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Comics 411
Recommended
Finding comics isn't always the easiest thing to do. I've assembled this list to help you find ways to purchase comicsbooks. It's pretty complete, but if there's something you think I've missed on this list, please let me know at cro2@212.net.
Your Local Comic Shop (LCS)
I reccommend you support your LCS, because they should be able to provide the most complete and expedient service of any possible method of obtaining comics. While they're not always the friendliest places, it is important to note that a Comic Shop is there to make money, so if you want to order something or need help, don't be afraid to remind them of this. Comic Shops almost always order from Diamond Comics Distributors. Through either the "Star System", or book re-ordering, they should be able to get any in-stock item mentioned in this column within 3 or 4 weeks, and usually as quickly as 2. Make sure to note the Star System codes listed next to books in these columns.
Comic Shop Locator Service - 1-888-COMIC-BOOK
The Comic Shop Locator Service is a free service provided by Diamond Comics Distributors. All you have to do is call this number, provide your area code and Diamond will provide you with three comic retaillers in your general area. The Number is 1-888-COMIC-BOOK (1-888-266-4226).
Yellow Pages
Most Comic Stores are listed in the yellow pages of your town. Try looking under "Comic Books", "Comics", "Books- Independent Booksellers", and "Collectibles".
Book & Record Stores
Book stores are tricky. Although they don't generally get single issues of comics, they should be able to obtain any graphic novel that possesses an ISBN number. A lot of Book Stores have begun stocking select graphic novels and trade paperbacks, and multimed stores such as "Tower Records" offer a variety of TPB's, Graphic Novels, and Comic Related Books/Merchandise.
Libraries
Check your local libraries to see if they have any Trade Paperbacks or Graphic Novels listed. A few of the more progressive libraries do. Usually they're grouped together under a unified "Comics" section however, and racked with books like "Calvin and Hobbes" and "Doonesbury".
Amazon.Com
Amazon.Com is an online bookstore that stocks over 2.5 million titles. They also seem to have taken a shine to TPB's and Graphic Novels, and a pretty wide selection of DC and Independent books are availible there. The shipping can be a little expensive, but I've had nothing but great experiences with them. Comics are listed in the "Humour" section, for some odd reason.
GraphicNovels.Com
Sort of like Amazon.Com, except they stock EVERYTHING. Every book availible from Diamond Comics Distributors and much more is availible here on line. With a bunch of reviews and reccommendations of their own as well. Never used this service, but it seems wonderfully complete and you really can't beat the selection of stuff.
Order Direct!
If all else fails, go to the source. I've provided information on ordering direct from the publishers of all books listed in my columns on my Reccomendations Page. Also, check out the master comic companies list on Jeff Mason's page.
Note: I don't endorse any of the services mentioned. I think some of them are cool, and I do encourage people to make use of them but "caveat emptor" allright? Cool.