Comic Book Stores in Buffalo Niagara

March 15, 2021

Comics are more synonymous with pop culture than ever before.There are a number of great comic book stores in Buffalo Niagara, and we have put together the definitive list.

by Max Fisher

Comic books have crossed over into popular culture in an unprecedented way during the past couple of decades

Your Friendly Neighborhood Comic Book Store(s)

The gamut of genres that the comics medium covers is genuinely staggering. From crime/mystery to slice of life and superhero, there truly is a comic for everyone. However, speaking from years of experience (that’s what we politely deem a wasted youth) wherever you decide to get into comics, it’s always the deep end. Meaning there’s always some tedious amount of lore or continuity that’s been going on since 1962.

Even if you come across a comic that seems to be a standalone affair, chances are it’ll reference some long-ago saga cheekily, and the uninitiated in these practices will more than likely come across frustrated. If only there were some sort of guide, so the customer could sidestep continuity and reboots, all together like a puddle in the rain. If only there were someone out there like a librarian of sorts. Knowledgeable in the comics medium as well as welcoming (and doesn’t pester you about using your inside voice if they deem you to be too loud). Someone who adds a welcomed human element in this increasingly digitized world. Someone who would put a book in your hands with confidence and exclaim, “this is great!” And you’d believe them because they knew what they were talking about. Ladies and gentlemen, I wasn’t just describing the comic book dealer of your dreams. I described many fine owners of comic book stores Buffalo Niagara!

It’s almost impossible to leave Queen City Book Store without this expression

Bringing the Expertise

I don’t want to toot my own horn here, but I’ve been reading comics before they were a big deal. Back in the day, you’d have to go to the store to simply get comics; we couldn’t read them on these dang devices (kids these days have it easy). And back in the day, I’d frequent Queen City Book Store, from time to time I’d even take an hour-long bus ride just to get there (because I’m dedicated, if nothing else).

Queen City Book Store is one of the oldest comic book stores in Buffalo Niagara (fun fact, it used to be a bank, see if you can spot the vault they have in store). Walking into Queen City is like walking into a place steeped in history; there’s not photos of the owner with pictures of him with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby like some cheesy diner off the interstate. Rather as soon as you walk through the door and hear that slight “ding,” you can feel this place has been around for a while. You instantly know you’re in good, experienced hands, with the weekly deluge of comics and graphic novels spread across the front counter, as well as collectibles covering you on all sides. It can admittedly get a little overwhelming like the comics medium in general, but rest assured all you need to do is ask someone at the counter for help. They will gladly help you through the waters until you find something you like.

In case you were wondering if Gutter Pop Comics was low on inventory

Encyclopedic Knowledge

Gutter Pop Comics is another of the great comic book stores in Buffalo Niagara. Having pretty much anything anyone could want, with more of a focus on indie comics and a sizable amount of records for anyone looking to spruce up their vinyl collection. Gutter Pop Comics is an excellent mix of a place; off-the-beaten- path but still incredibly welcoming!

Gutter Pop Comics isn’t like your typical comic shop; it’s got a more personal feel. For example, all the single-issue comics are already in the sleeves before you buy them. (Comic sleeves are basically what they sound like, they’re a barrier of perfection, so you’re single issues don’t get dinged or ruined over time. They’re also acid and waterproof, in case you like traveling with your comics during tsunamis or acid rain season). It’s a small gesture, but it goes a long way. The owner and the others running the store are all very personable. There’s never a sense that you’ll be bothering them if you ask, “what is Love And Rockets?” or “how many hammers does Thor have?” Just come in with a few questions and an open mind, and I guarantee you’ll come out more informed and happier than when you came in!

No digital experience can recreate the sense of excitement of unearthing a completely unexpected find at a brick-and-mortar store

Shut Down the Devices and Go Explore the Real Deal

Comics are a wholly unique medium. It’s the only medium where if you can think it, you can do it. The only limits are your imagination. But by the same token comic creator’s imaginations have run rampant for decades making the medium come off to outsiders like a confusing maze, rather than the beautiful expansive ode to imagination the medium truly is; but that’s where the comic book store comes in. Think of the comic book store owner as a lifeguard.

Granted, you won’t die if you don’t know that Superman was once blue or that Spawn is just Venom without the big mouth and gnarly teeth (gotta love the 90s). But it’ll save you a lot of headaches if, in the beginning, you have someone to help you through the deep unfamiliar waters that have claimed so many and made them switch over to manga. Just remember, if you go into one of these stores, feel free to ask questions. There’s no such thing as a dumb one, and in time if you stick with it, you’ll be able to take the floaties off and traverse the deep end all by yourself. Good luck exploring the plethora of comic book stores in Buffalo Niagara.

Comic Book Stores in Buffalo Niagara

CHOOSE ANY comic book store TO VIEW store DETAILS, GET DIRECTIONS AND MORE.

1811 Comics

Williamsville

3-D Comics

Lancaster

A Cardstore

Buffalo

Action Figure Portal

Depew

Collector’s Inn

Kenmore

Collectors Choice

Brockport

Dave & Adams’s

Williamsville

Empire Comics

Buffalo

Foxprowl Collectables

Batavia

Good Omens

Niagara Falls

Gutter Pop Comics

Buffalo

Halley’s Comics & Games

North Tonawanda

Iron Buffalo Comics & Games

Buffalo

Pulp 716

North Tonawanda, Lockport

Queen City Comics

Buffalo

Sleeping Giant Collectables

Tonawanda

The Comic Book Cafe/Say Cheese Pizza

Grand Island

Thinkgeek

Cheektowaga

What do you think of our list of comic book stores in Buffalo Niagara? Did we forget your favorite? See information that needs a correction? Let us know.

Let's do this again, shall we?

Let us do the ground work. Get our weekly newsletters and partner updates delivered right to your inbox, twice a week. We have weekly giveaways and will keep you up-to-date on all the latest and greatest around Buffalo Niagara. Hope to see you there!