I'm pretty new to buying comics, but I feel qualified to give Challengers a 5-star review. The space is clean, uncluttered, and well-lit, they stock all the new comics I'm inclined to read, and they have a good selection of back issues, trade paperbacks and graphic novels. For me, that's enough for 4 stars, and the fifth is for the welcoming vibe I get from the staff, who have demonstrated their knowledge, grace, and committment to Sparkle Motion each time I've visited. This would have been my Local Comics Shop had I not moved, and I regret that I didn't shop here more often when I lived closer. I would especially recommend Challengers to people just getting into comics or buying gifts for friends or family members -- they have what you're looking for. read more

Comics closer to my HOME! Yes! When I'm there I get nothing but friendly service (ONCE i got to wear their Cyberman helmet ) and when I'm not there I can spy on my favorite comic book store with their WEBCAM!! read more

Nice guys, well laid out store with plenty of TPB's, but it feels like your grandfathers comic book shop some how or a doctors office waiting room. The owner in the suite always throws me but everyones seems pleasant and knowledgable. I find it my fall back store if I can''t make it to my favorite comic shop. If I could give it a 3.5 stars rather than a 3 I would. read more

My favorite shop in Chicago. Run by two of the most knowledgeable and friendly guys in the business. If you're not shopping here, you don't like comic books. read more

I got the chance to stop in and thought it was a great comic store but too sterile for my taste. That may sound weird but I think comic stores should have a little flavor to them. They had a very good selection of trades and new comics but found selection of action figures, statues and back issues lacking. They have a cool little gallery (very white). The employees that I met were nice enough, a bit grouchy, but nice. Overall a good store but in my opinion (and remember this is just my opinion) not the store for me (but it may be for you). read more

Full disclaimer: The store has hosted an event for one of my works. That out of the way, I absolutely love Challengers. Gone are the comic shop cliches of my youth (anybody remember Larry's on Devon where you got sneered at when you walked in the door, and then had to plow through decrepit, haphazard, crapheaps of G-VG quality comics in decaying boxes)? Challengers is friendly, comfortable, and completely embedded in the local arts community. Patrick and Dal are cordial hosts, always dressed professionally, and more than helpful when you're looking for a style, but don't know where to begin (e.g. "I'm looking for a western comic with a bronze age sensibility: any thoughts?"). They're always hosting *something* there, and I was thrilled to see that comics stalwart Sal Abbinanti will be there soon, as well as Chicago Bear Lance Briggs. No attitude, no hipster b.s., just a well-lit, well-organized, comic shop run by guys who love their customers even more than the books they sell. read more

Challengers is a great shop if you're a comic book fan. First off it is CLEAN! I love the red carpeting they have laid out, it provides a lively feeling that is unique among comic book shops. The store is also pretty spacious, taking advantage of the stretched-out length to appropriately showcase different books from different companies. In addition to the weekly books, Challengers boasts a pretty hefty assortment of TPBs that you won't find in Barnes & Noble. The staff is friendly and well-dressed in suits, ties and/or vests. Adjacent to the main showroom is a reading lounge, which is something I haven't run into before. The last cool part about Challengers Comics is the whiteboard behind the register. The whiteboard is full of artists' artwork and autographs - there's always the chance that you might run into a creator if they're having a big event! Great place! read more

Favorite comic store in Chicago. Great place for either big-time comic addicts or newbies to the scene. Not a hint of snobbishness. Go here.

I've been coming to this comic book store for the past year if not 8 to 9 months and I have to say this might be my favorite comic book store if not somewhere in my top 5, one of the things I love about this store is the order in which the books are available which go from A to Z on all comic book company's from DC to Marvel and to Dark Horse or even Image Comics. I've bought many books from this place mostly either Green Lantern or The Flash mainly because the other comic book stores regardless of how long I wait don't seem to have them either that or they don't have them in hard back covers which I really enjoy since hard back ones are less prone to be torn or bent as soft covers. I would highly recommend this place to anyone who has been struggling to find a comic book store that is tidy, neat, organized, inviting and warm or even just a good place to read since they have soft chairs that you can read your books and even some good music to listen to while you read. The staff is very friendly and adequate and more then happy to help with any challenges you may be facing, no pun intended. read more

