Best Comic Book Stores In Minnesota
Comic book outlets abound in Minnesota. Many of these stores are great places for buying or playing board games, trading card games or role-play games. Here are the five best places for comics and the distinguishing characteristics of each.
Uncle Sven's Comic Shoppe
1838 St. Clair Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 699-3409
www.sourcecomicsandgames.com
Not only does Uncle Sven's Comic Shoppe claim to be the oldest comic shop still in its original location anywhere in the Twin Cities, but it also claims to offer the largest and best collection of comic books in Minnesota. Uncle Sven founded the store in 1982, earning its claim to be one of the oldest comic books stores in the area. Its Saint Clair and Fairview location brings a lot of St. Thomas University and Macalester College students to its client base. The store is small but is certainly crammed with comics, which explains its motto, "the comic book mall shaped like a hall."
Comic Book College
3145 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 822-2309
comicbookcollege.com
It turns out that Comic Book College claims to have been established in 1974 on the corner of 32nd and Hennepin. New comics arrive every Wednesday. The store sells back issues at cover price or less. In addition to comic books and graphic novels, shoppers can find collectibles, action figures, posters and trading cards.
Source Comics & Games
2057 Snelling Ave. N.
Roseville, MN 55113
(651) 645-0386
www.sourcecomicsandgames.com
It may not be the oldest comic book store, but ten thousand square feet of retail space allows Source to capture the title of the biggest comic book store in the area. More importantly, Source is a full service comic book store. It displays a colossal selection of new comics. It offers graphic novels, back issue comics, trade paperbacks, historical miniatures, games and rule-books. The business has expanded its footprint even larger onto Amazon.com and eBay. It is hugely popular for its games and often fills the rooms for its evening tournaments.
Dreamers Vault Games
3015 Utah Ave. S.
St Louis Park, MN 55426
(952) 938-8163
www.dreamersgames.com
Dreamers Vault Games has focused on comics and gaming since opening its St Louis Park store 20 years ago. Shoppers go there for its large selection of comics and graphic novels. Gamers like the selection of trading card games, board games, role playing games and historical miniatures. The store participates in Free Comic Book Day, The Halloween Comic Fest and International TableTop Day. Dreamers Vault Games also has a new large store at 4701 Hiawatha Avenue in Minneapolis and is serving Burnsville at 3124 Highway 13 West doing business as Legion Games.
Related: Best Places To Buy Vintage Video Games Accessories In Minnesota
Hot Comics And Collectibles
3532 Winnetka Ave. N.
New Hope, MN 55427
(763) 593-1223
www.hotcomicsandcollectibles.com
Hot Comics and Collectibles was established about twenty years ago, providing a wide variety of comics nicely categorized and alphabetized. Thoughtful staff has even placed a sofa near the kids' comics. The selection of graphic novels is more than ample. Gamers will also like the abundant selection of collectible card games. A $15 discount card rewards purchasers with 10% off comics, games, posters and t-shirts. Look for Hot Comics and Collectibles stores in Richfield at 6609 Nicollet Ave. South and in Jordan at 234 Broadway St. South.
Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.