I went here for Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) as a way to finally get a feel for the place. I had heard of Fat Jack's, but I always keep forgetting to check it out considering it's right down the street from Secret Origins. But I figured FCBD was the perfect opportunity since most shops use it as a way to connect with and introduce new patrons to their business. Upon opening the front door, I was immediately greeted by a very friendly cat. I thought, okay, this is my type of place, being a cat guy myself. But that's where the warm feelings end. Unfortunately, the feline was the only friendly personality here as the owner didn't want to acknowledge or make it feel like I was really wanted. (And after reading some of these other reviews, I can see that I'm not alone in that regard.) As for the selection of books itself, there is certainly a HUGE selection of new releases and back issue bins to go through. Unfortunately, all the back issues are priced at market value or higher. Not exactly a competitive price considering all of the other local comic book stores in the same area have much better pricing. Plus, dollar bins. read more

This is the second location of Fat Jack's Comicrypt. Compared to the Philadelphia location, this shop is a little smaller, but has one key advantage: Free parking. It's also located next to The House of Fun toy shop. Interior of the shop is nothing to look at; it's rough and could use a renovation. New pull selection of comics was fair, but had a good selection of graphic novels. Almost no wall books to speak of. Where this shop stands out is, like the other location, is the large longbox selection. This takes up the majority of the shops space. An important item worth noting is the shop does have several comic cats. They are friendly and like pets. Overall, while this location could use a renovation, I think it's easier to access and better then the Philadelphia shop. read more

I'm not sure, but when I was a kid growing up in the area, this store was just called the Comicrpyt and the owner was always friendly and nice to everyone. I'm not sure if the store is still owned by him or run by family or not, but I stopped by on my way to see fiends in the area, (it's been like 40 years now) it was not the same store I remember in the 70-80's but the doors were locked. I had a lot of great memories and still have most of the books he sold to me even now. read more

Had a nice experience here. I came on new release day and they had all the new releases I was looking for. They had a lot of back issues and carried magazines I was not expecting (alter ego and back issue) read more

Not sure what people are expecting out of a comic shop, but usually a good experience. Neat atmosphere with the cats, and they do put up with some wacky characters that come in for comics sometimes. Overall, tremendous selection of current comics, and their trade paperback selection is incredible. If you like comics, I am sure you already know about this place, but if not somehow, check it out. Not as big or as nice as the location in Philly, but you're staying on this side of the bridge.... read more

I celebrated a birthday recently, and I received as one of the gifts, a $50 gift certificate to Fat Jack's Comiccrypt in Oaklyn NJ. I went into the store excited with the gift certificate and 300 bucks in my pocket. I went in and there was a couple looking around. The man bought something and left. Then another person came in and the worker started talking to him and complaining about how the people were in the shop for 20 mins and they must be from out of town. I started to look around the shop, the man still didn't acknowledge that I was there, I walked by him not a hello, how are you, can I help you, is there something you're particularly looking for? He said nothing to me. There was 3 cats running on top of the comic boxes which was a little weird also. It went on to 25 mins as I was gathering something's he still didn't ask if I needed help. I approached him and asked him if he has any Neal Adam art books, he quickly said no and than ignored me. I looked further and found a Neal Adams Batman illustration Book. At this time I didn't even want to spend the Gift certificate at the place, but I was now using it out of spite. I approached the counter, he rang me up, took the certificate and didn't even say Thank You. I took off saying to myself, I'm glad I didn't spend any of my own money in there. It was the rudest shop I ever was in. This was the first time I had this experience. I know that's far fetched for some, but I never had this experience before. If I was using my own money I would of left long ago. read more

All of their books are overpriced and they'll look at you like you have seven heads if you try and bargain with them. I'd give this review 1 star if they weren't so animal friendly. The cats roaming around are the only cool thing about this place. read more

Definitely one of South Jersey's premiere comic book emporiums, Fat Jack's Comicrypt possesses among the largest of back issue and graphic novel selections. This is on top of a current issue selection featuring all of the mainstream titles and a healthy showing of indies and underground titles. The Comicrypt has both a welcoming spirit for first-time or relatively new customers who want to read a comic or graphic novel after seeing a film called "Spider-Man" or something similar as well as the die-hard geek who arrives every Wednesday for the new releases and again on the weekend to make sure they didn't miss anything. Fun discussions and a knowledgeable staff makes the Comicrypt a true crypt... for unlocking fun! read more

This is the best it gets without going to a cookie-cutter comic shop, folks! Fat Jack's reminds me of the shops I used to frequent with my dad when I was a little kid. It's not too big, and not too small. It has a TON of back issues, all conveniently labeled and properly priced. You may also find some hidden gems if you search hard enough. The gentleman that owns the store is very cool and very knowledgeable. He makes you feel welcomed and appreciated as a customer. Most of the time, the owner is the one who helps you when you go into the store. However, I have encountered others in the past who are just as knowledgeable and friendly. Then there's the kitties! I'm not a big pet fanatic... but the cats that roam through the store are loveable, friendly, and downright adorable! It definitely makes the trip to Fat Jack's memorable and unique. Whether you are a huge comic fan, up to date on all happenings in the comic universe, or are a start-up or casual fan, this is the place to get your comics. The owner of the shop offers great tips and makes quality recommendations if you tell him just a little bit about your taste. read more

