1. Atomic Books

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    Baltimore, MD

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    Atomic Books

    4.1 (122 reviews)
    Closed • 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

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    Claire G.

    I've been coming here for over 15 years, and it is such a treat each time. They have an amazing selection of comics snd other novelties. Best Baltimore stickers and gifts, as well. I always try to pop in when I visit Baltimore.

    Bar area
    Ana B.

    What's not to love about a comic book store that has a bar in the back. It's a divy hipster bar in Hampden. The crowd is a little order and it's cheap drinks and beers with usually a live show. The staff is friendly. I've heard John Waters (creator of Hair Spray) does signings here on occasion! It's a fun spot. They do have regular fiction books as well!

    Carolina S.

    Atomic Books was a definite Baltimore must! I don't need to remind you that John Waters gets his mail here. A perfect stalking.... I meant local hub for all things literature! It was my first time here and I immediately feel for it. It might have helped that we were in the car for hours and I made a b-line for the bar in the back. Yes, you heard me loud and clear. There's beer here. I was quiet happy to see a little couch with Waters and Divine head pillows. And I couldn't resist playing a couple rounds of Ms. PAC-MAN. When my friend showed me how to start it. I was only one point away from the win. The bartender last Saturday was a super sweetie and helped me select the right sour "Sorry Chick" to quench my thirst. It was delicious! She also complemented me on my outfit. It's like she wanted me to move in with all the love I felt. I spotted a cheap book rack and immediately went for the pickle book. I was tempted. There was a family in the back who was also trying to convince me about the book. I should be in a "Cookbooks Anonymous". I admit I have a problem and that's the first step. The array of books had so many of my favorites. I focused a lot on the illustrated comics. Liana Finck's new book "Passing for Human" was in the mix. She's one of my favorite cartoonist for the New Yorker! I also enjoyed the John Waters x-mas card wall. Buscemi one will always be my favorite. There was also signed books of all his novels. A real must see for all fans! You can also pick up your "Baltimore: I actually like it" t shirt for 25 bones, Tip: We didn't know but word on the street is the record store (True Vine Record Shop) next door is amazing and Waters loves this area so spend some time walking around.

    Comics I got!
    Derwyn R.

    This was my first visit here. I've been in Baltimore all these years and I finally stopped in. They have a mask policy so I ran back to my car to grab one, just a note to anyone planning to go. I was impressed by their diverse selection of books and comics. I was able to get what I wanted and then some. I was going to rate this review a 5 star but I honestly felt like I was watched the whole time I was in the store. I would move from one side of the store to the next and still notice it. I just ignored it and kept shopping. My wife also noticed it without me mentioning it.

    Comics perfect

    LOVE IT‼GREAT PRICES I GOT A FEW BOOKS FOR UNDER $1 I love them they're addictive I hope they continue to make part 2 in some of theses book love the pictures.love the vibe great service was a quick in easy check out

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    14 years ago

    Finally selection that IS worth every red cent! Got my package fast and its awesome!!!!

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    12 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Atomic Books

    Review Highlights - Atomic Books

    “Atomic Books is also special as it collects fan mail for John Waters, which he picks up from the shop regularly.”

    Mentioned in 18 reviews

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    The Book Thing - More mural

    The Book Thing

    4.8(194 reviews)
    1.4 mi•Abell
    •$

    Great place for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Children and educator would greatly benefitread more

