Multiversity #1 Variant Covers - Score!

Multiversity #1 hit newsstands today with a ton of fanfare. The issue was released with a regular cover and four variant covers. My plan was to hunt them down to add to my collection but I didn't have to.

Thanks to my regular comic shop, Comic Book Jones,  I was able to score three of the four variants.

Picked up these three:

1:10  B&W Variant Cover by:  Ivan Reis
1:25  Captain Carrot Variant Cover by:  Chris Burnham

1:50  Flash Of Two Worlds Variant Cover by:  Bryan Hitch

This is why it is a good idea to frequent your local comic shop, they take care of their regular customers. 
If you are in the area visit Comic Book Jones or shop On-Line

Hopefully you will have the same luck.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!

#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - Uncanny!, King of Prussia, PA

Recently moved into the King of Prussia mall and renamed, formerly Comics & More, Uncanny! is still adjusting to its new location but they are coming along. I you have read our previous Comic Shop Reviews, you know that we have been to a bunch of Comic Shops over the years.  Some stand out some do not. Uncanny is in the middle, trying to set themselves up again.

They carry a nice assortment of items, comics, toys, t-shirts, Funko and cards.  The thing that stands out most was the large t-shirt wall, a nice selection of Marvel, DC and TV related t-shirts. Pretty much something for everyone.

They also had a selection of statues, specifically a Howard the Duck statue. Since his appearance at the end of Guardians of the Galaxy, Howard the Duck has grown in popularity. See more about his history in our review of Howard the Duck.

Toys - A very nice selection of newer toys from most of the recent DC, Marvel and Walking Dead lines. Action figures a plenty. They also have a very large selection of Funko Pop Vinyl's. The display for the Pop Vinyl's was pretty awesome, stacked nicely so you can see everyone, they even had Ash from Evil Dead. They didn't have many older toys, which is to be expected from a store that recently reopened.

 

Comics - They had the normal selection of current comics, no much in the way of back issues. Some recent stuff but not much in the way of older issues. Hopefully moving forward they will purchase some collections to add to their back issue bins. A good comic shop has to have a good supply of back issues, especially for us hunters who are always on the search.

 



Other Stuff - Plenty of t-shirts to choose from, the bulk of which were DC comics related. The Plastic Man and Beast Boy really caught our eye as we had never seen them before. Uncanny! also had a nice selection of other stuff such as book bags, cards, bottle openers and the things we buy to make our collecting look good to our friends. Also that Howard the Duck statue makes a nice addition.

One of the things we liked most about our visit to Uncanny! was the life size statues they had placed around the store, am imposing Dark Knight greets you at the door as you walk in, an enormous Hulk looking over you as you hunt thru the store and the Flash protecting the back of the store. You know we are big Flash fans so this was nice to see. This is a nice effect to welcome customers into the store and for the kids to take pictures with.

 

Comic Shop Grade - B

 Usually comic book shops that are located in malls cater to the masses by carry other items besides comic book related stuff, since we comic collectors are becoming the masses new shops do not have to do this. Uncanny! does not cater to the masses they cater to the comic collectors, they cater to us. With a little more time and some collection purchases Uncanny! can become a solid store, right now they are still adjusting to their new name and space.

If you live in the area or are visiting the King of Prussia mall stop in and look around, you will certainly be able to find something to add to your collection.

We here at Comic Book Hunter and Gatherers will continue our hunt. Filling in our want list and gathering our collection.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt  

Comic Shop Review - Comics and Paperbacks Plus, Palmyra, PA

Housed in the first floor of an old colonial home, Comics and Paperbacks Plus is one of the most unique comic shops we have ever visited. The store is laid out throughout the individual rooms, 6 or 7 in all. Comics and books are neatly placed throuout every nook and cranny of these rooms. Both new and old comics can be found throughout, a visit to Comic and Paperbacks Plus is a true comic book experience, worth taking a trip to Palmyra, Pennsylvania.

You can definitly feel the years of experience in the place, through the large collection of back issues and classic toys. Yes they had old toys to.  The shop has been in business continuously in some form from 1989, we love those shops that survived the 1990's rush. It shows not only a great business sense but a love for the hobby.

Comics - An extremely large selection of back issues going all the way back to the Golden Age. They are spread out in short boxes throughout the rooms of the shop in alphabetical order, very organized for a shop that has been around for so long, more valuable issues are hung on the walls. The shop also has consignment back issues in the front room, these come from former collectors selling their stuff. Prices are all reasonable. Along with back issues Comics and Paperbacks Plus also has all the latest new titles and graphic novels. The best part is they have about ten spinner racks filled throughout the store, we love the old Spinner Racks.

