If comics are your thing, then here is your spot. The employees are super nice. They greet everyone who comes through the door. They hold DnD games in the back of the store, and they are so much fun. I highly recommend. read more

This shop never disappoints. The selection is great, the vibe is great, and the staff is awesome. Jeff and his people are the bomb dot com and all are super knowledgeable and friendly. I often ask for weird, out of the box stuff and they deliver. Their pull box system is also excellent and I never miss a new release (even when I've forgotten about it). I never feel unwelcome or unwanted. These guys are the absolute opposite of bigots and welcome every person in with a smile. I went to an author signing for an LGBTQ+/Queer graphic novel and spent an hour talking to the authors and artists. Definitely a must-see and browse if you're walking around Montclair's downtown, you won't regret it! read more

Took me back to the days when I collected comics. I found some cool nostalgic toys. I got the classic R2 D2 to add to my vast collection of collectibles. You can tell that the staff here enjoy what they do. There positive vibes is a good thing. They have old and new comics. I will be back for some gift items I did see. read more

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Love the overall feel and aesthetic of this place. I love how they have album covers redone as "East Side Mags" t-shirts! The people seem like people I'd hang out with, which is a big plus. Store has something for everyone if you're into graphic novels and comics, and all related media. Highly recommended, I wish it was closer to me. read more

There's no way in hell my 10-year-old-self would ever let me give a comic book store less than five stars. And getting to bring my own 10-year-olds here now so they can hopefully fall under the spell of Marvel and DC and Dark Horse and Valiant and all the rest? Pretty awesome. I've been out of the game for so long that I did have sticker shock when I saw the price of a new comic (not the fault of the store/owner of course - but $4 is kind of brutal when your dad is a cheapskate with how much you get for allowance). The store has a solid selection of new and old comics (fairly priced) as well as graphic novels and "Mature Only" titles scattered throughout the store as well. They also had a decent selection of toys, gaming and even some music (on vinyl!) as well. And even if this place only really warranted four stars... I'd have to give a bonus star for seeing the likes of The Descendents/Milo and the Bad Brains being repurposed for cool looking store-related merch. read more

First of all, do not believe the BS bad review some "restaurant idiot" wrote - As a former NYer who used to practically live at Midtown Comics (if you know, you know) I have to say that I was so freaking happy to find East Side Mags so close to me. Jeff and his staff are amazingly friendly and always helpful. They always seem to have things going on for kids and are always supporting their community. Their new spot is even better because now with more space their inventory is awesome. I have yet to leave ESM without a bagful of either comics or funkos or both! LOL! Thanks to ESM I don't have to take the trips into midtown Manhattan any longer to get my collectibles. Take a trip to ESM & see for yourself. You can thank me later. read more

Great selection & friendly staff. I spent almost two hours here just going through all of the material they have available. I especially love how organized it is. read more

I'm actually going to skip over the part about this being an incredible comic book shop, because that's obvious. What I love most about ESM and Jeff is how big a part of the community they have made themselves. They are always excited to help support community initiatives from small local businesses to local events. They are so supportive of people from all walks and creeds. I teach at a public school in town and have been so grateful for ESM's partnership in programs we've run for our students. Come for the comics, stay for the love! read more

Very clean and nice layout of a store. The selection of comic books is pretty good but in terms of collectibles I was hoping for more. But still a very awesome spot and everyone was so pleasant! read more

I've been visiting this place since I moved to Jersey and its great! The staff and owner are always very friendly and helpful and I love to come by for table top games and even events where I get to meet up and coming illustrators. I always want to support local shops and happy to drive a bit further to get here as I always have a great experience. read more

cool shop. Random collection of comics. Ton of pop toys. friendly servcie

I love this place! So many great events weekly like DnD, cosplay karaoke, live music, celebrity meet n greets and comic book signings! They always have my favorite books in stock and if they don't they are willing to order them special for me. I feel like home when I come here and am proud to call East Side Mags my local comic book store. read more

Best place for comics! Jeff and his crew are awesome!

