In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that I don't even read comics. That being said, I still love Isotope and hang out there because it is that fun. As far as comic book "stores" go, this place is different and special. As the name implies, it's both a lounge and a store, so it's bright, cozy, inviting, colorful and staffed by San Francisco's finest. I've peeked in the windows of other comic book stores and they're typically drab, dark, and stacked with cardboard boxes. Isotope is the exact opposite of all that a non-comic-book-person (or a comic-book-person) might expect. There's a constant flow of community, events, parties, and signings that you can't help but be drawn in. Even if you're like me and you erroneously think comics might not be your cup of tea, a trip to Isotope is well worth it if for no other reason than to experience the magic of this San Francisco institution. You will recognize James, the owner, right away... at first for his sharp zoot suits and electrified hair, but then for his incredible customer service and ability to truly listen to people to match them with things that might interest them. To say James, Kirsten, and Matt are knowledgeable about all things comic-related would be an understatement. As for the inventory, in addition to the mainstream titles you expect, the assortment of local, indie, and mini comics will stand for itself. And if that hasn't sold you, go check out the art gallery of autographed toilet seats. Or the signed giant weiner whistle. Or the lifesize moon man. I could go on, but I don't want to spoil all the fun and surprises. read more

Not just a nice, clean, easy-going comic book shop. No. Much more. Isotope is a great benefit to the very idea of comic books. They don't stash the books in musty shelves or stuff them in endless rows of boxes. They're proudly displayed and easy to find. They treat the comics and the customers with respect, which shouldn't be so rare in the comic book world, but it is. The staff is friendly, ready to answer any questions you may have, and willing to place special orders at the drop of a hat. They will even call or email you when your order arrives. If you think comic book shop owners are all intimidating curmudgeons, sitting grumpily behind the counter glaring at the customers, you owe it to yourself to come to Isotope and meet James. He's easy to find, trust me read more

I'm not a huge comic reader, but I love me my Isotope. Three reasons. 1) The store is fun to look at. Inventory is well laid out, and there's tons of art everywhere, including toilet seats illustrated by graphic artists. 2) The owner, James, is incredibly helpful, considerate to those (like me) that don't know a great deal about comics, and is a great host for Isotope's parties (see #3) 3) Yeah, great parties. I've come here on a number of occasions with my lady-friend to socialize with comic folks. The music's great, I enjoy mingling with the guests, and the cocktail menu is always enjoyable. read more

So glad I was able to squeeze in a visit to Isotope Comics during a holiday visit to San Francisco. The story is as comfortable and inviting as you have heard and deserves the good press it has received over the years. I was pleased to be able to meet the convivial owner, James Sime, who was wearing his (Marshall Rogers art inspired?) "Joker"-esque suit and tie on Christmas Eve 2013 when we were able to pop in. The store is truly a reflection of its owner! The neighborhood that Isotope call home is fun to walk around itself. There are tons of interesting little stores and cafés to take in (but go on a day when they are not all closing early due a "holiday.") (This is a belated posting, but was actually written in early January and just pulled off my hard drive in early February. Now its posted for all of the Yelper-verse to read!) read more

Great little comic book store, I popped in with a colleague who was looking for some art books, he was somewhat dissatisfied in that regard, but I was very happy with what I found. All the singles and volumes of my favourite books were present; Saga, DMZ, East of West. It was a good way to intro him to some of the books I love and the mezzanine had a good selection of Zines (a couple of which were roller derby themed, thus automatically I loved it). Probably a great shout if you need a new local comics store, but if you are looking for a 'spectacle' try the comic museum near the Moscone. read more

