My WORD! I have never, in my life, seen a better stocked store of trades and hardcover graphic novels and comics in my life! This store was an absolute delight to wander around in, which I and another American friend did for well over an hour. Just an absolute delight, with even a well stocked discount hardcover section, which I took full advantage of, and had a delightful time finding books that I wanted. We ended up spending several hundred dollars, and the clerk even gave us an unasked-for discount! All and all, a wonderful store, highly recommended to all my visiting friends from the states. read more

Very good selection, best i've seen. The atmosphere is basically my ideal. The staff are incredibly helpful. Cant stress how helpful, and the books are in great shape. will try to come again. read more

This is the best comic store I have ever been to They sell lots of comics, graphic novels, models, action figures, and other collectibles. I've picked up quite a few Squee and JHTM comics for the actual cover price. Here in Edmonton, the comic stores charge more for some reason. The toy selection here is amazing. I've found lots of cool action figures like Hellraiser, The Simpsons, Ghost World, A Christmas Story, and Movie Maniacs. All of these are reasonably priced, and they mark down their old stock. I've picked up some action figures for like $3-4 dollars, marked down from like $16! Phoenix is also attached to a record store. They sell lots of CDs, vinyl records, and t-shirts. They have everything from punk to electro. I've bought a Le Tigre CD and record, both brand new for a really decent price. Some of the guys that work here seem kind of anti-social, not that I mind, because I'm fairly socially awkward myself. If you ask them for help, they are really nice though. Also, I've heard one or more of them are in a band. I can't remember the name of it. read more

See all

Nothing beats a well-stocked comic store with an extremely friendly staff. That's what you get at Phoenix. I've purchased comics and toys here many times, and am always astonished at their great selection. I love the toys they stock too. I could wind up spending a fortune on everything there. Most recently, I purchased a Little Sister figurine to add to my Bioshock collection at work. I think I am now sufficiently geeky. On the same visit, it was free comic book day, and the guys at Phoenix made sure we didn't leave empty-handed. Thanks to them for being so awesome. If you love comics, graphic novels, and toys, this is the place to go in Calgary. read more

Great selection of comics. Even better in regards to collectibles. Recently I went there to pick up a storage box for comic storage. The employee /owner saw me try the front door and then walk off when I realized they were closed for the evening. He ended up coming out the back and asking me if I knew what I needed? I did and he let me quickly come in to make my purchase. Awesome service! read more

*Insert giddy dancing here* Basically. That sums it up. Read on if you must, but if giddy dancing doesn't get your butt into this store, you should maybe reconsider your choices... I'm kicking myself that I didn't realize this gem was a mere block away from the house that I stay in while Alberta adventuring. Though, that 20-20 hindsight is pointing out what could have been a very dangerous account balance had I learned this earlier. I love this shop. Please note: I am a comic junkie. A comic junkie who has an ongoing love affair with a few major Vancouver haunts. So when I say, i'd gladly trade all of them for an ongoing tryst with Phoenix Comics - know that this place means business. It is not only exceptionally well stocked - they carried every comic I was looking for - but they have a scary amount of things I wasn't looking for, but soon found that I desperately needed. The staff are crazy knowledgeable, if a little skeptical of a tiny, hyperactive woman in a red beret hopping about their store. After a 20 minute chat on all things Alan Moore - I narrowed my many choices down to three new comics and left happy. I devoured two in the first night... and went back the next day. So if you're looking to start a new addiction, this is your place. Not to mention the crazy room of toys, games and collectables. Why yes, I do need every Star Wars scene in miniature... HOW did you know? Bonus points? This spot has a record store attached to it. I know nothing about records, but it does up the cool factor ten fold. Definitely worth your time. Shush and just go. read more

I've been going to Phoenix Comics for about 15 years now and they've remained a favourite. It was great going here as a kid, the staff were fun and would give us loads of goodies. They even introduced me to Lupin the 3rd, which is a huge favourite of mine :) And it's still great going now. Their selection of anime and manga is second to none in the city. They also have a great selection of toys, figures/statues and comics. Oh and don't forget the record store that is part of it! They have tons of randoms for $1 and all sorts of re-presses, rare records and CDs. Prices are pretty standard for the city, but I've nabbed some things for absolute steals before (I got a clearance figure for $55, which sells on Mandarake for over 20,000 yen) Their prices on anime beat most of the other retailers as well, come here instead of being utterly gouged at HMV. The only knocks I can give it are the fact that it doesn't really have back issues and it's dangerous here for me. I can spend so much money here so darn fast! Oh and it's worth mentioning that the staff can be really icy at times, but they will help you if you ask so don't be shy. read more

