Comic book stores in LA/OC and Comic recommendations

June 25, 2010 1:37 AM

A two parter: My brother is visiting LA (and Orange County) in a few weeks. Where are the cool comic book stores? And, considering that he doesn't favor super hero comics, what comics should he check out?

My brother likes to buy old or used comics to make his dollar stretch further. I would love any suggestions for a great comic book store in either LA or Orange counties.

He liked Sleeper and Conan. What are other non-superhero comics he know about?

posted by Monday to Media & Arts (8 answers total)

He HAS to go to Secret Headquarters in Silver Lake. They don't sell used comics, but the selection is awesome (huge variety of stuff, much of it independent and/or non-superhero-oriented), and the staff is very knowledgeable.

As far as Orange County goes, my brother recommends Comics Unlimited in Westminster, although I haven't personally been there.
posted by arianell at 2:52 AM on June 25, 2010

I haven't been in a long long time, but the Frank & Son show in City of Industry used to be a good place to pick up back issues. It's basically like a mini-convention--a bunch of dealers with tables--held twice a week, with free admission.
posted by equalpants at 4:21 AM on June 25, 2010

Upon further reflection, Frank & Son may not be the best place for non-superhero stuff, or anything else you wouldn't find in a nerd-cave. But again, I haven't been in ages (probably like 12-13 years), so it may be different now. Maybe someone who's been there more recently will show up...
posted by equalpants at 4:32 AM on June 25, 2010

This is another "haven't been in a long long time," but I guarantee Meltdown is worth a visit. Very good for non-superhero.
posted by kmennie at 4:37 AM on June 25, 2010 [1 favorite]

If he liked Sleeper he should check out Incognito and Criminal, because they are by the same writer and artist. Also, they are awesome.

He might like. Incorruptable. I don't think it's that great, but it is thematically similar to Incognito and Sleeper, to a certain extent.

In regards to Conan, I think Cerebus (at least through Jaka's Story) would be worth a look. Starts off as something of a Conan parody starring an ill-tempered aardvaark, but ends up exploring some pretty complex political and religious matters. The second volume, High Society, is particularily excellent. Be aware it goes absolutely off the rails later in the 300-issue run, though.
posted by joelhunt at 5:57 AM on June 25, 2010

I am partial to Golden Apple on Melrose in LA. Meltdown's also excellent, and Secret Headquarters has a quirky upscale vibe and a great TPB selection. DJ's Universal is very good, and Earth-2 Comics in Sherman Oaks and Northridge is owned by the sharp and savvy Carr D'Angelo, who's won industry awards for his retail chops. (Geoff Johns the DC author co-owns at least the Northridge Earth-2. Dunno how often he's over there.). Hi De Ho in Santa Monica is where I get last-minute emergency books, but parking is horrendous and there's a whiff of boyzone sometimes-- they've gotten better over the years, though, and they have an awesome T-shirt selection.


Closer to the OC, Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach has a solid inventory and helpful staff.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 7:52 AM on June 25, 2010

Not sure about the best places to pick up used comics (Frank & Son was the only place that came to mind), but I came to recommend 100 Bullets as a non-superhero series.
posted by Palmcorder Yajna at 7:54 AM on June 25, 2010

Oh, and if he gets as far as Newhall/ Santa Clarita, which I doubt-- it's a crazy drive-- Atom and Portlyn at Brave New World can fix him up. Very different geek-family-business small-town shop.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 7:57 AM on June 25, 2010