I experienced inexplicable and outright disrespectful conduct from the owner, Bruce, during my last visit to Capital City Comics. Despite the multiple 1 star reviews citing Bruce's erratic and rude behavior, I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and support a local comics business. I came here a few times over the past year or two and bought a few things with no issue. Recently I went in and grabbed a giant pile of graphic novels to buy, ~$200 worth. The last few times I came in, he charged books at cover price and is generally amicable and friendly. This visit, he said he could not sell the pile of books I wanted because he had to "do some research" to "save me a few bucks" so that he wasn't "over-charging me". I told him that I don't need to save a few bucks and would just like to buy the books as-is and would pay whatever price he wanted, I didn't care about price, I just wanted the books! He grabbed the pile of books and hid them behind the counter and refused to sell them to me. His mood quickly changed to rude and abrasive. He made multiple abrasive comments, effectively ending the conversation. I left the store feeling quite perplexed as I had been nothing but courteous and kind during the visit, and I couldn't fathom what brought about this spate of complete irrational behavior. Is he developing dementia? I can't explain why the owner of a store would NOT want to sell books to someone. These were all books with multiple printings, all of which I've since found on eBay for 1/2 cover price, so I don't think he was trying to rip me off. I can't put it together. I had ~$1000 set aside to spend on graphic novels over the next month, and needless to say it will NOT be spent at Capital City Comics. Life is too short to put up with being treated disrespectfully. I strongly recommend avoiding this place. People like Bruce give comics a bad name, which is a shame because there are so many good and kind people who read comic books. I would rather pay 10x the price for books than be treated like that again. read more

Local comic and book store that's been around since the 70's. Packed with inventory but we'll organized. Super friendly and knowledgeable owner who is also honest about the value of comics. Support this local Madison gem! read more

I was very negative on this store, but I need to support it too. Bruce's store is filled with neat comic-related merchandise all displayed with care. He knows comics and comics history as a sage. He will enchanter you with friendly banter and graciousness. Capital City was my sole goal to be at when I was 10. I remember Bruce and thought he is a cool dude. Previously I hit hard on Capital City Comics because of a flare up with Bruce. I said some venomous things and regret that. It was in a moment of anger. True I found the store unwelcoming, so I went elsewhere. I found gold at Bruce's store; one being that he had all the first edition hardcopies of the EC Comic library. Obviously I bought them and walked out a happy man. So happy days to Captial City Comics. Stop in and get a peek at the massive collection, and talk with the white-haired sage that knows it all if it is comic related. KUDOS!!! read more

I was really excited to see what this place was all about! I'm an avid comic reader and I really enjoy finding new spots to browse for both new and collectors comics. But what I was met with was a complete disaster. I was asked if I needed any help but I was just there to explore. This is NOT a place to browse! There were comics shelved with little to no organization, comics stacked on top of each other throughout the store, and it was an absolute mess. I was so disappointed and a little bit disgusted. It was basically a comic hoarders garage. If you know what you're looking for and ask, then you might be able to get your hands on it. But I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. read more

Favorite store in Madison! Instantly boosts my mood! Everyone is so nice and there is such a good selection

Great Selection and knowledgeable staff. Had a nice conversation with the owner. I was really hoping this would be a place I would visit regularly to hunt or get some great deals possibly talk comics. Though they don't have everything they have the largest selection around. This is a great little shop. Why 2 stars you may ask. If you know what you want and relative prices on Ebay and are looking to get a good deal on a specific book or a spec book this is not that sort of shop... any book found on Ebay or almost else where else will have a better price. I have never been to a comics shop where they don't price the books until you want to make a purchase. No comics have price tags on them, to they price them on the spot and that price is higher than a typical Ebay price for a book of that condition. I also recently purchased 2 books which I searched his shelfs for, one which at check out they priced at $40 and one at $20 and was charged over $73. Not sure how that math works. So disappointed after walking in the shop and thinking this was going to be the best selection in Madison and a place I would frequent. Guess I'll just stick to Ebay and Facebook Marketplace. read more

Amazing place to find comics especially back issues. This place is literally a vault for comics. Met the owner Bruce and he's a really awesome person filled with comic book knowledge. This place is a hidden gem. read more

I'm a big supporter of Monroe Street businesses in general, but I was shocked and dismayed by my experience at this store. My son gave me a Christmas list from Amazon, and what I do is then buy as much as possible from local businesses instead. He had five items on the list that one would expect to find here. They had zero of them. Disappointing, given that this place is packed floor to ceiling with comics. So much so that when I arrived, not only was I not greeted, I didn't even know if anyone was working. What would be a service counter is completely packed with comics stacked high and everywhere. I saw two older gentleman, unmasked, which turned out to be the ones working. When I asked them to put masks on, it took them several minutes to even locate one, and they did not do so gladly. I mentioned that there is a mask mandate. The reply was not if you're eating and drinking. He hunted around and found a paper cup with a straw in it. Apparently to them, the mask mandate is something to find a loophole in, not something to protect public health. Needless to say I will not patronize this business in the future and would like to warn people before they go. Really, really disappointing. Two stars only for the fact that they do have tons of comics. I guess that's something. read more

