MANAYUNK/PHILADELPHIA: Johnny Destructo's Hero Complex is a comic book store right downtown with a large selection of comics, graphic novels, artwork, and they even host game nights! Leashed and friendly dogs are allowed inside, but keep in mind the sensitive nature of these collectible items. A cute little shop to explore! read more

Johnny Destructo's Hero Complex - Accessories Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I've been over here for a little over 2 years. However in that time COVID has prevented me from finding my favorite spots around town. Can I still blame COVID? whatever. So I was really in the mood for some Usagi Yojimbo. I was doing some research on trades I might want. Research for me is putting it in my Amazon cart and then hoping I can find it locally. That was Friday night and the plan was to go out to find it Sunday. I just was like there has to be something closer. I started doing some research. There goes that word again. This time it meant googling and reading reviews. That lead me to this place. I read some cool stuff about the owner. He's an illustrator and makes all his own sticker/shirt designs that you can't get anywhere else. So Sunday rolled around and I went over there. Loved the set up. Nice little oldie but goodie section. Cool collectibles and some great rarities. Guy at the front desk was awesome. I spent a while in there bullshitting. He made some pretty good suggestions. I totaled it up and I could walked out of there spending $300 were I to have gotten everything I wanted in there. Luckily I did not. However I will be back. The collectable Batman '89 figure was there. I'd never seen it in person. Also it's cheaper than it is on the internet. That doesn't normally happen. I'm not into it but there was talk with another customer of board game or D&D nights in the near future. So you should check this place out. It's not huge but it has some cool stuff. read more

Johnny Destructo's Hero Complex - Sticker, comic, and pin. - Accessories Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Stopped here after having brunch at Somo and purchased a Plant Parenthood shirt. The workers/owner are super kind and helpful. And there's a really cute baby too! read more

Johnny Destructo's Hero Complex - Accessories Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When a downtown of any variety has a comic book store, I most certainly have to venture in! A true nerd haven amongst food spots and the thrifty and gifty establishments. Pretty great selection and super conversive owner who truly knows his stuff. I guess he has industry experience? Bought a pack of assorted X-Men annuals much to my delight :) read more

So I've lived in the area for a while and finally decided to take a swing, since this shop is closer than the place I currently get my pull list from. I can only say that my experiences here were dismal. First, despite the abundance of "they/them" merch, the owner, JD is woefully ill-equipped to discuss trans centric comics. When discussing Grant Morrison, who uses they/them pronouns only, JD repeatedly misgendered Grant in a conversation I had with him about Grant, second after telling JD about grants pronouns. This is pretty gross. And it clearly didn't even occur to him that he was misgendering them. The owner also helicopters and mansplains like the cliche show owner that many QTBIPOC folks live in fear of. The next time I went in, he had no idea who Crystal Frasier was, or that she was working on Gamma Flight. The staff are "friendly" but generally only to cis dudes from what I've noticed. Even if this is the closest shop to me, I'd rather wait weeks to get my mail order from another Philly spot. read more

2nd comic shop in Philly that was amazing. The owner JD is friendly and knowledgeable! They had a small section of dollar comics and the 2nd issue of Faithless II that I have been looking for. The stickers and shirts at the store are designed by him, very creative and funny. There was also a section dedicated to LGBTQA+ graphic novels which was a HUGE plus in my book. Most times I have to google / goodread check any LGBTQA+ comics and ask if they have them. I didn't have to do that here, just had to go to that section. Ended up with 3 comics, 1 graphic novel, a funko pop, a sticker, and a shirt (I actually came back after doing some more shopping to buy the shirt). The owner has a zoom book club and a podcast that he mentioned. I can't wait to check it out! read more

While I've always been interested in comic books and graphic novels, I only recently really began reading them. In the past, the comic book shops I visited were pretty intimidating. This is not the case with JD's. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful. You don't have to worry about any elitism or snobby attitudes. Everyone is super patient and happy to help you find whatever you're looking for. The shop is the perfect size. JD's selection is big enough to fit anyone's taste without being overwhelming. He carries all the essential series from Marvel, DC, and Image along with a ton of indie comics. He's clearly put a lot of thought into maintaining a curated collection while being more than willing to special order comics for his customers. My favorite part of JD's though is the community. You'll find a wide range of customers hanging out at his shop from people who've been reading comics for decades to those just getting into the hobby. Everyone there is always friendly and the atmosphere is really inviting. JD also hosts a ton of events including a monthly book club and game night. They are a great place to get together and talk about comic books and play some games with a great crowd of people. JD's Hero Complex is without a doubt my favorite comic book shop. It's a great shop wether you love comics, are just getting into the hobby, or just want to meet some friendly people. read more

staff is so friendly and the selection is great. plus all of JD's original work is beautiful!