The Isotope staff have gone above and beyond to help me out, and have gotten me hooked on some darn good comics. There's a reason this place consistently wins a Guardian award usually titled something like "Best Comics Shop To Be A Girl In". The clientele and staff here don't treat me like some weird creepy interloper from the wrong side of the tracks, or hyperventilate if I go near the "adult" rack. Heck, I can even get in a nerdfight about whether the first Crisis was better than the second and not have some loser try to tell me that girls don't know anything about comics! (And James and the staff go out of their way to carry great titles by women authors, too.) But Isotope is *stylish*. I come here and get compliments on my look, at last if I remembered to dress nice. Folks are friendly and welcoming. It's true that if you walk in during a conversation, it can feel a little bit over your head sometimes; there are Real Comics Pros hanging out here on the sofas talking shop. But that's also the beauty of Isotope. Even when they aren't hosting one of their awesome events (and getting artists and authors to create an art toilet seat for their collection - a must see!), you can learn a lot about the genre and the art and the writing just by hanging out here and listening and participating. And reading! Of course, you can also get in nerd conversations about which of Captain America's costumes is the most dorky - and coming from the hip-dressing staff here, you get the impression they know their spandex fashions as well. This is not the place to come for back issues, really. If you want grubby longboxes of dusty old singles, you'll need to go elsewhere; Isotope has the shiny and new, and lots of interesting indie titles. That said, they've been happy to order back trades and stuff for me (if they don't have it in stock) for no fee. They do have stuff for younger readers, and they're always happy to make recommendations. These folks know their genre, but they're not snobby jerks about it; they're happy to share the fun and educate newbies. I'm going to make an extra note here that yes, they are wheelchair accessible - and I mean "I can turn around in here without knocking over a grubby table full of longboxes". The space is downright generous - but it does fill up for signings and events! Isotope folks are happy to keep you a saver box, and they've been known to stick extra issues in that they think I might like ("I saved you this one in case you wanted it, since your favorite crimefighter guest-stars in it"). If I've ordered stuff, it waits there until I get my lazy wheeled ass to the store, and they don't mind. I can even email them and make requests on days when I don't make it out of the house. Did I mention that they actually have decor? And play good punk tunes? And doesn't set off my dust allergies? Isotope is really a lot more than just a store. It's a community gathering place, a resource for creators and want-to-be-creators and fans, and even a place to party. They leave other comics stores in the back-issue dust. read more

I guess I prefer my East Bay comic shops more than I'm willing to admit? Isotope is a gem of a shop I was simply underwhelmed on my particular visit. The shop itself is neat, lots of natural light (a little hot inside today even though ceiling fans were on) and has great toilet seat decor. Guy at the counter was cool, not too pushy and made just the right amount of comments on my selections :) SUPER bummed about the lack of boards and bags. At first when guy at counter stated this I thought he was joking (cause he said it so matter of fact, like). I was told that the Walgreens across the street might do....for 10 cents of course. Had I known, I'd planned to visit *after* running around SF with my huge paper Walgreens bag. Oh well. Now you know. read more

Come here once every year to buy my best friends daughter some comic books. I usually get whatever she wants here and she has been happy thus far! I am not much of a comic guru but the Toilet bowl art work on the wall is amazeballs! I had fun staying in this store for about an hour. There are couches to sit on and fun comic to read. See you again isotope! read more

I came here on vacation and decided to visit a few comic stores; I was originally here just to collect some manga, but I also ended up picking out another graphic novel before I left. This is a great little store, a nice selection with great variety. The owner was very enthusiastic and engaged in conversation with all of the customers there. I'm very happy I got to visit! read more

Simon Pegg once said, "Being a geek is all about being honest about what you enjoy and not being afraid to demonstrate that affection. It means never having to play it cool about how much you like something. It's basically a license to proudly emote on a somewhat childish level rather than behave like a supposed adult. Being a geek is extremely liberating." As huge geeks, my fiance and I recently had part of our engagement shoot at Isotope, a place that similarly exudes such liberating, positive energy. James, the owner, was super helpful for our shoot; he let us borrow his huge ladder, Green Lantern ring, and he somehow MacGyvered some faux champagne up as props for us. Talk about amazing. We'll never forget that day or Isotope! But our special experience aside, let's talk about how great this store truly is for the average patron looking for comics. Isotope is laid out like a shoe store, as one of my friends so aptly described. There aren't comics haphazardly strewn in big disorganized piles or old boxes on the ground that you have to comb through to find what you want. All the comics are laid out so nicely and neatly that everything is very easy to find. Also, these folks can talk comics, and they're very knowledgeable on what you may find interesting if you tell them your likes and dislikes. Just ask them. For those who want a back issues or a specific comic, just call ahead, and they will tell you if they have something in stock or when they expect it to be in stock. If they don't carry it, they will tell you exactly where to go get it. Not many comic book stores provide that extent of service -- they just usually brush you off or tell you to go online. Isotope is completely the opposite. The decor is also pretty rad. There are nice comfy red couches for you to sit on if you want to lounge or read. High up on the walls are toilet seat covers that have sweet drawings of many comic book characters by the original artists! The shop is so unique, and it's one of those places that makes me wish I lived in SF so I could go there more often and attend all their special events (yes, they do special events here with top comic artists)! How fun is that?! read more