I went in to pick up a copy of the new Fantastic Four where a member of the FF dies. I usually buy the collected trades, but wanted a copy of the monthly. When I went in, found out that the book is sealed, so I decided to purchase 2 copies (so that I could read one, and save the other for Mint Condition). I also picked up a couple of other comics. When I went to the counter to purchase, I was informed that I could only purchase 1 copy of said comic (even though there were no signs stating this). My problem with being told this is that they said this with such snarkiness, that I decided not to purchase anything from Challengers. This is not the first time I have encountered attitude from this store. Sure, me not buying my comics from Challengers isn't going to cause problems, someone else will just pop in and pick up what I didn't purchase. But, this experience has caused me to become a detractor of Challengers, and take my business elsewhere. Luckily Amazing Fantasy Comics out in Frankfort, IL was able to meet my requests. I will not step foot in Challengers until they realize that every customer, not just their regulars, need to be treated with respect. read more

In blackest night go to the brightest shop. They hold events, support local creators, have dedicated staff and customers and a whole room with just kids comics. Light, organized, neither pretentious nerds or hipsters. Enjoy everything! read more

Challengers Comics is by far the best comic book experience in Chicago. From the clearly labeled organization to the availability of every unique request, this store has it all. read more

Yes, it's nice and bright and airy. Yes, it's clean with it's red & white theme. Yes, it has quite a TPB selection; the seperate writer's/artist bookshelf is pretty cool. And yet... it almost feels a little too sterile for a comic shop. Me & the GF went in last Saturday afternoon. The guy behind the counter greeted us, but the other storeperson never acknowledged us (no biggie). We were the only people in the store, but neither clerk asked if there was anything that we were looking for (we were). I guess I like my stores with a little more personality. But people who live near there should definitely support Challengers by shopping there & giving it some funk. read more

Finally, a comic book store that gets it. Challengers has all the classic things one would expect in a comic shop. Owners who know their products, all the latest releases, toys for the fanatics, original runs of classics, even in-store signings. So you might wonder, "why bother if there is another comic book store near me that carries the exact same stuff". It's what Challengers has done to go beyond those things that make this a real must-visit kind of place. The owners understand that above all building a solid community is essential in any industry. Just because that industry happens to be drawn out, colored in and exist in what once was a "kids'" format, doesn't mean community is any less important. Patrick and Dal's shop brings artists and writers to their store, not just to sign the books they sell but for lessons, chats, fun, live podcasts and even marathon holiday events. They have a drafting table set up with plenty of reference materials for the aspiring artist. And often, there's at least one person there who can personally give you a tip or two. I think it says something special that artists from all over come to Challengers to sign the wall and be able to join the online forums which are reserved for those who have physically visited the shop... They pick up stuff while there to, which helps the guys keep this visionary store going (you should too). Simply put, Challengers is a wonderful store that makes people step away from the anonymity of the computer and engages them in fun, insightful and intelligent conversation. It's a delight to see customers who don't know each other chatting away passionately over a topic they love and doing so politely as well. So whether your 8 or 38, you're going to find this shop a treat. Take a chance and ask a question; you'll be amazed at how quickly this store will become your favorite comic talk shop. read more

Phenomenal. Clean, organized, simple, minimal. Friendly staff, most of which appear to be female and adorable, and a vigor for creating community and conversation. You are encouraged to hang out and chat. This is Web 2.0 but as a comic store, ya bimbo. read more