Toys - Comics and Paperbacks Plus does not carry a large collection of comic related toys but they did have a great selection of one of the greatest toy lines ever made. Of course we are talking about Mego figures. Housed in a glass case which in our opinion gives them the respect they deserve. Had we brought more money with us we would have bought one. For those of you that have not visited many comic shops, you rarely if ever see Mego figures.

Other Stuff - A nice selection of t-shirts, plus some older card sets, including some early 1990's packs. Again this shows the shop has been around for many years. Plus they sell paperbacks and items relating to the history of the area, showing their love for the community.


Comic Shop Grade - A

How could we not give Comics & Paperbacks Plus a good grade, any shop that has stayed around this long knows what it's doing plus they had Mego figures. I was able to find the final two issues of Mister Miracle Volume 2 to complete the run, an awesome find for me.

So if your on your way to Hershey Park, take a stop by Comics and Paperbacks Plus, it's located about 15 minutes away from the theme park, you will not be disappointed you did. Don't forget to grab a Mego figure, the Captain America was in excellent condition.

Check out our other Comic Shop Reviews to help you plan a trip.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - Comic Relief, Lawrenceville, NJ

Located on Quakerbridge Road in Lawrenceville, NJ, Comic Relief is a perfect local comic shop to fill all your weekly comic book and collectible needs.

The shelfs are loaded with current titles, trade paper backs and toys. You can also fill your statue needs which are housed in a nice glass display case.

We traveled here on a recent visit to Trenton, NJ, lucky for us it was open on Sunday, most other comic shops are not.

So lets give it a CBH&G review:

Comics - Comic Relief has a huge collection of current titles located around the shop this includes recent variant covers. They also carry most recent trade paper backs and graphic novels. If an issue or trade came out in the last few on the you'll find it here. I finally picked up the new Superman #32 pencilled by John Romita Jr, which I have looed for at four other shops. Also hunted down the variant Batman 75th Anniversary cover for Superman #33.
Comic Relief also has a selection of back issues but it is not very extensive, mostly more recent issues.

Toys - Nice selection of most current DC and Marvel action figures and other toys. No older lines, you know how much we like the older toy lines.

Other Stuff - A nice assortment of  statues and busts including an awesome Kingdom Come statue, if I had the money on me at the time I would have picked it up. Comic Relief also has a selection of trading cards, my youngest daughter has started collecting card packs now. It all started after she recently pulled a Tom Hiddleston autographed card from a Thor pack, she decided to sell it to pay for her NYCC trip. She bought a Walking Dead back at Comic Relief, hoping for a Norman Reedus autograph.

Comic Shop Grade - B +

The only reason Comic Relief didn't get an A is that it doesn't have a large selection of older comics or toys, the things that make a hunting trip worth taking.
 If you live in the area you should be filling all your collecting needs here. If you are passing by the Trenton area stop in.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - Ray & Judy's Book Stop

Sometimes when you first enter a new comic shop your expectations aren't n very high, then you go in and are so suprised that when you leave you can not wait to go back. Ray & Judy's Book Stop is much more than a bookstore it is a wonderful mom and pop comic shop. The store is loaded with used books, yes real books but also tons of new and old comics, comic toys and pez. Pez you say, Ray & Judy have the largest Pez display I have seen since visiting the Pez Museum.

The store is made up of three seperate rooms just filled with stuff, that's what happens when your in business for 29 years. I have a very high regard for those comic shops that survived the big bust of the early 1990's, it isn't hard to see why Ray & Judy's has not only survived but strives. Two words many comic shops do not know very well, Costumer Service. Ray really made you want to come back, friendly and helpful.

This shop is worth a visit to Rockaway, NJ. Plus there is a Cupcake Wars winner right around the corner.

So is Ray and Judy's Book Store a place to hunt for comics and comic collectibles. I think you already know the answer.

Comics - All the new titles with copies from the last few months stacked near the register. Pi led up a blank cover Grayson #1, will be using it to get a commission at NYCC. They also have a bunch of back issues, priced at half off cover. We finally hunted down a Rogues Revenge #1 to finish the series. Back issues bins were set up by publisher, DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and everyone else.

