safe spaces for comics fans

Comic shops are notoriously hit and miss when it comes to being inclusive of women, lgbt, PoC, and other minority comics fans. This tumblr is for you to share your positive or negative comic shop experiences, so that fellow comics fans can find friendly local comic shops, and be warned of which shops to avoid. If you're looking for a safe gaming store, you can now check out Hater Free Saturdays! (Not run by us, but modeled after HFW and a welcome new resource!)

[haterfreewednesdays]

How can I recommend/add a comic shop to your list of safe comic shops?

Just send in a submission with the name, location, and a summary of your experience! If a place was particularly notable in some respect (wheelchair-accessible/friendly, had a specific lgbtq section, has women’s nights, etc) you can mention that as well and we can tag for it.

[haterfreewednesdays]

Cloud City Comics and Games -Emmaus, Pennsylvania

Cloud City moved to it’s new location in my neighborhood several months ago. I am nearly a total newbie at comics and had never been in a physical comic shop before, I was nervous, being a woman and having seen shops portrayed on tv and movies and such. I finally got the courage to stop in and I am SO glad I did! They have a great selection of comics and games of all types. The staff is warm and friendly and once they know your name they will greet you personally as you walk in the door. They are incredibly open to answering any and all questions and recommending new comics that they think you might enjoy. I now have so many more awesome comics to read! If you are in the area definitely check them out! You won’t regret it.

[haterfreewednesdays]

Pegasus Books and Comics - Bend, OR

This lovely shop stocks both comics and used books, and has a huge variety of both.  The proprietor (or at least the gentleman who was working the day I was there) is happy to help anyone, incredibly friendly and engaged, and interested in recommendations from customers.  While I knew what I wanted, I overheard him recommending several series to folks just getting into comics, after a long “what do you like to read” discussion, so very newbie friendly.  The store is light-filled and easily navigable, though it might be a bit tough for a wheelchair.  There’s a childrens/YA section as well!  Highly recommended!

[haterfreewednesdays]

A Shop Called Quest - Claremont, CA

Seconding the earlier review of this place. Full disclaimer: this is not based on first-hand experience, but rather on my (trans) husband’s experiences. The staff didn’t blink at him changing his name when he transitioned, and one of the employees recommended a comic with a trans character when he did. Not tagging for PoC friendly for lack of data rather than anything negative - it’s a predominantly white neighborhood, and the clientele generally reflected that.

[kryptonians]

https://www.bleedingcool.com/2017/04/21/marvels-plan-get-comic-shops-dress-like-hydra-going-like-lead-balloon-twitter/ Oh my god

[supergirltastic]

Are they seriously this tone deaf

[magistrate-of-mediocrity]

Yes. Yes they are.

[etothevictory]

WOW.

[haterfreewednesdays]

Fat Jack’s Comic Crypt, Oaklyn, New Jersey

I have been going to Fat Jack’s comic crypt in Oaklyn, New Jersey, regularly for years. Wednesday regulars are very open to suggesting new comics for newbies or people who want to branch out, and tend to make people feel comfortable. I’ve seen parents bring their kids in without issue, and I’ve met plenty of people there who were not straight white males and attend regularly.

The shop runner is a bit grumpy and likes to banter, but is extremely helpful. Sometimes he suggests books to regulars without being prompted, such as informing a friend about a trade about female heroes coming in. When topics like diversity in comics have come up, everyone is treated with respect about their opinions, and it doesn’t feel dismissive or insulting.

Warning for those allergic to animals, though: the shop has several cats that wander about. They’re friendly and love being pet, but if you’re allergic I doubt you want to come.

[haterfreewednesdays]

Captains Comics, Charleston SC, USA

Captain’s Comics is an all around awesome shop. It’s a clean, well-lit, open space, and always feels welcoming. I’ve been going there for a few years now and I’ve never had a bad experience. The staff (all men) are all super helpful and have never been rude or dismissive when I’ve asked for help finding a jumping on point or asked about a character or book I’m not all that familiar with. They’re always happy to talk comics, make recommendations, answer questions… but they’re also just as great about not “bothering” you if you just want to browse alone. Really just a fantastic shop.