Not your typical comic store , lots of open space. Inventory consists of current runs of comics. The atmosphere felt more like a hipster lounge area than a comic store. The store itself is very nicely decorated and furnished but this doesn't really matter to someone out of town like me just looking for certain issues of comics. I don't agree with the way the comics were being displayed, only because I like getting my comics in the best condition possible. Stacking them on top of each other with no bag or board causes permanent damage to the spine among other things. I wish I could give them more stars because the guy who helped me seemed like a cool guy, but I didn't find what I was looking old or new comics. read more

This is my new home. Heaven, mecca, what have you. James is my hero and there's no way I will not be here every Saturday. Even when my bank account is drained due to too many comic books, I will still have a place to spend my broke ass day. James has really funny stories and nice friends. Hearts for eyes. read more

I practically grew up in a comic book store -- Empire Comics on Titus in Rochester, NY. It would disturb my friends to know how much time I spent cursing the appearance of the Dazzler in Transformers to anyone who would listen. All of this being said, I just want to be in a comic books store with a mind boggling inventory and drug enforcement agents next to me pretending to be reading the graphic novels, and this is not the place. Not even close. There's no meat. No here. No there. I do appreciate what they're trying to do -- and, the people who work there are super nice. read more

Isotope has become like a second home to me in the last year. I have been a regular and avid comic book reader for the last 9 years, between two different cities, the last 3 in SF. For about my first 2 years, I was a regular at Things from Another World, before it closed. When it did I thought to myself "now, I get to find a new shop and I can pare back what I read to save some money, since they won't know me there." I was wrong. Within a month, the staff at the Isotope (James, Kirsten, Matt, and Storm) became fast friends and regular sources for comic insight. Needless to say, they're full of amazing suggestions on things you should read and will want to. Personally, I am spending more on my comics than ever before, but I'm enjoying them at a rate that I can't put a price on. There are innumerable amounts of things that have come through my hands in the last year that I personally rate in my top comics I've ever read, and without the Isotope staff they wouldn't have ever been picked up. Add in the large family of regulars and Isotope becomes more than a place you go to buy your comics, you go to hang out with friends, talk comics (and other things), read, eat, meet creators, you name it. The fact that you still feel like an adult when you shop there is a wonderful moment. Comic books don't feel like a dirty little secret, huddled into cardboard boxes, but something you can enjoy out in the open. As amazing as the selection is, I love the fact that back issues aren't piled up everywhere. Leave that to the other shops. However, if you want something and can't find it in the front room, James/Storm/Kirsten will be more than happy to search in the back room to see if they have or order it from the distributors...and if not, they'll know which other shop in the city to send you to. The last thing that needs mentioning are the events. Whether it's a creator you don't know so well or one with a movie coming out based on their works, it's always a party. Having been to a few of them I can say they make any week/month when they happen. The creators do a signing, then stay around to hang out and have drinks with everyone in the store. It's truly a blast and reminds you they're just like you. I can't recommend the Isotope highly enough, as I love it like my own home. If all is right in the world, it'll be as constant a presence in my life as it has been this last year for a great many more. And when you go, do yourself a favor and ask for a suggestion or two, you'll walk away happy with something you probably didn't even know existed. read more

