Irish comic shops, online comic shops and other resources

Think this is the right thread for this (didn't want to bump the old ipad thread).

A Comic Book Lover’s Guide to Going Digital

Hopefully it hasn't already been posted somewhere else.

The Geekeasy does ask for a membership.
But I'm sure they'll let you look around before you make a decision about it.
And it does come with Wi-Fi and access to all the electronics in the room.

They've had some fun video video game days. And the movie nights are
"interesting". The Staff are friendly and enthusiastic.
Although Christy isn't too knowledgeable on the comics front. But he does try.

So I was recently in Dublin and I got a chance to visit the three major comic shops. When I was planning this trip I found that there is a lack of information on these shops available online. I thought maybe it might help somebody out if I posted my opinions of the stores here.

Forbidden Planet:

This is the first shop I visited and the shop that I (not being from Dublin) based my directions around. My first impression of this shop was good, and there aren't really any major faults to be found. when you first enter this shop you are greeted by shelves filled with action figures, comic book and film memorabilia, and all manner of toys and paraphernalia ranging from anime and manga books to various forms of tribute to nerd culture. I enjoyed browsing through this immensely but the real reason I came was comics. There is a stairs just beside the entrance that leads into the basement and as a comic fan who has never been in a real comic shop, I felt as if I had just discovered the entrance to narnia. The entire lower level of the shop is full of comics and graphic novels. One entire wall is lined with new releases and the rest are packed with graphic novels. On one wall there are boxes full of a few thousand back issues (which I took great delight in rummaging through). The shop was very organised and everything was priced, filed and easy to find. The staff seem somewhat uninterested and while they were not ignorant and answered any questions I had, they weren't exactly enthusiastic and never offered to help any customers. while I was there they actually closed the secondary checkout in the comic area and two of them stood at one counter chatting. The comic prices were steep and as best as I can remember they added roughly two euro on to the American cover price so a $2.99 comic costs €4.99. The back issues however were very reasonably priced at just €1 per issue (a deal that I readily took advantage of). Overall this was the worst of the shops I visited, but still worth checking out.

Score: 7/10

Sub City:

This was the second shop I visited and It's not far Forbidden Planet. The shop is very small and only had one staff member who sat behind the checkout. the store itself was absolutely packed with comic books, graphic novels and a few action figures and models. Here the new comics were priced slightly better than in Forbidden Planet but the selection was considerably smaller. This shop had the same €1 deal on back issues but the selection of these was vastly superior to Forbidden planet with at least ten times the amount of comics on display and many more stacked in boxes in, under and around shelves. I regrettably left here too soon to meet someone and never got a chance to properly probe the boxes and boxes of back issues, when I get a chance to return to Dublin this will likely be the largest drain on my time and my wallet. This shop also has a large selection of Irish indie comics which I believe they publish in house under the brand "Atomic Diner". I have nothing to say about the staff but overall this shop was very impressive and is especially good for anyone on a tight budget.

Score: 8/10

Dublin City Comics:

This shop is a bit more out of the way (10-15 minute walk), but definitely worth it. My biggest regret was leaving this shop until last when I had very little money or time left. I had heard great things about this shop, especially the staff, and from my brief time here it seems to be true. From when i entered the store until I left the staff were very friendly and helpful. They seemed like they enjoyed their work too, and there was a very laid back atmosphere inside. they had a small selection of back issues for €1 and a good selection of new release comics that they match to the US cover price in euro, so a $2.99 comic will be €2.99, which is incredible. I also picked up some short-boxes for comic storage here for €5 each which were €8.99 each in Forbidden Planet. I cannot say much more about this shop as I wasn't there for long, but next time it will definitely be my first stop.

Score: 9.5/10


Overall I must say that all of the shops were good, and each had something going for it that makes it worth the trip. I recommend checking out at least one of them, and if you have some time and cash to spare, then make a day of it and give each one a chance.

There's now a comic shop in the National Wax Museum, Dublin, of all places! I think it's Story, formerly of Crow Street.

http://www.waxmuseumplus.ie/WhatsNew.html

"THE COMIC SHOP NOW OPEN

We have just launched very own comic shop, featuring rare and collectable comics all at very reasonable prices. The Comic shop is very fitting as well as seeing all your favourite super heroes in hall of fame you will now get a chance to take a super hero comic home with you as a souvenir of your visit."

Had the pleasure if visiting the big bang in Dundrum yesterday, even though he shop is small the selection is quite good and the staff very friendly. Highly reccomend

jmean wrote: »

do you need to buy a ticket to visit the comic shop in the Wax Museum, and is it really the stock from crows corner?

No, you don't need a museum ticket. The comic are in the gift shop, which is on your right when you go into the building.

The labels on the comic bags are the same as the Crow's Corner ones - big white labels with the name of the comic and a price in sterling typed on it.

Excellent new comic back catalogue just opened in Ireland. You can pick up your comics at Dublin City Comics or other participating comic shops. Search the catalogue in-store or online. Check out HT-Comics.com its Ireland's largest comic back catalogue and claims to offer the lowest prices anywhere!

www.HT-Comics.com

For Tipperary there's Tall Tales in Clonmel. It's not the best for comics tbh but he does orders. Easons have a very small selection too.

The Comix Stop shop in Waterford has closed down now, it's been gone for a while really..

Is there any kind of fairs coming up to swap or sell comics? I have a big collection and would like to sell/swap some of them. Just wondering if there is anywhere I can move some. cheers

Thwip! wrote: »

There's a comic mart in Central Hotel on the first sat of every month. If you contact the guys behind that you should be able to set up a stall. Go on FB and search for Dublin Comic Mart

Thanks Thwip I'l check that out, sounds good. Do many attend? Also if anybody knows of any social clubs or anything for comics, I'm a fan but unfortunately absolutely none of my friends are (I'm the general geek of the gang )

Thanks for the help

Thwip! wrote: »

Quite a few... It's how i fill out most of my back collection

I know there's a Comic Appreciation Club in Dub too. Then there's us guys here

Cool I might just become one of you guys :-) can you tell me do many go to the comic mart, many stalls and attendants? I'l ring tomorrow anyway but I'm getting excited :-)