Great Comic book store. They specialize in back issues. Good guys to talk with. The prices are definitely fair. I wish i could go to this place more but I live in Chicago. read more

This is the comic book store I've been looking for my entire life. My love of comics books started when I was very young, and I had always enjoyed visiting the local store for a decent selection of new titles or searching through stacks of old issues in antique stores. However, I had never found a store that I could depend on to have what I'm looking for..... until Capital City Comics. Capital City Comics was started from an antique shop owned by Doug, the owner. It's easy to tell because while there is a comprehensive collection of every title that is currently relevant, there are also multiple rooms filled with stacks of backdated issues that go back decades. As soon as I walked in, I started a conversation with Doug, and he proved to be extremely knowledgable. No matter what kind of comics you're into, I highly suggest asking Doug for suggestions and guarantee he'll know what's up. He was also extremely friendly, discussed some of my favorite titles with me, and asked for my report on the volumes I purchased. Overall this store has everything exceptional comic stores should have: a thorough collection of recent releases, older classic/popular titles, a large collection of smaller/independent publishers, stacks of old issues to peruse through, a friendly owner that knows what he's talking about, and great personal service. Finding this store was definitely beneficial for my collection, but the worst thing that could have happened for my bank account. (Who needs textbooks anyways?) read more

Simply the best. Friendly, knowledgeable and helpful all the time. They have by far the best selection of back issues anywhere close to Madison and will take your pull list so you never miss any new comics. Bruce and Rob always take time to make you feel welcome and will chat if they aren't busy with other customers. AND how many shops do you know of that lay out free cookies for the customers. Really can't say enough. Just going there is a fun, entertaining experience and I've gotten some great reads based on their recommendations. Seriously, THE BEST. read more

I'm not a part of the monthly comic book scene so I can't judge this store based on their selection in those regards but I do read graphic novels from time to time and I've always found something of interest here. Plus the owner is very friendly and knowledgeable. I've picked up everything from Tony Millionaire to Charles Burns here and it's in a great spot in town right next to Strictly Discs and Trader Joe's. read more

Capital City Comics - Comic Books Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

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This small, no-frills shop is a little like the Android's Dungeon, only the owner isn't an obese mega-nerd. They have some of the newer selections, as well as some magazines, zines, graphic novels, and a few art books. I was able to get my paws on the new Daniel Clowes book I've been waiting on. They also have a nice selection of back issues, but most of them are not organized by price, or visibly priced, and the owner has to look each of them up individually, which can be a pain if your boyfriend loves buying piles of comics. read more

This comic book shop is superb! Very crowded with everything you could need the owner was super helpful in helping me find exactly what I wanted and even suggested some of his own favorites. I will be back soon for sure :) read more

Capital City Comics - Some of the comics I bought - Comic Books Near Me - Madison, Wisconsin

Exactly what a comic book store should be. Bruce is a friendly and knowledgable shop owner who's been in the neighborhood forever. Great place to pick up your pull list, browse back issues, or learn about comics. read more

The first time you walk into Capital City Comics, your impression might be that it is a chaotic mess. It isn't. There may be stacks of books everywhere, but each one is organized and the owner knows exactly where everything is. Look around and enjoy - It's like stepping into a magical world of comics. If you're having trouble finding something, or have no idea where to start, the owner has a mind like a filing cabinet, and in addition to knowing where everything he has is, he also knows all kinds of trivia about Marvel, DC, and the history of comic books. Keep in mind that your are pretty much guaranteed to spend longer than you intended in this store, since there is much to see and the owner is such a conversationalist. I have to say I really enjoy visiting this shop. I would give it a 4.5 out of 5 if I could, but my regular shop is another place in town solely because of the location. read more

Great selection of comic books and helpful staff! I brought my 10 year old here for summer reading material. The staff was helpful and patient and really listened to what characters and books he was interested in in order to steer him in the right direction. They made several great recommendations. read more

Sorry but unless you're on foot ot a bike expect to pay for parking, if you can even find any. Couldn't find parking except for meters and since I didn't even know if I was going to be in ther for 5 minutes or an hour I had to pass on the whole endeavor. For me, ease of access to a place is key. If you set up in a hole in the wall fine, but make sure you have advertising as to where you are and where to park. If you want a shop that you can just swing by and take a look at what's new or see if that special thing happened to come in then I would pass on this place. To difficult to get into without spending money and time and that's before I even set foot in the place. Sorry but I have to say pass on the place if you're hunting for that comic because it's too much of a hassle to start with. Doesn't matter if they have the best deals or even that one ultimate issue you've been searching for because none of that matters if you can even get into the place. read more