Isotope Comics is the center of the comic movement in San Francisco, the owner, James, has such a contagious passion for the medium it's difficult to not walk out of the store without buying something. I remember I was invited to one of his galla nights before APE and I haven't been the same sense! His selection of mainstream, independent, and local comics is quite extraordinary and the perfect excuse to wander into Hayes Valley. read more

Best comic book store in the city and my favorite all time store. I've been a customer of the Isotope since 2004, when a college acquaintance invited me to a party at their former Noriega St. location. I had a great time and also met Brian K. Vaughan and Tony Harris while at the party. I've been hooked ever since. The staff is friendly and super helpful and the owner, James Sime, is always willing to go above and beyond, providing great customer service. I just called the Isotope today and he offered to take my name and hold all new issues of my favorite series for me, so I never have to worry about missing it. Whether you're visiting San Francisco or you're a local, make sure to stop by and check it out and also take the time to just hang out in the lounge inspired space. You won't regret it. read more

I had an amazing experience here. The man who helped me knew everything ! I'm new to comics and gave him an idea of the style I think I would like and I walked out with 10 unique and different books. I swear he was illustrated in the comic Smoke and Guns too. I can't remember his name but cool hair and nice suit. Anyways, the store it self was impressive and I can't wait to go back and buy 10 more. Thank you !!! read more

I was told that I would like the comic, and then I was told that I could bring it back if I didn't like it!!! What? Really? What? I love this place. ps I loved the comic. 3/28/06 _________________________________________ 3/24/08 I had to update this review because I always feel bad when I look at it and realize it really doesn't express just what great place this is. Rare is the comic shop that populated by nice, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic people. I realize this can be daunting to a person that expects their comic shopping experience to mimic a trip to The Android's Dungeon & Baseball Card Shop, and instead are faced by people who are actually excited about the comics they sell, and are without an ounce of pretension. Isotope is a gem, the store is clean, well stocked, well lit, and nice place to pick up your favorites and to discover new favorites. read more

My favorite place after Disneyland... ...unless they are having a party, then Disneyland can beat it. read more

This place rocks. We went in to look at the Tim Sale exhibit and were pleasantly surprised. What was great for me is that while I think comics are cool, and my companions are comic nerds, I'm more of a nerdy wierd art person and they had stuff for me too (Juxtapoz etc). Also having read some of these other reviews I'm really surprised because I went in looking like a frump and the person who I am assuming was the owner was totally awesome to us. He was super nice and personable, gave us cool cards, chatted and just seemed happy to have us there. Bonus for the groovy decor and cool tunes. I will definitely be back!! Edited to add: I did some research and the guy that helped us was indeed the owner. And I forgot to mention that he himself resembles a comic book character himself with his groovy pin striped zoot suit and crazy hair. Check out their website and see for yourself. read more

This place is dangerous: it's like a candy shop full of miscellaneous goodies all to my liking. I was overwhelmed when I came in. Comics! Graphic novels! Manga! So much stuff! James is definitely knowledgeable and is the go-to guy if you're looking for what's new or any suggestions. Definitely in love with his choice of attire, too. The setup was interesting, as well. I enjoyed the toilet seat covers adorning the walls. I didn't buy anything myself, but the boyfriend did snag a copy of Tiny Titans. All in all, this place does not disappoint. read more

How can you go wrong with a place that not only has a wide selection of of the hard to find, influential and with a owner who uses more hair jell than Sid Vicious, but with a far more perky personality. With music, author visits and special kind of atmosphere it is a special place where you can either remissness about late night comic reads when you were a kid or wanting to get that graphic novel you have always wanted without some snot nosed brat giving you the stink eye. Check out their events section of their site for music, parties and special guests. read more

I'm not fangirl, but I'm married to a fanboy. Stopped by here after a visit to the Fatted Calf, which is next-door. Have to say I like the space and there's definitely plenty to look at. The fella upfront was very helpful and knowledgeable too. Plus he had a cool suit. My fanboy picked up a few things, so I'm guessing it passed muster for him too. read more

