Excellent graphic novel shop with a record store attached. Always a mandatory stop when I'm in Seattle. Knowledgeable staff (proprietor?), unique indie vibe. World famous publisher. The books aren't cheap, but they're not that expensive either. Pick one up, support artist/creators read more

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I look into Fantagraphic stores when I come to Georgetown. You can see nostalgic record covers and vintage items, making it look like a museum. I wish I had a record player. I was happy to have some records I had. I also love the rare comic books here. There are short story collections, interesting books, and a little dark books. There are old thin magazines in the sale section, and there are many interesting covers. The shopkeeper is kind. I highly recommend you to visit this place if you have a chance. read more

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GEORGETOWN, Seattle - An all-around great comics retailing experience. It splits the space with record store, yet still manages to offer a decent selection of books it has put out, plus an array of zines. Some nice bargains to be had in the damaged books area in the back. Guy running the place was super personable. Makes me happy to see a comics-focused bookstore that's not centered on superheroes and the Big Two publishers. My wife - not a comics person - walked out with a graphic novel about Japanese interment in WW2, so something for everyone. read more

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This is my happy place. Their selection is always a treasure trove of amazing discoveries. They also feature a section of discounted issues, which is fantastic value. Folks working here are incredible and one can often find events happening in or near the store. Well worth your time and visit. read more

Hits different. Great selection of graphic novels but not the mainstream ones you're thinking (right at this moment). Each book I purchased has made an impact on the day(s) I read them. I didn't do too much of the squirrely adult only material but they got a lot of that weird shit too. Also the record shop is amazing too so I highly recommend perusing through their selections as well. Two storefronts so two cashier stations if you pick up a book and a record but man Seattle could use a few of its finest to stay in business and I am very glad this place has. read more

A staple for all indie comic lovers - the cashier was also very friendly and lovely to chat with. read more

Fantagraphics Books - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

A Seattle institution, founded in 1976, and located in a charmer of a brick and mortar in the historic Georgetown neighborhood, sharing opposite sides of a space with Georgetown Records, Fantagraphics is a great place to visit! Full of art,history and just plain fun publications, readers of all ages will find something cool. read more

A must destination in Seattle's Georgetown neighborhood if you are a fan of urban art, comic books, graphic novels, anthologies, 'zines, and related swag. This is also all inclusive with items for the kiddos, also a separate area for the adults 18-over publications, and everything in between. Fantagraphics has been an indie company since 1976 and this location functions both as a bookstore and art gallery. Often there are artists openings and receptions, which is great if you are a fan and want to meet the writer/ illustrator in person. read more

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Really great selection if you are a graphic novel lover, but adults only, as the selection veers towards the R. Crumb and the PG-13 and above. My nine year old loves a graphic novel. Loves them. She's a fan of reading them, collecting them, and creating them. She's pretty much read all the age appropriate stuff we can get our hands on. Unfortunately, I had to pick through to find a few things here appropriate for her to look at, because there was no clear selection called out for the younger graphic novel fans, but lots of cover-your-eyes this is adults-only type graphic novels set out on every table. I get it. This place is geared towards the adult genre, but I should mention they are missing a whole slice of customer base, because families and creative-type older kids are literally eating up (and buying) all the great manga and graphic novels these days. Customer service here could be improved. Don't get me wrong, I'm an independent shopper and I prefer being left alone in a shop to being welcomed in a clingy, high-pressured or obsequious way, but we didn't warrant a smile or quick, "Hi", more like a suspiciously raised eyebrow, and we've been in three or four separate times now. I appreciate a unique business, but for us its not been the friendliest, for whatever reason. read more

Fantagraphics Books - Art Galleries Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Great shop! While I have yet to physically enter the store (that's coming soon!), I have ordered several pieces through the mail with them and they have come quickly and perfectly packaged. Terrific addition to a great publisher! read more

