The triumphant return of the LCBS Spotlight! Now that we’ve had a break from the intrepid treks around all of MA (with a few more stores pending), it’s time to start breaking into other states. And the very first stop on the tour of the east coast is Midtown Comics, the premiere comic book store in all of New York.
More after the break
I suppose when it comes to New York City, there are only two really large scale comic book stores that you can ever visit. One of the two of them is the aforementioned Midtown Comics. Midtown is a store that pretty much defines affable geekdom as a culture, if you ask me, and with two stores on different sides of NYC, it’s easy enough to see why. The “main” store, as I’ve come to understand it, is the one located right next to Times Square, at the heart of the city itself. Easily accessible and with added home delivery options, it’s easy to see why Midtown has such a success in and out of NYC.
As far as the Times Square store goes, I can’t speak highly enough of it. Two floors of comic book nerdgasms ahoy, there really is something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood to browse for a large collection of statues, toys, graphic novels, or back issues, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. The staff is friendly enough, although a tad pushy at times for you to either buy or move along, it’s understandable considering how much there is in the store. It is more often than not crowded with people all browsing various books or trying to pull toys off the walls. It’s pretty much the ultimate in nerd window shopping. I always try to go in when I’m in town, see what things I can scrounge up. I’ve pulled many a books out of there which now rest happily in my collection at home.
The other store is located at Grand Central station. While not as grand as the main one over at Times Square, it has it’s upsides. This store focuses more on trades, statues, and toys than it does new releases. While there are new releases of course, you can find an even greater selection of collectible goodies over at grand central. My favorite memory is that of finding the Elseworlds Red Son Superman and Batman, who now rest quite proudly with a Green Lantern action figure.
As far as all the things I always judge comic book stores by, Midtown meets it all. I love That’s Entertainment for all the things that they provide, and Midtown Comics is essentially this store but in New York, spanning two stories. On top of that, they provide a home delivery service that anyone can use worldwide, including a 15% subscribers discount (which really helps as of late), as well as marvelous sales that are available even on their website. Want packaged deals of runs, or perhaps grab bags? You’re in.
Needless to say Midtown is the best spot in New York for comics. With a friendly (enough) staff and enough for both the new comic book reader as well as the old, Midtown Comics comes stamped with the Multiversity seal of approval. Want to go to NY and have nothing planned? Do all your friends and family want to go to Times Square? Well, looks like you have something to do now.
