Finished up my coffee at a local coffeehouse recently and had nothing important to do so I decided to walk a few blocks and check out Arcane Comics. Ever since visiting the Star Tours attraction at Disneyland I've been wanting to get back into the universe. Part of that plan included picking up some Star Wars comics for pre-bedtime reading. One thing I really like about Arcane Comics is that they don't waste space. A lot of newer comic shops seem to think you need a lot of empty space between shelves, but I prefer the homey feel of a smaller space absolutely stocked full of books. And when I say full, I mean full. Arcane has one of the largest collections of comics that I've seen in the area. They have tons of space devoted to trade paperbacks (TPB) and graphic novels (GN). I found a huge selection of Star Wars books and was approached by the owner pretty quickly when he noticed the confused look on my face. Like a great comic book store owner/clerk should, he immediately began by asking me what I liked and what my goals were. Once he knew those he started to make suggestions. He didn't push me in one direction which I really appreciated. Instead he gave me several avenues that I could pursue, including both his own personal preference and a conflicting popular opinion. I ended up getting exactly what I wanted and had a great experience doing so. This store, like most, has a subscription service and is willing to order anything you need. Unlike most stores they will get it for you by the end of the SAME WEEK you order it. Usually a store won't do that and will require you to wait a week or more until new orders come in. I was very impressed. Ballard has all kinds of awesome geeky shops and I only see myself spending more and more time in the neighborhood. As infrequently as I buy new comics, I very well may just wait until I'm in the area and make Arcane Comics my new shop. read more

BEST COMICS SHOP IN SEATTLE / PUGET SOUND AREA The Short Version: - Best subscription service around: 10% off weekly titles AND all store merchandise, as well as special semi-annual sales exclusive to subscribers. All subscription books bagged and boarded! - Top-notch service: friendly, knowledgeable people who like helping customers (i.e., the opposite of 'Comic Book Guy' from 'The Simpsons'). You don't have to be a comics "geek" or expert. They will help new and old readers find exactly what's right for them. - Excellent web service: manage your subscriptions on their website, special order anything fast, real time store inventory updates on their website, order anything in-store online and pick it up later. - They are not scared of technology! They embrace it! You can send them an e-mail any time with a query (instead of having to physically be in the store or call on the phone) and they will respond quickly. - Smaller shop space, but their extensive comics and trade paperback collections stands up to any in town. - Open 10am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Almost never closed, including most holidays. The Long Version: To say these guys are best in Seattle says a lot, because there are a lot of good shops out there. But these guys are just a cut above in a great town for comics. They boast an impressive, robust, and full stock of just about any books, trade paperbacks, or graphic novels that you are looking for. They aren't the largest retailer in terms of physical square footage. But they more than make up for it by being nimble, smart, quick, and offering the best subscriber and special order service in town (more on that below). The store is welcoming, fun, well-organized, and their inventory system is top-notch. You'll never have to dig around in a dusty back-room to find the book you're looking for because they already know where it is. What really stands out about Arcane is their service. It isn't just that Scott, Bret, and the rest of the gang are awesome, friendly, smart, helpful, and love comics. They will help you find fun and interesting titles based on YOUR interests, not just their own. But if you're looking for something new, they are a wealth of knowledge and can help find something for people of all interests and tastes. They've really helped me expand my horizons and find tons of new and interesting titles and creators. Service and people aside, what makes Arcane stand out from other local shops is their web presence. All of their stock is inventoried exhaustively in real time on their website. You can special order ANYTHING you want (comics-related, of course), and will obtain it very quickly. You can purchase their back-issues and leftover variants for very good discounts on ebay. MOST IMPORTANTLY: their subscription service is the very best in the Puget Sound area. I say this based on my, admittedly non-scientific, yet fairly thorough investigation of local comics retailers. They allow you to mange your subscription "pull" on their store website with a unique user login and password. If you are a subscriber, you receive a 10% discount on not just your weekly books (each bagged and boarded!), but EVERYTHING in the store. They even send you a weekly email that tells you which of your subscriptions are being released that week. Order something you didn't want or changed your mind about? They have a very friendly and reasonable policy about cancellation of titles. I've never had a problem with them. In an age when books are going digital and things can be purchased on the internet, Arcane proves that brick and mortar book retailers are still necessary and important. I wouldn't love new comics Wednesdays nearly as much if I didn't get to see these guys each week. read more

As a girl, comic book shops are a wee bit intimidating. But really, stick with it with these guys. They're super sweet and they have an awesome subscription service (free, as long as you pick up the titles monthly) and give you 10% off everything in the store once you have a subscription. They have a good mix of comics and graphic novels which is nice for me since I am not really into just super heroes. I was looking for a Ray Bradbury graphic novel that they found for me, they always give me invaluable advice when I'm looking to try something new. They remember me and they're always nice, which is more than I expected and I am totally in love with this place. they're on the corner of 15th and 48th, the entrance to their parking lot (which always has parking open!) is directly across from the gas station. read more

