Chicago area stores

[october]

I know there are quite a few board members from the Chicago area, anyone have any comments on good (or bad) stores downtown or in the burbs? I am looking mostly for nice back issue selections.

 

As for me, I don't frequent any stores, but I can say a word about the following...

 

1. Graham Crackers: I have been to at least 4 of their locations, and the Naperville store is their best. It is huge and has good back issue depth. Try and hit the summer sale for a nice discount on their usually pricey stock.

 

2. Comic Galore (Western Springs): This is right near my house, so I sometimes go there for new stuff and supplies. For a small store, they have a tremendous back issue stock (50,000+ at least). Unfortunately, the comics aren't boarded, so most are trashed. I have had decent luck fishing out rare indies and 90s small press stuff though.

 

3. Chicago Comics: I have only been in this store once, so I am eager to hear what others think. All I can remember is that I thought their back issues were priced to the moon.

 

[Fan4Fan]

Last time I went, I checked out the Master List and ended up going to:

 

Acme Comics

115 W. North St., Normal, IL, 61761

 

and

 

Atlas Comics, Inc

4735 N. Cumberland Ave., Norridge, IL, 60706

 

and

 

Keith's Komix, Inc.: Date info last verified: 04/19/02

528 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, IL, 60193

 

All had varying degrees of back issues and I found something at every shop.

 

Unicorn Comics in Villa Park was suggested to me, too, but I didn't make it there.

 

Thanks,

Fan4Fan

[Rocketeer]

3. Chicago Comics: I have only been in this store once, so I am eager to hear what others think. All I can remember is that I thought their back issues were priced to the moon.

 

 

...these guys will work with you,...I lived around the corner from them for a couple a years,...real friendly and always willing to work on prices for their higher priced stuff,....

[october]

3. Chicago Comics: I have only been in this store once, so I am eager to hear what others think. All I can remember is that I thought their back issues were priced to the moon.

 

 

...these guys will work with you,...I lived around the corner from them for a couple a years,...real friendly and always willing to work on prices for their higher priced stuff,....

 

Nice. They did have a good selection, I will have to give them another shot. BTW, your money went out today.

[PedigreeMan]

I miss Shifty Lizard.

 

[october]

I miss Shifty Lizard.

 

 

I forgot to mention that in my first post. Great store! RIP.

[Mister_Comics]

10th Planet in Oak Lawn

[SharpComics.com]

10th Planet in Oak Lawn

 

Jesus, you HAD to mention them, didn't ya. They STILL haven't finished going through the big collection they picked up 1 1/2 years ago! There is one girl there who is very helpful though .

 

As for Unicorn, Terry is a nice guy, but tends to get distracted easily. They carry a wide variety of books, but the store is small and there is hardly any room to move around .

 

Graham Crackers has always been good for picking up back issues on the cheap that suddenly turn "hot" .

 

There are 2-3 stores that I hit on a semi-regualr basis, and 1 I would just LOVE to buyout, but some secrets ya just gotta keep

 

All in all, I visit about 10-12 stores in the area around 2-3 times a year; gotta let them catch up on obtaining new back issues .

 

K

[500]

10th Planet in Oak Lawn

 

Jesus, you HAD to mention them, didn't ya. They STILL haven't finished going through the big collection they picked up 1 1/2 years ago! There is one girl there who is very helpful though .

 

She always makes fun of me.

[Moondog]

I haven't bought a back issue in a comic book shop since Moondog's, Larry's and Comic Kingdom closed.

 

Eric at Chicago Comics is cool and will work with you.

 

Keith from Keith's Komics is a great guy (one of my old store managers...) and sometimes has some great back issues.

 

John at Atlas may find a collection every so often.

 

Rich from Collector's Bookstore is a surly curmudgeon, but sometimes has good stuff.