Bought two shirts. They look great. Owner was super cool and you can tell he cares about his craft.

I'm not a comic book fan but my 13-year-old son is. He's kind of shy but had some Christmas money and wanted to check out some comic books. The owner is super knowledgeable and very friendly and approachable. Got an understanding of what my son liked and then made many good suggestions with appropriate starting points. Definitely not just trying to push product. You can tell he has a real passion and great personality. My son and I drive about 25 minutes back to the shop about twice a month. read more

Very welcoming and helpful place of business. Would recommend for anyone looking or wanting to get into comics.

To put it simply, JD is amazing. When we moved into the neighborhood almost two years ago we were ecstatic that there was a comic book shop nearby. Since then we've grown to be friends and love stopping by to pick up our subscriptions, let our puppy say hi to one of her favorite people, or just to see what's new and going on. Though we haven't had the chance to join in on any of his events, we'll be attending his Board Game Night this month and are positive it will be a blast. He truly knows his stuff and is always happy to help both comic nerds and those new to a fandom find the right item. Not to mention he's always happy to get an item in if he doesn't currently have it, much like he did at Christmas time when I wanted to get my sister her first graphic novels (DC Superhero Girls vol. 1 and 2). Overall Hero Complex is a friendly shop that we love bringing all our friends to when they come to visit, many of which asking to return when they come back (most live in South Jersey). I'd recommend a visit to anyone and only hope for his business to continue to thrive. read more

Awesome shop! The customer service was friendly and helpful! We are always looking for more dice and comics. Ended up buying a collection of comics for my daughter and two sets of dice. The shop was clean and cool. Definitely recommend stopping in just to check things out! read more

I was just in there tonight. I met the owner JD and his wife, and instantly struck up a conversation about movies and comics and music. Not a far stretch for topics to be discussed in a comic store, but my point is, if you can meet someone for the first time and instantly chat it up with them as easily as I did, they're the kind of people who deserves your business. The shop was smaller than you'd expect a comic shop to be, but I asked about two very different trade books from years ago and he had both, so don't let the lack of shelves upon shelves fool you. Also, he has a artwork done by himself on the walks for sale. I really had my eye on a Deadpool he drew but I spent way too much money today, perhaps I'll try back in a few weeks to snatch it up if it's still there. It's a little hidden towards the far end of Main Street past the music store when most of the bar/restaurant foot traffic lightens up. Make it a point to walk a few more feet and check this place out. read more

This store encompasses all the great aspects of comic book shops. Think of comic book guy from The Simpsons and it's the exact opposite. The staff is knowledgeable, warm, and welcoming to ALL people. The shop stocks a variety of titles and a few off the beaten path. If you are new to comics or an old head, there is something for everyone read more

I've known JD for many years since he worked at Comics and More at the King of Prussia mall. I was thrilled to hear he was opening his own shop in Manayunk, and since I recently moved to Germantown - I knew I had to transfer my subscriptions to his shop! While the shop is small, he has a great selection of single issues and trades, shirts, and even original art. He even hosts events (I'm looking forward to attending a "Drink n' Draw" sometime soon)! I've been to a number of unfriendly comic book stores where the staff grunts at you for "not being a real comic book fan" or assume "you must only like comics because of the movies." That's not JD's Hero Complex - it's a welcoming atmosphere for intimidated newcomers and avid comic book readers, alike! JD really brings a personal touch that is missing from a lot of comic shops! Go check it out! read more

Mr. Destructo is great - If he does not have it he will get it. Amazing spot, easy to get to. My kids love it. Thank you Mr. Destructo you rock read more