Toys - Old and new toys showcased all over the walls, hanging from the ceiling and in glass cases. Even had some things I had never seen before, like a stuffed Allan Scott Green Lantern doll. Prices are all within reason. Unfortunately no Justice League Unlimited Figures, he hunt continues.

Other stuff - Along with the biggest collection of Pez this side of the Pez Museum, Ray & Judy's also had a nice selection of Eaglemoss figures and collectible cards. My daughter bought a pack of Thor cards, her favorite movie and pulled an autographed Tom Hiddleston, Loki, card worth about $500.

Comic Shop Grade - A

Ray & Judy's is a perfect example of a mom & pop comic shop run not because of money but because of a love for the hobby, built with good customer service and decades of experience. A nice place to hunt for unique comic collectibles or to buy the latest issues including variants.

Get in your car and drive there today.

Check out our other Comic Shop Reviews

We would love to,hear about your comic shop experiences, Email Us today

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#joinehunt

Comic Shop Review - Hypnotronic Comics, NY

Sometimes when you walk into a comic shop for the first time everything just looks right. When you first enter Hypnotronic Comics located on Staten Island, NY, you know you're  in one of those rare comic shops. The kind of shop that has old and new comics and toys, rare items along with the stuff you see everyday. The walls are covered in toys from days gone by.

Hypnotronic is the kind of comic shop where you know the owner puts great care into it and it's not hard to tell that they are collectors as well as dealers. If you have been buying comics for any length if time you know what we mean. If you are new check out Hypnotronics and you'll see what we mean.

Some of the items were just really cool to see, like the old Superman squeaky doll.

Or the They Live mask. Still Rowdy Roddy Pipers best work, well except for Wrestlemania 1.

So how is Hypnotronic Comics in way of huntability. You might guess already what we are going to say.

Comics- A nice selection of back issues ranging in price from $2 and up, most of the bins are $4 ans up. The up was some really good deals on key issues on various titles. Picked up two Old Justice League of America issues #121 and 147. They also had a wall full of new issues, all the titles you would want. Plus they have an old spinner rack, rarely seen in comic shops any more.

Toys - The best part of Hypnotronic Comics is their selection of toys, many older action figures and other items. It always impresses us when a toy store has carded toy biz figures from the early 1990's. they also had a box of old wrestling figures. If you collect toys you should take a trip here, it is walking distance from the Staten Island ferry and well worth the trip.

Other stuff - The shop also had a strong focus on horror related collectibles, many masks and statues. You can also get books (comic related), t-shirts, buttons, key chains, cards and almost anything else you would want.

Comic Shop Grade = A

For a small shop they packed a lot of comic and collectible punch. Reminded us of one of the old school comic shops, a mom and pop type store where care goes into everything they sell and do. The inventory was representative of items from all eras of collecting. They had the first tower of Funkos i have ever seen. Basically visit here when you get a chance, you are sure to find something to add to your collection.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - All-In-One Collectibles, Randolph,NJ

Most comic book and collectibles shops are all very similar, they carry the same basic things; comics, toys, gaming stuff and supplies. Each comic has these items to varying degrees. Every so often we visit a comic shop that carries the usual stuff but also has a specialization that makes it stand out above the rest. All-In-One collectibles is the kind of shop that stands out because of its focus on one type of item. I would consider All-In-One as the headquarters of Heroclix figures. They have more of these little figures then any store we have ever visited. At least four full cases filled with them and they are divided into the different lines.

Full case of Heroclix figures

We seldom mention how much we like this line of collectibles, used primarily for gaming these little figures also have high collectible value. Some if them are very rare but the best thing about them is the multitude of characters offered, both from DC and Marvel comics. There are all the main characters, almost all lower level characters and impressively many not so common characters from comics and moves. If you haven't check these out yet visit Heroclix online.

Now lets look at All-In-One collectibles in terms of huntability.

Comics - Has a very small selection of new comics, store must do mainly list pulls. No area for back issues except for one small box of recent issues.

Toys - Plenty of new and old toys spread throughout the store, recent lines all the wall back to Toy Biz Marvel line. These Toy Biz figures are becoming increasingly hard to find, it is impressive when you see them in a shop.

Other stuff - plenty of gaming items, an entire area of sports cards and memorabilia (autographed, etc.), plus the whole home of the heroclix thing. Seeing all the other stuff made us understand how All-In-One got its name. Really a one stop shop for collectibles.

