My husband is a huge comic guy so we always try and stop at small shops in our travels. This is one we've been to several times over the years and seen it change from a mostly comic store to one offering board games, manga, graphic novels and everything in between. On our most recent trip we saw a game of magic going on in the back where the older comics used to be stored so it looks like they've expanded to card games as well. We did see several boxes of the new Disney card game Lorcana as well at the register. Left side of the store houses the card meet ups and a decent selection of manga, though the volumes are mismatched and best to help fill in gaps in your collection. Right side has more recent comics and dice games. As another review said I wish they'd add & Games to be Comics & Games since they do have an expanded board game section now. Feels like they're missing out on some key business. Talked with the cashier who said they've stopped stocking back issues and mostly just fill their monthly orders for regulars, only ordering an extra copy here and there. Husband was looking for a few recent back issues but was told if it wasn't on the shelf, they were sold out. They stopped extra ordering/stocking due to COVID and decrease in foot traffic. We did end up purchasing a hard cover of Peach Momoko's work and Marvel Cats book though. Cashier was very knowledgeable but didn't like to make eye contact with us, always looking around or sitting back watching his computer while we asked about several issues they didn't have. Just seemed uninterested if you weren't a regular so that was a bit of a turn off. Meanwhile he was super friendly and helpful to the man and son before us so they must frequent the shop on a regular basis. Location wise its easy to miss. On the side of dunkin donuts on Frasier St, its on the lower level of dunkin, accessible by staircase only. Not sure about handicap options, but it might be hard to access if you are physically disabled. read more

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Came in visiting from another state. Cool selection of trade paperbacks and well maintained new comics shelf. Excellent service, the worker behind the desk was able to look up an issue for me (which they unfortunately didn't have) and was super friendly. Highly recommend!! read more

Comic Swap is located in downtown State College and is a tough shop to review. It is located in the basement of a building, so I don't know about handicap accessibility, and they have no parking, but town lots are available. New pull selection here is good, with graphic novel selection being very good and spread across the shop. They have a decent selection of Manga and some gaming items. Where the shop unfortunately suffers is it's all but complete lack of longboxes. They have several small cheap longboxes with a poor selection, and what better books they have is greatly limited. Every time we've stopped in, it seems card gaming is a popular and takes up a large portion of the shop where longboxes could be located. The staff has been helpful during our visits, so no complaints there. If you're looking for a new pull or gaming shop, this works. Go to Jake's Cards and Games in Bellefonte if you're looking for long boxes. This shop would work if it was located in the small college town I'm near, but for State College it's weak. My friends have discussed if this shop should change its name to something like "State College Comics and Games," as that would be a more accurate description of its current selection. read more

Comic Swap - Storefront. - Comic Books Near Me - State College, Pennsylvania

I should not be the first person to review the Comic Swap, as I do not read many comics and am not a regular customer. I used to frequent this store with frightening regularity back in my D&D playing days (middle and high school) when it was called the Book Swap and focused on role-playing games. For several years now, they have focused almost completely on comics, although they do still carry some gaming books, dice, and miniatures. There are two good things that I can say about Comic Swap: 1. Their friendly staff are knowledgeable about a wide range of comics and graphic literature, answer questions honestly and without a trace of contempt, and never give the impression that they are cooler than everyone else. Lack of arrogance and exclusivity is a huge asset to a niche store. 2. Their books are always in great shape. There is nothing on the shelves, even the regular product (i.e. the stuff besides the recently released comics, which I assume sell quickly) which appears to have been beaten up or thumbed through. I'm not sure how they control this, and it's not immediately noticeable, but it makes for a more attractive store and appealing browsing. read more

Excellent comics store. John has a great knowledge base for both new titles and older graphic novels. The store has a wide variety of new releases and graphic novels, everything from Big Two superhero to indie and local comics. Excellent stuff. read more

