Funky cool little shop to browse the shelves and purchase comics, graphic novels, independent publications, and a selection adult underground comics. Very diverse inventory, including foreign comics, and something for most everyone's taste if you're into this genre. It's a perfect fit for Brooklyn as a small biz and good to see its still around. read more

Desert Island - Comic Books Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Really enjoyed my first trip here. A truly intriguing selection of books, comics, and manga, including independent publications I'd never heard of. Owner was also friendly and inviting. Prices seemed fair to me and consistent with market value. read more

The owner has attempted to discredit/deny to escape accountablity and unfortunately for him I won't allow it. There was nothing calm about you in that interaction and you can see by other low responses on here that my experience is consistent with many others. You didn't say one word to me before you told me about pictures (which is why your attached response is especially dangerous in how you portray yourself). You were so set on being angry that you didn't even take a moment to realize you were wrong. I understand the rules, I wasn't breaking them. It's unforunate that you've decided to create mistruths to protect yourself. He is grossly mistepping boundaries as a store owner. A quick scroll will show reviews from almost a decade ago documenting similar patterns of inappropriate behavior. Yet in his response he says he came up to me calmly and quietly lol You know that didn't happen. I would have respected a bit of honesty. I've screenshotted the owners response to my previous review below. Hopefully this provides more context and will protect other customers from similar uncomfortable experiences. read more

Desert Island - Desert Island owner lying about interaction I had with him in his store to protect himself. - Comic Books Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place is amazing. Awesome zines, comics and books. My kid loves this place. They even have cute pins and more tiny things. Hope this place stays forever. The neighborhood is losing lots of its cool spots to greedy landlords and extreme gentrification. read more

The comic book selection is top shelf but the owner is mental. If you're looking for a selection of independent euro-centric comics, this place is a treasure. If you've ever seen the Simpsons and understood the charicature of the comic book store owner, this owner pretty much falls in line with that. He's eccentric but angry and petulant and that sucks but it's Brooklyn. read more

The owner sucks lol but please don't let this stop you from coming here! You get some real nice wallpapers/posters, and really cute magazines. The prices are appropriate since it's a cool place. I have 3 of their posters in my room. Cool shop! read more

This shop is a true gem. Well curated inventory, exceedingly knowledgeable shopkeeper. Great selection for our 10yo and our teenager and us. If you like graphic novels and comics and have an interest that isn't exclusively from the big publishers (though he carries some of those too!) this is the spot for you! This is my favorite kind of Brooklyn shop! read more

I've been a customer here for years. Bought some really amazing comics and love the commitment to art and especially local artists. However, on a recent visit I noticed a book that I was interested in but didn't have the ability to purchases right then and there. I took out my phone to snap a quick pic to remind myself later. The man at the counter, who until that very moment had completely ignored me and my companion very rudely snapped "no pictures!" And apologized and then he said "are you planning on buying it online" I responded I wanted to remember the authors name and he said "I was being sarcastic" and glowered at us. I was unaware of this rule as there are no posted signs, but I get it. I asked him if he would prefer if I write the name down and if he had a pen and paper, I also said I would delete the photo to which he responded "I'm not a cop." It would have been very easy for this man, with Gabe, the owner, to be kind and explain why they have this rule, and accept my honest apology. Instead he chose to belittle and shame me and make me feel like an unvalued customer. So I will NEVER shop here again, and will purchase my comics elsewhere. I suggest Quimby's right next door where I have always been treated with kindness and who also have a great selection of local publications without the nasty attitude. read more

Excellent selection of books, calm and inviting atmosphere, polite service. Would recommend!

I've never been to the store in person as I live in California, but Gabe mails out a monthly selection of books for a reasonable subscription price, and it's one of my favorite things. Gabe has fantastic taste and is a great curator, and I always look forward to the selection. Can't wait to visit in person someday. read more

