Okay, the pandemic is over and I've been to this shop a few times in the last year. It's modest, but it's got a decent selection of the latest comics and graphic novels, and the staff are friendly enough. Go grab yourself some goodies! read more

They have great customer service and quality selection of comics. It is a very well run business with knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Don't really love this place these days, as it's a shadow of its former glory. Twenty years ago, with the old owner, in the old location, there was a welcoming vibe to it. Nowadays, that energy is gone. It's now tucked away in probably the most rundown office building in Bethesda, and the customer service is lacking. It's a good place to find popular comics that have sold out elsewhere, as it seems not many know where it is. There's a small back issue section, as I know folks like to dig for deals, but it seems to be more focused on collections and graphic novels than single issues. read more

Big Planet Comics moved a while back, and it took me a while to realize it's upstairs via a door just past Bacchus (a greek restaurant). Once you know what to look for, shouldn't be too hard to find thereafter. So yeah, took my son to get some books and found it just in time. Got what he wanted and we were out before closing time. It's a chill place, too bad they can't put a sign outside--they do have one of those foldable sidewalk signs, but it's easy to overlook. read more

3/5/21 When I start collecting D.C Comics (mind you), I wasn't as much into batman as I was Catwoman. Maybe it was my teenage hormones raging or the beautiful purple Catwoman suit with whip, but I had fallen hook line and sinker for her very own comics. Especially since this purple cat suit had no tail. Now believe it or not, I did not get my hands on the first copy first. It wasn't until the third copy came out that I went to go buy it. Unfortunately, the fourth edition came out by that time and the comic store did not have the other three copies. When I came home from The Gow School during my Winter Break, I went to Big Planet Comics to aquire the missing three comics. Big Planet Comics not only had the three missing books, but also plastic protective cases for them. Up until that point, I never cared or understood why people freaked out about their comics being opened and read. I got it all the moment I was interested in collecting Catwoman comics. I ordered my comics from D.C Comics, but not all the comics books came to me at school in pristine order. Enter Big Planet Comics once again. The comics that were not satisfactory were put to the side and the magazines I wanted were given plastic protective cases. I kept this up until I got 100 something Catwoman Comics. I must admit I was falling out of my comic book faze. Nevertheless, Big Planet Comics help keep everyone of my comic books safe, until they were thrown out be a storage company...yeah! Think BATS ^#IT CRAZY. "Que Sera Sera" she sings. I tell you what I believe... , "Oh, I believe in yesterday." read more

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When I was growing up, the local comic book store was the absolute fantasy destination where kids could go and get quickly and easily transported into fantastical worlds where good and evil were clearly divided into two camps with little or no moral ambiguity mostly, where mere mortals were whisked into service to harness their superpowers (mostly acquired through circumstances that a more skeptical mind might say could encourage impressionable minds to welcome being bit by spiders or exposed to hazardous wastes or possessed by other-worldly powerful forces or to touch apparently alien and otherwise toxic objects that fall from the sky or to question their actual parentage ....) The comic universe has changed significantly, breaking into the mainstream with first the X-Men (BAM!), then Marvel's Avenger franchise exploding (POW!) and D.C. Comics bursting onto the Netflix map (KA-BLAM!) but unarguably resurgent/gaining in popularity and reach through different media than the printed page. Which is why comic stores like Big Planet are such treats and treasures: walking through the doors gives something for everyone. If you're an adult reminiscing (or even still following/collecting actively) or a youngster still enthralled with adventure through the mesmerizing graphical journey in print where your own mind fills in the movements in-between snapshots that only a comic book or graphic novel can provide, Big Planet is a gem. read more

Best shop, love the little known books being sold with the big companies. Plus, listening to Sam Cooke while browsing the selection is pretty much solid. Awesome store. read more