Some things never change. Established 1976, they could seriously update their attitude toward women customers. I stopped shopping at Comic Swap decades ago when I became sensitive to highly visible comics that are misogynist. Walking into a store that had such imagery everywhere was difficult and the staff did nothing to make me as a young woman feel welcome. The guys staffing the store back then never offered to help me and were usually absorbed in conversation with other male customers as they stood around the cash register. A couple of years ago, Comic Swap hosted a book signing when Allison Bechdel was in town promoting her graphic novel, Fun Home. This gave me hope that the store, along with the general comic and graphic novel culture, might be finally changing to recognize the women's interests. Although comics and their artists are now well represented by women, Comic Swap staff has stalled. The store does stock some good and famous comics and graphic novels by/ for/ about women, the staff is still chilly to gals that come through the door. As a customer I have had to stand and wait for minutes listening to the conclave of men discuss their favorite artists and issues until one of them could break away to ring up my purchase. On another visit, after the obligatory wait to be noticed in a store again void of other customers, I asked if they had a specific book. The man rushed over to the correct shelf, grabbed the book and thrust it at me. He turned on his heel and hustled back to the conversation on the estimated value any specific artist's signature added to a publication. Instead of trying to give this local small business another chance, I will shop online or when I attend a Comic Con (yes, girls are more welcome there now too). read more

Great place! They have a deep selection of independent graphic novels. Owner is knowledgeable and a joy to talk with. Parking is a bit tricky, but manageable. Fun shop! read more

This place is older than dirt. Well, at least in terms of State College, it has been around a long, long time. In the same location. Usually that would be a good thing, but in terms of Comic Swap, this place should be driven out of town. I have no clue why this place remains here considering how unhelpful and rude the staff is. If I wanted no customer service at all, I'd just browse and shop online. The whole point of a local mom-and-pop joint from a consumer's perspective is for the service and atmosphere. I walked in on 12/08/2014 around lunch time. I wanted to check out the place I was knew as a kid since I haven't been here in many years. I also wanted to catch up Magic:The Gathering (MTG) since I haven't played in years. I figured someone from an actual comic book, game, and CCG shop should be able to give me insight and advice I wouldn't easily find online. And then I'd possibly buy a couple of the pre-built decks from the latest series for fun. The guy behind the counter didn't even bother to get up when I walked in. I had to peek my head around the corner and make eye contact for him to say anything. I asked him about MTG and replied he didn't know much about it, doesn't follow it. Really? A warm body sitting behind the counter that sells MTG doesn't bother taking time to know about MTG? So did management hire him knowing he knew nothing about one of their products? Or did they expect him to learn it later? Either way, I had to keep asking questions just to get some basic info on MTG having core sets now instead of editions like I remember. And after asking more, I discovered they also have theme sets. Then I asked if MTG has pre-built decks still. "Oh yeah, he said"... "over there on the second shelf down". "Where I asked"? "Over there", he replied. I had to go hunt for it instead of this lazy employee getting up to show me. I started looking through the pre-built decks, of which Comic Swap had a very limited quantity. I didn't see any indication of sets behind unique from each other, so I asked "do they just have one desk now instead of different color pre-built decks?" He replied, "No." He didn't bother explaining, and didn't get up, but just sat there as I stumbled upon the wording at the very top of the box to describe different decks. In the mean time he started playing some video or game behind the counter where he was seated, completely ignoring me... his only customer there at that minute. So for the extremely rude and unhelpful clerk, I'd have to give this place only 1 star. To make matters worse, the stock of pre-built decks was low. I couldn't make heads or tails of the names of the decks (no clue what color, function they were), and there were no guides or manufacturer-supplied sales brochures there for me to look at about MTG. Avoiding this place from now on. I'll just do my own research online. read more

My favorite all time comic shop. I have been going here since I was college age. I live a half hour away and this would be considered my local shop. The staff is knowledgable. They have a great selection of graphic novels, posters, cards, and of course comics. I love the feel of this old school shop. You even half to walk off street and down to get to it. Exactly how a comic shop should be. The have staff favorites, indy comics, and mark the new releases. They also have a great set up for supplies. Love this shop. I highly recommend it. read more