I can't say enough about this place, as someone who is getting back into comics after a 15+ year hiatus they made the leap extremely easy. The guys behind the counter are super laid back and know their stuff, very approachable and exited to get new people reading. This place is awesome, their staff is great, the website is great, the location is great. They run great specials and have an amazing selection of current and back titles. They have trade books, role playing and toys. read more

New to Seattle, looked around at several shops and this was the best one I found. Service is friendly, selection is great, the space is roomy and inviting. Their subscription service is online and I haven't had any difficulties so far. read more

This is a great place to buy comics. The owners/staff lack the usual arrogance that comes with the culture. They will also hold books for you if you cannot afford them and they host Marvel Clix tournaments, which I play because I don't like sex very much. Also, they are inexpensive, lacking the mark up that seems to come with Zanadu and Golden Age, possibly because they cater to neighborhood people. In short, this is the place to go in Seattle for linear art. read more

Went to Arcane today with my son (4 yo) for the first time. It was both our first time shopping for comics. The guy working there was kind enough to show us possibilities. He immediately directed us to an age appropriate book that my son has been enjoying all day. Thanks! read more

Arcane has a large and interesting selection of comics. They have just about everything possible that's new, plenty of backstock for classics and bestsellers (when you absolutely have to have a copy of Fables Trade #8), and a vast array of older items that you'd normally have to hit up Amazon or Ebay to find. The staff is friendly, but they tend to ignore you. It's not a big negative, sometimes I just want to stare at the shelves for a couple of hours and be left alone, but it would be nice if they checked in every now and then. read more

Amazing variety and incredibly helpful/knowledgeable staff for finding comics for my kids and myself!

Great guys, great selection. More importantly, this shop deals with you truthfully. Whatever the category of retail, this is THE thing that is invaluable, and is the reason I am a lifelong customer. -Matt read more

Killer dudes with good books. Lots of mini comics and independents along with the staples. I guess the box system is the best in the city. I think I may need to try it out. read more

My go to comic shop! Everyone is super friendly, incredibly helpful, and they have a huge selection! I've been to too many "comic shops" that have one little rack, no back issues, and mostly sell collectibles. Not Arcane, this is a true comic book shop, plus all the other collectibles and board games! Ask about setting up a subscription service, you get 10% off purchases and they hold whatever books you ask for so you can pick them up at your convenience. Don't think comics are for you? I can almost guarantee you'll find something here you like, comics are for everyone! read more

Heard great reviews about this place, was not very impressed with the service. Prices were ok, no really cheap comics. The store manager was disinterested and had clasical music playing loud which was off putting. I frankly do not understand the high reviews for this place. read more

Even though I do not buy comics nearly as much as I used to, this place still manages to keep me interested. They have a wonderful trade selection and if they do not have what you are looking for, they will order it. I also enjoy their selection of comic book merchandise. I recently bought a badass Green Lantern beanie, which I'm pretty sure would be difficult to find anywhere else. If you're in the Ballard area, check this place out. Even if you are not on the hunt for comics, you might end up finding something else to pique your imagination and make you feel like a kid again. read more

Recently decided to pick up my first ever comic book and wandered into Arcane Comics to get some advice. The staff was super friendly and helpful. They walked me through all of the basics and made some great recommendations. Now I'm hooked! I set up a subscription and started devouring a dozen different series. Now I understand why so many people love comic books! read more

Love love LOVE Arcane Comics. Bret and the boys, and Sadie, are bastions of comic nerdery inclusiveness. They have excellent recs that have lead to me and my family finding some excellent titles. read more

This shop is top notch! Great selection of books and excellent customer service. The employees are always having great conversations and engaging with customers. Their subscription service is easy & convenient as well. Would totally recommend this place. read more

I've been nothing but happy with Arcane Comics in the last year or so I've been going there. Their subscriptions are an excellent deal, their selection is very good, and they have far and away the best customer service of any comic shop I've been to. These guys will take care you. read more

I will echo the praise for their massive trade paperback selection, but what I was most impressed with was the fair priced supplies. $4 for a short comic box (at the time of this review). It's the little things that make a difference! Thank you! read more

Whenever I can't find a title at my smaller local comic book store I head over here. If I didn't already had a primary store that is nearby I would definitely choose this place. The lay out is really nice, kids stuff in one large room with the trades and another with the more mature titles. Staff is very friendly. read more