Comic book nerds have come a long way since the original comic nerd cliche, curvaceous man with balding crown and ponytail. Not that there's anything wrong with a man and his ponytail. Wear it with pride boys! It's just that the comic scene readers has expanded since the nineties and on. It's hip and cool. Or maybe that's what I tell myself. I always think that having a brother that was into X-Men helped with this comic book development but it was really Robert Crumb that sealed the deal. And when Ghost World came out that was it for me! Comics are apart of my life. NY apartments don't allow you to hoard as much as one would like but there is still items that you can pick up from Desert Island and give a new home. Desert Island is the easy favorite in Brooklyn for me. It has everything I crave in a comic bookstore...oh...except coffee. And maybe a nook where I can lounge and read. Oh and a cat ...I would love a cat. But seriously, This comic book store is the BEST! I love how they constantly change the window display. The artists always get super creative. I love that the outside still has an old bakery sign. I love that when I walk in I can find the newest MegaHex comic. MegaHex is a true stoner witch! Modern, hilarious and addictive. There's also tons of Killer Acid swag to be found here from enamel pins to t shirts. I love the t shirts. They're fun and unique. They also have a huge zine collection. Word on the street is they support even the new kids on the zine block. I love that they also had an illustrated Kafka book. What?! I'm a nerdy studious type to boot. You can really find anything for your comic book nerd loved ones or ones that are still in the closet about their love for comics. Remember this spot when it comes to the holidays! I've been a good girl and I can see myself spending some dough here in the near future! Oh yeah. I also got a floating little pin here and it makes me happy every time I see her. read more

Desert Island - Comic Books Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Desert Island is the best. Gabe runs a great store with amazing stuff. Sam was super helpful when I came in. You guys rock -- thanks for your work! read more

This store is so important to my experience of the neighborhood I've lived in for 20+ years. A small but tightly stocked store that's fun to browse for myself, my kid, or when I need to get someone a gift. I enjoy my chats with the owner as well and I like how he features artists in cool window displays, too. Would hate to lose it! read more

The owner Gabe can be rude sometimes, but he tries to play it off with his laid back personality. I've been a regular at desert island since I moved to Brooklyn. Gabe called me out for allegedly causing beef with another store patron and kept telling me how uncool it was. Said that I snatched a comic book out of some kids hands while giving me the worst look and used a threatening tone in doing so. So what actually happened was another kid had been looking through a Spider-Man bin which I was waiting to look thru as well. I came for only one comic and one comic only. The kid ended up finding the only copy of what I wanted and I made a comment "damn man that's exactly what I came in here for" and he went "really this exact comic" and I said "yeah man that one" And he handed it to me. I told him he didn't have to but he said it was all good so i got the comic from him and said thank you. Paid with Gabe. Said thanks again and left. I didn't force the comic from his hands. I didn't threaten the kid. I made a comment. He had every right to keep it but he gave it to me and was nice. Allegedly the kid was really upset after. I didn't cause any beef Gabe. If that kid had regrets of giving up that comic that's not on me. He had every right to hold onto it. Anyway, I go in a week later and yeah Gabe calls me out for "causing beef" wouldn't let me get a word in to back up my point and just walked all over me. I don't care if you were having a bad day dude, let me friggen talk and back up my point, but no you didn't you acted flat out childish, made me genuinely scared and uncomfortable being in the same store as you. The kid handed the comic to me I didn't snatch it from him. I'm a nice kid and don't have a bad bone in my body other than the fact that I'll leave you this bad review. I'll give you two stars because I'll admit I really liked coming here, but I'm going to have to go out of my way to go to other places far away. You made me feel very unwelcome and genuinely scared the way you spoke to me and treated me. This is a business owner who will let the fact that he's having a bad day ruin relationships with longtime customers. All in all, I am really bummed out by the way he handled this. He will deny it to back up his credibility, but I live 15 seconds form here and now I don't feel comfortable about going back. Gabe, do not bother reaching out if you don't want to hear my side of it. You lost my business forever bro. read more

This place is full of gems. As a history teacher, I'm always looking for the next graphic novel to use in the classroom or add to my personal collection. Often I find something new here that I wouldn't elsewhere. This weekend I picked up two GNs, one about Egyptian mythology called Pantheon and one called Year of the Rabbit, a survivor's tale of the Khmer Rouge. I met Gabe too. He was really nice and personable, and was busy talking to customers while also looking at a GN brought in by a local comic artist. It was cool to see him offer feedback to this young guy. At the same time, he was talking to me and parent about which GNs have helped her son get into reading. I'll definitely continue to support this local business. read more

I had a bad experience at this shop a while back but haven't written it up until now. One of my best friends is a non-comics reading Muslim woman and she was incredibly excited about the debut of Kamala Kahn in the Ms. Marvel comics. We went to this store the week it came out because one of our other friends was actually there doing a book signing. Anyway, my friend saw Ms. Marvel #1 on the stands and rushed to buy all 3 copies they had so she could give the other issues to her sisters. Once she was at the counter, the owner told her she could only buy one despite there not being any signage or anything to indicate that policy. He said he had to hold copies for his other customers. She tried to explain, "but... I'm Muslim!" He was pretty dismissive and told her she could only have one. I tried to explain to her and her bf about "print to order" policies and how small shops have to avoid ordering too many books lest they get stuck with the back issues forever, but they could not comprehend why comics were operating on such an archaic system in the 2010s. It just does not make sense from a business perspective to be actively discouraging customers from buying stock. Anyway, I later took her to Midtown Comics where she could buy as many copies of that issue as she wanted. She's continued to go back there to buy all subsequent issues, but she never stepped foot in Desert Island even though it's a lot closer to where she lives. I'd always rather support the smaller comic book shops than the big chains, but they gotta make it easier than this place did. read more

