specific for you, they posted how around the store. I have so many titles on my wishlist and every once in a while, I like to treat myself by getting something for my small collection. So far, I have gotten Superman: Red Son, Batman: The Black Mirror, Hush, The Long Halloween, and Green Lantern: Blackest Night. Next time, I will be adding some Spawn, X-Men, Silver Surfer, and Avatar (DON'T JUDGE ME!!!). The stores has events and they post regularly on their Facebook. I came here on Halloween and Harley Quinn was giving free comics for trick or treating. This is such a fun place to be even just for browsing. read more

Fantastic Comics - The comics I got on Halloween. - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Impressive selection and a friendly staff. The store is really big and airy and clean. Which is nice, but I gotta say I kind of missed the "cramped and dusty and excessively stocked" vibe you often get from comic shops. Where you feel like you're really searching for treasures. read more

Fantastic Comics - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Definitely one of the best in the bay area, kinda small place but based on the selection of comic books they have, they do have one of the best. Was able to scoop some back issue comics, they have plenty of silver age and bronze age comics at the bottom floor. Would recommend this shop if you're in the area! read more

It's a great time to be a woman who's into comic books. Long gone are the days where Marvel and DC were the behemoths of comic book stores, elbowing out most of its competition with grittydark, overly-muscled male protagonists on every cover. Marvel and DC are still doing quite well of course, but now you have tons of well-established other graphic novel publishers; and within those companies, writers from all kinds of backgrounds and artists with diverse art styles, all represented and getting their due. Fantastic celebrates the diverse--there are comics on display about whatever Marvel hero has had a movie released recently, but given similar billing are local zines, graphic novel classics like Persepolis or Maus, and smaller, less popular trade paperbacks that the staff just really, really loves. The Staff Picks are nearly always winners for me! There are toys, old comics and collectibles, the newest week's releases, kid-friendly graphic novels--FC's got it all, and the space is really spacious and well-organized. Fantastic Comics-it's your friendly, neighborhood comic book shop! The staff always seem like they are having a great time being there, which creates a really positive vibe and environment. They generally let you do your own browsing, but all members I've spoken to will happily and enthusiastically give you recommendations if you ask for them, thoughtfully responding to the criteria you're looking for. (My last ask: something a little melancholy and having good character growth, bonus points if LGBT. Walked out with both "This One Summer" and "The Wicked + The Divine" and dug both!). It's women-friendly, LGBT-friendly, and a welcoming place. They frequently offer Q&As with writers and artists, and sometimes have signings. These are always enthusiastically attended events. Some folks who've been there in the past have included Greg Rucka, Babs Tarr, Chip Zdarsky, Gabby Rivera, Marjorie Liu... I used to attend FC's Fantastic Ladies Comic Book Club, which is a super great group of women (and non-binary identified adults) of all ages and backgrounds. Every month, they meet to discuss that month's trade paperback, zeroing in on feminist issues, character development, social commentary, and more. At the end of the meeting, people can propose books for the next meeting, pitching the titles and their rationale: they might be written by a woman, offer relevant social commentary, or simply be in timely conjunction with an upcoming movie (Wonder Woman, for example). Then there's a vote. That's that! The group was a little big for me to feel like I could get much of a word in, but I never felt unwelcome, and the conversation got me looking at comics in a different way. There is a 10% academic discount if you are a student or work in education--you just provide proof and sign up on your customer account. Speaking of your customer account, it's been a while but I think when you make ten purchases, you get a 10% of the total amount credited to your next purchase. Pretty sweet. So yeah--check this place out. It's a wonderful, welcoming environment for any nerd enthusiastic about old heroes or new ones. These times are a-changing, and even if you're not a fan of Batman or Wolverine, Fantastic Comics can help you find a story that inspires you. read more

Excellent store--great selection, and clean, bright place. This is also the comic book store with the most women employees that I've ever seen. This makes the store very comfortable and welcoming as a female customer. No weird comments or patronizing attitudes, either from female workers or their male counterparts. There's also a great section for younger readers, with many titles featuring empowered little girls (Lumberjanes, Goldie Vance, etc.). read more

This review is long overdue, but what can I really say? That the selection was deep and diverse? That the staff was as quirky as they were friendly? Or that the shop struck that perfect mixture of well organized clutter and cleanliness so that when you walked in you felt like a character on a multi panel spread? All of which is true, but does any of that even matter when comic book shops have to close their doors or relocate at the peak of what is now a billion (maybe trillion?‍) dollar renaissance in the industry? Comic book shops should be thriving not shuddering when comic books, their stories and characters are so deeply assimilated and omnipresent in the culture at large. I'm going to miss the neon signs in the window, the slight give in the floorboards, and the conversations you can't help but overhear that put a smirk on your face. Admittedly, I didn't shop at Fantastic comics often because I don't find myself I Berkeley as much as I'd like, but whenever I did I always made a point to pick up a book here. So wherever they go I will follow, but if this is a sign of times to come either by way of e-commerce, or the unaffordability of the Bay Area, our beloved subculture may be under threat before we know it. #shopsmall #shoplocal read more