As far as independent comics go it probably doesn't get more independent than Fantagraphics! I first learned about them when I saw their logo on the back of the Beers of Apocalypse bottles from Elysian. As time went on I heard more about Fantagraphics and decided to head over to Georgetown and look at their store. The midsized room harbors all kinds of comics and graphic novels. I am ashamed to say it but I am pretty rusty with staying on top of comics these days so I was not familiar with most of the titles. Probably the one book that I will have to go back and get was a book of old comic covers from the 40's and 50's. This book took my attention with it's dramatic cover of hooded Nazis that are about to impale a damsel in distress that is laying by a bonfire while the Quartermain like hero is bounding over a cliff to stop the proceedings. Yeah, I am a sucker for that kind of thing. read more

A small store with an amazing selection of books and comics by independent writers and artists. I was pleased to see the selection of signed books (some by Robert Crumb) as well as original art on the walls. There were some hidden gems in the damaged/sale section in the back. I'd love to return for one of the store's signing/special events. Note: parking may be challenging, but it's worth the trip. read more

One thing I've loved about using Yelp is that you can unearth some truly hidden gems. Businesses that you were unaware of that really deserve the spotlight. Have you been to Fantagraphic Books yet?! OMG! This is a perfect example. I popped in while I was spending a sunny day in Georgetown taking photos. It was pretty quiet and the store owner had time to talk shop. I'm not a big comic book buff, but instead of deciding I wasn't worth the time, he spent extra time talking to me and telling me about the history of certain artists, how they got their start, how they rose to fame, etc. It was totally fascinating! It all started when I picked up a copy of Maus. Not only did he (obviously) know all about the famous story, he knew about all of the authors other works. We chatted for a bit about history and he walked around the store showing me some other great into type comics that might be of interest to me. I was there with a friend and he also made sure to ask if he needed any help or suggestions. We walked out with an amazing Anti-War comic book compilation. Before leaving he also brought out some actual original comic strip art. Signed by the artist, this stuff was worth tons! He was hanging it on the wall when we walked in and he gave us a preview of some of the stuff that was too valuable to hang. I'd never seen anything like it! I can honestly say that this store is owned by people who really care about their product and their customers. He took so much time to speak with me and never once made me feel stupid for not knowing as much about the comic craft as he did. In fact, he made me want to re-visit and start taking more interest in it! read more

I felt bad for kicking CW out of here before he really wanted to go. No, really. I did! We were on a time table though, so when the "quick peek inside" started turning into a perusal of every book, every section I had to put my foot down. Regrettably so, because really. Fantagraphics is pretty much the best place to go for graphic novels, comics, etc in the area. Super well organized, brightly lit, with special sections for discount books and *ahem* adult themed reading materials, you have pretty much anything a comic nerd could want here. I was seriously lusting over several books, and im pretty certain See-Dub wanted three times more than I did here on this particular visit. The guy running the store is also SUPER friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to talk shop, give suggestions, and show you the latest "awesome thing" he has in. Fantagraphics is truly a gem of Georgetown and the city of Seattle itself. read more

I want to move right in to this place! seriously. Georgetown is my new desire and this place is a large reason why. I have never fancied myself a "comic book geek" type of gal, though I do love Dan Clowes and American Splendor. And who publishes Clowes? Fantagraphics, of course! The hub and I went here on Saturday night for their 1st anniversary party. What's better than free beer, a debut performance by a rockin band (feat. members of Gas huffer), and hobnobbing with some amazing Seattle-based art geniuses? I'll tell ya what's better: all of that plus getting 20% off an out of print book that my husband and I have been searching for for 2 years! Larry Reid, the Fantagraphics curator, was stunned that we had it in our hot lil hands. Apparently it was not supposed to be on the shelf.... OOPS! Thanks for the good times and the great deal Fantagraphics! Hope y'all have many more great years to come! PS: If you want to see some video from the set by the Tom Price Desert Classic, click on the link to our blog. read more

