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

I'm not a diehard comics fan. I don't collect any titles with regularity, and pretty much purchase the odd one-shot here and there, with the occasional acquisition of trade paperbacks of numerous issues (because I want the story and don't care about single issues). That said, I am trying to find a way to be a regular at Fantastic Comics. The staff from my first visit, and each subsequent visit, have been friendly, helpful, and fun to talk to. I hope this place gets the excellent traction and business I believe it deserves, because the staff really appears to have their hearts in this business/art form. I really dig this place, and am looking forward to my next visit. read more

Firstly, I used to work at Comic Relief, so one of Fantastic Comics' owners is a former co-worker of mine, as is one other gentleman who currently works there. I'm letting you know this because inevitably, my review will be a bit biased. I am absolutely thrilled that Uel and his brother were able to open a shop in Comic Relief's place after it closed. Their selection definitely seems minimal in comparison to Comic Relief or even Escapist Comics, but that doesn't mean jack. I was able to find a title that Escapist Comics didn't have, and I have been introduced to new titles as well. They are always helpful and eager to chat, (with other customers, too... I have seen with my eyes!) and they totally helped a co-worker of mine find a replacement for a comic strip collection that was out of print. All in all, please give Fantastic Comics your business if you are local! Stop in, say "Hi", peruse, ask questions. These guys and gals know their stuff! read more

I was just here on 6/4/11 and the shop looked great. I loved Comic Relief, but the way Fantastic Comic is laid out is much nicer. I like the amount open space they have and it seems much brighter too. It feels more like an art gallery than a dusty bookstore which is great because that's exactly what they're selling: ART. I hope they don't let things get too crowded and they keep the clean, open layout to the store. The staff were helpful, but seemed to still be getting in their groove. A lot of people may not like the more limited selection, but they can special order anything you'd want and I like just have the new stuff, plus a few back issues on hand. I'm usually just looking for the newest stuff so its great for me. read more

Sign said they buy GRAPHIC NOVELS & TRADE PAPERBACKS I asked the fellow how much they pay & he basicly responded;"whatever we feel like." so I call today ( good thing! ) to get an idea & they are no longer buying.Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... Anyways...shop looks decent not much stock ( might be because they are new ) fairly clean,staff not really friendly but other than Joe & staff from FLYING COLORS COMICS in CONCORD must comic shop workers lack social skills. Some nice bargin comix boxes ( 50 cents to 2 bucks for each comic book ) I wish em luck TOUGH TIME to open a comic book shop with the bad economey & eBay almost giving comic books away ( VERY much a buyer's market ) I would not make a special trip to Fantastic Comics but if I'm on Shattuck I guess I would walk in. BOTTOM LINE: Nothing special. read more

Great comic book store. Fun for browsing. Great staff, everyone is friendly and helpful. read more

Fantastic Comics - Storefront - Bookstores Near Me - Berkeley, California

Don't be fooled by the smaller location. I have been very impressed with the inventory and the customer service is excellent. The staff is knowledgeable and customer centered. read more

When I first walked into Fantastic Comics with my friends we were greeted right away by Juliette (sp?) who was awesome the whole time. They had plenty of all the latest issues of comics from this week in stock and even had a lovely display of ALL the latest Swamp Thing and Animal Man from DC's new 52, which was FANTASTIC (pun intended). A couple of the employees seemed as though they didn't care about our presence necessarily, but then again, it was almost closing time and we were the last people in the store. Juliette, again, was awesome. I couldn't find the new Axe Cop trade which she quickly helped me locate and then proceeded to compliment me on my excellent taste in comics. She's definitely up on her stuff and loves to gab about Fables, Buffy, and Firefly, which I am more than ok with. All in all I would definitely become a regular at this shop if I didn't live so far away. I'm not sure about their collection of back issues, which is why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars. read more

Comics.Rule.Everything.Around.Me. Fantastic Comics is a very chic place to get your comics. From its' minimalism design for an easy way to find your comics to the phenomenally friendly staff (especially Paige), there's no doubt that you're going to make this your weekly Wednesday place to visit. -The Berkeley Banshee read more