    For the price, can't be beat!…read more The model is simple: donate your books (up to 7 boxes per visit). They give them away for free! According to their website, you can't take more than 150,000 books per visit, so don't be too greedy, you bookworms! They sell 1-2% of donated books to cover overhead, but everything else is volunteer basis, keeping The Book Thing a free community even once a month. Be prepared to wait in line. We arrived at 11:45 so most of the big rush had faded. They let people in on the hour, with a max of 100 people in per time. If you arrive after someone leaves, they can let you in to finish that hour out. You could make a day of it - there are several cafés, breweries, and restaurants in the area that you could visit before or afterwards. Inside there are three rooms - red, blue, and green. They are organized by genres. A warning: this is not for claustrophobic people. It gets crowded and while people are generally polite and respectful, you will rub shoulders with plenty of other bibliophiles. My kids enjoyed it, though Child #1 was a tad overwhelmed and Child#3 wanted to get out of his umbrella stroller and run around! They all picked out something that was just for them. My wife gathered several books and I picked up a couple for myself. When you leave, you need to count your books and tell them that number (for their record-keeping) and your ZIP code. Other than that, it's a great deal, not to mention a fun way to meet other folks in the community. One parent reminisced about how her (now grown) daughter used to love a series that my middle child was looking at. I overheard one woman asking about a particular genre and a volunteer told her that those usually get picked over pretty early. So while there is more of a wait and higher demand closer to opening time, it sounds like there are some choicer items that are available then. DONATION - there is a small one-way road that leads around the back. After the morning rush, it seemed like it moves quickly. There's a small parking pad where you can pull up and give your books to some volunteers. Parking - it's Waverly, so pretty much street parking and you will have to look. We lucked out and saw someone leaving their spot right by the donation drop-off, so we were able to park close. If you have a bunch of books that could use a new home, come donate them here! If you are curious about grabbing some new books for yourself, drop on by! Just check the website for specific dates - it can vary from month to month what's available.

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    The Book Thing
    The Book Thing - Lines to get in

    Lines to get in

    The Book Thing

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    Dreamers & Make-Believers - Comics and books

    Dreamers & Make-Believers

    4.5(22 reviews)
    4.6 mi•Highlandtown

    An absolute gem in the neighborhood and city. I was visiting my friend at a nearby cafe and after…read moretheir shift ended, he invited me to "his favorite bookstore" nearby. We walked just a few minutes to this wonderful cafe/bookshop! Tons of fantastic fun novels, interesting memoirs, graphic novels, poetry, manga, a modern book-lover's dream! I really appreciate how the store is laid out too-- it's inviting and helps you wander and find new discoveries. Did I plan on buying three books? No but I don't think I could have found them in such a delightful way had I not gone into this store! I already finished two out of the three! Baltimore deserves more stores like this. Community is what keeps places like this strong. A side note: If you're queer or bipoc, or if you're a family member to someone that is learning to build/explore/enjoy who they are-- a store like this is a great place to pick up a couple of books by authors or characters that catch your eye! This world is diverse and incredible if we're open to it. Stores and stories shared are so important

    OMG! What have I been doing?! I literally jog and walk past this place weekly on my way to…read morePatterson Park. I've had blinders on! On my most recent walk, I noticed the rainbow flag by the window and decided to take a detour. I'm SO GLAD I did. I love this book store! But it's so much more! There's a little coffee spot, Reverie Coffee, and a section that caters to kids. It is SO much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. Oh yeah, you comic & Marvel fans will LOVE this place. They have TONS of comics and a whole Marvel section. I checked out their website, and they have book clubs you can sign up for. They have a list of events and they even have merchandise. I love the BMore shirts and sweatshirts, but in the store they have more to choose from. Dreamers & Make-Believers is the appropriate name for such a cute bookstore+. There were a few people in the store with their laptops typing away. That's what I have planned for next week. I'm just gonna hang out. All of the employees were so friendly! I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door and when I was leaving. I love that! Come check it out!

    Photos
    Dreamers & Make-Believers - The store has a very welcoming environment!

    The store has a very welcoming environment!

    Dreamers & Make-Believers - Come and check out their merchandise, they have some really cute shirts and sweatshirts.

    Come and check out their merchandise, they have some really cute shirts and sweatshirts.

    Dreamers & Make-Believers - View from the back to the sunny front of the store including a selection of zines and T-shirts for sale on the wall.

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    View from the back to the sunny front of the store including a selection of zines and T-shirts for sale on the wall.

    Everyone's Place African Cultural Center - Heavenly book collection

    Everyone's Place African Cultural Center

    4.5(31 reviews)
    1.5 mi•Penn North
    •$$

    I love Everyone's Place. It is a historic gem!! Such a wide selection of reading materials and…read moremore! Customer service is always professional, inviting, attentive and hospitable.