This place is small and EXTREMELY disorganized; and nothing is bagged, boarded, or priced. The manager (Rob?) seems like a nice guy; but the owner (Bruce) is rude, lazy, and clueless. He seems to actually want to discourage customers from buying anything from his little shop. I honestly cannot see how he stays in business. read more

Apparently I didn't know the secret handshake that declared I was worthy to buy comics. Got the third-degree for inquiring about the DC titles re-launch. Yes, I know it's a shameful ploy on the publisher's part to generate sales, but the shop owner downplayed the whole thing to the point of trying to discourage a future sale. read more

The place was filled to the ceiling with old comics. You probably could find what you're looking for if he wanted to help. But he didn't want to help me out. He said he might have what I wanted but he'd have to dig. Ok, get to digging. But I got the idea that he didn't want to dig and suggested I look on Amazon. Then he said good luck. Well I did go on Amazon and spent $50 plus on the collection of old comics I wanted. read more

I've been here a few times, but only because it's one of the few stores that has a large selection of back issues anywhere around me. The first time I came in I asked for back issues of Deadpool, and was told (by the owner), "they're in a box somewhere, I'd have to find them." I expected him to go "find them" (mind you that this is a pretty small place) but instead he told me to check back another day. Pretty frustrating, considering I drove 45 minutes just to get there. So I left empty handed. I have been back since, and he did have the books I was looking for available which was a plus. The books are priced a little above average, but I like to support local business, and that comes with the territory. Not too bad though. Pretty small selection of new books. Not a whole lot goin on in the collectibles department. Not very pleasing aesthetically inside. After goin here on a semi regular basis, the owner has warmed up to me, and has allowed for some wiggle room on the prices. Overall this shop is pretty sub par. read more

Capital City comics is a great place. I enjoy coming here and talking to Bruce, who despite working at the store since the 70's has maintained razor sharp knowledge of every comic book in the store. It also is a very welcoming enviornment that any person would like. read more

Capital City Comics was one of the highlights of my recent trip from Chicago to Madison. I guarantee I'll visit every time I'm in town -- the selection of comics and difficult-to-find graphic novels was outstanding. The owner was super-friendly and informative, and he helped me find a few specific old DC titles (and offered reasonable prices for them) while also helping me track down a couple obscure graphic novels even though I only had partial titles or partial author names to go on. This place is a gem. read more

I visited this shop hoping to find some 70s horror books. I immediately noted how disorganized everything was, so I inquired with the man behind the counter, and he got a couple of books for me to browse. I mentioned I had had some luck finding some bargins at conventions simply to talk about the hobby, and he gave me a look and said if I wanted bargin books, that I should "stick with the conventions". He then gave me a long lecture on how "old" 70s books were, talked down to me as if I knew nothing of the hobby, and illustrated how valuable his books were by telling me he put them in mylar (nevermind I had gotten some of his "ultra rare" issues off ebay for next to nothing). I inquired about how much he wanted for the books, and he simply tossed down a price guide, and told me to look them up. He also presumed I was unaware such a thing as a price guide existed in the world. I was insulted by the way I was treated, and left without buying anything, when I had every intention of walking away with SOMETHING, even if it was a TPB of reprints. Bottom line: Nothing is priced, customer service is non-existant, and the staff is rude and elitist. They didn't even have the open sign turned on. Avoid at all costs. read more

Really sweet people. Just got moved in so lots of comics in boxes but they take care of them! Very helpful and kind. We found some of the limited editions we needed! read more

If you're looking for anything- ANYTHING- in the realm of comic books, this is where to go. A life-size Spider-Man guards one of the deepest back-issue collections imaginable (going back to Golden Age titles), and on the off-chance something isn't to be found in the store, Bruce and company are more than happy to help track down a copy. Got a question about a title that only lasted three issues and printed eight copies each? They've heard of it, and could probably tell you more about it than the guy that wrote it- and happily will, if asked. The relatively small size of the store lends itself well to open discussion, too, and I've often seen several customers and staff all having one large conversation. Part epic comic shop, part comic forum, this is a nerd paradise. read more

As Bruce would tell you himself, this is a comic book shop for the hardcore enthusiast. If you want to find Golden Age, Silver Age, 50's horror, etc., this is the place for you. It's not for the casual browser, mainly because there just isn't room in the store for that. If you're looking for something in particular, your best bet is to call ahead and ask them to pull it for you. The store can get pretty hectic on Wednesday, but if it's slow, it's a great place to stop in, browse and talk comics. read more

