5 Comic Book Stores You Must Experience
If your family is all about collecting old and new school illustrations by Marvel or the Archie gang or even older generation comics, you don't want to miss out on visiting one or all of these stores below.
1. Parker, Banner, Kent and Wayne Comics and Games
21500 Catawba Ave., Cornelius
Tucked away and sitting next to a Rite Aid, you’ll miss this hidden treasure if you’re looking for the actual name of the store because all it says is ‘Comics’.
Once inside, you’re welcomed by comic fanatics and guys who just know their stuff. Before I could dive right in, I was asked “are you looking for anything in particular?” It helped a lot knowing that if I couldn’t find any of my favorite childhood favorites that the staff wasn’t afraid to help.
Like the name of the store says, this isn’t just your average comic book store. Inside you’ll find shelves filled with trivia books, board games, and collectable toys ranging from the classic Incredible Hulk to My Little Pony figurines.
On the left hand side of the store is a waiting area (pictured below) where you can read purchased comics while enjoying a snack or two from the vending machines.
And get this. On Wednesday nights the kids can get their Pokémon fix with an all-night tournament. Be sure to get there early because the staff says it gets pretty wild in there. In the same waiting area, you’ll find rows and rows of tables for guests to enjoy free demo board games, especially on Thursday’s Board Game Night.
2. Spandex City Comics
2914 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road
The name of the store has just as much character as the inside of the store. The words “ice cream” painted on the windows of the store immediately caught my eye.
Walking into the store forces you to make a tough decision. Should I go for the ice cream first? Or find my favorite comic book and then indulge? Either choice would be a good one but you’ve been warned!
What’s exciting about this place is that everything is organized in a manner that subconsciously takes you around the store in a circle. Tucked away inside of each bookcase are rows of comics, trivia books, and memorabilia. The street-like signs indicate what section you’re in and create an almost surreal environment.
Pinball Machines are the stores background noise, which only entices you to hurry and make your decision to play on one of the four machines. Note: Pinball tournaments happen twice a month.
Before you head out be sure to have a scoop or two of ice cream or maybe just an ice-cold root beer.
3. Rebel Base Comics and Toys
Near Cotswold and close to the intersection of Sharon Amity and Providence Road you’ll find the store down in the basement of the shopping center right next to Great Clips. The only way you’ll know you’re going in the right direction is by looking for the sign under Great Clips that says "Comics and Toys."
Each section of the store is carved out by the comic’s demographics. If you’re looking for DC Comics, just find that row and if you’re looking for Marvel, well you’re in for a treat, too. There really isn’t a need for a “kids section” because kid-friendly comics are spread out throughout the store, but there is one just in case your little one is in the beginning stages of collecting or reading comics. Find Sonic the Hedgehog, the Avengers, Invader Zim and more.
The best part about this little shop is the vast collection of Star Wars toys, books, comics, and even LEGOS that they have. If your family is really “geeked” out for Star Wars you might have a mini heart attack with the abundance of collectable items.
Note: Transformer fans can find a small collection of cool one-of-a-kind figurines.
4. Heroes Aren't Hard to Find
1957 E. 7th St.
Just on the outskirts of Plaza Midwood, you'll find this little gem. As you walk in, the experience begins right away with an out-of-this-world depiction of Spider Man and Green Man dueling it out as if you're inside of an epic comic strip.
Inside the window frame, little ones can ride on a classic car perfect for imaginations to soar. And on the opposite side is a small area with a yellow bench for kids to get cozy on as they choose from an adjacent bookshelf filled with comics ranging from Spiderman to Zodiac Starforce and even Walt Disney comics.
The store is wrapped with every kind of comic you can think of. It's definitely one of your more traditional comic book stores but still gives you that transported feeling.
Definitely be sure to stop by Bang Bang Burgers behind the store or for a healthier lunch, Crisp is right next door. And if you're in the mood for pizza, Hawthorne's NY Pizza is a 2-3 minute drive from the book store.
5. A. Penny's Worth Comics
11025 Monroe Road, Matthews
This is definitely a traditional comic book store as its main focus is on the comic books. The ambiance invites you to spend an afternoon or evening buying a few books reading at one of the many tables lined up throughout the store.
The store is covered with memorabilia that starts at high price tag. You can find Wonder Woman, Super Man, Batman and more figurines starting at $70 a figure. With the collectibles all around the store, you can even find just a few toys and trinkets that can be kept as keepsakes.
Note: Throughout the month, magic card and other tournaments are held.
Mikala Young grew up collecting the Archie comic books and spent her Sunday afternoons clipping out comic strips that she turned into huge collages. She wishes she could have a body just like Veronica. While working on her dream bod, she's also an Editorial Assistant and loves going out in the Queen City with her 2-year-old nephew!