The Absolute Best Comic Shops in Los Angeles
If you live in Los Angeles, you know that you’re pretty spoiled when it comes to entertainment. This holds true when it comes to the comic book world. In some circles, you might even say that Los Angelinos do it better—but don’t tell San Francisco Bay Area or San Diego that or there could be a geek war.
California, in general, has amazing comic shops shops but let’s take a look at some of the great ones specific to Los Angeles.
Secret Headquarters - Silver Lake
Kevin Smith fans may have heard of it. If you haven’t, that’s okay. It was a secret anyway...or was it?
The Secret Headquarters is a famous comic shop located in Silver Lake in the heart of the Sunset Junction. While the shop is small, it’s got character. It’s also got some great independent comics tucked away on the shelves. This shop is pretty pure in its aim and primarily carries comics rather than collectibles, making it a great stop if you’re looking for just books.
House of Secrets - Burbank
If you’re in Burbank, you also know of a secret place called House of Secrets. This is one of those places where you can have a friendly conversation with folks but also get great recommendations. Like some of the Westside locations on this list, you’ll see that the shop has a massive amount of books. Shoppers can also buy and sell books year-round. They offer a solid collection of quirky titles as well as a ton of mainstream books to get lost in.
Golden Apple Comics - Hollywood
Golden Apple Comics seems synonymous with Hollywood culture and there are reasons why. How many shops have cameos on The Late Late Show with James Corden along with The Avengers? Golden Apple is a pop culture place to see and be seen. It’s got soaring walls of books with staff picks and rows and rows of bins to flip through.
Golden Apple is a shop for everyone books-wise, but not if you’re looking for parking. Located in the popular Melrose area, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find a spot. However, when you finally do find parking, know that there will be a treasure trove waiting for you beyond the parking nightmare rainbow.
Pulp Fiction Comics - Culver City
If you are looking to find great comics at discount prices, you seriously need to get over to Pulp Fiction Comics. Located in Culver City, the shop is massive, featuring comics from the mainstream press as well as the indies. You will get lost in the massive amount of titles (many of which are discounted). Personally, I don’t believe I’ve ever paid cover price for a book here.
Comic Bug - Manhattan Beach
Want a great comic shop experience without the large crowds and long lines? The Comic Bug in Manhattan Beach isn’t as glitzy as some of the other stops around Los Angeles, but it has a lot of heart. This small, cozy shop has mostly mainstream books, but there are also a few surprises in there as well. Locals know that you can find special titles tucked in the bins here.
Hi De Ho Comics - Santa Monica
Hi De Ho Comics in Santa Monica is a family-friendly, all-inclusive shop that people happily drive cross-town to visit. This is a shop that people bring their entire families to. I’ve gone here with my father as well as my kids. My grandpa would also love this shop. There is seriously something for everyone to enjoy.
As with some of the others on this list, the shop is absolutely massive. It’s got a ton of mainstream books as well as boxes and boxes of back issues. There’s also a full selection of children’s books here. Hi De Ho is a favorite for indie press books too, with multiple shelves dedicated towards independent books. You will get lost in it all regardless of what age you are.
Dreamworld Comics - Culver City
Dreamworld Comics has moved locations a couple of times, including opening a second shop in Simi Valley. Now, however, the only location is in Culver City. Notorious for the Batcave inside, it’s all about the superheroes here. This is a favorite spot for my comic book and Batman-loving father for that reason and more. Old school traditional comic book geeks will love the choices of mainstream books and volumes of old prints.
Brave New World Comics- Newhall
This one’s a bit out of Los Angeles, up in Newhall, but it’s worth the trip. Brave New World Comics is a great spot for comic book lovers to go indulge in their pop culture adoration. It’s located in the family-friendly area of the Santa Clarita Valley. The shop contains many children’s comics, mainstream titles, and several bins of independent labels. For those that are are looking for comics in the outskirts of Los Angeles, this is a spot you’ll be glad to know about.