Comic Shop Grade = B

Although they lack a big comic inventory the amount of different collectibles they sell on top of the fact that tey might have the worlds largest Heroclix collection make it worth a visit, bring your sports collecting friends with you.

As you can tell we like stores that are the best at at least one thing, All-In-One is the best at what they set out to be the best at.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - The Portal, Bethlehem

It doesn't take long to realize once you enter the Portal in Bethlehem, PA that the store is more focused on gaming and gaming related items the it is on comic books. Many of the comic shops that we have visited have a selection of gaming material and an area that can be used for gaming. The games we most often see are Magic the Gathering and Warhammer. Although we have never played these ourselves we do understand why so many people enjoy it.

We mention gaming because the Portal was the most gaming focused store we have been in so far. Not much in the way of comics and nothing in the way of comic book collectibles.

Comics - A very small collection of back issues, all from the last year or so. No back issues from 80's or 90's. the new comic book selection was very sparse also, didn't see any variant covers or higher value issues.

Toys - We did not see any comic book related toys. You know how much we like the comic book toys, it just enhances a shops overall feel.

The Portal did have a nice selection of graphic novels, which were displayed on a graphic novel spinner rack (I have to get one of these for my collection).

Maybe over time they will increase there back issue and toy collection but for now The Portal is not a place that an be used for any hunting purposes.

Comic Shop Grade - D

If you are into gaming as well as comics worth a visit if you are nearby, if not then no reason to go there hunting for comics.

Good Luck in Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - Dreamscape Comics, Bethlehem

When you first enter Dreamscape it is a bit overwhelming, there are stacks and stacks of comics and magazines. Everywhere you look there are boxes upon boxes of comics and they are on top of other boxes. Hopefully you are getting the picture, a little bit of a mess. I spoke with the woman working and the shop is going out of business soon, so they have begun to clear out inventory. Everything was 40% off.

So what did I think of this place? If you can get past the cluttered mess, there is a organization to the madness and if you have some time to look through everything it is worth the trip there. I am assuming that the store has been around a very long time because some of the inventory goes way back.

Dreamscape reminded me of the comic shop, County Coin, that I frequented when I was younger. Same smell, same organization. I  have always enjoyed the old style comic shops, they are like mom and pop stores.


Comics- Dreamscape had a very large selection of back issues dating back to the 1970's. If you have time to go through all the boxes and piles of comics on the floor I am pretty sure your hunt will yield some comic book gold.

Toys- Plenty of old toys throughout the store, I found a box of the DC Who's Who mini scenes. Also had a very interesting Funko Aquaman Bobblehead, along with a punch of  pieces from other action figure lines of the last ten years or so. Picked up some older toys while we were there. Older toys are not that easy to find, most comic shops have not been around long enough to have any.

Other Stuff- Dreamscape had a lot of old magazines, finding these comic book and collecting based magazines are really hard to get these days as many of them have gone out of business over the years. We still by them for research purposes and they are fun to read. So while we were there bought a couple of old Lee's Action Figure News and Toy Review dating back from 2000. Another sign o how long the store has been around.

Comic Shop Grade - B   

If you have the time and some cash to spend it is worth a visit but do it before end of the summer as they are closing their doors. Hopefully someone will come along and take over the shop as we no longer have enough of these types of Comic Shops around anymore.
Overall a good place to hunt for buried treasure, I really mean buried. Plus there are deals to be found.

Good luck on your hunt! And don't forget support your local comic shops.
#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - Encounter Comics & Games, Allentown

Located in Allentown, Pennsylvania Encounter Comics & Games reminded me of a comic convention within in a store. Along with all the current issues, there were a bunch of different priced comic bins, a nice selection of high dollar comics and older toys throughout the store. The store has been around for over 30 years and their back issue collection shows it.

When you enter the shop you are greeted by the zombie girl from the first episode of the Walking Dead, yeah the one with the stuffed rabbit. I enjoy when a store does that little something extra when you enter. Toys all around the walls, loads of back issues and entire area dedicated to variant covers. I am it sure you will find a better store in Pennslyvania.

High End Merchandise - Encounter has many valuable comics showcased on the back wall of the store. There were many Silver Age comics and more recent key issues. When you see this in a comic shop this means two things. first they have been open for a number of years and second, they buy collections. The reason I mention this is that many shops do not carry these types of back issues. This is also why I compare the store to a comic convention. The shop also had some higher end collectibles, I really like the Iron Man bust set, would be a great display piece.

