This isn't a bad comic store. Besides some first rate books, They have a ton of posters, action figures, and other fanboy items that will bring out the "true believer" in everyone. Why, they even have an adult section which is also very interesting. (Why hello, Bettie Page, how I've missed you. The only fault I can find with the store is that it is kind of small, and its shelving layout makes for a labyrinth of comics and kitsch. However, I suppose for some this is part of this shop's appeal. read more

I just left this store, and I was honestly floored by the experience. I have been reading and collecting comics and visiting local comic shops for more than 35 years, and I have never been made to feel so uncomfortable or unwelcome in one. I stopped in around 5:00 on a Monday afternoon and was the only customer in the store. The man behind the counter did not greet me or offer any assistance. That wouldn't have bothered me much on its own, but things got considerably worse when I started looking through the back issues. As I was browsing, he sharply told me to be careful not to bend the comics. I understood his concern--the bins were extremely overpacked--and I politely told him that I would be careful, even though I already was being careful. But he wouldn't let it go. He continued telling me how I should be looking through the comics and repeatedly insisted that I was doing it incorrectly. After more than 35 years of buying and collecting comics, I know how to handle a back issue. I certainly don't need to be repeatedly lectured on how to flip through a comic bin. The entire interaction felt condescending and unnecessarily hostile, and I was made to feel as though I was doing something wrong simply by browsing the merchandise. Needless to say, I will never go back to Alternative Universe. There are too many comic shops where customers are actually made to feel welcome for me to spend my money somewhere that treats a customer this way. A truly disappointing experience. read more

Very rude and strict service, as well as attitude from the man working there. Wanted to buy a comic but because of the way he was acting , was not interested at all read more

First time in AU store this morning (Wilmington, DE) with my son, who thought him and friends could compete in a pokémon tournament; but when we showed up, it seemed they were lacking experience in game format based off gane formats as well as having proper decks to compete by rules. I have to say that Andrew went above and beyond to make it a positive experience for us stopping in and instead of just telling us he couldn't play/ wasn't able based off his level and skill, Andrew turned it into a learning opportunity to have my son understand the tournament game rules, watch matches and providing my son and friends a space to play/practice with the game . My son struggles with social settings and social/emotional norms often and tends to self isolate, You have no clue how much that kindness was so very appreciated . Thank you from the bottom of my heart- Andrew, you are amazing! read more

A big thumbs up, used to work there many years ago. Joe and Erik are top notch guys, wish them many more years of success! Mike H!!! Go Whirligig!!! Lol! read more

Alternate Universe - Me now - Comic Books Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Came by here last weekend. They have a reasonable selection of comic books, even though the store is quite small. I think that if you come here, you should try to look to buy some of the newer titles- don't come here looking for a stock of old collections or classics. The prices are pretty reasonable here. Actually, I don't know if comic books generally have any mark ups, but I paid pretty much exactly the sticker price for all the comic books I got, so I was pretty satisfied. My main gripe for this place is that they don't have paper bags for your comic books to go. Generally speaking, I've always been able to buy my comics books in paper bags, as it's kind of just part of the experience. Instead, these guys use plastic bags, which doesn't quite give you the same feeling. Additionally, plastic bags are really bad for the environment. I hope they get some paper bags at some point. read more

Went in again today and there was an African American gentleman that was infinitely more friendly and polite than the grey haired old curmudgeon read more

If you aren't looking, you might just miss this hole in the wall comic shop mid-Chapel Street. While I am not as well-versed in the genre as some, I found the shop to be well-stocked, and thoroughly enjoyed perusing the issues, (old and new), the graphic novels and nice selection of anime adorning the shelves in this little curiosity shop. I'm told by true fans that it's one of the best in the area. Stop in and check it out! read more

The consistency of comments in these reviews is well-earned by Alternate Universe. Joe and Erik, the owners, have a passion for the medium. Their collective knowledge spans most of its history. They are always happy to talk shop, never condescending, and will try to find anything they don't have in their considerable stock of current and back issues. If you want the genuine experience of being in a comic book store, there's no better place to go. read more