Great local comic book store with a great selection of comics. They stock pretty much every comic you can think of. Easy to miss due to its location but it is a jewel of a place if you find it. Staff are extremely knowledgeable about all sorts of comics which greatly helps when you want recommendations (which they also send through e-mail whenever something they think you might like is going to be released). In addition, comics are in great shape all the time. I have yet to find a book in a less than acceptable condition. I'm not much of a fan of roleplaying games or card games so I can't really speak for that aspect of the store. However, I know they have some in stock. They also offer a strong selection of TPBs and collections. Parking is not as difficult to find if you don't mind walking a bit. It is definitely worth it. I'm sure I'll miss it once I graduate since visiting the store has become a part of my weekly routine. read more

I am incredibly impressed with this store. I'd gone in looking for a good board game, of which they have a medium-sized and high-quality selection. The store is very well-lit and smells fresh and clean, with serviceable but professional furniture. (Given the number of gaming/comic stores where I live that look and smell pretty much like the basements of someone's parents, this is a detail that I consider important in a store like this one.) It seems to be a busy hub of activity for local geeks and gamers, with a lot of activity and games going on. Because of the friendly employees, very good selection of tabletops and board games, graphic novels and narratives, and their truly exceptional customer service, I would highly recommend Comic Swap to anyone in State College. read more

I liked this place. The sole shop worker was engaging, friendly, and knowledgeable, and talked to each customer according to their level/area of interest, from kids to bored spouses to serious comic geeks. There is also an interesting nerdy games section, mostly not comics-related. That being said... it's in the basement and the "decor" is just basement-y bare walls. I was told by more experienced friends with me that the selection is a little thin, and there certainly isn't the kind of all-out toys and t-shirts section you might expect in a larger city's comics store. There is a back section that looks like it probably becomes some kind of role-playing game area at other times of day, with pop-up folding tables and stuff. When I was there, it was a single leather couch and coffee table. read more

In 2012 my husband and I were planning to move closer to his family in the State College area. I was used to having a lot of nearby comic shops and worried that one would be hard to find that would be any good. I stopped into the shop to get my picks for the week when we visited family for Thanksgiving in 2012. The shop was beautifully set up and you don't have to hunt for your issues since they're displayed nicely. We moved to PA the following month. And, I became a Comic Swap regular. The staff is more than helpful and I've been a very happy customer since. They even helped set up a subscription folder for my favorite comic series since it wasn't a title they regularly received unless it was special ordered. The staff is so helpful that on one occasion I was in a rush with my sister, so I called ahead (only minutes ahead) and asked them to please pull my titles for me and have them ready at the register. I was dropped off at the door, I dashed in, paid for my books, and was back up to the street in minutes. I only had to wait on my sister to drive back around to pick me back up. I am a woman and have not encountered any issues regarding gender with the current staff. I did not encounter the problem the other woman who reviewed this location did. Of course, I also won't stand at the counter and wait to be noticed, after all, I'm a mom with small kids. I don't have time to stand around. (That's absurd!!) As soon as I enter the door with my baby's huge stroller, the guy working the counter has usually hopped up and brought my subscription folder to the register. Most of the time he even waits on me to finish grabbing the rest of my weekly picks. He certainly doesn't ever seem annoyed even if I take longer than usual. It's such a well oiled machine, my getting in, getting my comics, and getting out. My parking in the Fraser Street Garage is usually free! And, I'm toting a heavy diaper bag with a bright eyed baby in a large prehistoric stroller down their stairs into the Comic Swap the whole time. Certainly one of my favorite comic shops in the world. I've visited many! read more

They're all about comics, so if you want a recent one, go there. Pros: Great selection of comics Clean, comfortable atmosphere They offer leather couches and a secluded room for those who want to kick back, read, and relax Have some board games and playing cards in the back. Sell collectible figurines. Cons: Expensive magic cards. Just better to go to Jake's Cards and Games in Bellefonte. Some older comics (new that haven't sold in a while) are a bit worn out for my taste. Figurines are very expensive and not worth it to me personally. read more