Comics - Along with the nice selection of valuable comics Encounter also has a huge selection of back issues placed throughout many different priced bins. They have $1.50 bins, fifty cent bins and even the rare dime bins (haven't seen a dime bin in a long time). They also have an entire variant cover area, I have never seen this in a comic shop. Spending some time hunting through the back issue bins is worth it. As with most other comic shops Encounter also carries all current titles, again lots of variant covers from the most recent issues.

Toys - Old toys, new toys and toys in between. Any comic shop that has a Will Smith action figure from the movie Wild Wild West has a serious variety of toys. They had many old toys from toy biz, and Hasbro. Most comic shops do not dedicate enough space to old toys we should visit the ones that do.


Comic Shop Grade - A

Encounter Comics & Games has the perfect mix of old and new comics and toys. It really is like a comic convention in a store. You should set aside some time and plan a visit to Encounter, it is worth it. Truly a great place to hunt for back issues and old toys, bring some $ with you.

Good Luck on Your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - Comic Book Jones, Staten Island

Comic Book Jones is the comic shop that you want in your neighborhood. It's where you want to go to pick up your new issues each week. They have everything you could ask for plus a weekly Podcast  that focuses on comics.

The best part of Comic Book Jones is its friendly knowledgable staff. Whether you have been shopping there for years ( with a $1,500 credit) or it is your first visit, you will feel welcome.

High End Merchandise - CBJ carries an assortment of Bowen figure and other high priced statues. They also have some very unique custom made 3D pieces of art based on famous comic book covers. If you look around the ceiling you will see tons of busts and statues, so if you don't see it ask.

Comics - They carry all the current DC, Marvel and other brands plus some local published stuff. The  shelves also have the last couple of months issues behind current months, still at cover price. CBJ also has a large collection of back issues going back as far as Silver Age and they are always getting more older issues. They had almost the entire Amazing Spider-man run not to long ago.

Toys - Tons of Pop! Vinyls, along with all the major comic related toy lines. Lots of Walking Dead stuff. If you don't know what the Walking Dead is get out from under the rock and go find out!Really enjoying the Mego throwback line and TMNT are back!

Other stuff - If it has been released in the last couple of years CBJ has it. T-Shirts, posters, bottle openers dvds, and many other things with all your favorite characters. Who amount us doesn't  need a zombie bottle opener?

Comic Shop Grade = A

CBJ is a nice combination of old school family run comic shop and modern day everything in one place comic store. If you are near the store play them a visit, you will not be disappointed.

Also of note CBJ runs many different sales throughout the year: Wednesdays is 10% everything. Big movie premiers they have a party and pick the sale price which can range between 10% and 60%. Their biggest day is Black Friday, huge sales if you can stand long lines, worth it.


Good luck on your Hunt!
#jointhehunt

Comic Shop Review - Jay & Silent Bobs Secret Stash, Red Bank

Last month we went on a hunt to Jay & Silent Bobs Secret Stash, you can read about that hunt HERE.

This week we review the huntability of the shop. Is it a place you can walk away with treasure?

It is by far the most well known comic book shop in the world, it has its own television show. It is also owned by the most famous comic book fan, Kevin Smith.

It has its merits, you can actually buy items that were seen on the show, which is cool. Especially the large Millennium Falcon.

If you are a comic book collector you need to visit it once and if you pick the right day you might see one of the famous Comic Book Men. I meet Walt on my visit.

High End Merchandise - The Secret Stash carries many older and new items, including Bowen bust and statues.

Comics - they carry all the current titles and have. Nice selection of back issues, some very rare. One of the best things about the comic display is they have some on old spinner racks. Spinner racks were used many years ago in drug stores to display a bunch of comics, seeing them today brings back memories to us older hunters.

Toys - A very large collection of both new and old toys, they get a lot of toys on the show. They also have the largest collection of Jay and Silent Bob toys and collectibles.

Other stuff - if you are a fan of Kevin Smith, his movies and Comic Book Men you are missing out if you don't visit The Secret Stash. They have plenty of stuff for sale relating to Smith but they also have lots of movie memorabilia. One of the prime pieces is the Buddy Jesus from the movie DOGMA.

You can also see the table where many of Kevin Smiths Smodcast originate from, if you aren't listening yet you should be.

Comic Shop Grade - B+

Absolutely worth the visit if you are a true comic book fan. Take some time after to walk around Red Hook, it is a nice area with lots of things to do and see. Make a day of your hunt.

Good Luck in your Hunt!
#jointhehunt