This place has just about any comic book you could want. It's amazing! I came in looking for a Who Wants To Be A Superhero comic book from the Syfy tv show and they had it! read more

My son and I have been coming here for about 3 years occasionally. He gets a couple of comics and sometimes finds a super sweet super hero. The breadth of comics both new and old, either original or bound in soft compendium form. I have found christmas gifts, toys ( esp specialty super hero types), and just straight up children's picture books. I am happy they are branching out to comics and more vs. just comics. Thanks Arcane read more

Arcane Comics & More is hands down the best comic book store in Seattle. Scott the owner is helpful without being pushy and offers the best subscription service in the city. Arcane's comic selection is great. They seem to carry every Marvel, DC, Vertigo, Wildstorm, Image and Dark Horse title published an have a huge indie section. I also have never seen a larger more diverse selection of trades. Not only to they stock an amazing array of Marvel and DC they have an entire book CASE each of Image, Vertigo/Wildstorm and Dark Horse; not to mention the two cases of indie trades from publishers like Top Shelf, Drawn & Quarterly and Seattle's own Fantagraphics. Even if you have a regular comic store, stop by Arcane and look around, you won't be disappointed. read more

This is a great comic shop. The guys working there are helpful and aren't snobs, and definitely know their stuff. They're more than willing to answer inquiries no matter how uninformed they may be, and I've appreciated their patience with mine. Their selection is vast and varied, and they also have a sweet collection of books, accessories, toys & board games, as well. The space is large and roomy as well as neatly organized, with ample parking out front. They've definitely been a pleasure to deal with, and deserve a look as well as your business. Worthy of five stars as a well-run and respectable business. read more

The only brick and mortar comic shop I use in Seattle. The guy's at this store are knowledgeable, not pretentious unlike some other shops I won't mention. Also their always rocking some randomly awesome music read more

I've been a customer of Arcane comics for five years and I've never missed an issue. The service is excellent and there are signings and special events on a regular basis. The suggestions I have received for further reading have been spot on. On a side note, if you like dry humor you will love the people working at Arcane Comics. If you have not tried them out what are you waiting for? Their trade paperback collection is second to none. And take a moment to look at the fan art around the store. read more

This is simply the best comic book shop in town. The staff is super friendly & knowledgeable and the selection is great. If you live in the area it's an obvious choice, if you don't live in the area it's worth the commute! read more

I adore arcane comics! I was not a comics person before my partner brought me to Arcane. Now it is difficult to get me to leave when he picks up his "box". It is only because of the great service, expansive selection of material, & the wonderful personalities that work there that have brought me into the fold. Importantly, their service extends beyond just the point-of-sale: I.e., recently they received an item they knew I would love and placed it in my partners box so I would be sure to get it :-). As usual they were right on, but I couldn't believe they remembered us by name-& remembered My preferences-& I don't even have a box there! The product was perfect for me and it has opened up a new avenue of art and excitement for me. Thanks so much guys!!! read more

I am SO GLAD Arcane is in Shoreline now! The store is large, parking is super easy, and the selection is great. I haven't been able to stump Kenshi or Jeremy yet with comic requests. Looking for something a bit steampunk and scary? Locke and Key. Something with parents? Saga. Good fantasy adventure? Rat Queens. They also have a great boardgame selection, a few cards, original art work, and local comics and zines. read more

comic store for true fans. great selection and excellent customer service. the subscription service is super simple and convenient. this is what a local comic store should feel like. read more

Great staff and fantastic store. If you don't see what you're looking for they are happy to order just about anything. They are reopening at the Seattle/Shoreline border ... 15 minutes north, same side of 99. They have a great selection and are the best shop in town for an actually curated section for kids and YA. Plenty of parking in the new location and a few doors down from an excellent lunch spot. read more

I've been going here for a while now. These guys are so friendly and helpful that going is a pleasure. They seem to know everyone's name, and I've been bringing my kids lately and not only do we all like going, but Jeremy seems to have taken my eight year old daughter under his wing - she loves X-Men and he's just been amazing and guiding her to good storylines that she has been loving. And they always seem to work really hard to help everyone, which just makes it a great place to go. read more

They have a good selection comics, but they have a great selection of kids comics. I think my very young daughters got more excited by this place then I did. Ended up leaving with an arm full of My Little Pony comics. read more

The store is small but the owner is a cool guy who KNOWS comics! They are way busy on Wednesday so don't expect them to be at your beckon call but suffice to say they are friendlier and more personable than pretty much any other comic store employees I run into at least in Seattle. (Strangely enough, Los Angeles comic store employes are way friendlier for some reason?) Check these guy out. It's well worth the visit. read more

Arcane is the best -- they are open seven days a week. Scott is very understanding and helpful. It is a wonderful place.