Fantastic Comics - Future fan girl - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Love this place. Has everything you need for you comic fix. Great new selection and a sneaky back issue selection downstairs. The folks running the place are super helpful and extremely knowledgeable. I drive out of my way to go here even though there's a decent ship near me. Don't forget about their back issues, you won't be sorry! read more

After my first visit, I think I'll pass on future visits. Pretty terrible customer service. I walked in to browse the collection, when after a few minutes, the store clerk working at register walks towards me and just stands by me, hovering. Awkward. A minute later, I initiate conversation by asking him if the store had a particular issue I was trying to find. He responded rudely and briefly, "no." And that was that. I continued to look for a few minutes until the vibe inside made me feel uncomfortable. As I made my way to the exit, the store clerk walks back to the cash register. Racial profiling, maybe? Why though? Comics are like 4 bucks a pop. read more

An associate at Half Price Books referred me here to Fantastic Comics for required comic books for an upcoming research paper writing class at Berkeley City College this fall. Comic books for an English writing class?! Really?! Seriously?! Well, I am glad I heeded, listened to the associate's advice and headed to Fantastic Comics. I was able to find the comic books I needed for the class. The associate--I think he was the manager actually--who assisted me in seeking them was able to give me an extensive background and history on the comics I was purchasing. Not just mere comic books, oh my--these comics are current and relevant social commentary. After hearing about this particular comic book series being turned into a television series, I will have to look for online episodes and DVDs. I read a little bit of one of the comics. I will have to continue reading them in its entirety before the class and the fall semester begins. The associate that rung up my purchases--ironically--experienced my future instructor for this semester. She enjoyed being a student in his class. She told me he was the kind of instructor who adjusts as the semester progresses, allowing the class to take on a life of its own. She said he was not a stickler for sticking to the syllabus. That was reassuring to know. Wow! This place is a comic wander- and wonder-land. Wall-to-wall. There are vintage comics too. I shall definitely return. Get on the emailing list. It will be worth it! Here's the topic for the class I enrolled in. Not exactly my cup of tea at this writing, that may be subject to change: http://www.amctv.com/the-walking-dead/videos/comic-con-trailer-the-walking-dead-season-4 Fresh Review #53 of 100 Yelps! for 2013 read more

Fantastic Comics brings comics back to Berkeley!. When Comic Relief closed,and the space laid vacant for months, I was afraid I would have to give up my 'comics and lunch' Wednesdays forever. Like a superhero who never stays dead for long, the space has been resurrected as Fantastic Comics!. The new owners are comic geeks as well, so they are friendly and can talk knowledge-ably about what's good and what's on the horizon. With a shiny new computer system, they can take special orders and notify you when they come in (yeah!, no more missed issues!). As I implied earlier, there are a bunch of food and coffee places within a block, for you to take your newly bought comics and read them over lunch or a something to drink. Comic book fans in Berkeley should take advantage of their return and check them out. read more

I used to like this place but will no longer be coming here after the very unpleasant and bizarre experience I had yesterday. I am a 40-something-year-old, skinny, clean, glasses-wearing nerd. I work full-time. I pay taxes. When I look in the mirror, I see something totally harmless. Apparently the staff at Fantastic Comics see something else: I walked in specifically looking for t-shirts with interesting comics-related graphics and an Usagi Yojimbo anthology. I approached the small selection of shirts hanging on a rack and started looking through them. After about 10 seconds, an employee walked from behind the counter, and stood about ten feet away from me, arms folded, leaning back against a table, staring at me. I looked up at him, then very demonstratively looked all around the store to let him know I could see he was is obviously staring at me like I'm a thief or something. He continued staring, I continued looking at the shirts. When I was done looking at the shirts, and started looking at other things, Starey McGee says: "There are a few more over there." I said: "What, shirts?" He said: "Yeah, but probably none that would interest YOU." He put extra emphasis on YOU. What does that mean? How does he know what interests me, or what appeals to me? Why is he even speculating about that? Just point me to the shirts, man. Then he said: "What's your size? I don't know if you're going to find your size." Am I shopping for myself? Maybe I like clothes that don't fit. Why do you need to know what my size is or what my intentions are with a shirt? Is it ok with you if I determine what size shirt I want to wear? I really don't need you to be the middle-man on this one, guy. He motioned to another table near the front of the store. There were a couple different shirt designs there. One of them was a cool Voltron shirt. As I was in the middle of saying "Hey cool Voltron shirt!" he interrupted me and pointed to and read out loud the very clearly marked sizes of the two available shirts in a very slow and condescending way, like I'm an idiot who hasn't been reading since at least 1980. "This one is large. This one is extra-large." I said:"Yep, that's what it says". He then snatched the shirt I intended to buy OUT OF MY HAND and put it back on the shelf and said:"Yeah, so......" I guess to signify to me that my time to peruse the shirts or anything else had expired and I needed to get out now. I put my hands up like a blackjack dealer leaving a table and walked out shaking my head. What's the deal Fantastic Comics? Do i look like a bum to you? I am not a bum, I'm a (now) former customer. And I didn't get the Voltron shirt I wanted! I got the Usagi anthology at Half-Price Books. read more

comics haven't been on my radar for decades. after high school, they were forgotton. briefly got hooked on magna? online for a bit but no longer. fascinating store here. comics on one side, history of comics of the other, hardcover comic books in the center.. took a brief look/tour, owners were friendly, may be back if i seriously want to check out comics anew. read more

