Trip Review #30 - Rubber City Comics Rubber City Comics -…read moreA Main- Stay Downtown Akron Located right across from the John S. Knight Convention Center in downtown Akron, Rubber City Comics is a must-visit for comic book fans. Formerly known as The Newsstand at Quaker Square, the shop is now celebrating an incredible 50 years of serving the community. I had the pleasure of chatting with Camryn, who was super friendly and knowledgeable. She told me all about their new comic book arrivals every Wednesday and their huge Funko Pop selection--perfect for collectors! The store also has an impressive range of back issues, supplies, toys, and graphic novels, so if you're hunting for a rare find or just browsing, there's something for you. In addition to celebrating their milestone anniversary, they're hosting a big sale and giving away free comics for Free Comic Book Day--happening tomorrow! Some items will be discounted up to 50% off, so it's the perfect time to stop by and support a longtime local favorite. Don't miss it. Tell them NEO ComicCon sent you. Also be sure to follow and like Akron Comicon

Really cool looking store. Good variety. Prices are fair. My prolem was the TV was playing csi…read morepretty loud and the episode was about gang violence and other serious stuff like S.A. I was there with my kids. I shoulda said something but I didn't so now I'm writing a review

I am in the board game hobby and am very impressed that all board games are 25% all the time. Their…read moreselection is good but stock is limited, however, they are willing to order games in, still honoring their standing discount. It's a great place to get board games for a good price.

I hate to leave a bad review, as I once loved going to this shop. However, in recent months they…read morehave just become another greedy card shop that marks up their Pokemon product by almost 50%. Went in the other day to buy an ETB for Destined Rivals. Should be $60 for an ETB, they're asking $90. They will whine about "bad distribution", yet when I first started going there they told me they have great relationships with the distributors. They're laughing all the way to the bank around the Pokemon hype. Easier to just go to another shop like Empire Game Center and get Pokemon product for actual retail price. Do better!

Trip Review # 31 Kenmore Komics When the Old Guard Is Still Cool: (Kenmore, Ohio)…read more Kenmore Komics in Kenmore, a neighborhood just outside Akron, isn't just a comic shop--it's a time capsule of everything that makes the comic community so enduring and special. This place is legendary, and its reputation is only elevated by the equally legendary John, the owner and heart of the store. For those in the know, Kenmore Komics has even been immortalized in the Funky Winkerbean comic strips, proving its place in comic book history. John and I go way back--over 35 years, in fact. We've talked comics, business, and life over the decades. And through all that time, Kenmore Komics has remained a touchstone of what a great comic shop should be. It's old-school cool, with that classic comic shop feel that instantly transports you back to simpler times, yet John keeps things fresh, relevant, and always friendly. Wednesdays bring in the latest new releases, and Kenmore Komics boasts one of the largest back issue selections in Akron. Need comic supplies? He's got a full section dedicated to bags, boards & boxes. And don't miss the Wall Books-- Golden Age thru the present. Along one wall, you'll find a great selection of banks, toys, and models that spark that inner child in all of us. But one of the true highlights? A dedicated section of over 20 long boxes of graphic novels--all at 50% off. Seriously, it's a treasure trove of cool books at unbeatable prices. For Free Comic Book Day, John always goes all out with a wide selection of titles geared toward all ages. It's a great time to stop by, take in the atmosphere, and see firsthand the DNA of what makes comic book shops great. Come down, browse a while, and be sure to mention NEO ComicCon--or just tell him you're a fan of real comic shop culture. Because at Kenmore Komics, the old guard isn't just still around--it's cool.

Very nice, well-lit and well-stocked little shop! The owner was very nice as well. There are some…read moreterrific bargain finds in their sale section, and some rare toys, books and games to be found on their shelves. PS: Pay no mind to the cranky customer from 3 years ago - they have an excellent selection of all-ages books right inside the door. I'd happily bring my daughter here anytime.

JC Comics and Anime in Cuyahoga Falls…read more It's always awesome to see John at JC's Comics and Anime--he used to be my comic shop back when I lived in Summit County, and it's still going strong! Located on State Road, right across from Rex's Erection, JC's is a staple in the local comic and anime scene and truly a cornerstone of the community. With more than three decades in the business, John has his shop dialed in perfectly. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by a great selection of action figures and collectible card games like Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon. Past that, there are shelves of graphic novels, an impressive showcase of statues, and lining the walls is a treasure trove of vintage toys--from Star Wars to G.I. Joe to Transformers. Behind the counter, you'll find even more gems, like rare statues (I'm a big fan of the Killing Joke Joker piece) and vintage collectibles. JC also carries a massive selection of back issues and, of course, all the latest comic book releases every Wednesday. His wall books are always rotating--because, naturally, hot comics tend to move fast. What really sets JC's apart is his unbeatable selection of anime and manga hobby items--the largest storefront collection in the area by far. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting into the hobby, there's something here for you. Don't miss out on Free Comic Book Day (May 3rd)--it's the perfect excuse to stop in. Honestly, though, you don't need a special occasion to visit. JC's is one of those rare spots where passion, nostalgia, and community all come together. Definitely worth checking out.

A small comic store. Lots of comics and cards and a few statues. They carry some anime as well. A…read morenice shop, just not what we were looking for.

