May 6 marks theperfect day to catch up on your favorite superhero (or villain) adventures — it's Free Comic Book Day!
Like many places in the U.S., the local comic book scene is constantly changing with new shop arrivals and old shop departures. ֱ lost a big part of its local comic book scene when shut down due to the pandemic, after being in business for more than 20 years.
But where there are endings, there are also new beginnings. The east side recently gained a new comic shop dubbed, which is . Other shops, including and , are also celebrating the holiday.
Below are 10 local places that can help you find the perfect issue to satisfy your heroic needs.
A copy of "The Joker: His Greatest Jokes" looks out from its slot in the graphic novels racks at Heroes and Villains, 4533 E. Broadway.
Heroes and Villains
Heroes and Villains is a ֱ staple when it comes to comic books. The shop has been around for nearly 20 years and offers the latest issues and back issues of your favorite fictional characters. If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, the friendly staff can help point you in the right direction. In recent years, Heroes and Villains has expanded with two more shops next door, one for tabletop games and one for vinyl records— in case you need a little something extra to go along with your comic book or graphic novel haul.
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Several shelves of back issues are available at Fantasy Comics.
Fantasy Comics
Fantasy Comics is another landmark comic book store. You can’t miss it on First Avenue with its superhero murals along the side of the building. Inside the building is a comic book lover's haven. Find the latest issues of your favorite stories from heroes like "Spider-Man," "Batman" and the "Star Wars" universe at this long-standing comic book shop.
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Find the latest issues of your favorite stories from heroes like "Spider-Man," "Batman" and the "Star Wars" universe at the long-standing Fantasy Comics, 2595 N. First Ave.
R-Galaxy
Find comics from the comic industry’s top dogs like Marvel and DC, or dive into unique stories from independent publishers or ֱ comic book creators. The shop also features toys, collectibles and manga. You can find vintage comic books here, too!
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A replica Darth Vader helmet is on display behind glass with a few of the more esoteric items at Heroes and Villains.
Presidio Comics
This comic book store at the ֱ Mall is a family- and veteran-owned shop offering new and vintage comic books, graphic novels, pop culture collectibles and toys. They also have some pretty cool "Star Wars" collectibles on hand if you’re into a galaxy far, far away. If you can’t make it to their in-person shop, check out their comic book sales through Facebook live-streams.
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Harley's Toys & Comics
While walking around ֱ Mall, you’re destined to stumble across Harley's Toys & Comics, a local woman-owned comic book shop slightly hidden on the bottom floor. On top of selling both vintage and modern comic books, the shop also hosts community events that include meet-and-greets with movie and TV stars such as Jason Faunt, the red ranger in "Power Rangers Time Force," and Ray Park, who played Darth Maul in "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace."
Where:4500 N. Oracle Road
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Heroes and Villains comic book shop has been around for nearly 20 years.
Showtime Cards
While Showtime Cards primarily focuses on sports cards safely sealed in new packs or professionally-graded cards displayed in a protective case, you can also find a few collectible comic books here. The owner of Showtime Cards, George Mares, has been in the sports card industry for nearly 30 years, according to an article in the ֱ.
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Amazing Discoveries
Amazing Discoveries is a hobby card and game shop that centers around cards like "Magic the Gathering," "Pokémon" and "Yu-Gi-Oh!" In addition, the ֱ location features a super small section of comic books and graphic novels. Their sister location in Gilbert has a larger selection of comic books and can ship any comic book orders to ֱ.
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Like many places in the U.S., the ֱ comic book scene is constantly changing with new shop arrivals and old shop departures.
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Bookmans carries a wide variety of used comic books and graphic novels for reasonable prices, so you can stock up on some familiar finds or find a new favorite.
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Tanque Verde Swap Meet
This recommendation might seem a bit out of place, but it’s not a complete shot in the dark. If you’re lucky, you may find a collector looking to sell off their collection or maybe a few independent sellers wanting to get some old comic books off their shelves. Even if you don’t find anything the first time, keep trying. You never know what you may find.
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Space Monkey Comics
Space Monkey Comics is ֱ's newest comic shop — and they've documented their whole journey on . Beyond the comics, you can find action figures, plushes and other fun merchandise. They even offer a subscription service.
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