Well curated without being pretentious or annoying. This is a rare occurrence with these types of shops. Worth visiting!

This shop is basically one small-but-tall room, and for the size, it packs a huge amount of good stuff. Stock leans heavily to graphic novels, as well as curiosities such as an immense volume showcasing the original artist's panels of Miracle Man. The variety of works was vast. I don't believe there's a nerd alive who wouldn't find something to squee over here. Send your non-binary joyfriend to the queer bookstore next door. Bring a backpack because there's no way on Earth you ain't buying some shit. read more

Desert Island is nothing short of amazing. I can't recommend it enough. Gabe has curated the perfect selection of indie comics, zines, and art. I found myself a bit awed by the quality of the display and merchandising work. Some of the (very small amount of) negative reviews mention that he was unfriendly or somehow unwilling to help customers. I did not see that at all. After learning that I work at a similar sort of comic book store in another state, he kept showing me cool things that you couldn't find anywhere else. He kept up great conversation with every customer in the store, but didn't hound anyone. read more

Just went in there as i strolled around the hood. As huge graphic novel fan was super excited about this small store. There was literally only three people there, some other dude, the owner and me. I was looking around, excited for all of these cool graphic novels and despite the price was planning on buying a couple. Sure I can get them for a lot less online but I like contributing to local, independent bookstores. But then the owner came and weirdly looks at me and asks me out of nowhere if I had put something in my bag and then when I showed him the bag and even suggested taking things out, he backed off. Apparently having a tote bag is a sign of stealing? Anyways he later sort of apologized for singling me out. I was super put off- Needless to say, did not buy anything and do not plan on coming back. He had already given me a sort of unwelcome vibe and this incident cemented it. Work on your customer skills, dude. read more

Still one star, mostly thanks to the recent petulant little remark from the proprietor - that greengrocer, that bourgeois. What, it took you nearly two months to come up with that? And by "verbose" I assume you mean I don't trade exclusively in monosyllables. When you wrote that Obama-esque little note a while back offering to buy me a beer I thought that was at least magnanimous (whoops, four syllables) but now you're back at your wonted best. Blundering, entitled. In a word: Williamsburg. It's funny though... let me recall, what was it you said before?: "Dear Sir, I'm writing to offer a sincere apology for my behavior when you recently visited Desert Island. I wish I could go back in time and start over with you. When you visited I was at the end of a genuinely terrible day, and occasionally lack the ability to edit the crap that comes out of my mouth on these occasions. What can I do to make it right? Let me buy you a beer? with respect,Gabe " What happened? Where did it go wrong? Let me restate my opinion, since you so graciously stuck your chin out. Your shop is like a glorified outpost of Urban Outfitters. Nice, expensive, colourful and routinely superfluous doo-dads for the wealthy. Our proprietor despises fanboys - wishes he were Gary Groth - but has all the traits of one himself: the blazing egotism and that crucial narrow perspective. And, apparently from his last, a hatred of the language. Stick with the picture books then. Better still, stick your picture books. read more

This place is amazing. Not only is the guy who owns it...sheesh I used to know his name...super cool, like kick it with cool...super laid back, makes you feel super at home in his shop. He will also order stuff for you, which I have taken advantage of. Forget amazon and all that other cud. SUPPORT INDEPENDENT RETAILERS!!! It's the little things about Desert Island that I really love, like the awesome damask wallpaper that is super vintage and awesome, to the super amazing amazing amazing window displays he comes up with. I swear it's like some ish Michel Gondry himself conceptualized. read more

Desert Island has been a favorite destination of mine for quite some time. Although I am not in the comic arts scene, I thoroughly enjoy the variety and quality of the comics in this store. The store is constantly changing and adding new items, and I have spent many hours flipping through books here. Once I had visited a couple times, the owner also became very skilled at pinpointing my taste and recommending artists and authors to me that I genuinely appreciated and enjoyed. Anyone who has negative remarks to make about Desert Island or the owner must be totally out to lunch- the owner does a remarkable job of keeping a humble and tastefully curated shop thriving in a quickly gentrified neighborhood, while still being an active community member in the arts scene. This is an essential place for the arts in Brooklyn. read more

