Long Beach Comic Book Stores
Whether it’s fantasy cosplay or superhero cinema, it all has roots in the colorful world, and words, of comics. As you’d expect for a city that regularly plays host to one of the biggest anime conventions in the country–Anime LA–Long Beach is a vibrant and varied comic universe. Here are some of its most animated comic book shops.
BLACK STAR COLLECTIBLES
Located at The Pike Outlets, Black Star Collectible (95 S Pine St) offers a diverse collection of comics and graphic material with a focus on Black pop culture. The shop has long promoted artists of color as well as their work, mindful that representation matters, particularly for kids. When the characters look like the reader, come from similar circumstances, and are portrayed positively, it can impact how the reader views themselves.
AMAZING COMICS
For nearly 35 years, Amazing Comics (5555 E Stearns St) has provided a great selection of comics–from classics to graphic novels to manga–in a comfortable and organized space, and has made a name for itself for stocking comics that are sold out elsewhere. It has an equally large selection of collectibles, toys and figurines, so whether you’re looking for Yu-Gi-Oh cards, Pokemon plushies or a Baby Yoda Chia Pet, you’ll find it here.
PULP FICTION COMICS
Long a local destination for comics aficionados of all stripes and interests, Pulp Fiction Comics (3925 E. Anaheim St.) stocks all genres–superhero to silly, dark to darkly comic. It has long been a place to go to to get the latest releases, and its weekly Facebook livestream for unpacking new books has become must-see social media for many. The knowledgeable staff is welcoming and always up to help the uninitiated find what they’re looking for.
CASITA BOOKSTORE
As the name suggests, Casita (1440 E. Fourth St.) is located in a charming little house, and its large windows let in lots of natural light perfect for reading. The shelves are stocked with children’s and young adult books, including a wide selection of picture stories and graphic novels aimed at the younger set, who can discover them curled up in one of the comfortable nooks of the shop’s warm interior.