Going down to Comic Swap is always the highlight of a weekend outing downtown. Extremely knowledgeable about the comics, the artists, the writers and their extended works. They make great suggestions along the lines of "if you like this, then you should check out ..." Though I'm the main comic geek of the family, they also engage my wife and daughter when they come in too, and more often than not can recommend something they're each interested in, and we all go home with a volume of something great. read more

Although I don't buy comic books from this place I do pick up the occasional board or card game here. The staff has been incredibly helpful in picking out just the right game for parties or for smaller gatherings. I agree with the other reviewers that the staff is very friendly here and always willing to talk to you about any potential game selection you're thinking about. read more

I've spent a lot of time in record stores. They're not all the same, but some of these joints seem to go out of their ways to be unwelcoming, from the total lack of organization to condescension from the hipper-than-thou guy at the counter. What a contrast. Everything at the Comic Swap is easy to find and in impeccable shape. The staff is engaging, friendly, and helpful. They seem to be glad someone who knows less than they do wants to learn, a polar opposite of the I-hate-when-my-favorite-band-gets-big mindset. If you think comic books are for nerds, you're wrong. Comics are for studs. If you (like me) don't know much about them, here's where you can learn. read more

Excellent selection. I am an out of towner, and came here when my local comic book store went downhill. Customer service was good- I prefer a hands off approach. Place seems to have a lot of history, but was well organized and clean. Space for browsing and for reading. Pleasant experience, too far away to come back often. Lousy parking too, and not very physically accessible. read more

Great, varied and organized collection. Guy behind the counter was super friendly and willing to suggest new comics. He knew like everything too. read more

What can i say about my local comic shop. These guys are great. I've been going there for a couple of years now and everyone is always very helpful. I have a subscription through them so they always have the books i'm looking for and occasionally suggest additional books based on the books i like. I'm glad they are around because i didn't like getting my comics through the mail. read more

I visited here during the annual Arts Fest. On a hot day, Comic Swap offered lovely air conditioning, couches, and ample room for their vast collection of goodies. I was aiming to find some Magic: the Gathering cards and supplies. They had precisely what I was looking for, and then some. All of their products were displayed in a very organized manner. Highly recommended! read more

Customer service is important to any business, especially a small business. The service at the Comic Swap has always been spotty to miserable and remains this way. The shop is good enough, clean, mostly organized. The staff has zero training in sales or service. Given the type of business my expectations are not high. I know what kind of people are hired. This does not excuse them from simple courtesy, helping customers find products, having general knowledge of all their products, etc. Only specific regulars get anything that can be called service. Their attitude towards children and women, especially women, is even worse. This store needs to learn its 1980s nerd hideaway mentally needs hauled into the twenty-first century with the rest of us. Comics have changed, readership has changed, but this store remains anchored at the day its founder left. read more

I got a Yelp account just to review these guys. This store is absolutely superb. The staff is incredibly helpful. As a bit of a comic newbie, I've recently been going in and asking for suggestions on some comics based on my personal tastes and interests. Every time I've done this, I have received thoughtful and dedicated help and advice. Every recommendation I've received has worked out to be top notch in my book. This is the place to get your comics and graphic novels if you are anywhere within reach of this shop. read more

So I am looking for Christmas presents for my family and I wander into this comic book store. WOW! What a surprise! They not only had comic books but games and graphic novels as well. I was immediately thrown back to my childhood as I wandered the aisles remembering the comic books of my past. I was helped with all my questions by two very polite people working in the store. if I could not find it they knew how to get it for me. I was able to make a number of purchases and order items I did not even know existed! Thank you, Comic Swap, for your kindness and wonderful help! I can understand how they have managed to be around since 1977 with such wonderful customer service!! read more

Fantastic comic store that has been serving the area for many years. Friendly, helpful staff with great selections of new books, manga, trades, and more. Kid section is very good, also they generally have a very nice selection of sale/discount items worth checking regularly as well. read more