This comic book shop is pretty small, but really densely packed. I've visited plenty of stores that are larger but offer a far less diverse selection. What do I like most about Alternate Universe? They carry small press comics (Fantagraphics, Drawn & Quarterly, and a smattering of others)! That in itself would be reason enough for me to love this store, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit Alternate Universe. The staff are nice, and totally willing to engage in conversation with you or help you find what you're looking for (or not, if you just want to browse). They also carry a somewhat random variety of collectibles, and it's fun to look around the store and find strange things in every corner (Tim Burton color-changing stain-boy mug!?) All in all, this is a pretty awesome comic book shop. You should visit if there's even just a single nerdy bone in your body--you'll have fun. read more

Basically anyone you ask is going to tell you how good this comic book store is. So, there's no real reason for me to do it except because I want to. Alt Universe carries a ton of comics, will order ones for you if they don't have them, the staff there are friendly and helpful, and the place is really close to Yale's campus (it's basically on campus). Basically, there's a perpetual "this is a comic book store" party going on in there all the time forever redundancy. If you like comics and you're in New Haven, you need to ask yourself why you haven't stopped in there. read more

I like this comic book store a lot. I've been to larger ones, having lived in Boston and New York, but this one is perfect in size and selection, especially for New Haven. I don't want to have to drive all the way out to Milford so this is perfect in terms of location. The staff is super helpful and knowledgeable and they also have figurines, cards, posters, back issues, and graphic novels. Standard. They also have a nice amount of indie comics and small runs, which makes me happy. I love seeing small comic companies in shops. Support the art. Don't pass Alternate Universe up. Seriously, stop by and pick something up. Great shop. read more

One of the few last great comic book stores in CT. Awesome selection too. They have a Milford store too that has gaming.

A funky tiny dark store with a treasure trove inside! So many comics packed into a small space. There is even a 18+ section which is super fun. They carry magazines as well as comic books and anthologies, and I love that I can always afford to buy something there. The people who work there are really friendly and helpful. read more

Great shop with a friendly staff. I lean more towards a Magic nerd than a comic book guy but they've always got a solid collection for my needs. Willing to help you out with any questions and seem to always have the comics I do want to buy. For such a small place they manage to carry a pretty big inventory. If you're in New Haven I would definitely recommend this shop. read more

Honestly I have been going to this store for almost 5 years since I've lived here in Connecticut, and the customer service has not improved. Every time I go there the attitude of whoever is working is always extremely negative. When I ask a question about a product I'm met with hostility as if I am bothering them. I spend quite a bit of money on comics and collectibles so I don't think asking a few questions about something should be an issue. Maybe others have had better experiences but I will be taking my business elsewhere read more

It is a shame that this cute little shop is run by such a rude and condescending man. I have come in multiple times with the excitement to pick up some new books, but left without purchasing anything due to the unhelpful and hostile nature of the owner(?). I was very excited moving to the neighborhood that there was a local comic shop right around the corner, but it is definitely worth the drive to stay away from this place. read more

Alternate Universe might be a little small, but they sure do pack a lot off good stuff on their shelves. The guys that work here are awesome and are willing to help you find whatever it is you are looking for. They stock all the new comics and also have a huge selection of back issues and indie comics. It's nice to finally be able to shop at a comic store not filled with elitist fanboys. read more

While it's the only game in town for local comics and games, they do pack a good selection of favorites. They will also place orders for various game books and boxes, and carry a small RPG and CCG stock. The big jar of dice is a favorite for stocking up for a game night, and although they can be quiet the owners and staff will helpfully answer whatever questions they can. read more

Hey...so I like to stop into comic book stores once in a while... This is a good one. Friendly proprietor and a nice eclectic mix of everything. Includes good recommendations on the shelves and a nice mix of old, new and trinkets. Always worth a stop in to keep up with what's going on in the graphics world. Convenient location. read more

