Yesterday Kevin linked to a story in the Examiner that listed what they considered the five best comic book shops in Los Angeles. Kevin wondered how they could overlook Secret Headquarters, one of the coolest shops anywhere.
As if on cue, The L.A. Weekly publishes a feature story on the best comic shops in L.A. — and while they only list three of them, guess what makes the list? That’s right; Secret Headquarters.
So, if you take the two lists and line them up side by side (or, you know, just take a look at one and then the other), one comic shop appears in both articles — Meltdown Comics and Collectibles. So my question to you, L.A. comic fans — is Meltdown the hottest, or is Secret Headquarters the best kept secret in L.A.? Or does some other shop put them both to shame?
October 2nd, 2008 at 9:59 am
I have visited all of these shops and each have their own particular niche when it comes to fulfilling the needs of a true comic geek. I go to Meltdown for trades and good sales on back issues, Golden Apple has a great current selection, Hi De Ho is near the office and has some good collected issues, but I also keep Earth 2 on Ventura Blvd in the Valley as my home for my pull file.
October 2nd, 2008 at 10:30 am
Secret Headquarters is better at what it does. Meltdown is better at everything else. This is not to disrespect SH, but to acknowledge that Meltdown is a titan among comic stores. On the west coast, only Comic Relief surpasses Meltdown for size and depth of material.
Who’s a better fighter? Sugar Ray Leonard or Mike Tyson? Different weight classes; can’t make a fair comparison.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
I agree with Atom’s choices above, but would also add two more. Brave New World in Santa Clarita and House of Secrets in Burbank. As a former citizen of Los Angeles I have to say, it wasn’t until I left that I realized how spoiled I was.
October 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Metropolis in Bellflower, CA. It’s my favorite place in the world. It’s my sanctuary!
October 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Is there a catagory for Most OVER RATED SHOP in LA?
If so it would have to be meltdown. the place is cavernous, which could be considered cool, but i don’t need a 6 seasons of a full line of Baby Doll T shirts. Does anyone ever shop for that stuff there? I think the managers are snobish, as if they are part of some illiterari (sp?) for comics, and give customers grief for the books they do pick up…
For small shops-I think Earth-2 comics is a nice little hole in the wall in the valley. they have alot of graphic novels, and their staff really likes to “sensai” readers into purchasing things that they like. Which can be either a good thing or a bad thing. But Kudos for their enthusiasm…
I’m going with the Old School standard of GOLDEN APPLE for the best shop in LA- they have extensive new books. They carry just about every in print graphic novel known to man, and have back issue bins. They have full geek merch which is cool so if you are into statues and toys, posters and t-shirts- they got it. The Apple has the best creator signings in LA too- i stopped by for the War Heroes event, and i didn’t mind standing in line there. I definately felt like it was a community
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I take offense to any list that doesn’t include Golden Apple, solely because I know it’s the best. After reluctantly leaving my beloved NY (and the fabulous Cosmic Comics), I was very pleased to find a new home at Golden Apple. I tried Meltdown on the advice of a few friends, but honestly, bigger isn’t always better. I’d much rather find a butt-ton (scientific term) of stuff crammed into tiny aisles and feel like I was in someone’s much-loved personal collection, than to have everything well-lit and spaced out warehouse-like, ala Wal-Mart. Not to mention, both the staff and clientele are (surprisingly!) friendly and warm–I can count on one hand places to say that about. While I have nothing against Meltdown (and when I can’t find something at GA, I certainly head there as a second choice), Golden Apple simply feels like home.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Universal Comics on Ventura is my LCS. Great discounts on my pulls, decent selection of recent back issues and if you don’t find what you’re looking for Cat, the owner, will try to find it for you.
What I look for in a LCS is pull box service (check), a discount for my pulls (check) and friendly, helpful service (check). The rest is just extra stuff that I don’t really need. Sure its nice to walk into a shop and see action figures of my favorite heroes and such but that’s not what I’m looking for on a weekly basis.
October 2nd, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Stranger- DJ Universal Comics is great for the discounts alone. But the selection is so-so, and that guy CAT is a real know it all