[haterfreewednesdays]

When I went to Twilight Comics in Shiloh, IL, they were very dismissive of me (a woman of color). They ignored me until I asked a question, and laughed at me when I asked for a Vertigo book that hadn't been released yet.

[haterfreewednesdays]

Paper Hero's Games - Van Nuys, California

Went based on a recommendation from a tabletop show I watch. Was very nervous, especially when I went in and saw I was the only customer and the two employees were men. I was wearing my hair up and a geeky t-shirt, and anticipating the worst. 

I was greeted by one employee, offered assistance finding anything, and then left alone when I said I was fine browsing. When I moved to the counter the other employee offered assistance as well, answered my questions without any nastiness or assumptions, and rang out my order. He made small talk about the game I was buying without insinuating I was ignorant or buying it for a boyfriend. He did not interrogate me about whether I knew what the shirt I was wearing meant (which has happened to me in other stores.) Then he told me about store policies for ordering games not on the shelf, remembering what I’d asked him about before. All in all, a very chill, relaxed, refreshing experience in a games/comics store! 

Parking is a little tricky as it’s a small lot they share with other businesses. You might have to park up a side street, which could prove difficult for customers with mobility issues. 

[haterfreewednesdays]

New Wave Comics/Skippack/ PA/ USA

I have been to most of the comic stores in Montgomery County and this one is by far the best. They are super friendly to all their customers. And also very helpful to new comic book readers. They also have other fun events throughout the month. I looked forward to going every Wednesday to get my pull list for the week. I recently moved across the country and really miss this place!

[haterfreewednesdays]

B.C Comix, Fenton/Lansing Michigan

I would not recommend going to this store. Because of my limited mobility I have been going to this store for a few months now and can say that it is not friendly to LGBT, poc or women. The usual clientele is 30-40 year old white men that often make the shop extremely unfriendly, openly say derogatory things towards minority groups, hateful language about LGBT people and often refuse to address any women by anything other than ‘female’. The manager likes to harass quiet costumers, forcibly trying to get them to speak and open up and none of the staff crack down on unruly costumers. The shop is also not wheelchair/mobility device friendly and they do not plan on ever changing it.

[haterfreewednesdays]

A Hero's Legacy Comics and Collectibles; Manchester, CT

I love my local comic book shop. well organized and the super friendly staff is great at helping me find stuff, especially for my kids. 

[haterfreewednesdays]

Bell Book and Comic, Dayton, Ohio

I’ve been going to this shop for years, they have a large female clientele and have always been friendly regardless of race, age, sex, or sexual orientation. Love ‘em.

[haterfreewednesdays]

Rogues Gallery Comics & Games

We do our best to make Rogues Gallery Comics & Games friendly, safe and accessible for everyone. We proudly display a “This Store Serves Everyone” sticker on our door, host regular ladies’ nights and do our best to provide a welcoming, safe space for anyone interested in comics or games.

[haterfreewednesdays]

Uncanny - Plymouth Meeting/Montgomeryville/King of Prussia, PA

Comics and More in Plymouth Meeting is now Uncanny! Uncanny at Montgomeryville is pretty amazing and friendly/safe. I game there weekly. Uncanny at King of Prussia is the same vein as the other two. Friendly, helpful, brightly lit. 

[haterfreewednesdays]

In Victoria, BC, Canada, there's a lovely shop called Legends. I've had customers leer at me once or twice, but the guys that run it are super friendly and helpful! If you have a pull list they do their best to remember who you are and chat with you. Once I went in with some other women and they asked us how the shop felt; if we were comfortable in there and what they could do to improve it. Lovely store with very lovely people!

Thank you!

[haterfreewednesdays]

as a female-presenting queer i'd like to recommend that you add Comic Envy in Asheville, NC to your list of safe spaces. there are several women and poc on staff and the employees have always been extremely helpful and respectful. the only negative experience i've had in that shop was from a fellow customer who was soon asked to leave.

Thanks for your submission! It’s good to hear the employees acted on that sort of behavior.