It's hard to compete with internet pricing, but brick-and-mortar stores provide customer service and camaraderie that is quickly evaporating in today's world. The staff here is always wonderfully friendly and knowledgeable. If you have something you absolutely need to find for the comic lover in your life, don't hesitate to drop in... read more

Interesting place, always has current stuff in stock. The one guy working doesn't like if you touch the comics, its almost like elementary school and you have to ask permission. Everything has good prices and weekly books are always available ....no parking cuz its new haven which really sucks and a main reason I avoid this location. Not a place to chit chat in, I got the vibe to pay for what I wanted and get out. read more

Support the local comic place! It's your standard superhero shop BUT the owners keeps up a decent illustrated novel area + they are also knowledgeable and able to special order anything you might need. I'm a fan of this shop even though it's the only game in the Have.' read more

Having been to most comic book shops in the area I can tell you that Alternative Universe is the best around. The shop is small but the selection is excellent and for the most part the staff is helpful. If your new to collection comics or an old pro this should be your first stop. read more

Been to a lot of comic stores.. it's like an Atomic Comics stuffed in to 200 sq ft! (that's a good thing)

I needed to buy a Star Wars graphic novel for my 8 year old son to give as a present. I went to Barnes and Noble and struck out. I found this shop on Yelp and boy am I glad I did. Super friendly, knowledgeable, helpful guy helped me make a great choice. Thanks again!!! read more

Alternate Universe has a great selection of comics, a small selection of manga, a good selection of adult comics, and a pretty good selection of games. Don't come here if you want popular movie toys, come for the better selection of books and comics. read more

Great comic shop, with a helpful staff, tons of comics for a little joint!

Plenty of new comics from mainstream and indie publishers. The back issues are all bagged and boarded and nicely organized. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Just wanted to say as someone new to indy comics, Not only has Alternate Universe​ has become my go-to resource for recommendations but they have the most indy comics in stock of any store I've been to in Connecticut yet. Along with all the DC and Marvel you could ever want. Which is amazing for such a small store. I live much closer to Hartford and discovered them by chance while in New Haven for business. I now schedule business in New Haven once a month just so I can visit them. read more

Saw funko pops on the Facebook home page and went out of my way to find parking and walk the 3 blocks to go to the shop in new haven to find that they don't infact carry any funko products. I was very upset. read more

That moment when you bring your son into a comic bookstore, are browsing for 15 minutes, and the two guys working say nothing to you except "Sir your son can't pickup the comic books, if they get bent we often have trouble reselling them." Really? Let's start with the fact that I'm there to buy him comic books for his collection! Secondly, in first 10 minutes how about a "Hello, how are you? Can I help you find something?" My answer would've been yes, my son is looking for Captain America. I'll take my son and money elsewhere. Maybe it's a nice place for people who don't have a comic collection with their children, even then I saw at least 3 adults who didn't get help either. Take your money to a place where people actually care about their customers. read more

Great spot, good selection but they normally only keep a few copies of just-released items and one or two copies of non-new things (so sometimes you have to wait for another order to come in). The staff are friendly and knowledgeable but it is cramped in there, which isn't conducive to browsing. I also wish they had a section specifically for Eisener-wining and nominated books. Alternative Universe is the best I've seen in CT thus far. If they don't have what you want, they'll find it. I just wish they had all the things you might want to stumble upon (especially in the indie/non-superhero genre). Overall they're still great though. I'd expand their store and give them the room to flesh out all genres more fully. read more

great place for comics and collectibles,i usually go there when i am in the area or if i have time from leaving my volunteer job at Yale new haven hospital i would stop by..really great place! read more

Alternate Universe is Downtown's own like comic shop. They have everything from well known series to obscure selections from America, Europe, and Japan. And it's not just comics and graphic novels, the store has tons of action figures, games, and other knick-knacks that make going there a little adventure. It's a small, slightly crowded store, but it has an impressive selection and helpful service. read more