Ok, I'll admit it: I've fallen hard and fast for Seattle's independent bookstore scene. I haven't yet been to a bookstore here that I didn't like, and Fantagraphics Books is no exception. This place is an incredible treasure trove of sad, funny, scary, thought-provoking and most of all beautiful comics and graphic novels that you will not be able to put down. As others have mentioned, the owner, Larry, is a veritable encyclopedia of comics history. I came in looking for a new book to read, and ended up getting into a twenty minute conversation with him. As I'm new to the area, he told me all about some of his favorite Seattle cartoonists working today including David Lasky, Ellen Forney, and Megan Kelso. Fun fact: Matt Groening (of Simpsons fame) went to Evergreen State! Fantagraphics is also a really great place to browse. I mean, where else can you play with Chris Ware's "Building Stories" (a graphic novel that comes in a box and contains fourteen different pieces including a game board and a newspaper)? The final reason I love Fantagraphics is that it's located right next to All City Coffee. Buy your books and then head on over so you can start reading! read more

:D The damaged books room makes this place worth the trek! Great deals and hard to find Fantagraphics books. Plus Georgetown is super fun to walk about. I picked up a great deal on a hardback copy of Castle Waiting and some Acme Novelty Library books. I put moderate down on the price because you will spend a bunch of money here, even with the good deals, because deals justify me buying more comics to make up for the discount. :) And this is why I'm poor. read more

Georgetown is probably my favorite area in Seattle (and yes I am biased because I was born and raised there). After all my visits there I had past Fantagraphics but never ventured in. I like graphic novels but I'm an X-Men/Marvel girl so I knew there were novels but wasn't too intrigued by the content. I went to meet a friend at Georgetown the other night and I had some time to kill and decided to go into Fantagraphics. I told myself I probably shouldn't because I felt like I would be walking out with a purchase. I had my dog so I walked in and stayed in the doorway. I saw someone and asked if it was okay I if I brought my pooch in. It was no problem. Already this place is great in my book. I looked around and actually recognized a few books. I reached for "The Watchmen" and as I was browsing the guy working and I started chatting about the upcoming movie and the legal issues it has become involved in. We started talking about Marvel and current movies that were released. Despite being a DC comic "The Dark Knight" was mentioned. We kept talking for about 15 minutes. I had to leave to meet my friend and I didn't leave empty handed. The guy recommended a "Maggie The Machanic" book for me. I even told him as he was ringing it up that I knew I was going to leave with something. Fantagraphics is way cool. I'm already itching to go back. read more

I have to admit something, when it comes to collecting comic books, I'm a bit of a dork. By that, I don't mean that collecting comics is dorky. In fact, collecting comics is The Coolest Thing Ever(tm)!! It's just that I collect dorky comic books. Instead of spending all my money on the cool stuff available at this store, I spend it on X-men... and Uncanny X-men ...and Astonishing X-men ...and New X-men ...and Ultimate X-men... and, well, you get the point. Just give me a pile of comic books that feature the word "X-men" (hell, all it needs it the letter "X") in the title and I'm as happy as a pig in slop. That said, I do appreciate the importance of good independent comics. For every forty issues of X-men I read, I try to read a book like Black Hole. For every time Phoenix is reincarnated, I add a great anthology book like McSweeney's #13 to my bookshelf. Maus is a must read. Persepolis is intriguing. Epileptic is a revelation. So, yes, I can appreciate *good* comics. And that's why it's a good thing that there are store and publishers like Fantagraphics to support them. Because, while Fantagraphics didn't publish all the titles above, they've been producing equally amazing titles for years. And now, we have this wonderful store where I can go and buy them, if for no other reason than to bring myself down from my X-sugar-high. So, go and check it out! I'm sure you'll find something to covet... Like Beasts! http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/156097768X/ref=s9_asin_image_2/002-8810446-7021620 ...covet ...covet ...covet! Between Fantagraphics, the 9 Pound Hammer and Stellar's Pizza, Georgetown is shaping into the destination that people keep claiming it is! read more