This is the most relaxed, approachable, pretense free comic book/book/art/ store I've ever entered. The owner is incredibly nice and has put together some good events at his shop. It seems like a luxury to have a shop like this around during these uncertain economic times. On the other hand, maybe this marketplace of escapism is really a necessity. Either way, in my head, the idea of having a neighborhood comic store is too big to fail. You gotta give 'em hope. You gotta give 'em hope. read more

This place is perfect. PERFECT! Best experience I have ever had in a comic book store to date, AND it's less than a block from my apartment. This is both extremely awesome and extremely dangerous for my wallet. The owner is genuinely friendly and we talked for a bit and he even recommended some art stores for me, which I was grateful for. I was also thoroughly impressed with their prints and all the art for sale. I loved the neighborhood feel of this place, but it was also organized and colorful and welcoming. I want to live inside of this place....I can't say enough things to make you go there! read more

I'm not into this scene -- I don't know much about comics, zines, graphic novels, etc. But, even if I don't speak the language, I can appreciate and enjoy the occasional traipse to Desert Island. My boyfriend brought us here a couple of times and I would say I actually enjoyed browsing their well-stocked selection of random art/comic books. It's a small store but it is so well-organized, and very nicely adorned. You can tell the owner(s) truly care about their store and the image that it projects, an inviting space, open to young and old. Here, we scored this awesome collection for the bf (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/desert-island-brooklyn?select=ymzmzl7nkiW8Txx73EKKAA#ymzmzl7nkiW8Txx73EKKAA). Not that I know a drop about the artist, but hey, it was approved by JJ Abrams (uhh hello fans: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-415SzpJmAlA/TqniNUNittI/AAAAAAAAAU8/LClFElP2qOY/s1600/lost_1_1600_12001.jpg)! Seriously, this is the mecca for comic arts nerds. And, I mean that in the best way possible. read more

Desert Island - "Building Stories" by Chris Ware - Comic Books Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Desert Island is an oasis of comics, zines, and a whole array of items that you aren't likely to find many other places. The atmosphere is relaxed and I always feel welcome to spend as much time as I want looking through the selection. It's a rare occurrence that I leave the store without at least something. It's well laid out and spacious yet manages to pack in a whole lot of interesting items without looking crowded. I recently attended the Gabrielle Bell release/signing event and it was an evening of good conversation and great art! I'm thrilled to have a store such as this so nearby and I go as often as I can since there's always something new to discover. Keep up the good work! read more

The best. Of all the "Cool Stores" I've been to, (Aquarius Records, I'm looking at you) this one is the only one who has a proprietor and clerk who's worth a damn. That said, the collection of Comic Booklets (he needs the old sign back) is superb. I can never leave here without buying something. Check out the zines! read more

Seriously?! Do I really need another place where I can drain my entire bank account on amazing finds? Good lord someone save me. A quick note - if it's your first time visiting, take a look at their signage in the photos here. I rode right by it seeing the "bakery" sign. Oops! Daniel P. wrote that this place is 'curated' and I think that's a perfect description. Unlike a lot of other comic book stores that have branched out into the more artsy fartsy stuff, Desert Island isn't packed to the brim. It sticks straight to the artsy fartsy and is good at it. Pretty much every title is visible and available for browsing. Of course, this means that you can also spend an hour or two in here flipping through EVERYTHING because you CAN'T STOP. Sections are organized by type so there's an international section, anthologies, bigger-name authors, staff favorite table, no-text image books, more mainstream art books (like Juxtapoz or however they misspell it), children's books, etc. Gabe was helpful and we played a lot of "title-association" games. I'm pretty sure he knows every arty graphic novel or comic book ever done. He was plenty friendly, even going out of his way to give suggestions of things to do around the neighborhood to non-paying customers. I was pleased to see about a 50/50 split of female and male clientele. That should give you an idea of where this shop is going. In other words, it isn't all about tits and ass or violence (though there is some of that here, should you feel nostalgic). I sure do like this place. I'm just glad I don't live in the area lest I go broke and hungry. At least I'd be surrounded by treasures, though. read more