There's been a lot of talk lately about how horribly sexist and unfriendly some comic shops are. It makes me even more grateful for Fantastic Comics, where half the staff are women, there is an all-women monthly comic book club, and where I have repeatedly and unhesitatingly sent my tween daughter and her pals unchaperoned, knowing they would be not only safe, but given age-appropriate recommendations should they want them. =D I have been a regular here for about 2 years and I love the range of comics that they carry, as well as how knowledgeable and friendly everyone is. If I don't know what to read next, I can have a chat with anyone here and they'll recommend comics or graphic novels based on what I already know I like. read more

Very friendly and helpful staff, found just what I needed and they have a lot of old school videos games as well as new in stock; i.e. gameboy, GBA, N64, Sega, SNES, gamecube, ps2/3, xbox and more! Sweet! Lol nice little find in Berkeley! read more

I like this place. It's not too tight so I don't feel like I'm about to damage something. The folks are quick to help you find something when you are looking lost and have ordered for me a few times when they were out of what I was looking for. They don't charge in advance when I ask them to get me a comic, just call when it arrives to I can drop by and pick it up. Right next to BART it's super convenient to visit. Between this place and Games of Berkeley down the street I could lose my entire paycheck in a day. read more

Great comic book store with knowledgeable owners and personalized service. I really enjoy going there.

Today was my first time visiting, Fantastic Comics, the very first thing that is very notice is how well organized the store is. "Organization" is something that makes shopping much easier and more pleasurable, many store I have visited before could take notes from this store. The staff is very helpful in to find items, there is something to be said about efficient and courteous staff. If the store were rated on this alone they would easily be a 5 out of 5. Even though I only stopped by for a couple of books, I will say the positives of the store make me want to shop at Fantastic Comics again! read more

Just not good business to be rude to customers that calls you. Why can you initially be a jerk to someone on a 30 second call to have a question answered? you were the closest shop but I'd rather go up to Sacramento before I'd deal with you again. I called to see if I could send some comics to the CGC and sell other comics to pay the cost. But alk I got from the fit was that his brother deals with CGC. If the brother sees this you need to know that he is driving away your caller's, you may have a nice store but his attitude is not bringing in any new customers that aren't you within a few miles from you. read more

Fantastic Comics is your place if you like your comics thick enough to require a spine. They do have a section for single issue paper comics but the vast majority of their inventory is graphic novels and trade paperbacks. They also have a good variety of manga, some independent and local comic works, and even a few graphic shirts for sale. The shop is spacious, clean, well-lit and very organized. Not to mention there's the cutest little shop dog who walks among the customers, providing some squee with your shopping experience. Excelsior! read more

This is MY store. I travel about 20 miles just to go to this place. It's clean, well lit, and everyone I've ever spoken to here has been helpful and super friendly. Sure, there are several other stores that are much closer and convenient, but I am loyal to a fault and this place won my business during my first visit. It's worth the trip when you find a store that carries everything you want and has a nice atmosphere. Plus, I'm pretty sure the shops closer to me don't play Slayer. read more

So, I have essentially no experience with comic book shops besides Fantastic Comics. I went when they first opened because it was Free Comic Book Day, and really enjoyed the taste I got from them. I've been back several times for Buffy Season 8 books, some impulse purchases, and more recently, the new Star Trek comics. They were fantastic (swidt?) about getting #1 for me, since it was completely sold out everywhere in the world, and it was a hassle to track down a copy. They actually rummaged around in boxes for me because the computer said they had some in, but they hadn't been put out on display yet. I also really need to compliment their window displays. I have come in off the street (on my way to run an errand) several times because I saw a book that I had read about (namely, "Hark! A Vagrant" and "Feynman") and NEEDED IT RIGHT NOW. The staff have been so welcoming and helpful, which was really great because I am an utter comics n00b and shy about it. I never feel uncomfortable at Fantastic Comics, as I often do in other specialty shops where I'm not part of their core demographic. read more

As people have mentioned, the passing of Comic Relief has affected a lot of people. So it's hard to try to love again. But I've really fallen in love with Fantastic Comics. Not only are the staff extremely knowledgeable and helpful, there's a community of comic-fans growing already. You know how a comic-book shop is supposed to be. There are supposed to be lots of different characters; guys and gals who totally nerd out on respective subjects. Wednesdays they get new stock and the shelves are really filling up. At the same time, I've seen "regulars" showing up to get their new issues. So the atmosphere really makes me feel great. I'm already getting great stuff from them, and I know there will be more. Fantastic Comics is going to be a Berkeley staple in its own right. I am sure of this. read more