You really can't do better than East Side. Always full of amazing comics, both series I'm looking for and interesting new series to dig into. I have to fight the urge to buy collectibles every time I go in. Staff is always welcoming and helpful, and Jeff is an absolutely incredible guy who's always game for a conversation. They spotlight local and up-and-coming artists with signings, they host some really awesome events, and they are generally stand up folks who contribute to their community and great causes. Go to East Side. They rule. read more

Small "mom and pop" style comic book shops are a dying breed, so whenever I see one I make it a point to visit. These are the types of shops I grew up with, and I think it's important to support them if you can. "East Side Mags" first caught my eye with the mannequin wearing a full body Flash costume. The sign outside promised "Free Pizza!" followed by "Just kidding! But we have..." and went on to mention comics, magazines, action figures and more. The interior is perhaps, one of the cleanest and well organized comic shops I have ever set foot in. The shelves against the wall have the newest releases. Several islands of back issues are distributed throughout the store but you have plenty of room to move. Off to the left are the displays with action figures and licensed items. The gentleman behind the counter was super helpful and friendly. I asked about a comic I was trying to hunt down but sadly he had just sold his last copy that morning. Still, he offered to order it but I turned him down since I don't live nearby. I noticed while standing at the counter that a *huge* chalkboard on the right listed all upcoming titles which I thought was a great touch! This is a great, clean, organized shop with a great community shop feel. Definitely worth checking out if you're a comic book fan in the area. read more

What a great little comic book shop. We stopped by here before our dinner reservations. There are a lot of new comics, a nice collection of action figures and collectibles, and some back issues (hard to flip through because it was packed so tight). The employee there that night was super friendly and awesome to talk to. I think I'd definitely return whenever I'm back in the area. read more

Comic book stores seem to be far and few between but coming in here you wouldn't think that. Tons of comic books and other goodies for comic book fans like toys, trading cards and posters. The selection is pretty good here including the big two creators - Marvel and DC but also many other comics less in popularity and some older or obscure. There also is a decent selection of manga and graphic novels which is another draw. The worker in the store was very nice and very eager to help with suggestions as well as find what I asked for. If you're you're a real comic conversationlist this may also be a good place to come. I even enjoyed just browsing as there are so many comics to thumb through. The shop is pretty nicely laid out too. I'm pretty old school so the prices on many of the items are pretty high, but I understand the increase in quality and rarity of some so I'd definitely browse the deal bin. read more

East Side Mags - Inside the shop - Comic Books Near Me - Montclair, New Jersey

Let me preface this review by saying I'm a very serious collector. First impressions are extremely important. Unfortunately, my first experience with East Side Mags was a tremendous turn-off. My wife happened to go there to pick up a birthday present for me. She set a price point of $25 and asked them if they have any back issues of Captain America in that price range. The staff gave her an issue off the wall behind the register which is where they keep valuable back issues. The issue was marked on the bag $25 with a grading of 9.0 When I received the issue for my birthday I was appreciative but immediatley noticed the comic and cover had significant damage and was very surprised that it was graded 9.0 by the store and that she was charged $25 for it. The cover had significant creasing and some sort of visible textured paint or liquid substance damage. Now in her defense, my wife knows nothing about comic books, condition, rating system or value. So when I told her about it, she said she had the receipt and figured when returned from vacation 2 weeks later we would go back and exchange the comic for the same issue in the condition listed and paid for at that price point. I even called East Side Mags and spoke to a gentleman named Chris regarding the issue. I came in the next day and explained the purchase to the bearded gentleman behind the counter. Mind you, I had the issue AND the receipt with me. I explained that my wife isn't a collector and that I flagged it as way below a 9.0 rated $25 item. So it must have been an honest mistake. However, the gentleman behind the counter preceded to tell me that it was impossible that the item found it's way into a bag personally graded by him. Odd. So I'm standing there with the book my wife purchased AND the receipt communicating to him that something should be done about this. He went on to repeat that he personally grades all of the books and that it's impossible the a book in that condition made it's way into a 9.0 graded bag. This is where it gets extremely awkward. He takes the receipt, asks me my name, writes my name on the back of the receipt and then takes the same exact title off the wall in better condition and says, "Tell you what, we'll call it even". Admittedly, it was in much better condition- HOWEVER, the price label on it read $12. So now we're at a deficit of $13. NOT what I call an even exchange. Then he proceeds to say "By the way, I'm going to check the security camera footage for that day." At that point I don't even know how to process or respond to that statement. What exactly are we getting at here? I"m a customer returning something that was purchased in your store that was definitely of a much lesser value and condition that was initially charged. Furthermore, I have a receipt in my hand for the item. Additionally, I also have a $25 gift card to spend there. So basically my wife spent $50 in East Side Mags that day. My only regret was not acting on my instinct telling me that this was NOT a fair and even transaction, and holding out for an identically priced item. I also proceeded to redeem the gift certificate. Another regret. I actually should have returned it and walked out. The level of doubt and "dishonesty" that was place on me, the customer really left me speechless. The right thing for East Side Mags to do REGARDLESS of the gentleman's feelings about it would be to honor the original price and condition of the purchase. THAT gentlemen is just the price of doing honest business. I should also add that I'm not a resident of Montclair and drove a half hour out of my way excited to visit a new comic shop. I can honestly say I will never go back to East Side Mags as they left me with a horrible first AND lasting impression. I'm happy to go other businesses like The Joker's Child in Fairlawn or Zapp Comics in Wayne where they know how to treat customers in the best interests of good customer service and doing good business. read more