This place was pretty sweet! Found some comics I had been looking for and they had it! A little small for a comic shop, but hey, who cares, and long as it holds them!! read more

Just trying to get someone on the phone to ask if they have certain things in stock is a nightmare. They are open weekdays from noon to 7, but the phone is in constant use during that period. Tried all day and all I go was a busy signal. read more

I confess that I am not a comic book buyer. But I brought my son in for Batman Day on July 23 because this location was listed as a participating store at dccomics.com. The staff was uninterested in us, and I overheard one person call it a publicity stunt. This store is clearly for the hardcore comic fans, which is fine, but then don't participate in something meant to bring in casual fans and their children. read more

I stopped into Capital City recently and it was amazing all the comics, books and memorablilia this place had. Unfortunately I didn't have a lot of time to look it all over but the owner was very helpful, very friendly. They did have exactly what I was looking for and then some. Plan on stopping again real soon and this time I will make sure I have plenty of time to look around. Great place and friendly knowledgable service. Two thumbs up! read more

This has always been one of my favorite neighborhood style comic books stores. The owner really cares about the books and knows his source material. I stopped being a regular when I moved away from Madison after nine years. I stop by again and again when I get back into town. It's like walking back into a friend's house. It's cluttered and chaotic feeling, but the owner always knows what he has in stock and where it is on the shelf. When my non comic book buying wife asked him about zombie, we walked out with a great collection of various graphic novels. I collected several new books of old stories that I wanted to have available in an easier to handle format. I really like this store and it's owner, Bruce. read more

Cap City Comics was my first comic book store and I still hold it in very high esteem--a must visit when I'm in Madison.

This place is a dump. Small, overstuffed to the point of making browsing impossible, and completely disorganized. Overpriced back issues are stacked on the floor in piles instead of longboxes while their trade paperback collections are a mish mash with almost no manga to speak of. Also: Watch Out, this place will raise the price on books you are interested in after they have told you that the books are cover price. The owner is a bit of a jerk who will talk your ear off without letting you get a word in. read more

First off, I gave this store five stars because it has everything I personally want from a comic shop. I'm well aware than many people may not find some elements as charming as I do. Cap City is the dive bar of Madison comic shops. It's small, cramped, and doesn't get too much light because the windows are covered in posters. The owner can be a bit gruff, but he's ultimately a super friendly guy who takes very, very good care of his regular customers. The selection is the best in town, too; on top of the weekly releases, they have an absurd collection of back issues and easily the best graphic novel and TPB collection in Madison, filling bookshelf after bookshelf that line the walls. Most importantly, though, Cap City provides a community. Every Wednesday, the regulars all gather. We only really see each other once a week, but on that day we hang out, talk comics, compare purchases, and actually have a lot of fun even while still at the shop. That kind of community is priceless. read more

I have never been, and will never go to this store. I called the store to ask if they had a copy of the Walking dead #100 (which releases tomorrow) and the guy was a total jerk. i ask if they have the comic in, and the guy answers no, because it isnt out yet. I said i understand that, i am just checking to see if you have copies that are not already on reserve available - to which he replies - of course, we are professionals (not bad...yet) he then says, we have been getting a lot of calls about this comic, from people who dont generally buy comics, why do you think that is - and I answer him probably because it is the most hyped comic in years. then he continues to carry on about how these "stooges" have no business reading comics and etc. which I laugh off and ask if he will be selling a black and white variant, which he says if they did it would be expensive - I ask how much and he says I am better off just buying my comics online. ok- well, thanks for not helping me. guy was a total jerk - I am all but handing hm my money but I guess sinceI don't knock on his door each release date I am a stooge who does not deserve his comics.....whatever, Westfield comics has two locations, I am sure that one will gladly accept my money. read more

Bruce is one of the most arrogant, snide and condescending excuses for a living being I've ever had the misfortune to meet. Does he think he's above other humans just because he's into comic books?!? Be sure to catch him on a good day, be specific about what you are looking for (it has to be something hard to find and expensive) and let him know you intend on spending a lot of money; otherwise, he is insulted that you even walked into his precious store... and will not hesitate to tell you, one way or another. (Upon my second visit to the store, I found Bruce sitting behind the counter, reading a newspaper; I asked him very nicely if he could help me. He slowly looked up from his paper, clearly annoyed that I was interrupting his leisure time. When I told him I was looking for a particular collection on behalf of an out-of-town friend, he curtly replied, "Tell your friend to look on eBay." I've not been back since.) On the other hand, you could head over to Graham Crackers Comics where I have found the selection to be amazing and the staff very down to earth. Thanks, Bruce-- for helping me discover Graham Crackers Comics!! read more