I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board game. Most of these stores also host regular events where you can meet fellow nerds 🤓
AlleyCat Comics (Andersonville)
Tucked away through a narrow alley (duh), you’ll find AlleyCat Comics at 5304 N. Clark St. It’s full of graphic novels and trinkets featuring all your favorite characters. Head to the back of the store to dig through boxes of $1 comics.
- ⛱️ Catch them during the last few weeks of summer if you want to read your new comic on their back patio!
Goblin Market (Lakeview)
If a comic book shop and board game store had a baby, it’d look like Goblin Market at 2868 N. Lincoln Ave. On the store’s first floor, you’ll find a curated selection of graphic novels and comics, plus an extensive section of supplies for roleplaying games, like Dungeons & Dragons. The basement is home to board games and stationery from local artists.
- 🏳️🌈 On the second Friday of every month, Goblin Market hosts a Queer Nerd Meetup. Visit the shop tomorrow from 6-8 p.m. to meet new people who love all things comics, sci-fi, and games.
Dark Tower Comics (Lincoln Square and Logan Square)
Dark Tower Comics at 4835 N. Western Ave. and 2641 N. Kedzie Ave. offers hundreds of new comics and thousands of trade-ins, plus a $2 comic section. The Logan Square location has an extra room in the back where people regularly gather to play games.
- 🎲 Every Saturday from 11 a.m -7 p.m., the Logan Square location hosts free play hours where you can try out some of their games for free!
First Aid Comics (Little Italy and Hyde Park)
First Aid Comics at 1142 W. Taylor and 1617 E. 55th St. stocks a wide variety of comics and graphic novels from Marvel, D.C., and independent publishers. They also have trading cards, role-playing games, and board games!
- 👀 New releases are available every Wednesday. Check out their new release list to get a taste of what you’ll find in the shop.