Ok. I finally went into Challengers today. Challenger, Challengers. *sigh* where do I begin? Well, I have to say, that the very second that I opened the door to enter ,Challengers Comics+Conversation, Patrick B. was at the counter and yelled out a hearty " NINOOOOO"! Wow. Now that's class. Considering I never been there before, although I have met him several times before, I immediately felt like Norm from the t.v. show " Cheers". Ok. Now. beside that, I walked right up towards the front counter to ask Patrick how I can register onto the Challengers website? Guess what? Patrick started registering me as soon as I walked through the door! DOUBLE NO WAY! So he asked for e-mail info, etc.etc. and now, I am registered. I complimented him on his haircut, he smiled, he laughed, he joked. Oh man. I have to admit that the majority of the comic shops I frequent, for YEARS, have never treated me so graciously as Patrick, and Challengers. There was another worker there who I did not catch his name. Sorry guy who was wearing a white tie and red shirt. My bad.By the way, I asked about the Justice League 7 part series because I missed the first issue, and the very nice gentleman in the white tie and red shirt gracously answered my question , and directed me towards the books I was looking for. Thanks again nice guy with the white tie and red shirt. I will catch your name the next time I visit. Now ON TO THE STORE ITSELF. I liked the nice decor. The color scheme of red and white seemed very nice and relaxing to me. I strolled around to check out the store. They have D.C. MARVEL, Archie. ARCHIE! Yeah, I am a big Archie comics fan so when I was able to find my Archie fix, I was like Cool! I also saw a very nice display towards the back of the store that was full of Independant comic books with a sign asking for customers to support local artists. I liked this alot because lots I mean LOTS of comic book stores turn a blind eye to local and out of state indy comic book talent. Another feather in Challengers cap I must say. But that's not all. As I was strolling around the store, I noticed nice little lounge style plush red seats. People were having their private conversations there, then I saw Mike Norton there. I have met him several times before but check it out. Mike Norton said hi to me before I could say hi to him. He later asked me if I was going to be at Wizard this weekend. Wow. A big time guy like Mike Norton chit chatting with me. Well, I guess because I have met him a few times before but I am sure that he also chit chats it up with regular Challenger customers. They had a nice drawing table at the back of the store. I thought that was pretty sweet. So besides the comic books, art supplies, nice decor and friendly atmosphere and super pluses for the people who work there, I highly recommend this comic book store to anyone reading this review. I overheard some out of towners I think from New York chatting it up with Patrick so I am sure they will go back and tell their friends in N.Y. When in town , visit this store. Not the HUGEST comic shop ever but Huge in Quality and atmosphere. Later. Nino. read more

Nice place. Love the art on the walls. Good selection, super friendly staff. You can bring non-geeks here and they wouldn't freak out.

If I could give Challengers Comics more stars, I would. Definitely a top contender for my all time favorite comic store. Staff fantastically friendly and knowledgable, store brilliantly organized, they carry a diverse collection of mainstream and independent including local artists. read more

I'm not as much of a comic fanboy as I once was, only reading what my friends pick up and taking it from there. I will say though that Challenger's have an attitude I respond well to. While the setting was antiseptic during their earlier months, they've slowly been becoming a more casual environment to just chill in. They're one of the few comic stores I know of in the city that constantly is attempting to engage its followers, whether its signings, book club meetings, or staying open for 30 hours straight, they're not afraid to push themselves to satisfy their customers. Dal and Patrick have that nerdy kind of warmth, and while Dal's suits may be intimidating, they're both very knowledgeable and welcoming to both seasoned nerds and occasional travelers in comic circles. Though they have a tendency to screw up pull box orders (whether it's leaving stuff out or adding unnecessary titles as an act of malicious obedience) though it's only a minor annoyance. The selection is decent, and they've got more than enough back issues to finger through. read more

Best comic shop in a city of great ones. Go spend some money with these good fellas.

I was reading a series of trade paperbacks and my old store didn't have the next in series. I shrugged and started a new series. Next time in my old store was out of the next book i was now in need of. I scratched my head and began yet another series. I come back and they are out of the book i need for this series. Furthermore, they are still out of the other books I so desired. These are not unpopular or unknown titles I would also like to note. I said "fuck you, Chicago Comics, fuck you. I was faced with a real...challenge. (HAHAHAHA with wit like this its hard to believe I even read comics). Anyway, a friend told me about Challenger so I gave it a shot. They had every book I needed and also had multiple copies of each. This impressed me as I didn't feel like if i didn't buy all the books i needed that day they would be gone the next day. This has definitely become my new store. They'll order books for you and call when they're in. Also, very friendly and approachable staff. This store doesn't have the "I'm nerdy but incredibly pretentious" air that so many other stores seem to thrive on. Great place especially if you read graphic novels as opposed to monthly books. read more

Very well laid out, clean and accessible store. The staff was helpful and they had a grand selection.