love the vibes and the staff is super helpful and super nice, great place to pick up comics

Best Comic place I have been in New Jersey by far. I'm a big time collector and they have everything you need and they can order it if they don't have it in stock. The customer service was amazing and very friendly. This has become my spot to shop for comics and collectibles. read more

I walked into this establishment for the first time and never wanted to leave. The staff is fun, resourceful, and respectful. The events that go on are something to be excited for! Any issue I've had was dealt with immediately. Essex County's Best Toy & Hobby Award 15' 17' and 18'. Essex County's Best Speciality Award 16' and 18'. Love this place and it's community. I'm on my way there now! read more

Really great selection, from comics for kids to adults-only, with helpful and very friendly and welcoming staff. Especially welcoming towards women and girls who dig comics -- yes! This place is terrific - go visit! read more

Great shop. Excellent selection of indie comics, vintage and contemporary toys, artwork from local artists, a boatload of back issues, and all sorts of events, from monthly movie nights and weekly Magic The Gathering tournaments, to signings with some of the hottest comic creators around. Jeff, the owner, is a great guy. Super funny, very personable, and very knowledgable. Him and his staff are completely capable helping you with anything you need. When I first moved to Essex county I was afraid I wouldn't find a comic shop as good as the one I had in central Jersey (I even had a pretty bad experience with one up here), but luckily ESM opened and I finally found my home. read more

The dude working there was super cool. Worked with me on getting the Punisher comic that I had been searching for months for.

Best comic shop in the state, maybe in the known universe! Staff know their stuff, great with kids, so many events are hosted here. It's such a great place. Shop here you won't regret it ! read more

Great selection of comics and the store has a really good vibe. The staff here is friendly and the owner Jeff is just an all around great guy. He really knows the neighborhood and caters to children with a kids comic book section and kid-friendly events. I much prefer shopping here rather than the bigger comic book shops in the NYC area (Midtown/Zapp) as the service, sense of community, and overall awesomeness of this shop can't be beat. read more

Great little shop in downtown Montclair. The space is very open and easy to browse in unlike some older comic book shops.

Selection is great. The attention you receive is unlike at any other comic book store nearby. Took my son and he had a blast, buying a whole bunch comic books before they were available elsewhere. Loved it. read more

Great selection, great staff, great location. This quickly became my go-to comics shop after it opened earlier this year.

Love this comic book store. Me and my son came recently for free comic book day for halloween, and they had all the comics set out to take. It was pretty awesome. There was an Archie comic, and we told the nice lady that we loved Archie comics, and she gifted one to us for free as well, which made my son so happy! Very nice and friendly people here, thanks! read more

A great medium-sized store with a family-friendly difference and a convenient location in downtown Montclair. Just stopped in today and met Jeff the owner. Seems like he's worked hard to make the store open and inviting. read more

The comic fans I brought said it was a great variety/selection. But I loved that it wasn't just comics (funky artwork, toys & trinkets, cool t-shirts, etc). Such a neat & friendly staff. Clean, fun, not-tiny space. Made for adults & kids. read more