By R.J. Melby

Comics have always been a part of my life. It’s where I got my start in writing, when I used to make my own little comics by doodling on paper and stapling the sheets together into books. My favorites were some most would know, like Marvel’s The Incredible Hulk and Spiderman, plus others most may not know, like Stephen Benintendi’s Power Mark and Full Bleed Studios’ Pitt. There’s nothing like opening a comic book, especially those old ones on newsprint, and taking in that mildew smell. The crinkling on your fingers and the dynamic artwork makes for a rewarding feast for the senses, especially when the writing’s great.

For me, a good comic book store should offer good value, great customer service, and offer something to the community. This past week I’ve had the thrill of visiting a few of Minnesota’s finest comic book stores.
For those who need some suggestions, here are a few:

Source Comics and Games (Roseville): Source is a great place if one wants a wide selection. There are comics, games, manga, books, and more. They host game nights as well. This store is sizeable and a great place to bring friends.

Pulp Comics and Games (Mankato): Pulp is great for several reasons. Besides new and used comics, they sell various figures and other geeky memorabilia. Plus, they have boxes and boxes of comics selling for only a dollar each.

NerdInOut (Coon Rapids, Rochester, and Inver Grove Heights): There are three NerdInOuts in Minnesota. I have only had the pleasure of going to their Coon Rapids location, but it still has a lot to offer. Although small, the store has a friendly staff who are always willing to help you find what you need. They have a $5 toy bin, comics of varying value (some selling for as low as $1) and plenty of new and used figures. They also host game nights and have a great Funko selection.

Comic Book College (Roseville): Comic Book College is another small but awesome comic spot. It’s impressive how much the owners crammed into this store. There are walls and walls of comics at great value, plus quite a few figures. I spent hours there with a friend and we had a great time.