I live really nearby this place and it is great! They have a huge selection of comics and graphic novels, and although their collectible section is not the largest it is filled with some good stuff. Joel & Greg have been running this place for a long time and they are some of the most nice and experienced people in the business. Recently Morgan started working here and he is really cool and friendly. All in all this place is great and definitely the best shop in the MD area! read more

Big Planet Comics - Comic Books Near Me - Bethesda, Maryland

The staff who own and work here are very awesome. Always recommend great comics for my kid. We go here every other month to treat our son to a comic or book. read more

I think I've visited just about every comic shop in the greater Washington, DC area since I moved here about seven years ago, including a few that are no longer with us. Big Planet's store in Bethesda (there are also locations in Georgetown and Vienna) is my favorite. A big part of the reason for this is Joel Pollack, the shop's owner/manager. Even on a busy day, he always takes the time to exchange a few words with just about every customer, most -- if not all -- of whom he seems to know by name (he knew mine by about my second or third visit). He's knowledgable not only about his store and its contents, but also about comics in general -- he's never failed to answer a question I've asked about when a certain book is going to ship or who the artist was on a particular title (NB: your mileage may vary on this point; I'm by no means one of those people who stands around arguing about what Captain America's armor is made out of -- I'm just saying he knows his stuff). Big Planet has a great selection: they order an ample number of copies of everything from the mainstream publishers and a good selection of independent publishers as well (although I'll confess to being a fairly mainstream comics reader). You'll never have to hunt; everything is where it's supposed to be, alphabetized, and easy to see. And there are generally enough copies of everything that you don't need to worry about beating the Wednesday regulars to the shop to snag a copy of the week's hot book. There's a subscription service for regular customers as well. If you commit to buying at least 10 comics a month, all of your requested books will be put aside for you, and you'll receive a 10 percent discount on all of your purchases. Another of Big Planet's strengths is its devotion of shelf space to collected editions. Marvel and DC trade paperbacks, manga, low-cost 50s and 60s reprints, super-fancy slipcased hardcovers: a great selection of all of the above. This variety comes at the expense of back issues; while you'll be able to find the last few months' worth of most current titles, the pickings are slim beyond that point. But that's what the Internet is for these days, right? Making what I think is a great decision, Big Planet displays a wide array of kid-friendly comics right by the register (think Archie, Scrooge McDuck, and superhero books geared towards younger readers). In combination with the manga and the collected editions -- all of which are more accessible to new readers than many of today's monthly comic books, this demonstrates a commitment to having a business that caters not just to the hardcore fanboys (he typed while wearing his Aquaman t-shirt) but to anyone who comes through the door curious about comics or just looking for a good read. Perhaps the best thing about Big Planet is that it defies almost every comic shop stereotype you care to name. It's immaculately clean. It's well lit. It's open when the sign on the door says it's going to be open. You can find things without moving a stack of comics or a box of back issues to see what's underneath. This is little stuff -- Shopkeeping 101 -- but comic shops tend to be incredibly bad at it. Big Planet is a model comic shop. If you're a comics fan, check it out; you won't be disappointed. If you're not a comics fan, who knows? There's a lot of great stuff out there that you've never even heard of, and this is the place to find it. read more

Big Planet Comics is without a doubt, the BEST comic book shop I have ever visited. My husband and I have been collectors now for a couple of years. In our time, we have visited comic shops all up and down the east coast. We are so glad we found Big Planet Comics. The staff at BPC is AMAZING!! My husband and I usually stop in on the weekend, while Joel is working. Joel obviously knows his stuff and has always been incredibly kind and welcoming to us! Our weekly/bi-weekly visits to BPC are one of the things we really look forward to because of our great chats with Joel! Recently, I also met Greg, when I stopped in on a weekday to pick up something I wanted to make sure didn't sell out. Greg was also super awesome and taught me all about how to read barcodes to make sure we're getting first printing, different covers etc.. Thanks, Greg! Amazing knowledge that is super useful!! (To this point, I don't understand how anyone could ever say they had a problem with the staff. It just doesn't make sense! These guys are so nice and helpful!!). As I said, my husband and I have visited comic shops all up and down the east coast. Big Planet Comics has one of the best layouts and is one of the nicest shops we've been to. Everything is laid out neatly and organized. The shop is well lit and kept very clean. We feel very fortunate that this shop is close to where we live. Finally, I would definitely suggest getting a box with them. If you become a subscriber (i believe you need 10 titles per month) you'll get a discount and you can always call ahead and ask them to put anything away for you. No more missing those number 1s! Seriously, Big Planet Comics is amazing. You should go there, now! read more