If comic shops have personalities, then Hazel's Heroes has one all its own. Calm! What sets it…read moreapart is the sense of order and care in every corner. There's no clutter here. Everything has its place, and that intentional layout creates a welcoming, relaxed vibe. One of my first suggestions when you walk in: look up. Near the front of the store, the ceiling tiles form an art gallery featuring work from artists who've come through the shop. It's a unique, personal touch that tells you right away this place is built on community and passion. Immediately to your right, there's a well-arranged selection of statues and figurines. From there, the walls guide you around the store with new books, Funko Pops, action figures, and back issues--all tastefully organized. Behind the counter, Steve showcases even more art and collectibles, with a focus on quality over quantity. When I visited, Steve had just picked up a gorgeous Silver Age collection featuring Avengers, X-Men, Captain America, and more. I snapped some photos, but honestly, pictures still don't do the shop justice. You have to see it in person to really appreciate the atmosphere. Each Wednesday brings in new comics, and there's also a great selection of back issues (very well organized) plus comic book supplies. Steve's been in the game since the '90s, so he clearly knows his stuff. Hazel's Heroes could be the perfect first stop on a mini comic book crawl around the Canton area--there are three or four other local shops nearby. And don't forget to say hi to Steve and his wife Amy; they're warm, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do. And of course, mark your calendar for May 3rd--Free Comic Book Day--when Hazel's will be hosting special guests and events. Definitely worth checking out. NEO ComicCon

I went in to Hazel's Heroes to get a gift for my brother-in-law who is an avid comic book…read morecollector. I didn't know much about what to look for and explained my situation to the owner. He was super nice and passionate and explained everything to me, plus he gave me a holiday discount. I wish I liked my brother-in-law more because I'd definitely go back and spend more money!

Great employees, great vibes, great selection of products at good prices, very helpful, a great…read moreselection of everything you could think of a gamestore to have. Honest to god 10/10

Doors locked when hours are posted as opened 12-10 pm .. will not answer store phone .read more

Adam's Action Figures & Comics ( Adam Sabol ) in Rootstown, Ohio…read more Located right off Route 76 and Route 14 in Rootstown, Ohio, Adam's Action Figures is one of those magical places that looks modest from the outside, but once you walk in, it's like stepping into a wonderland of toys, comics, and nostalgia. This shop has something for everyone. I've had the pleasure of watching this shop grow from the very beginning. In fact, I was Adam Sabol's first customer when he opened, and my dollar bill still hangs on the wall to this day. It's been amazing to watch how far the shop has come -- it's a full-blown collector's paradise. Every inch of the store is filled with something cool -- from carefully displayed, carded figures lining the walls to bins and bags of treasure waiting to be dug through. The chaos is part of the charm, and yet somehow everything feels just right. If you're into DC, Marvel, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, or pretty much any toy line that ever meant something, odds are you'll find it here. Adam himself is one of the best parts of the experience. He's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the hobby, always down to chat about comics, toys, or the state of the industry. He gets new comics in weekly and is constantly updating his stock with fresh CGC-graded books and recent collections -- so the inventory is always evolving. Beyond toys and comics, the shop also carries nostalgic items like t-shirts, lunchboxes, comic supplies, and more. Whether you're coming from Akron or making a stop on your way to Youngstown, it's absolutely worth the detour. Adam is also a fixture on the convention circuit and someone we always look forward to seeing at NEO ComicCon. Be sure to swing by the shop on May 3rd for Free Comic Book Day -- it's a perfect time to experience everything the shop has to offer. @neocomiccon @adamsactionfiguresandcomics In short, Adam's Action Figures isn't just a store -- it's an experience, and one that keeps getting better every time you visit.

I went to Adam's for the first time for their 2nd anniversary sale. Happy anniversary, BTW!…read more Even though it's located in the middle of nowhere, man was I impressed with this place! Tons of comics, and a nice selection of Funko Pops. But what really impressed me was their collection of action figures. I love collecting Pops and action Figures. And I could have easily dropped hundreds here. If I had planned ahead and brought more money, I probably would have. If you are an action figure collector, or a comic book collector, this is a great place for you to check out.

Bill's Books & More - Canton Ohio…read more Bill's Books and More is one of those rare comic shops that truly feels special the moment you step inside. For me, it was one of the first comic shops I ever visited back in the '90s, and it left a lasting impression. Decades later, that magic is still there. The owner, Bill Pappas, is not only a pillar in the local comic book community but also one of the most supportive people you'll find when it comes to events like NEO ComicCon and helping vendors like myself get started. That said, I want to be clear--I'm not being biased when I say this: Bill's Books and More is a must-visit shop for any comic fan. When you walk in, it hits you--the nostalgia, the excitement, the thrill of discovering a back issue you've been hunting for, stumbling across something totally unexpected, or spotting a future grail. Bill curates a space that reminds you why you fell in love with comics in the first place. From dollar-bin treasures to high-end collectibles in the five-figure range, Bill's got it all--comics, statues, action figures, graphic novels, and more. It's a true Mecca for collectors and fans alike. And if you want to see this place at its absolute peak, don't miss Free Comic Book Day on May 3rd. Bill is going all out with three locations on the same property--the main shop plus his ever-evolving Location Two and Location Three. It's going to be big, it's going to be wild, and it's always something special. Trust me, Bill will deliver. Can't make it that day? It's still worth the trip to Canton to check it out. And if you ever spot Bill at a local convention--stop by his booth. He's a staple in the scene for a reason.

The selections are out of control. There are so many comics to comb through. The "new" walls are…read moretop notch. It's hard to leave there with out your arms full.