Best Comic Book Shops in Pittsburgh

Crash! Bang! Zoom into these local shops

The Setting: Pittsburgh, PA...

Much like independent bookstores and vinyl record shops, the locally owned comic book shop thrives in Pittsburgh, fitting perfectly into the 90 neighborhoods that make our super city into a connected universe of awesomeness.

Comic book shops are a chance to meet our heroes, passionate shop owners, re-live the collections you had in childhood and maybe even discover something new you'd like to start reading and collecting. Pittsburgh doesn't need a flashy costume or an alter-ego, our shops speak to our neighborly feel you can find anywhere in the city.

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But you don't need Robin to fetch you the Bat Sonar to find the best selection of comics, manga and graphic novels. We've put together the list of 12 of our favorite stops throughout the city to find new releases, local comics and more:

Be The Real Hero | Buy and Support Local

I love Marvel, DC and Image! They're wonderful. But as you browse these comic shops, take note of how many offer extensive store space to local artists and creators and consider adding an issue or two to your normal pull.

Just one example is Comicsburgh, a group of Burgh-based creators churning out original series all with the gorgeous inkwork, stellar writing and engaging characters you'd expect from a major publisher. Many of these even include references to Pittsburgh, overt and otherwise (issue #1 of Heroineburgh involves a ghostly battle in the Cathedral of Learning).

Comicsburgh has something for everyone. With their gritty take on the superhero squad featured in The Edge, the fantasy/humor trappings of Beowulf, the mystery of The Theme of Thieves and femme fatales of Heroineburgh, I'm sure you'll find a series you love! These stories are larger than life, with trailers and in-person events in the Burgh to celebrate issue releases, a video download series featuring the cast of Heroineburgh and more that makes Comicsburgh a great group of creators to keep your eye on.

Phantom of the Attic

Full disclosure: I've been going to Phantom of the Attic (Monroeville location) for more than decade and am always happy to tell people this is my go-to place. For avid collectors, their subscription service is perfect regardless of how much you want to spend; everyone here is treated the same and they will be happy to order in and hold any comics for you. They also have a massive selection of back issues, walls and walls of graphic novels and some fun collectibles as well.

But why I always come back to Phantom is for the friendly faces. Regardless of when I go in, there's a buzz near the register as fellow fans discuss the latest plot twists, major Marvel movies, etc. and I always end up shopping for five minutes but staying for an hour to chat. Although independently owned, you can also find Phantom of the Attic locations in Green Tree and Oakland, both of which I love as well.

K&J Comics

Located in West View, K&J Comics has already made a name for itself for inclusivity, top notch customer service and their shop dog, Rocky! Don't worry if you make a new friend as you browse the comics, toys and extensive card game selection in one of the city's newest shops.

New Dimension Comics

Stores of this comic book chain down western PA from Ellwood City all the way into Pittsburgh, but for this blog we're focusing on their Waterfront location. Taking up the same square footage as a big box store in this shopping hotspot, New Dimension has entire walls dedicated to comics and graphic novels, along with a great loyalty program to help repeat customers save even more!

But, that's just the beginning. Action figures and statues line glass cases, entire sections of the store are dedicated to miniatures and model kits and events are held featuring meet-n-greets with comic book writers, voiceover artists, cosplayers and other pop culture celebs! My kids and I can each explore in here for hours and always find a new treasure to take home.

Doomed Planet Comics

Sharing a building with Kaibur Coffee on Polish Hill, Doomed Planet Comics is the new name for The Copacetic Comics Company! One of the smallest shops in square footage Don't worry; their focus hasn't changed and you still won't find the latest Superman here on Wednesdays. Instead, Doomed Planet focuses entirely on independent, small press, creator-owned and locally produced comics.

If this sounds daunting, the expert staff are there to help! Let them help you find a new series or graphic novel, or check out the Made in Pittsburgh table to support the fantastic local comics creators right here in the city.

Eide's Entertainment

Located right by the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh, Eide's is overflowing with pop culture, comics and collectibles through four floors of shopping. Head to the basement level for their incredible selection of back issues from the bronze to gold ages of comics then be sure to explore everywhere for records, DVDs and Blu-Rays and all of the superhero ephemera you could ever ask for in one of the oldest comic shops in the country.