    Every time I walk in EP, it's the aroma that always make me happy and relaxes my soul. There's this…read moreamalgamation of varying body oils, incense and soaps that truly permeate the air and this fragrant heady aroma that is absolutely intoxicating. My mission: to get raw Shea butter bc everywhere I've gone has refined Shea and I want the vitamins & nutrients raw Shea gives. EP is such a place to get authentic and organic products w/o all the bells & whistles of pretty packaging. It's just really good stuff!! When I tell you no one there gives a crap, believe it. This place has been around 40+ years!!! And u can tell. There is and always has been a type of air that is given off by the employees when you enter. It's as if, 'you should know what's in here and what it's for and how to use it already... and if you don't... ah well'. I get and can't appreciate the hands off approach. I hate nothing more than a pushy salesperson. That's not what's happening in here. It's more of an indifference to anything. This go around, as has always happened here, I had a few questions. The employees seem out off by having to stop looking in their phones to actually answer a question. So after the eye roll and the sigh, I ask... and as is always the case, the question is replied to with complete indifference ['If you want it, get it. If you don't... cool... but put it back where u got it. I ain't movin']. That's always been my 'turn off' w/ this place since I started going in the 90s. Sadly, EP has been one of the only stalwarts that has stood the test of time in the area. Granted, they have good genuine products in stock. Fantastic body oils, tinctures, lotions, soaps, incense, teas, fabrics, art, sculptures a literal library of wonderful Afro centric literature, etc... it's all there. And if it isn't, they can prob get it for you. But it's the 'indifference' for me. I'm sure it works for them bc they've been the same way for 20+ years. While the price points may be a lil higher than expected, taking into account that they are a specialty shop catering to a a specific need/ demographic, the pricing is definitely justified - especially in this market w/ so many businesses closing. I do hope EP stays around for a long time to come. I just wish the employees gave just an iota about what they're selling in the shop (lower level).

    Photos
    Everyone's Place African Cultural Center - Huge selection!

    Huge selection!

    Everyone's Place African Cultural Center - My purchase...ankh earrings, RBG earrings,  black empowerment fist necklace, raw shea butter

    My purchase...ankh earrings, RBG earrings, black empowerment fist necklace, raw shea butter

    Everyone's Place African Cultural Center - Bought a dashiki for a gift and PowerNomics and bean pie for me

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    Bought a dashiki for a gift and PowerNomics and bean pie for me

    Baltimore Comic Con

    Baltimore Comic Con

    4.3(16 reviews)
    3.3 mi•Inner Harbor

    Came here to my first Baltimore Comic Con! This was a traditional comic book convention with a…read moresprinkling of pop culture. It was held at the BaltimoreCconvention Center in downtown Baltimore. Parking can be a nightmare, but it is possible with the city garages you can walk to. I suggest public transportation or a ride share service. Upon entering, we showed our electronic tickets and were given a wristband, which was checked as we entered the convention floor. They had single and multi-day options available. Upon arriving on the floor, we got a program which included the layout of the event (aisles indicating where certain vendors were, the rooms where panel discussions were being held, and the schedule for the meet and greets with invited special guests for photo and autograph opportunities.) To name a few: the twins from Harry Potter, Michael Biehn from "Terminator and Aliens"; Giancarlo Esposito from "Breaking Bad", and a host of others including popular voice actors, artists, and illustrators (with long lines as well, so get their early!) They had an authentication kiosk for items in addition to the ability to sell and purchase items. Folks were there in their cosplay best which was great for people watching. They have a food court and seating area as well. All in all, I enjoyed it and look forward to attending next year.

    Fantastic Con. I go every year (when they're open --- COVID sucks) and really enjoy myself…read more Honestly I only go on Friday and I only go to the sales/vendor area. I have no interest in the panels and Cosplay and stuff. The vendors are great and there are hundreds of them. If you want comics, you're golden. But they've also got so many other art vendors, arts and crafts, fantasy, sci-fi, you name it. This year I had a very pleasant surprise: As I was walking around this area, Terry Dodson, one of my favorite artists, was signing. So I hopped in line and bought some of his books with signature, along with really nice 5 minute conversation. That was an unexpected really cool treat. My advice to get there just for the vendor area: The Con usually opens Friday at 1 pm or so. Get there at 130-2 pm. You will avoid the lines and literally walk right in. Get your ticket online ahead of time, and I get a parking pass at a local lot because it's usually cheaper than that-day and I don't have to worry about where to take my car. I end up walking about 2 blocks, which is nothing.

    Photos
    Baltimore Comic Con - Slickback from "The Boondocks" cosplay

    Slickback from "The Boondocks" cosplay

    Baltimore Comic Con
    Baltimore Comic Con

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    Atomic Books - comicbooks - Updated October 2026

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