I've been coming to Fantastic Comics since I was 16... I actually moved into my new apartment because it was down the street from the store,& I'm incredibly grateful I did. The variety, their support of local artists,& breadth of knowledge is only matched by the staff's cordial & warm atmosphere. The staff picks are actually my favorite part of the store's perks, because those ladies have some GREAT taste! A special thanks to whoever Lily is too, cause your picks have gotten me through a rough year. Today, I brought in a close friend of mine who only has a few more months to live,& shared a day at Fantastic Comics, cause it's one of our favorite things about Berkeley. Thanks guys! P.S. I dig your tunes ;) read more

A quite large comic shop located conveniently in downtown Berkeley. The selection of single-issue comics and graphics is impressive and I found everything to be well-organized. They also have a cool variety of comic collectibles and toys. read more

This is turing up to be my comic shop. More on convince as I slip in and out after work. I find the staff to be really friendly and the stock of comics and tpb to be plentiful. The store is well organized with the current release comics in the back and the tpb on the left side of the store. read more

I deeply enjoy coming to this particular comic book shop. It is VERY neat AND organized ( two major things I look for) and the workers are really polite and friendly. They have a really extensive collection of Xmen and Batman comics. I can see myself building my collection from coming here. Keep up the great work here! read more

These folks are super helpful. The staff knows their books and has given me consistently good advice on which new titles to check out - even to the point of indulgently holding my hand and updating me on the last 15 years of comics and walking me around the store pointing out stuff that is in my taste. I was mad insecure about not being enough of a dork - but needlessly. This comic store has brought me back into the fold - and I am grateful. I'm stoked to give them my money ever 2-3 weeks or so. read more

this is my backup place, since I'm much closer to another place. But they offer discounts for educators (hey, preschool counts as education!), the staff is really patient and friendly and they will order things they don't have for you if you ask. I like it here, I just don't spend a TON of time in downtown Berkeley to make this my normal place. But if you are in Berkeley, you can't really go wrong. read more

Stop buying your graphic novels from Amazon. This place is amazing. The staff is really well informed. They also know when a comic book will be released without looking it up. read more

Haven't been disappointed yet. Looking for key books? They've got it. Looking for the newest print runs? They've got that. Looking for trade paper backs of classic stories? Check and check. Great selection, amazing service and staff, great location. Will be back again. read more

Store is a complete rip off. Was told yesterday an item was going to be available on Wednesday for $125. Waited 1 hour in line and was told the price now is $350. Complete liars out to screw people over. Can't take their word for anything. Will never be returning to their store again. read more

Has everything you want, I even found my roommate's comic on sale. Great place, but the staff, they aren't rude, just a bit out of it. I asked them questions, and they answered, I think it more had to do with their facial responses. It's all good. Again, good selection. read more

Fantastic Comics has really improved their store. When I came the first month's opening they hardly had anything. Currently they have a lot more comics and way better organization. I always love comic stores that have recommendation tables or shelves so it makes my visit much easier. I don't want to have to search through the shelves to see the latest and greatest. I had found an obscure comic that I've been looking for. One of the employees helped me find more of the creator's work. I couldn't buy the stuff at that moment so they let me put it on hold so I could pick it up later. Altogether a great shopping experience. I really love the direction of the store. I'll be back! read more

Rude obnoxious sales lady at front of store. I just wanted to know how much a Wonder Woman comic was for an artist signing and she says "the books aren't out yet". How was I supposed to know??!! . Not everyone is informed about comics especially those starting to get into it. . Negative stars! read more

Great prices, friendly staff, and very organized! Definitely worth a stop if you like comics! The staff was very friendly and helpful!

Two words: Customer Service! Even if you don't have an answer to my question, no need for the sour face and horrible attitude. You could have at least looked up my question in your handy computer system. Just all out rude, nasty person. read more

Not a real comic store. Carry last two issues of any current title.Decent amount of trades for tourists.Swanky Ikea clean!!

