8 Of The Best Comic Book Stores In San Diego

As home of the iconic Comic-Con, it’s little wonder that San Diego, CA has quite a competitive selection of comic book stores.

Selling everything from old-school comics, rare collectibles, and video games, many San Diego comic shops are filled with hidden gems and elusive finds. 

Locating your nearest comic store should be relatively easy, as top-notch shops with impressive stock are scattered around the city.

A quick search of “comic book stores near me’ will garner a remarkable amount of results!

Keep reading for a run-down of all the best comic book stores in San Diego.

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The Best Comic Book Stores In San Diego

Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store

Address: 5517 Clairemont Mesa Blvd Suite A, San Diego, CA

If you’re in the Clairemont area, be sure to stop by Comickaze Comics, one of the veterans of the San Diego comic book scene.

From Western graphic novels to new Japanese manga releases, you’ll find yourself lost in this compact yet abundant store.

With new stock every week, each visit to Comickaze is a little different.

Their trade paperback collection is especially impressive, and the helpful staff is always on hand to help you track down what you need.

Southern California Comics

Address: 8280 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, #124 San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 715-8669
Website

A short drive east of Comickaze is Southern California Comics.

Here you can spend hours combing through endless collections of comics, fanzines, and memorabilia.

Find comics released in the 1930s just a few steps from the newest graphic novels.

Though you’ll find rare comics in the higher price range, this store has a $1 section which is regularly refreshed and topped up too.

If you have a collection of your own that you’re considering trading in for cash, this is the place to do so.

Comics N’ Stuff

Address: Multiple Locations
Website

San Diego’s largest comic book store is Comics N’ Stuff. You’ll find seven branches throughout San Diego, with shops in El Cajon, Carlsbad, and Chula Vista, to name a few.

Over recent years, they’ve even extended their stores into Nevada.

Thanks to their numerous locations, if one of their stores doesn’t have what you’re looking for, there’s a good chance another will.

In addition to their comic supply, Comics N’ Stuff sell action figures, Pokemon cards, clothing, toys, and lots of other merchandise. You can even pick up fun mystery boxes if you can’t decide what to buy.

Be sure to set aside a few hours to see the best of what this store has to offer.

Now Or Never Comics

Address: 1055 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 892-7310
Website

Now Or Never is a pretty new addition to San Diego’s comic book scene, setting up shop in downtown’s East Village a few years back.

The store’s location is perfect for anyone visiting during Comic Con, it’s just a 20 minute walk from the San Diego Convention Center.

Due to its ever-growing stock of back issues, modern classics, retro toys, plus video and board games, Now Or Never is establishing itself as a top comic book store in San Diego.

The store is spacious and well-organized, making shopping at this San Diego comic book store always an enjoyable experience.

TC’s Rockets – Comics & Toys

Address: 5155 Waring Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: (619) 713-0078
Website

Head out of the city, and you’ll find TC’s Rockets, situated between the neighborhoods of Allied Gardens and Del Cerro.

This massive unit is brimming with every kind of comic, vintage toy, figurine, hard-to-find collectible, and pop culture merchandise you can imagine.

One of the reasons TC Rockets has become a much-loved comic store in San Diego is due to their jam-packed roster of themed events.

The popular happenings are each based on the likes of Pokemon, Star Wars, and Casual Commander.

Customers can come along to chat, trade, and battle with their fellow comic fanatics.

The owners have even expanded to create their own diner, aptly named Rockets Pizza.

Yesteryear Comics

Address: 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123
Phone: (858) 279-6121

Yesteryear Comics is a classic comic book shop set in a small space with inventory filling every corner.

The owner is helpful and well-versed. They’ll help point you in the right direction for whatever you have your eye on.

With a surprisingly large selection of comics and memorabilia for such a compact store, you can get your hands on the latest releases as well as sought-after back issues and paperbacks.

Yesteryear even offers regular clientele discounts on various products and special editions.

Head to Kearny Mesa, around 15 minutes from downtown, to visit this quaint spot.

Nuclear Comics North Park

Address: 3076 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 228-9934
Website

Nuclear Comics has been operating in the North Park area, not far from Balboa Park, for almost 30 years.

Opened by comic lovers for comic lovers, the staff here is what really makes this place stand out.

They’re always happy to make suggestions and recommendations to help you fine novels and comics you’ll love.

Not only do they sell a plethora of old and new comic books, but you can also find action figures, posters, art books, and even skateboards in-store. 

IT’S GEEKY Comics & Collectables

Address: 7415 El Cajon Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91942
Phone: (619) 414-7647
Website

IT’S GEEKY is a superb example of a true hidden gem.

Around 20 minutes from downtown, this spot is packed with posters, rare collectibles, and trading cards. All available for affordable and fair prices.

Vintage comics are the special feature here, with classics from the gold, silver, bronze, and copper ages all available in-store.

The owner is always nearby to give you the low down on the shop’s inventory and answer any questions, making this an easy store to navigate and uncover some unique finds. 

It’s safe to say San Diego’s assortment of diverse comic book stores could rival that of any city.

The buzzing comic book culture in San Diego sees a wonderful mix of long-standing shops thriving alongside up-and-coming stores with growing collections.

Proving that there’s more to San Diego’s comic community than Comic-Con.

Which comic book store in San Diego will you visit first?