Though I'm more Peanuts than Crumb and believe the graphic novel is an abomination, Fantagraphics is a 5 star joint. Attend their book signings or art events to rub dirty elbows with real life cool people. Be nice to everyone you meet there, because you won't know if they're a rock star or a hobo. read more

Seattle landmark for underground arts and culture, with a huge assortment of comics, graphic novels, and zines. Paired with Georgetown Records next door, this is an unbeatable stop on any hipster tour of Seattle. read more

Adjoining to a lair of super serious music geeks is a lair of super serious comic geeks. Why so serious? They have original pin up art on the walls made by people long dead. That's cause for serious! In a relitively small area, they've managed to pack in books for the non-mainstream comic perv with an over the top super serious perv lair in the back. Them comics back there are rated XXX for Xtremely Xplicit Xylophones. Apparently this place is internationally famous, so you should bow towards this place on comicbook Wednesday if you feel like it. read more

This store RULES!!!! After spending a day and a half exploring downtown, then landing off the beaten path (Georgetown) at this graphic novel mecca/record store- I can't wait till the next time I come to Seattle so I can make a return visit! A lovingly organized and labled selection with an awesome half price room. I don't know if it was the owner helping me today or not, but whoever he was, he totally ruled and provided some amazing inside stories of local artists and not so local artists that the store supports. If you live in Seattle, seriously, what are you waiting for? read more

Bottom line: A "must" destination for any comic fan, Fantagraphics is a gem of the finest quality. The back sale room is a treasure trove with 50% off slightly damaged items, countless treasures await! The gallery - while small (essentially one wall) - is fun to see and often sports something amazing. Fantagraphics does amazing reprints of old comics - the Peanuts collection is the most high profile example, but there are many(Krazy Kat, Popeye, Dennis the Menace, etc). They also do the Eros Comics imprint. Yes, comic erotica including manga - go Bondage Fairies! Fantagraphics epitomizes everything that is right about Georgetown, and may that area be protected from the bloodsuckers that seem to be destroying the personality of Seattle for a long f*ing time! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I miss the old warehouse location near Costco...it was gritty and people were packing boxes while you rifled around, looking at the inventory. I always felt like I was sneaking something when I went there...okay, sentimentality aside... Fantagraphics gets lost in the shuffle when people look at innovative businesses started in Seattle. It shouldn't. They are the best in indy comics: edgy, wide ranging, amazing, and right here. My personal favs: Richard Sala - Black Cat (among others) Los Bros Hernandez - I cannot overstate the effect Love and Rockets had on me as a teen. Dame Darcy - Meat Cake! Charles Burns - Black Hole Drew Friedman - Spy magazine, "Old Jewish Comedians" I can't believe Fantagraphics publishes all these incredible artists! Find titles also from Art Spiegelman, Seth, Chris Ware, and Crumb - among many. read more

What a great under acknowledged Seattle landmark. Fantagraphics is a fantastic store filled with history and controversy. This would be a great place to drop some series cash, building a new layer of hobby-dom. Additionally, it is hiding in a fantastic old building. If you enjoy a good unexpected literary experience, head on down to Fantagraphics. read more

Cool quaint store with a nice Simon Hanselmann display due to his new book (great art). Nice proprietor, let my 2 year old read any book she could reach ("anything within arms length is fine!", he says when I apologize for her overzealous handling). Half price books in the closet. Nice little neighborhood. Lots of selection. Great place. read more

Hooray for Fantagraphics! Who else can make me laugh so hard, who else fills my head with whimsical delights, dark comedy, and outright hilarity? One of the best graphic novel publishers, but on top of that, some of the sweetest, hippest and coolest guys in the publishing industry. I am an unabashed and biased fan. I adore their Complete Peanuts (with an index for each volume!), look forward to each Mome, cackle with glee at a new Tony Millionaire, and sigh over Krazy and Ignatz. read more

