May 6 marks theΒ perfect day to catch up on your favorite superhero (or villain) adventures β it's Free Comic Book Day!Β
Like many places in the U.S., the local comic book scene is constantly changing with new shop arrivals and old shop departures. Tucson lost a big part of its local comic book scene when Charlieβs Comic Books shut down due to the pandemic, after being in business for more than 20 years.
But where there are endings, there are also new beginnings. The east side recently gained a new comic shop dubbedΒ Space Monkey Comics, which is celebrating Free Comic Book Day. Other shops, including Heroes and Villains and Harley's Toys and Comics, are also celebrating the holiday.
Below are 10 local places that can help you find the perfect issue to satisfy your heroic needs.
A copy of "The Joker: His Greatest Jokes" looks out from its slot in the graphic novels racks at Heroes and Villains, 4533 E. Broadway.
Heroes and Villains
Heroes and Villains is a Tucson staple when it comes to comic books. The shop has been around for nearly 20 years and offers the latest issues and back issues of your favorite fictional characters. If you canβt find exactly what youβre looking for, the friendly staff can help point you in the right direction. In recent years, Heroes and Villains has expanded with two more shops next door, one for tabletop games and one for vinyl recordsΒ β in case you need a little something extra to go along with your comic book or graphic novel haul.
Where:Β 4533 E. Broadway
More info: Click here.
Several shelves of back issues are available at Fantasy Comics.
Fantasy Comics
Fantasy Comics is another landmark comic book store. You canβt miss it on First Avenue with its superhero murals along the side of the building. Inside the building is a comic book lover's haven. Find the latest issues of your favorite stories from heroes like "Spider-Man," "Batman" and the "Star Wars" universe at this long-standing comic book shop.
Where: 2595 N. First Ave.
More info:Β Click here.
Find the latest issues of your favorite stories from heroes like "Spider-Man," "Batman" and the "Star Wars" universe at the long-standing Fantasy Comics, 2595 N. First Ave.
R-Galaxy
Find comics from the comic industryβs top dogs like Marvel and DC, or dive into unique stories from independent publishers or Tucson comic book creators. The shop also features toys, collectibles and manga. You can find vintage comic books here, too!
Where:Β 2406 N. Campbell Ave.
More info:Β Click here.
A replica Darth Vader helmet is on display behind glass with a few of the more esoteric items at Heroes and Villains.
Presidio Comics
This comic book store at the Tucson Mall is a family- and veteran-owned shop offering new and vintage comic books, graphic novels, pop culture collectibles and toys. They also have some pretty cool "Star Wars" collectibles on hand if youβre into a galaxy far, far away. If you canβt make it to their in-person shop, check out their comic book sales through Facebook live-streams.
Where:Β 4500 N. Oracle Road
More info:Β Click here.
Harley's Toys & Comics
While walking around Tucson Mall, youβre destined to stumble across Harley's Toys & Comics, a local woman-owned comic book shop slightly hidden on the bottom floor. On top of selling both vintage and modern comic books, the shop also hosts community events that include meet-and-greets with movie and TV stars such as Jason Faunt, the red ranger in "Power Rangers Time Force," and Ray Park, who played Darth Maul in "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace."
Where:Β 4500 N. Oracle Road
More info:Β Click here.
Heroes and Villains comic book shop has been around for nearly 20 years.
Showtime Cards
While Showtime Cards primarily focuses on sports cards safely sealed in new packs or professionally-graded cards displayed in a protective case, you can also find a few collectible comic books here. The owner of Showtime Cards, George Mares, has been in the sports card industry for nearly 30 years, according to an article in the Arizona Daily Star.Β
Where: 5801 E. Speedway
More info:Β Click here.
Amazing Discoveries
Amazing Discoveries is a hobby card and game shop that centers around cards like "Magic the Gathering," "PokΓ©mon" and "Yu-Gi-Oh!" In addition, the Tucson location features a super small section of comic books and graphic novels. Their sister location in Gilbert has a larger selection of comic books and can ship any comic book orders to Tucson.
Where: 238 S. Tucson Blvd.
More info:Β Click here.
Like many places in the U.S., the Tucson comic book scene is constantly changing with new shop arrivals and old shop departures.
Bookmans Entertainment Exchange
Bookmans carries a wide variety of used comic books and graphic novels for reasonable prices, so you can stock up on some familiar finds or find a new favorite.
Where:Β 3330 E. Speedway, 6230 E. Speedway and 3733 W. Ina Road
More info:Β Click here.
Tanque Verde Swap Meet
This recommendation might seem a bit out of place, but itβs not a complete shot in the dark. If youβre lucky, you may find a collector looking to sell off their collection or maybe a few independent sellers wanting to get some old comic books off their shelves. Even if you donβt find anything the first time, keep trying. You never know what you may find.Β
Where: 4100 S. Palo Verde Road
More info:Β Click here.
Space Monkey Comics
Space Monkey Comics is Tucson's newest comic shop β and they've documented their whole journey on TikTok. Beyond the comics, you can find action figures, plushes and other fun merchandise. They even offer a subscription service.
Where: 7431 E. 22nd St.
More info: Click here.