Always a good time at Big Planet Comics. Latest releases. Friendly service. They will always make a recommendation or chat with you about pop culture or whatever. This place is an oasis in the middle of the dull boring life we call reality. Don't miss out their hardcover sale read more

I've been going to this store since it opened way back when. It has a nice mix of a lot of different genres as well as plenty of collected volumes and knicky knacks. Owner Joel Pollack runs a tight shop with a knowledgeable friendly staff. There is always a smattering of sale items and the space is open and well lit, unlike some more cavernous stores. The shop is a short walk from the red line and surrounded by plenty of stellar restaurants in old Bethesda. Well worth a visit. read more

I went here for a specific comic they were out on the day I went but I was told the shipment arrived Thursday. I came back after work, they had it. The owner (I think) Is pretty cool. The space isn't huge but every time I've been there's been sort of a line so I'm guessing they carry most of the popular stuff. This will be my go to place from now on since it's next to my job. read more

Great shop. We stopped by on a whim to get some comics for our niece. She is 11 and is a fan of the female lead type comic series. She found everything she wanted and more! If she had no cap on how much she could spend, she would have easily bought a quarter of the store! The owner was personable, friendly and welcoming. His dog who is obviously a senior was wandering around scoping out the place. She is obviously the boss of the shop. They have a good selection for both younger and adult crowds. Everything is organized and easy to find and navigate. Recommend this place! read more

Yay to comic book stores! Alright, let me first give you a little background. I did not grow up with American comic books. Except X-Men, perhaps, but I don't necessarily follow comic books too closely. Often, it gets a bit intimidating to go to the stores because some staff could be very judgmental of my lack of "comic knowledge." But not here! I just finished reading the Alias series, which is what the Netflix Jessica Jones show is based on. I love the series so much and want something similar to it. The guy in the shop was so helpful! He event pointed out a few series I should look into as well. I'm definitely coming back whenever I need to get more insights on where to take my next comic journey. Sometimes, it's easier to talk with someone in person versus Googling away my curiosities. Thank you, Big Planet Comics, for being an awesome shop! read more

Have been hearing good things about this shop for a long time, so we stopped in on a recent visit. It did not disappoint! The shop is inviting and filled with a gorgeous selection of comics and graphic novels for kids and adults. Greg was friendly and super knowledgeable and made us feel welcome right away, and we left with some great new books. Thanks! read more

Always leave spending a lot of cash when I go in... kinda figures with such a great selection of TPB's. I don't really follow anything serially, but from what I can tell on the shelves, the new releases are always fully stocked, with previous months issues behind them (in some cases going as far back as 3 issues). The staff that I've encountered have ranged from pleasant and engaging to sullen and snobby. Which to be quite honest doesn't bother me at all since it doesn't make or break my trip... I've noticed that the owner does talk to some of the regulars, but I guess since I'm a Fantom refugee it'll take sometime to get to know them. The only thing holding me back from giving it 5 stars are the hours as a user mentioned earlier. On weekdays I have to drive through DC traffic then hit Bethesda traffic via Arlington Blvd (brootal) to maybe get there with a half hour to spare. Additionally, prices of TPB's can be much cheaper on Amazon, which makes me wish they had some sort of discount plan for readers like myself. I keep going back because I never know what I'm going to find on their shelves. Without having gone there, I might never have read some of my favorite series. Despite the minor shortcomings it really is a great experience. read more

If you are a comic book fan this is the place! I am a marvel and DC comic reader and enjoy just looking over new comics to read. This place has staff that are well verse and allow you to scan around without hovering over you. read more

The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable and they have a great selection. We need to keep small businesses like these going.