A lot of cat hair. But def a lot of back issues there are boxes to go through for hours. Ok shop

Back issue stock is so-so but that's not why this place is only getting 3 stars. The shop itself is great, the owner, not so much. Every time I go to this shop and ask the owner a question about certain comics he always seems agitated that I'm speaking to him. Most of the time he scoffed at my questions and almost made fun of me for reading the comics that I do because they weren't as "popular" as the others. All in all good store but really shitty service/owner. Guy always has a bug up his ass. read more

Good selection of new books, TONS of back issues, helpful staff

Writing this review from a professional standpoint. I'm a librarian and I called Fat Jack's to see if they were interested in setting up a table at my library's Comic Con. The man on the phone 1) grilled me about my intentions, 2) informed me that "don't do anything like that," and 3) hung up on me. I do understand that they've been in business for a very long time and aren't interested in promotion or outreach anymore. I do not appreciate the condescending response to a simple outreach question. I've spoken to several other comic shops in the area and they've all been very personable and friendly. But whoever I talked to on the phone at Fat Jack's was the opposite of "helpful" and "welcoming," as other reviewers have said. Giving an average amount of stars because of course I can't speak to the rest of the staff or their selection. But I'll tell you right now I don't have any plans to go there or reach out to them again in the future. read more

Staff was very rude and confrontational. They stock a decent amount of books and back issues, but there are 2 large cats that are free to roam around the store and even walk around ON TOP of the stacks of back issues. If your looking for decent service and careful handling of products, this ain't it. read more

Walking into either of the Fat Jack's locations for the first time one can't help but think they're in a back-issue heaven ... That is until you realize how hugely inconsiderate the customer service and overall social interactions are; you feel as though you're in an alternate universe of miserable comic book ego boys. When visiting the Philadelphia location, you can find the 2-3 employees face down at the check out counter or in the back room listening to sports radio (in either instance ignoring you, the customer). I've spoken to the owner of both locations and I am 100% convinced his only concern is covering costs rather than building relationships for future business or creating a sub-par (let alone good) first-time buyer experience. I spoke to him after an experience at Oaklyn, which is explained in detail below. At the Oaklyn location, you may find yourself elbow deep in cat hair/vomit/boxes if you're thumbing through back-issues. Again, huge selection of back-issues but terrible, absolutely terrible customer service and social interaction. From one working professional to another, assuming you have a job where one has responsibilities to people, this place should be the flagship store of "how not to treat people" (the word "customers" doesn't even apply as it would presume you would receive some type of welcoming or helpful service for wanting to give the store your money and business). I've witnessed the shopkeeper at this location berate a first time shopper for asking if a price is negotiable.. And this was after he condescendingly accepted the question and wanted to negotiate. The guy simply could have said "Unfortunately, we don't move on prices of our books." But instead we received a "You're crazy, that's just ridiculous, go somewhere else and try to haggle.. May be a bigger store like Walmart, why don't you go buy your books there." The comments were absolutely uncalled for. As the first time customer began leaving the store expressing he didn't need to buy the books - the shopkeeper then followed him to the front and continued to scold the first time buyer.. From this experience alone, I can say that there is a group of consumers who expressed they will not be visiting this store again. To give you additional details, Fat Jacks lost 4 individuals future business in 2 of their locations because the shopkeeper and owner was SO RUDE about a discussion, which could have been avoided, regarding a LESS than 25% discount on 4 books (a $15 purchase instead of a $19 purchase.... Yes, a $4 difference). So instead of making a sale, where the buyer would have been more than willing to pay full price, they lost a sale and future sales. Again, the shop keeper could have said "Unfortunately, no we don't negotiate.". It's not about negotiating the prices of books, it's really about the customer interaction and how they treat people. It's almost like these stores go out of their way to treat customers like this. In conclusion, I've been to both Fat Jack locations and will never step foot in either of them again. If you do purchase comics in the South Jersey / Philly area - go to Frankenstein Comics in Woodbury, CrossRoads in Pitman, The Comic Book Store in Glassboro and finally Ron's Comic World in Lumberton. I've been to my fair share of stores in the area but these stores, by far, have the best customer service and overall best selection... From their walls to their back issues and paperback trades - you can find amazing books and even better customer service. I hope this review was helpful! read more

The comic book stock is nice. The service is well horrible when compared to other stores. At best I can say that the people that work there are well unpersonable. Expect to recieve very little help in regards to finding a comic, or well recieving anything but a glare when talking to those that work there. The cats are well odd, as you'll find them lying on comic books you might want to go through. Overall, there is a great selection, but the store is poorly run and not a place you walk away with a postive experience. read more

A truly wonderful place. I have been a regular since 1987. Brian, the manager is a great guy who will do as much as possible to help the customers. He has aided my quest for entertainment many times over the years, and his love of the store cats is contagious. I have been to many comic book stores over the years and none are as much fun as Fat Jack's New Jersey location. A great place to be entertained and pet the cats. read more