I third the sentiment: This store is perfect. This is Exactly What I'm Looking For in a comic book store. The decor inside is kitschy, clean and organized. Their inventory, while not HUGE and overwhelming, is nitpicked and shows that the owner actually gives a damn as to what they sell. I purchased a comic book here that I wouldn't normally see elsewhere, or at least the organization of the store is so keen that it jumped out at me. Was really feeling the love of paper craft here -- even DIY publications got special treatment. While traveling to BK, a friend brought me here and I've loved it since. I want to go back quite desperately and soak in the environment. :) The guy who helped us was awesome and looked up old MAD Magazine references on YouTube. *sighs happily* read more

Not only may this be the best comic book store in Brooklyn, but it might actually be the best comic book shop in New York state. What the store lacks in square footage it makes up in with sheer quality! Every book in every corner is curated like an art museum. Looking for a rare art manga from Japan? Check! Looking for a cool hipster zine? Check! Looking for a reprint of an old classic? Check! Looking for some cool book for a child? Check! Looking for a cool poster to decorate your apartment? Check! I even discovered a bin of $2 used toys tucked away in the corner. This is the perfect place if you're doing gift shopping for a birthday or the holidays. What I also like about this place is that they really support local talent. If you New York has a comic book equivalent of Sub Pop Records in the 90s this place is it. Additionally they'll have artists readings and have started to sponsor a local convention once a year. read more

Really nice and friendly space, great collection of graphic novels, serials and mini-comics and zines; with many great finds on their spinny racks of handmade concoctions. I have enjoyed their in-store events, and plan to keep my eye out for more. What's better than to come home with an issue of Lucky with your portrait drawn by Gabrielle Bell inside? Not for the superhero crowd, which in my mind is what makes this little store a gem. I also adore the signage outside :) read more

"Desert Island" is code for heaven; and it's synonymous with a candy store. Hell yeah this place is awesome. The window display alone deserves it's own review! Walking into this little gem of a store is like walking into my own personal treasure chest of every book, booklet, and bound collection of awesomeness that I could ever dream of owning. I want everything in this store. Heck, I want to buy stuff I already own! I love going to Desert Island and geeking out with Gabriel and any other folks who happen to wander in. I can finally ramble on and on about illustrators and story lines and oh yeah do you have this one or have you heard of that guy or gal who drew that one book, etc. Desert Island is for anyone who appreciates great art and narration and visual stimulus and good music on vinyl and even gag gifts and pranks. Good times! read more

Great little place with a lot to explore. Both use and foreign comics/graphic novels. Owner knows his stuff. Located right off of G train and L train. read more

This is my favorite place to buy comics in New York, and lucky me it's right in my neighborhood. The owner, Gabe, is super friendly and knowledgeable. The store is clean, organized, and carries both mainstream and more obscure stuff. This is a great addition the neighborhood and I'm flummoxed by the two haters below. read more

This is a super cool store to spend hours in, just looking at piles and shelves of great books and original comics. ** My original review had a one-star rating pertaining to the rude attitude of the store owner. He has since graciously apologized to me and that takes a lot of guts. I understand that it's a tough time for independent bookstores these days and a hostile reaction to my requesting a piece of paper to research an author's name was rude but understandable given the circumstances. If anything I think its important to try to be sensitive about the damage that buying online as opposed to your local independent bookstore (especially one as specialized as this one!) can do to the culture in our communities. I was not planning to buy anything online based on what I had found in Desert Island, but now that Gabe has given me some insight as to why asking for a piece of paper may imply that I can somewhat get his response. I'm giving this store the 4-star rating I felt bad NOT listing a month ago because Desert Island really is a pitcher of water in a grimy Sahara (Brooklyn). It's definitely an inspirational space that obviously has tons of heart and work put into its shelves and tables. Recommended!! read more

I created a Yelp account so I could write a review of this spot. While I have been here a few times, I went in today and had nothing short of a fantastic customer experience with Gabe, the proprietor of Desert Island. A healthy comic book habit relies on a great comic shop and Desert Island has single handedly reignited my long dormant comic book bug. One of the few businesses I make a point to frequent regularly and make a purchase. Awesome spot. read more

I really want hours and hours and maybe a bag of snacks with me while I explore this comic book store. It's not as big as say, Midtown Comics, but it packs a punch in character. Indie comics, zines, and art prints galore! Books, graphic novels and the guy who works here is super chill. jhgbnklvm must return! read more

What a great shop. Great selection. Gabe was really friendly. He knows his stuff and was psyched to share this rad hand-screened 3D book that he had recently acquired. Picked up 2 copies of War + Penis. Score! read more

The best comic shop in New York. (unless you are looking for superhero type comics, in which case, I have no advice on which is the best for that.) read more