They have a decent selection here, unfortunately the staff are basically all buttholes. They're not friendly or helpful - pretty standard for a comic shop, but they seem to take it to a new level. I've had several poor experiences there, but here's a rundown of the worst: Me: do you have such and such comic? Them: no, that series ended months ago. Me: oh... I'm pretty sure there's a new one coming out. it's on the DC website. Them: no, you're wrong. Me: uh...ok? They made no effort to look up the comic I was talking about, and were incredibly insulting about the whole thing. I bought my comic the following week off Amazon. I don't go back there any more. read more

I've been going here for a long, long time, and maybe I'm biased, but this is one of my favorite places on earth. They have a deep stock of comics for grownups - sorry, 'graphic novels' - and keep the whole dolls/collectibles thing to a minimum. Joel, the owner, has guided me to good material for about 25 years now. He takes his role in the community seriously, going beyond simply owning a shop to helping organize small press conventions, attracting artists to the store, posting up customer art, and fighting in the courts for his right to distribute adult-oriented comic art. The selection is always rich; while the majority of the stock is conventional super-hero stuff, there's a wide range of other genres including manga, 'indie' books, underground, classics, and straight-up erotica. Where a particular genre may not be heavily represented, the examples they do have will demonstrate an intelligent, discerning sense behind the selection. I've always found the staff helpful; Joel, as I said, is a gem. He usually has high-school/college kids working there who may not be into what I'm into, but are always enthusiastic & knowledgeable about comics in general. I've never had trouble getting a staffer to help me chase down a title I'm looking for. I don't give 5 stars out for much, but it's hard to imagine a better all-around comic book shop than Big Planet. read more

This seems like a decent location to buy your comics, the store does seem a little bit disorganized for my taste. The staff were also friendly but seemed focus on something they were doing rather than customers. The store also had some manga but sadly the selection is very small. Sadly still have not found my geek fix lol. read more

I have no experience with comics at all, but I am the proud mommy of an 8 year old voracious reader and so when we pass a comic book store, we must go in. The guy at the counter was really nice and helpful with my son. He helped me locate a little comic for my younger daughter, and my son was excited with all the comics he bought. We live in Cali but every time we go to NIH we try to come back here. read more

My 9 year old daughter has discovered comics, and was so excited to spend her birthday money on them. The staff at Big Planet were great with both her and myself. She had one she was looking for, and they didn't have it. But when we came back two weeks later, there it was! I was happy to be asked if comics were ok for her because of their mature rating (someone actually thought about mom!), and they genuinely some of the nicest people I've ever encountered. read more

Eh. I just moved down to DC and this is the most convenient comic book shop. It's a good size and they have a good selection of trades, but their hours make it really difficult to go unless I stop by right after work, they require that you have at least ten books to make a pull list (ok, so it wasn't that difficult to force me to spend more money on comics), and their subscriber discount is only 10%. I have never chatted with the sales clerk about a book, and even though they're welcoming for women, every time I leave, I wish I could be back at my old comic book shop. read more

I absolutely love this shop. I go there regularly and bypass a shop that is technically closer to me because I love it so much. Wonderful staff that is friendly and helpful, great selection, fantastic atmosphere. Best comic shop in the area by far (and I've been to them all!). read more

I don't know what the guy Joseph C. has a problem with, but I've been coming here for 4 years and I've NEVER had any attitude from the employees, here or at the Georgetown location. I've never felt uncomfortable here. They are super-friendly and always eager to give you great recommendations if you ask. And, I'm a girl! I agree with the other reviewers about the breadth and depth of the selection here.. they give equal time and attention to the tight-pants superhero genre and to the indy/"adult" comics (I read both). I've also found some odd european comics that are somewhat hard to find. I especially enjoy the section they have segregated by author, since I don't really subscribe to any series and I buy TP based on writers I've enjoyed before. It's hard to walk out of here without spending hundreds of dollars. I love it! read more