Great shop with awesome service. I usually just go in and browse every now and again, but one week I was looking for a particular book and they offered to find a copy for me and call me when it was in. They had the book within a couple of days. read more

This place is rad and cool and other synonyms of that ilk. It's nice to go to a place where I can ask for recommendations for comics and not get a snarked-out response. Also, I can talk shop with the employees about Magic, because a few of them play in the tournaments that are hosted by them next door. Er, did I say Magic tournaments? I totally meant the combination beer chugging/boob judging contest. Magic is for nerds. read more

Wow... this is place is totally amazing. The people are great, they take the time to know you and they make you feel like this a great place to hang out. It's family friendly, with a room for the kids to color while the parents do some serious shopping. read more

Corporate comic book store all the way, for the slacker crowd I suppose, all the new stuff you could want or order from Diamond Comics. Nothing in the way of other media, like related film or television items, any other media. If you want the newest comics and graphic novels, a great place. For those into comic collecting, horror, sci-fi and fantasy, a real bore. read more

i have been to challengers a couple of times. usually with my friend who is a knowledgeable fan of comics. today i went alone feeling a bit sheepish. there are a few stories that i like but don't know much about. the staff were helpful in looking up stuff for me and explaining why my favorites don't publish very often. i left there feeling like i had just talked to a friendly expert who knew how to explain things to me without condescending or acting offended when i didn't know the details. thanks guys!! read more

great place for comics but the one staff member (fat dude) was rude when i ask about C2E2? the place was not busy just me and my family and dude was rude to me. wasn't rude to my wife cuz she bought comics for our son...i guess you have to have money in that place in order for staff to talk to you? GO to brainstorm, not alot of selection there but the staff are WAY MORE FRIENDLY. read more

Best shop in Chicago! Dal and Patrick are beyond welcoming, fun, and knowledgable. I have been to a lot of shops and none compare to the service that they provide. Their selection is great and if they don't have it they will order it for you. I have a big pull list and been out of town for months and they keep it going without any guilt trip. Patrick and Dal feel more like friends than salesmen. They also put on solid events that showcase some of the best talents in comics. If you are looking for a fun, non pretentious shop with a great selection this is your place. These guys know their stuff and do more for promoting comics to new readers than any other shop. If I could give them more than five stars I would. read more

Excellent Customer service. clean friendly atmosphere, and they get my KOTD every mouth the greatest shop ever.

I can only review this store as a comic outsider. I'm not that big into the comic scene, but I've never felt out of place here. I'll admit, I have felt out of place in comic shops before. I go here for graphic novels, and they are great at making recommendations for me. I have also gone for special events- a kickstarter comic release party, and it was a blast and well run. read more

Challengers is my go-to shop for comic books. While I don't come in too regularly, Patrick and Dal seem to recognize me as soon as I walk in the door and go straight to my list behind the counter for all the new issues I'm picking up. Familiar with my preferred genre of comic books, they're always making great recommendations and back them with a money back guarantee, should I be unsatisfied (yet to happen). The shop itself is clean and well organized. While it may not be as well stocked as Chicago Comics, I much prefer the amazing service offered at Challengers. read more

clean and organized. well stocked. great, knowledgeable, friendly staff. full of goodness. just stop by and check it out...you are sure to go back again and again! read more

I can't say enough good things about this comics shop, so instead of try, I'll keep it simple. The place is beautiful and you feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door. The staff (who I'm assuming are the owners) are very friendly, happy to answer any questions you have, and seem genuinely interested in whatever it is that you are interested in. Every suggestion they have made has been right on the money and I've never gotten a sales-y vibe from any of them. (Even despite the suits, of which I get the distinct impression that they wear them simply because they think is funny.) The selection is amazing. I can almost always find what I'm looking for and if I can't, they'll let me know exactly where and when I can. 99 cent back issues? Unheard of! Comfy places to sit down and relax and flip through books? Unheard of! An easel and supplies so you can sit and draw for a while? Simply unheard of! The only things that I think would be more awesome is to have some sort of cafe attached and an auditorium for guest speaks. When I'm in Challengers, I feel like I'm more a part of a community (as far as comics go) than anywhere else. Thanks guys! read more

It's where I shop. Clean, friendly, knowledgable, and they have comfy armchairs for reading. If you're a regular, their website's very useful. I'm a pro and it's my regular comic shop. read more

I recently went into Challengers on a whim to find some cheap comic books or graphic novels for my students. I teach 6th grade, and my students especially love graphic novels. After learning that I was a teacher, the co-owners graciously donated as many comics as I could carry to my classroom. They were extremely friendly and helpful. I will definitely be going back! read more