See all

Where was this place when I was in High School? On second thought, it's probably a good thing that I had to buy my comics through the mail or at the grocery store when I was young, otherwise I would have gone bankrupt a long time ago. As it stands, the folks at Isotope are helping me make up for lost time, and I'm happy to say that I've spent way too much money there. I used to buy my graphic novels at Borders, which I frequent more often, but ever since coming to Isotope I can't bring myself to buy new comics anywhere else. (They don't have back-issues there, though, so I don't consider it infidelity when I go elsewhere to track down missing issues of MiracleMan or NextMen) The very best thing about this place is the enthusiasm. Everyone there loves comics, and if you want a recommendation they're more than willing to share their thoughts and opinions. And, even better, when you sit down and read the books they told you to buy, you realize how very right they were. They have fantastic taste that runs a wide range of styles and genres. If they had a liquor license, I might never leave. read more

There's a lot to be said about Isotope, but let me start with a illustrative example of the quality of this establishment. After meeting the gracious J.H Williams III at an Isotope event, I asked where a newcomer to his work might begin. He suggested Promethea, and I brought home the first volume of a powerful story. I was excited to continue when I returned for another artist's night (this time celebrating hometown hero Ed Luce). During the event, I had some trouble finding Vol. 2 in the normal alphabetical order, and asked James (one of the shop's dynamic owners). He took the time to locate the volume from a special section of Alan Moore's writing, and talk about how excited he was for me to read the series, and how this volume in particular was a favorite. So far so good right? But after purchasing the comic and getting in another great conversation on MorrisonCon and the wisdom to lead with your heart on ambitious projects, I walked out--leaving the comic still on the table! But a block and a half away, who comes sprinting up in a suit jacket and leather pants? Lo and behold! James, beaming, Promethea in hand. So if you want a place where you can discover comics in an accessible environment, meet legends in the comics world and benefit from warm-hearted customer service, Isotope is your Bay Area comics dojo. read more

If you're looking for a wide selection of comics (especially harder to find titles), Isotope is probably not you're best bet. Where they succeed is providing a really great atmosphere to hang out and take in the art and overall comic vibe. I also appreciate the in-store events they have here. read more

The shop owner here is awesome. I'm somewhat of a comic book novice, but there was no judgmental nerd snark out of him. He just picked out some cool books he thought I should check out. They were all great books! read more

What a great store! There isn't anything I can say that hasn't been said already about this super cool place. Now if only I could find some time to tear through the next few volumes of Y: The Last Man!!! read more

COMICS GALORE!! EEEE!! Not only do they have your weekly super hero comics, they have tons of graphic novels. I love the clean and classy atmosphere of this store! The decor is imaginative and amusing. Gotta love those toilet seat drawings near the ceiling. I can stare at those for hours. James, the owner of the place, is one of those all around nice guys. You can tell he is very passionate about his business. When my boyfriend and I were packing up some of his stuff, we went through his comic book collection and made a pile of unwanted comics. We brought them to Isotope to see if James could pass them on to better homes. And I am very happy that we did so! He was very thankful and even granted us a couple of free comics. Haha. It is indeed a comic book holy land. read more

Out of all of the comic book stores I've been to, this is the one that's the most unlike a stereotypical comic shop. Usually with comics shops, it looks like you just entered a person's basement or den with their private collection and you're greeted as if you're planning on robbing the place. Not the case here at all. The staff is very friendly, the store is well-organized and neat (and quite hip too), and there's a diverse selection of comics, trades, and graphic novels. There is one problem though and that is that I thought the selection of trades and graphic novels wasn't enough. I haven't bought an actual comic book issue in a while so I would've liked to see more as there were quite a few series I wanted in trades but not the volume I wanted. read more

I love Isotope so much I want to marry it! :) This is by far the best comic book store I have ever had the pleasure to visit. The vibe is hip and funky. As a designer, I appreciate the aesthetic! No big dumpy cardboard bins you have to scrounge through. No cheesy pin-ups of scantily clad women. Graphic novels and comics displayed nicely. They have loads of great indie titles on the shelves as well as the bigger publishers. The staff and the owner, James, are passionate about comics and super nice folks. read more

