Spooky season is upon us. October brings Halloween, a time of year when people express their creativity through costumes and folklore. Many forms of inspiration for costumes like Spider-Man, Batman, or a favorite Pokemon may have been discovered in a creative space like a comic book shop. North Jersey is full of shops that offer a massive selection of comics and varieties of other collectibles. Keep reading to learn more about comic book shops in the Northern New Jersey area.
Amazing Heros | 1025A Stuyvesant Avenue, Union
Located just off Morris Avenue in Union sits Amazing Heros. This shop has comics, games, sports cards, and collectibles for shoppers. The store has been in business since 1986 and opened its doors in Union in 1989. Some book options are The Amazing Spiderman, Daredevil, and an extensive collection from the DC universe. It also has one of the largest collections of graphic novels in the area. Amazing Heros has purchase options in-store, online, and through its eBay store.
Read More: A Guide to Thrift Stores + Antique Shops in Montclair
A+S Comics | 563 Cedar Lane, Teaneck + 7512 Bergen Line Avenue, North Bergen
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A+S Comics has two locations: one in Teaneck and the other in North Bergen. There is a section on its website holding new releases, which is divided into two sections…or worlds to be more exact. Both DC and Marvel comics can be found here. Wildstrom and Dark Horse comics are also available. A+S has over 30 years of serving patrons with comic book needs. The store also takes special orders, and the shop is happy to help.
Clockwork Comics | 1003 Vauxhall Road, Union
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Founded in 1993, this comic book shop has a variety of comics including DC, Marvel, Dark Horse, and IDW Publishing. Shoppers can sign up for an email blast to receive a weekly update about new releases. New releases can also be found on the store’s Instagram page. In addition to comics, Clockwork also has action figures and cards available. Sometimes this store will also have events such as celebrating Free Comic Book Day in May by giving out free comics.
East Side Mags | 491 Bloomfield Avenue Suite 102, Montclair
Located in the center of Montclair, East Side Mags has quite a diverse assortment of comics. In addition to Marvel and DC, it has genres like science fiction, space, western, and war stories. Other comics feature a positive female protagonist and people of color. Recommendations feel deeper here, as Jeff Beck (the owner) says “We’ll stock whatever is new, but we’ll only recommend titles to people that we genuinely enjoy.” Comics aside, East Side Mags also has toys, collectibles, figurines, statues, t-shirts, and cards. On its events page, East Side Mags teams up with Dungeons On the Go to create tabletop games for all ages. The store is also known to bring in authors for signings. East Side Mags also has art classes available for those who would like to explore their creativity alone or with friends.
Fat Moose Comics | 53A Parsippany Road, Whippany
Open since 1982, Fat Moose Comics is located near the cross-section of Parsippany Road and Mount Pleasant Avenue. This store has new and old comics available from every publisher. It also sells action figures, graphic novels, posters, and statues in addition to comics. Patrons can tune into its Facebook page, as it is updated regularly with releases, store updates, and more.
Fortress of Solitude | 53 University Avenue #101, Newark
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Located in the heart of Rutgers Newark campus, Fortress of Solitude has been in its current location since 2011. Prior to this, owner Jose Robles owned the comic book shop One Flight Up in 1981 on Broad Street in Newark. In 2001, he bought the space and renamed it Fortress of Solitude. In addition to comic books, shirts, movies, posters, toys, and more can be found here. There’s also a special section on the website for vintage comics.
The Joker’s Child | 12-23 River Road, Fair Lawn
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The Joker’s Child has been an industry leader since 1988, and plans to be the last comic book store on earth. Its collection features comics from Boom! Studios, IDW Publishing, Marvel, DC, Image, and Bad Idea. For those into trading, the website also has a grading page filled with helpful definitions and explanations from the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide.
Magnus Comics | 155 Maplewood Avenue Floor 2, Maplewood
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Magnus Comics is directly across the street from the Maplewood Train Station. This store buys and sells comics, collectibles, and other novelty items. Buyers can find comics like Deadpool, The Avengers, and Injustice Among Us, along with some rare finds like Captain Britain and Liberty Meadows. If sellers are unsure of what they own, they are welcome to bring in items and get them appraised.
Manifest Comics | 766 Broadway Suite 3, Bayonne
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Manifest Comics has an origin story dating back to the more modern-day time of 2012. Every Wednesday is New Comic Book Day at Manifest with releases from Marvel, DC, and more. It also has an all-ages section of the store, so there can be a comic for everyone. Purchases can be made in-store and online. Mega fans have the opportunity to purchase Manifest merch in addition to their favorite comics and collectibles.
Paradox Comics | 269 Ridge Road, North Arlington
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Located right on North Arlington’s main drag, Ridge Road, sits Paradox Comics. This store prides itself on jamming its location with comics, toys, and more. Some comics that can be found here are Ultimate Spider-Man, Saga, Fantastic Four, and more. Patrons should visit its Facebook page, as it is updated regularly with new comics available.
Rogue Comics + Collectibles | 105 North Union Avenue, Cranford
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Located in Cranford’s town center, Rogue Comics + Collectibles has been in business since 2003. In addition to comics, this store also features t-shirts, action figures, collectible cards, and more. New books arrive every Wednesday. Some comics featured are House of Slaughter, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Vs Street Fighter, and Army of Darkness Forever. More novelty items and figurines can be purchased through the store’s eBay page. Rogue Comics + Collectibles also encourages collectors to bring in items like old comics or toys if they are looking to sell them.
The Toy Chest | 335 High Street, Hope
Known for its charm, The Toy Chest resides in Hope, New Jersey. This store has vintage comics and graphic novels for shoppers. Aside from comics, this store also has a huge selection of action figures, statues, and cards. Collectibles range from DC, Marvel, Friday the 13th, G.I. Joe, Pokemon, Dungeons + Dragons, LEGO, Star Wars, Star Trek, and more. There’s something for all ages at the Toy Chest: a creepy corner for Friday the 13th fans, action figures for collectors, and upstairs serves children with books, board games, and toys galore.
See More: A List of Famous Hudson County Cartoonists
Zapp! Comics | 574 Valley Road, Wayne + 700 Tennent Road, Manalapan
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Zapp! Comics has two locations in New Jersey. The Wayne location serves Northern New Jersey, while the Manalapan location serves the Central/Southern New Jersey area. This year, the store celebrates 30 years of business, as it first opened its doors in 1993. Zapp! Comics has a wide selection of comics, books, toys, and cards. It also has an everchanging display of high-end wall books featuring comics like Batman + Robin, and Ghost Rider. There’s also a massive selection of Funko pops inside. Zapp! Comics buy collectibles. Collectors who are willing to sell should consider contacting the store here.