To be honest, I'm not too excited about giving this place a bad review. It seemed like it could be really awesome, but I didn't even get a chance to experience it before being completely turned off from it. After being nicely asked by a friend to go pick Comicon tickets up from them for her, I drove 25 minutes down to the store. I was promptly ignored by the older man working there who was too busy talking to a friend of his to acknowledge that I was standing there clearly waiting for help. Once he finally spoke to me and found out that I was there to pick up tickets, he was incredibly rude. His first response to me was to say "ummm. Was I supposed to have them held for her?" while looking down his nose at me. I told him I believed so, so he went to the register to look for them. He dug through the unorganized pile of tickets they had set aside and asked me if her name was some other womans name (because evidentally it's only possible for one female to be buying tickets to a comic convention). I told him her name and said "she told me you guys had called her earlier today to make sure she still wanted them" His kind response? "'You guys' didn't call her". I didn't even know how to respond to his rudeness, so I didn't say anything. After he finally found them he then proceeded to tell me how "She's really lucky, if it had been me, there's no way I would have held them for her" and then complain about how the whole ticket situation had been a disaster because they are the only place left in town with tickets. I paid for the tickets and on my way out told him that that was not an excuse to be rude to his customers. He responded with something snotty i'm sure, but I was out the door before he could finish. Had he not been so offputting to me, I would have stayed around and shopped. It seemed like a really cool store but he completely ruined the experience for me. I sincerely hope he's not the owner. I'm glad everyone else has had such good experiences here, I just wish mine had been the same. read more

It was very awesome for me to have the chance to stop in to Fantagraphics during my trip to Seattle. It was so cool to see the place and the adjoining record store. It was like a little pilgrimage for a comic nerd such as myself. If you are in the Seattle area or just visiting, make sure to visit Fantagraphics Books. It is most definitely worth it. read more

What a great place! We are lucky to have this here in Seattle. The man working was knowledgable and eager to help me find what I was looking for and talk about comics and cartoonists. He seemed like a straight talker, which may have been off putting to a reviewer below. But I think he is great and the store is wonderful. They even had quite a bit of books that are out of print almost every where else. I am no collector but if I was I could probably make some coin "flipping" books. I feel weird even mentioning that, but it is a tribute to the depth of this small store's stock. read more

Great varieties of graphic books and really love that a place like this exists. The only down fall is the service is not so welcoming. The elderly man that runs the place was rude and short. It will be awhile if I ever return. read more

Jacob Covey, the current art director of Fantagraphics is a massive talent. Fanta is putting out some amazing projects.

This is a truly great place. I had no interest whatsoever in graphic novels until some friends dragged me inside. They have a large selection of books for all tastes and a small section for kids. Larry, the guy who runs the place, is amazing. He's been familiar with every book I've asked him questions about and can quickly suggest others that may interest me. Authors sometimes do guest appearances. Now I drag my friends here and they usually become addicts too. read more

I adore Fantagraphics! Not only is the space my kryptonite (sharing the same building as a records store, fine take all my money!) but the selection is top notch. Everytime I go I have to seriously budget myself because it's easy to just binge shop there. I love the diversity in the selection and the section up front of small run presses of more zine like comics. If you are a Love and Rockets fan then their back room will be a little slice of heaven for you! read more

Graph par for little blue what is his I think Charlie yeah and then one time wish somewhere above well a place books and dirty secrets.

i love fantagraphics books. not just the comic books. they also have a nice selection of "low brow" art books by artists like camille rose garcia, mark ryden, tim biskup, and shag. their selection of Crumb and love and rockets is worth the trip alone. also its in the same space as Georgetown Records, where i know i will always find more great records than my budget allows.so stop pretending like Georgetown is so far or out of the way. Come by and support two great local businesses. read more

The comic and graphic-novel motherload, with access to the warehouse also. Also helpful and knowledgeable.