OC's Best Comic Book Stores
Among mid-summer staples, there are a few events that are a can't miss during these dog days. Of course a baseball game of any sort is a must. Summer, just wouldn't be, without a binge on everything fried at the fair – but as of late, the Twitter Generation has christened a new Summertime tradition. Descending upon the streets of sunny San Diego, thousands of people, and millions following via social media, have turned Comic-Con into a global happening. No longer the sabbatical for nerds it once was, the convention has become a pop culture cornerstone and mutated from nerd enthusiast to mainstream monster.
Considering the popularity of the event, it's worth seeking out some of the places that perpetuate this craze and keep the fanaticism going all year round. Here is a rundown of some of the best destinations to get your comic fix in Orange County.
Trinity Comics
18814 Brookhurst St.
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(714) 963-4196
www.trinitycomicshop.com
Trinity Comics located in Fountain Valley is the place that the seasoned collector steps to. Anchored by the always available, impressively knowledgeable, Ryan Campbell, Trinity offers one of the most diverse catalogs of comics and graphic novels you're likely to find anywhere. Active online as well, Trinity also does an amazing job of keeping patrons up to date with a comprehensive listing of what's new to the store shelves, in addition to the store's blog that allows the greater community to continue chatter about all things comics.
Corner Store Comics
980 E Orangethorpe Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92801
(714) 626-0082
www.cornerstorecomics.com
In a word - extensive. From action figures to trading cards, comics to vinyl, there really is nothing Corner Store Comics can't send you home with. Started back in 2001, the online store with a small brick and mortar location, has grown into a warehouse-sized operation with two stores (Beach Ball Comics is in the mix as well) all while maintaining online service to reach customers around the world. Signings, release events, and tons of promotions keep fans coming back time and time again and Corner Store does what big retailers can without compromising their identity among the collectors' community.
Comic Book Hideout
215 W Commonwealth Ave
Fullerton, CA 92823
(657) 217-0624
www.comicbookhideout.com
Embracing much more of the communal, artistic facets of the comic book contingent, owner Glynnes Pruett, has indeed created a sanctuary of sorts with the Comic Book Hideout. Providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work, weekly game nights that range from the dice to cards, and a proper collection of rarities that are sure to leave the connoisseur fawning, The Hideout is the kind of place that appeals to both the snobs and the newbie's in an incredibly inviting way. With north of 19,000 issues in stock, you're gonna find what you are looking for, and probably something you weren't even expecting to find.
MyD Pins
1215 S Beach Blvd # D
Anaheim, CA 92804
(714) 826-7467
www.mydpins.com
With comic collectors, it would be blasphemous to not mention other tangibles when it comes to building an impressive collection. Located spitting distance from Disneyland in Anaheim, MyD Pins is home to a glorious stock of hard to find collectibles that go well beyond comic books. From Batman to Marshmallow Man (never to old to get your Ghostbusters on) the team at MyD travels to many of the industry's conventions to boast their stockpile. Just how niche does it get – if you were looking for the NECA ED-209 from Robocop, guess who has it. BOOM!
Biggy's Comics & Games
5110 Westminster Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92703
(714) 537-7654
www.facebook.com/biggyscomics
Nestled in the strip mall in Santa Ana among Vietnamese businesses, Biggy's is the destination for diggers. With boxes and boxes of back issues, the MO of this joint is discovery, and while you might be able to track down some of this stuff online – half the fun of this is getting your hands on the gem in store. A smaller space, the inventory is impressive and latent with difficult to find issues. The staff does a fantastic job with referrals and goes old school in giving away free comics to readers based on preferences.