Great comic shop. Good selection of standard titles, good selection of indie / out there items, too. Even though they were sold out of a few things he was looking for, they at least knew what they were and confirmed they'd be in stock again soon. Best service I've ever gotten in a comic book store, for sure. Definitely worth checking out for the collector or even the casual reader! read more

I had a faultless experience at Isotope Comics. The owner, James, is one bundle of fun. We made a special trip across to the store because we'd heard great things about it, and boy was I impressed. The comic book store is laid out well, clean (important!!) and easy to browse. There's a cool wee part upstairs with illustrated toilet seats, haha, and there are comfy seats on the ground floor to read your comics. James gave me some great recommendations for local artists from the Bay area and I purchased three comic trades that I'm yet to read but they looked brilliant. Upon revealing we were over on holiday, he then gave us some great tips and recommendations for places to go for geeks in San Fran. Best part was when a little ten year old girl came in and asked for her regular comic book (it hadn't arrived). I was like, awwwww, this place totally nurtures the comic book geeks of tomorrow. Way hey! It couldn't have been a better experience, really. Proper thumbs up! read more

I'm not a big fan of the Comic worlds. But my friends told me to check the toilet seat art work. According to my friend, It all started w/ one artist hugging the toilet while he was drunk and drew all over it and now it is a tradition. The place isn't hard to find, the staff are friendly and toilet seat art is on the second floor. A great place to see some weird (good weird) art work, IMO. read more

Came here on a random visit to the city. James is the best. He checked on us, talked about various writers and artists with us, knew all the books we were interested in, and gave us tips on creating our own books. Will definitely return. As far as selection, can't be beat. read more

Great selection of pretty much every title you can think of. Friendly and helpful staff. The place looks amazing-- probably the coolest looking comic shop I've ever seen. At Isotope, you're not just any comic book nerd-- you're a hipster comic book nerd. Definitely a place to bring your business to. read more

The astronaut mannequin will come alive, I swear. And yes, the comics, the space, the music playing in the background (Freezepop!), the toliet seat art, everything is FREAKING AWESOME. I love the place. I need to go here more often. read more

After 25 years of comic store shopping all over the world, I can definitely say that Isotope is the most fun you can have in a comic store. The staff are incredibly friendly and approachable. They really know their comics too. They've got everything, from the mainstream DC and Marvel, all the way down to some crazy local indie comics written by 7 year olds. The space is comfortable and inviting, and they frequently have some of the best parties in town, (which incidentally include appearances by some of the great comicbook creators). I cannot recommend the store highly enough, they just understand what makes comicbooks such a wonderful part of life. read more

I've been to Isotope a few times, sometimes for pleasure but mostly, seeking specific reference materials for work. Without fail, the friendly man who greets me always has what I desire and offers it with a smile. Not to mention, he wears excellent suits - befitting a comic book expert. Thanks, Isotope - I'm enjoying my copy of Watchmen. read more

This comic shop is amazing! I stopped in to catch up on titles and trades (it's been some time since I've avidly read comics) and was helped by the nicest clerk, who tailored his recommendations to my tastes. Upon my arrival he asked if their anything I was looking for. I told him I liked vertigo books, especially enjoyed 100 bullets (I mistakenly called it 99 because it had been some time and he corrected me without an air of pretension) and had recently finished Revolver. Based on my love for noir and gritty narratives he enthusiastically recommended a few titles and I left purchasing an adaptation of Richard Stark's Parker called the Outfit by Darwyn Cook. I didn't go in with the intention of buying anything but was inspired to do so because I had so much fun nerding out with this guy. Great salesmanship. The geeking continued during my check out when he caught me up on the entire X-men universe informing me that Wolverine and Cyclops were running two factions of Xavier's school. One of the best shopping experiences I've ever had let alone comic shopping. Isotope is my new stop for comics. Pair that with my new fave coffee spot, Ritual, located around the corner and weekend mornings are looking quite good. read more