Bill & Walt's Hobby Shop

Located on the other end of Downtown by Point Park University is Bill & Walt's Hobby Shop, a place that exemplifies the term hidden gem. This tiny shop is packed with the latest comics plus miniatures, board games, table top RPGs and more, all with excellent customer service to make you feel welcome. Be sure to explore their unmatched selection of $1 comics to find the missing piece to your collection or start collecting an entirely new comic!

Mustang Comics

For the ultimate collector looking for the highest grade of collector comics, check out Mustang Comics in Regent Square. Once you've found your new frame-worthy comic, be sure to browse their huge selection of Funko Pops, signed hockey and celebrity memorabilia and much more. This is a perfect place to shop for the collector you love.

Geekadrome: Games and Comics

Located in Brookline, Geekadrome does a bit of everything in the realm of nerd culture, and does it all well. They're sure to have the latest comics in stock, and happy to help you find whatever you're looking for if you're looking for something special. Add on an ever-growing selection of board games, back issues, graphic novels, card games and more, and you can see why this small shop packs a superhuman punch.

Secret Manga

For those who prefer reading their comics from right to left, Secret Manga in Bellevue is where you need to be. Not only is this shop stuffed with the latest manga and classic series, it's owned by a local artist who keeps the store stocked with art supplies and other media created by independent artists. Get the latest issue of Chainsaw Man, the full box set of your favorite series from childhood or a new favorite plushie; this place is a haven for Japanese culture!

Pop Culture Comics & Toys

With locations north (Glenshaw) and south (Brookline/Overbrook) of the city, this comic shop is the kind of place you can look for hours and still discover something new. Comics remain a huge focus here but memorabilia, new action figures, hard-to-find collectibles and so much more blanket every square inch of these shops. Star Wars, wrestling, horror...you can find it all at Pop Culture Comics, no matter the niche!

Pittsburgh Comics

Never judge a book by its cover, or a comic book store by the outside. This unassuming spot in McMurray is worth the drive with an interior packed with new and back issues, statues, memorabilia, graphic novels and more with friendly owners happy to help you find your way.

Plus, friendly doggos great you as you enter the store! Customer service doesn't get any better than Pittsburgh Comics.

South Side Comics

If your travels take you south of the city to the Baldwin/Pleasant Hills area, make sure a stop at South Side Comics is on your itinerary. Even if you don't, this shop is known for shipping the issues you need (including specializing in exclusive variant covers) to all 50 states quickly and in mint condition.

Special Events

The Pittsburgh comics scene continues to thrive not only at local stores but at fantastic cons, shows, expos and other special events. Mark your calendars now for:

  • Pittsburgh Comic Book Show - May 19, 2024. Two floors of nothing but comics at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the Shouth Hills.
  • 3 Rivers Comic Con - June 1-2, 2024. Get your comic-on with 200 vendors, cosplay contests, panels with local and national comic book creators and more at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
  • Steel City Con- Multiple dates each year. Next Show: April 12-14, 2024. Primarily a place to meet your favorite pop culture icons for photos and autographs, the huge vendor area is always full of comic book sales from the shops above as well as local creators at a new location TBD.
  • Tekko - July 18-21, 2024. Enjoy reading old and new manga with your friends at the manga library, and check out the vendor market for more amazing art and budding mangaka at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
  • Pittsburgh Gaming Expo - Oct. 4-6, 2024. Primarily focused on table top gaming and video games, the Gaming Expo also features a giant vendors market featuring local authors, artists and creatives in the comic scene.
  • Free Comic Book Day - May 4, 2024. The best day to visit your local comic book shop as exclusive issues are given away for free along with specials and more exciting events at participating locations. Always held the first Saturday in May.

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Jared B.

Author

Jared B.

Enthusiastic Pittsburgher

Always in search of the next great craft beer and arcade. Can be found in the Supporters Section of Pittsburgh Riverhounds games and at whatever festival is happening in the city.