I love this place! They have a knowledgable staff with a great variety of interests, so it's easy to get a great recommendations from a variety of different genres and comics. read more

The best experience for me at fantastic comics is when I left. I found the owner condescending, rude and extremely arrogant. The comic book selection is mediocre at best and the back issue selection was miniscule. There were no prices on the variant covers and when I inquired was told he would let me know the price at the counter. Gaging my knowledge of comics before setting a price is a shady practice in my book. Perhaps the owner should take lessons from the dog that hangs out there on being attentive and gracious to customers. I believe in spending your money at a store that appreciates your business and respects you as a customer. That is why I will never step foot in that establishment again. Good luck finding a parking spot because that was a nightmare in itself. If i could vote 0 stars I would.... read more

I've been by Fantastic Comics for the past three Free Comic Book days, and a number of times for random book purchases. The staff is super-friendly, the store is dog-friendly, and the selection is fun to peruse. I'm by no means a comic book expert, but I'd definitely recommend Fantastic Comics to interested folks in the area. read more

Incredibly frustrating experience. They had posted signage for a meeting with Kate Leth, from 1-5. I spent an hour driving across the Bay Area from San Francisco, got there at 3:40, only to be told they wrapped things up early. Incredibly frustrating and disappointing experience after so much effort to get here. read more

Bunch of disinterested workers in the front. Also I've never been to a comic store that removes the card board and plastic sleeves off a comic I've just purchased! Fuuuuuuuuck this place. read more

Fantastic holds a ton of events (getting to meet Kevin Wada and Kris Anka in the span of a year...omg) and their free comic book day was amazing!! read more

I really liked the open layout of this shop! I am accustomed to comic shops being packed in and stuffy, but there was a lot of room to shop here. They had a pretty good selection of graphic novels and comics. This is not the best shop that I have been in, however I was super happy to see women working there as well as the usual group of fanboys. read more

This is a wonderful comic shop filled with knowledgable, passionate, and kind people. They care about supporting the comic book community and have employees who are excellent ambassadors for comics. If Juliette is working, make sure to pick her brain for suggestions. She is well-read and super sweet. read more

Best comic store in the Bay Area fo shizzle, anyone who disagrees or thinks they aren't great with customers is a bloody wanker.

Pros: Excellent selection! In addition to comics by issue, they have a nice variety of graphic novels, comic compendiums, zines, and comic magazines. Extremely friendly and welcoming staff, and the layout of the store is really nice and open, a welcome change from the cramped interiors of most comic stores. Cons: They don't have games, if you were hoping to find that here, it's pure comics. Summary: A perfect destination if you're looking to pick up some comics! They've also got some t-shirts. read more

They don't let you read anything in the store. Went in on a whim to see if they had something I had been wanting for a while but they didn't. So I took some time looking at their graphic novel section because I had been having a bad day and knew that I wanted something to take home with me. I got caught up in looking at Gabrielle Bell's "Everything is Flammable" and knew that I wanted to buy it when I was asked to leave by a store clerk who said people weren't allowed to read in the store. New books are expensive and I have never been told I couldn't read something in a store before I decided to buy it or not. I used to work at a locally owned book store in Berkeley and we would never tell someone they had to leave because they had stayed too long or had read too much of something. I still intend to buy the book I was reading but not from this place. read more

This place is great and has an easy to access location near the downtown Berkeley Bart. I like how they have a wide selection of comics and lots of space. Another plus is that if you have membership there are actual benefits. For every 10 trade paperbacks you purchase, you get the average of your overall purchases back in store credit. read more

People that work there are very relaxed and and friendly. They have a wide selection of graphic novels and a variety of back issues and new releases. read more

the staff is so friendly & accommodating! they were so helpful & kind. will definitely be coming back again! also, superrr clean & organized. definitely a fan. read more

I've yet to find a better comic book shop in the entire bay area, I've been to about 10-15 others around, but none seem to even come close to this one. They don't have the largest space available, but they definitely use what space they do have to jam pack their shelves with the best new and hard to find material. I love that they don't just limit their shop to comic books, they also sell toys, statues, and apparel;something for everyone. Single issues can get pricey here, but they make up for it by being able to provide such a vast variety of new releases as they come out. I always buy whole runs of issues when I come here, it's cheaper than buying per issue and it's nice to be able to carry my comics around in one hardback or paperback book. read more

Great comic store with a wonderful, nice, knowledgable staff. If you regularly buy specific titles they'll pull and hold them for you. If you are a teacher they will give you a discount. read more