Friendliest staff I've ever interacted with! They're very knowledgeable and helpful. Clean store and everything is sorted well. A staple for me whenever I'm in the area. read more

Stopped by a few times for some kids comics. One day I walked around in the store a bit, and noticed occult books and comics on some of the shelves. Indeed, just glancing around, on many shelves there were occult-looking covers. I did not open any of them, but just thought this is very strange. I bought a few dices (dies) at the front counter, brought them home. After many throws of the dies, I noticed that 7 out of 10 throws, the dies all came up either 6 or 9. Weird? a coincidence? I don't know. I threw them in the trash. read more

Exactly what a comic book store should be. Everything was easy to find and in good shape. The guy behind the counter (the owner?) was friendly and really good at making repeat customers. He told the girl in front of me about an artist who was going to be in the store the next day and gave me a free promotional poster to go with my purchases. I'll definitely be back read more

I came into this store as a tourist who stumbled upon a really nice comic book shop. I don't know the owner as several of the reviewers seem to do. I did experience almost every one of the observations all the reviewers had. I agree that this is a gem of a shop. The comics, graphic novels, series are all well displayed and easy to find. This is not the typical comic book shop. It's clean and the person behind the counter was both knowledgeable, helpful, but a bit snarky. I say that because where I'm from, I'm lucky enough to have a new comic book shop that is similar to this one in style, layout, and quality of merchandise, but the person behind the counter is really friendly and always shakes my hand when I come in. That's the extra star. This place is very good though and I do encourage readers to go here. It's a gem. Not your typical comic book store. read more

Went here on New Year's Day while visiting friends in the area; great store had all the new books, huge trade collection. Also some great books on comic creating. I picked up a copy of a Loomis Illustration book, and a EC collection. They had a small selection of some quality 60/70s back issues that were priced very reasonably. Owner/clerk was friendly and really engaging. Highly recommended. read more

Awesome neighborhood comic store with super friendly staff and a great selection for all ages.

I love this place. There are 2 owners I think but both of them are really cool. One of them really knows his comics so I usually ask him questions on what to usually get and whatever he suggests they are pretty good. I live in germantown and I really am not a fan of beyond comics so I just pass them and go to big planet. If you go on the right days you might catch a deal off some trade books read more

I've only been into comics for a couple years now, but my limited knowledge has lead be to believe that this is one of the better stores in the general Metro area. They stock a well-rounded and well organized inventory, and the staff are super helpful and friendly (not to mention, the guy that works Thursday's is cute as shit.) They also seem to be rather welcoming, unlike many other stores I've been to. I've seen stereotypically nerdy comic book fans-till-death in there, the rich business men that have been reading comics since they were five and come in on their lunch break, and teenagers, like me. It seems like they appreciate their customers, essentially. As a girl, I get a friendly vibe, despite comic books remaining a rather male-dominated field, both in terms of readership and production. read more

In a better world, this would be an average comic shop and there would be a bunch of places like this around town. As it is, Big Planet Comics is a real rarity. The other Washington-area comic book stores that have opened up (and usually closed) never really came very close, bless their hearts. Since everyone else is mentioning it, I will too: manager Joel is the man. Friendly guy, fun to talk to. I usually come here looking for one thing, but usually end up blowing about eighty bucks. read more

Very knowledgeable great staff had everything I needed and I was able to order if I needed to. Great selection anything you need any title, and if they don't have it they will order it for you. read more

This shop is run the way comics shops (and all businesses) should be run. The staff is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They seem to be not only willing to help but grateful for the opportunity. The inventory is extensive and reasonably priced. There are even bigger benefits when you use their in store subscription service. Overall, a very pleasant experience. read more

Joel best place to talk about comics...