In a region and area known for its offerings in art and culture, it should not be surprising that there are several options for comic book fans around the Bay Area. Whether it’s Free Comic Book Day or any other day, you’ll want to hit up one of these Bay Area comic book stores located in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Oakland. 

Mission Comics and Art - Mission District

Courtesy of Mission Comics and Art

Art is a known theme for the Mission District in San Francisco, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find Mission Comics and Art here. Independent label comics are abundant and you’ll find troves of books here as well as a knowledgeable staff who won’t bother you unless you ask them for help. The store has been known to stay open later for customers and will not rush you to leave.

Comix Experience - Lower Haight & Ingleside

Courtesy of Comix Experience

Comix Experience has two locations in different parts of the city. You can check them out in their location in the Lower Haight or their Comix Experience Outpost located in Ingleside. Both locations are known for their extensive selection of graphic novels as well as art. They also host The Graphic Novel Club, a monthly selection of the best recent graphic novels that also includes exclusive events and perks.

Amazing Fantasy - Inner Sunset

Courtesy of Amazing Fantasy

Are you a Spiderman fan? If you are, you already know this reference and will completely understand the reason for the name. It’s no wonder that Stan Lee has even made a cameo here. Amazing Fantasy in Inner Sunset carries primarily Marvel and major label comic books to meet your needs. 

Two Cats Comic Book Store - West Portal

Courtesy of Two Cats Comic Book store

Two Cats Comic Book Store is a small comic book store located in West Portal. It’s good for getting current issue books rather than back issues. You can find a lot of mainstream comic books at this shop. They also feature a graphic novel club that meets monthly to discuss a new title.

Green Apple Books - Inner Richmond

Courtesy of Green Apple Books

Here’s a local secret for you. Independent bookstore Green Apple Books in Inner Richmond has an annex located next door to their original storefront. You’ll know it from the tiny little green awning. While the original Green Apple is also among the literary must-stops in town, Green Apple’s annex is the place to go if you are seeking independent comics. There’s a giant section with local comics and zines here that will make your heart soar.

City Lights Bookstore - Chinatown

Photo by Caroline Culler / CC BY-SA

City Lights Bookstore is a world-famous bookstore that is known for its literature and connections to independent writers. What some may not realize is that it also has quite a collection of independent and local comics as well as zines. Go inside and up the stairs and you’ll find a nook with shelves full of local comics. The shop conveniently also has a chair right there, perfect to sit in and peruse the latest titles.

Cape and Cowl Comics - Oakland

Courtesy of Cape and Cowl Comics

Just across the Bay Bridge away from the city and into the town, you’ll find a masked vigilante shop with more than just mainstream superhero comics. The massive Cape and Cowl Comics shop located in Uptown is worth the pain of all the Bay Bridge traffic. The shop is not just for guys. It’s also very female-friendly as it features many books with strong women amongst their promoted collection. 

Comicopolis - Santa Cruz

Courtesy of Comicopolis

Most people come to Santa Cruz looking for a small-town vibe away from the city and that mentality is true of its comic shop as well. While located in its bustling White Oak Library District, Comicopolis lightheartedly bills itself as “an oasis of awesome in a land of bland.” It’s got a great selection of independent label comics as well as mainstream titles. University students can bring their current student ID in as well to get a discount.