Ok, so I'm secretly a bit of a closet-nerd. Pheonix is my favourite because they don't judge for the identity-hiding sunglasses or the baseball caps (a girl has to keep her reputation), and they cater to all my comic needs. They've got tons of merch - all the Marvel and DC stuff. And tons of comics. They also have an excellent selection of manga and anime related items. And they can order anything you want! They have excellent service. The entire store is crammed full, but the guys at the front can help you find anything you need. And now I'm going to pretend like this was never written... Comic books? what are those... read more

I'm writing a review for their model/figure/collectible part of the store as I am not enough of a comic book expert to comment on their comics selection. With regards to the aforementioned category, the selection is eclectic and if you look through what they have sometimes you can find some rare gems. Very diverse collection of model kits and maybe the only place in the city to have such selection of 1/6 figures. However, the prices for some collectible items are inflated compared to market prices, hence the less than perfect rating. I was excited to see some kits which are not common in hobby shops but still being sold in online stores and if it's not for the not unsubstantial mark-ups I would've brought them home. Now if these are out of production stuff it would be a different story with respect to justifying for the premium. However, if they carry something you must have or have been craving, the extra premium of being able to bring it home right away outweighs the uncertainty of buying over the net for sure. read more

One of the best comic shops in Calgary, no doubt. But as far as action figures and collectables go... it may be THE best shop in the city. When I lived in Calgary, I only bought trade paperbacks there (if I couldn't get them at Another Dimension). But I bought a lot of figures there. The manager and staff are not the friendliest, either. Most of the times I went, I was outright ignored; however, if you have a question they'll help you out, and I was able to sell some merchandise to them without any hassle at all. Definitely recommended. read more

I haven't collected comic books or hockey cards in longer than I'd care to remember. With that being said, Phoenix Comics has always had the best selection of whatever I needed. Their supply of comics, toys, figurines, is unrivalled as is their knowledgeable staff. I was proud to choose Phoenix Comics as the place to introduce my childhood obsession to my kids. 27/30 read more

Phoenix Comics is an eye catching store on the western end of the ever so popular 17th Avenue. The store has an open door policy to the record and CD store next door, which helps you kill two birds with one stone. This establishment has a pretty good selection of comic books, mags, action figures, t-shirts and paraphernalia; not as thorough or immense as Another Dimension Comics in the Kensington area but nonetheless would nourish any comicphiles hunger. There is also an ample aisle row devoted to a nice selection of models; ships, tanks, and even UFOs. Staff at Phoenix knows their stuff... that's for sure, tons of collectors in today, and although I am not a comic collector I can see them pretty hyped by the selection and that is always a good sign read more

Phoenix Comics is a hip, well stocked store that's a dream destination for comic book aficionados, both young and old alike. The SW location is actually a 2-in-1 shopping experience, as there is a vast storehouse of model kits in the adjoining room. In the main room, you're greeted with a dizzying array of comic books and graphic novels. They also offer anime DVDs, Manga, and comic book themed toys. Comic Book Guy would approve. read more

Comic selection good, game and card selection poor.

I like this store a lot, though their selection (or lack thereof) of back issues is pretty glaring. Understandably, finding anything older than 4 months old these days tends to be more like a search for lost gold in the unmarked, vaguely organized bins, finding the new stuff and all of the related merchandise is smooth easy and filled with surprises here and there. Much better than their 16av NW sister store. read more

These guys are pretty darn good at what they do. They usually have what I'm looking for, or are able to get it in for me. Their selection is good, especially considering the limited space they have. And I have to say that what they lack in the stacks is made up for in the toy racks. Their toy collectables are way cool and they have one of the best selections I have ever seen. Sometimes the service can be a little distracted, and even a little surly, but the answers they give are always right. If they have it they will find it for you even if they have to flip through a jillion books to find it. If they don't have it, and can't get it, they generally know who probably does and will point you in the right direction. All in all they know their stuff when it comes to finding a specific item. Just don't expect any hugs at the end of your transactions. read more

A cool and interesting place for comic buffs. Has an elaborate and detailed collection.

I used to use Pheonix comics because it was close to where I lived, but I never found the staff interested in talking much even when I would try to start up a conversation. Just kind of came across as not wanting me in there really. To me, comic book stores are more than just stores, they are a community where people can go and freely talk about something they love. So when I get the cold shoulder like that, it makes it not an enjoyable experience. Recently, I was trying to track down a copy of Spider Woman 2 and when I called them to ask if they had it, the employee on the phone instantly said no and that was that. Driving past it (as I was heading way up north to another store) I decided to just stop in and check becuase I didn't think the guy actually looked on the shelf or in the system at all. Sure enough, when I got there, there was a copy right there on the wall. If the employee had taken 2 seconds to look, he could have told me that they had it. Instead he just dismissed me as quickly as possible. I can't speak for the North location as I have never been to that one, but as for the one on 17th, I tend to avoid it now. read more

This is easily the best comic book store I've been to. It has an awesome selection of comics, statues, and action figures.

Surly employees. The record section is awesome. The comic selection is good but I felt like I was bothering the people working just by being in the store. read more