Not only is JD incredibly knowledgable about any comic book/movie/tv show/anything-even-remotely-related-to-pop-culture that you could ever want to discuss, he's also the least pretentious/most genuine person I've ever met. Johnny Destructo's Hero Complex echoes this: it's warm, inviting, fun, and filled with a wide selection of graphic novels, comic books, t-shirts, original artwork, and accessories. On top of the array of merchandise available in his shop, JD is building the creative community around him by hosting monthly figure drawing and game nights that all are encouraged to attend (even if you can't figure draw, like me). The passion and dedication that JD has for his shop is evident. He should feel proud of everything he's accomplished in such a short amount of time--and you should definitely check it out! read more

Came in here while waiting for a seat for breakfast. Met JD and staff and everyone is extremely friendly! Couple of T-shirts caught my eye and decided to buy them! If you're looking a well maintained and well informed shop for all of your nerdy needs, please stop by this shop! Located right next to Greg's Kitchen street parking is available! Say hello to the shop's dog, Parker! cutest puppy ever! read more

I begin this review freely admitting my bias towards JD and this fine establishment. However, it is a bias that was and continues to be earned. Having been a fan of Johnny Destructo's artwork for a while, I became an acquaintance of his through signings and shows. On occasion we would have conversations about having to travel too far for comics...when you live on the outskirts of Philadelphia, you're only choice is digital or travel 30+ minutes in either direction for the closest retailer. I would openly lament about how Manayunk, a food, art, and small business friendly burg, should cater to the pop culture needs of its locals better. Well, he heard our pleas and provided Main Street w/ Johnny Destructo's Hero Complex. JD is the kind of retailer that learns about you. Having engaging conversations with a personality behind the counter is not always a given anywhere you shop, but the art is not lost on him. On more than one occasion I've received messages, recommendations, and/or reminders about things I've ordered and books I might like. It's not pushy, sales-y, or interrupting, but more like a back and forth with a friend, playfully one-upping one another with recommendations. He's considerate, caring, and just damn friendly. At the end of the day, I know that JD has a passion for storytelling...it's evident in his creative work, but also in how he communicates product to his customers. He's interested in your story and which is the right story for you. Yeah... I'm bias, but I have every reason. You should be too. read more

I just came from JDHC, and as a *first* time customer, JD was EXTREMELY NICE. His store had all the cool things I was looking for, and he was more than willing to order anything I wanted. Being a POC, it was very, very nice to be treated as a *regular customer*, and I am MOST DEFINITELY going to be a regular customer as long as his store is open. Support local businesses and MOST DEFINITELY support this one. Again, JD, thanks so much for making a lasting first impression on me, and I'll most definitely be back and buying more of your great books. (Side note: I only gave him five stars because I couldn't give him seven stars. hahaha (JD would appreciate that!) :) - Mike H. read more

We love Hero Complex! The best comic shop in all the 'verse. Jd the owner is extremely friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. Pick his brain for all the answers to your comic questions. Awesome shirts, figures, and games. If he doesn't have it in stock, he can most likely find it for you. Don't miss out on your next visit to Manayunk! read more

After years of not being interested in comic books, I stumbled into Hero Complex after a few drinks on Main St, and met the truly knowledgeable and caring Johnny Destructo. JD's knowledge and welcoming personality made me feel like a friend was recommending comics, I'm a fan of gritty realistic comics, and JD was able to name multiple crime themed comics off the top of his head, and not a single one of them(Rattler, We Can Never Go Home, Criminal) disappointed me. Hero Complex has a brilliantly warm vibe and will satisfy the beginning comic book reader all the way to the avid comic collector. Johnny Destructo read more

My favorite place to shop for comics. Owner is welcoming and gives great recommendations and will order anything you need into the store that they don't have in stock. Has a great selection of LGBT+ books for kids and adults. They've also got some cool monthly events with a real nice crowd of folks who attend regularly. read more

An awesome little hole in the wall comic shop. Sells comics shirts toys and more. It's very intimate yet contains everything a die hard comic fan or a new reader might need! read more

This place rocks! I'm just getting into comics as an adult. JD is full of info for the novice and can order you whatever you want.

Exactly what a comic shop should be. The owner is knowledgeable and helpful. By far my favorite comic shop anywhere.

I stopped by Johnny Destructo's earlier today. They had a great selection of comics (especially Dark Horse and other not so mainstream publishers). JD the owner, was great to speak with and knowledgable. The atmosphere was nice and low key. I am in the Philly area quite often and will make sure to keep going back! read more