Visiting San Diego, we had a great idea to hit up OB. We had no idea that there would be a comic book shop in the area. My friend did find what he was looking for (+4 stars). However, there were only 3 parts of the series available (-1 star). As we looked around for more we realized the variety was seriously lacking (-1 star). The guy at the register did tell us though, that if there was a specific series or edition we wanted he could have it ordered (+1 star). read more

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I had a plan when I walked into Galactic Comics. I had just finished reading Batman: Dark Victory and was looking for a new graphic novel to bring on the beach with me. The clerk helped me reach a verdict - Batman: Monsters and I was very pleased. The place feels a little bit cluttered...and it's a bit dusty, but it's cluttered with dusty gems! Old school arcade games, retro action figures and superhero costumes etc. I could spend a whole day poking around this place (wearing a safety dust mask). read more

after spending money here, I continued to look around a little, the owner then asked me"are you done?" and told me to leave. Great selection, but very unprofessional and unfriendly store read more

So, Adam was bummed about it not being a hardcore comic store. I, on the other hand, am elated at what a great DVD rental joint it is. You can find all kinds of not so mainstream stuff, it's not overwhelmingly huge with a display of popcorn buckets at the counter, and the people there are dry, local and relatively charming. It's right down the street. They give you a discount on the next movie you rent if you rent one the same day you return one. Setting up an account was cake. I dunno - for a DVD joint in OB, this place is the just right in my Goldilocks life. read more

DO NOT GO HERE TO RENT DVDS! This guy is literally a thief, and if you have been living on Mars, Netflix is pocket change. I went there to give a small town business support and totally regret it. I went in there to rent some movies and had to listen to this guy for 10 full minutes tell me about the membership. I came within an inch of telling him to forget it, as he took FAR too much time (to an unprofessional level), and I had a friend waiting outside. I discovered later this is his double talking jive as he charges you a non-refundable $5 for enrollment, which would be the breaking point of any sane person getting a DVD membership in 2014. Not to mention there is literally no reason whatsoever for him to have a $25 deposit after he has your credit card info. When I saw a $37 dollar charge on my credit card, I flipped out. Here are the numbers: 37 charge on my cc, minus my 25 dollar deposit= 12. Plus 5 for my freaking non-refundable initiation fee= 17. Seventeen dollars to rent 3 movies and yes, this whole operation is INTENDED to complicate the consumer. Here's the scumbag stealing part: At the time of checkout, I was told $9 and change. After all is said and done, it was $12 and change. I know that is not a lot of money, but it's flat-out stealing, and flat-out 30%. So, I went down there to question the charges. The owner wasn't there, but he had two employees there. I asked for a receipt for the transaction. They were looking at a screen, which they wouldn't show me, and told me there wasn't a receipt. I told them to physically write down what they were looking at. What they wrote down was again, more than I was told at checkout, and was listed as "charges", not even movies, rentals, DVDs, and Heaven forbid something itemized. And it was only 2 charges. Not even three for my three movies, which makes it even shadier. None of which 2 employees could explain to me. Yes, 2 employees did not have the capability to tell me how or why I got charged what I did from a business. If that's not shady, what is? While I was there, I noticed it says there is an extra charge for credit card transactions under $5. Again, not much money ($.50), but it's at a 90 degree angle and you can't see it during checkout. You would have to literally take a step to your left and look diagonal. I took two pics which you can see under photos here. One where you can't see the charge and one after taking a step to your left. From reading another bad review here, I noticed you pay a $.50 "processing fee" no matter what. So it seems when he is not in steal mode and just in gouge mode, a $4 cc purchase just became $5. All of this bs yearly must equate a pretty sizable payday that he can laugh about on the way to the bank. You can get a taste of the confusion instilled for gouging purposes by the "RENTAL SPECIALS" advertisement. I took those right before I heard, "No pictures!" I literally walked out of there, called my bank and cancelled my debit card. Solely from this business. On top of everything, another bad review just informed me that cell phones are not allowed in the store (obviously to prohibit comparing prices), I will be the one handing out cigars when this sleazy operation meets it's inevitable demise. read more

Galactic Comics - Comic Books Near Me - San Diego, California

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I'm a tourist and decided to walk in there..... worst idea ever... I collect arcade games so the arcade area caught my attention.... I took a picture and it was the worst thing I could've done..... why do businesses do that? I have no idea.... I guess some places are beyond salvation..... I guess this place stands by "NO BROWSING ALLOWED AND DON'T INVITE YOUR FRIENDS" read more

I was having a nice stroll around OB and this was my last stop. I touched one book in the entire store seeing as how I'm not really into comics but I do love some pin up art and as I'm rounding the last corner of the store about to leave .. the guy from the front corners my friend and I and asks that I respectfully pay for a book I so called damaged. I declined that I damaged it and he still said ranted about how they just received the book and it wasn't damaged and now it is. I was taken back and scared so I just ended up paying for it. Now I have a book that I didn't want and a loss of $40.00 due to this guy. I think it's ridiculous that anyone would force someone to pay for an item they did not damage. read more

Ok - so, this is a really really specific review of one experience, so take it as you will, I suppose. I'm a bit of a grown child - I have the things that I like, but I'm not really a comic book guy (though my wife buys the hell out of them). I'm temporarily stationed at a naval base near OB, and I had my wife in town for the weekend, and she wanted to go to a comic book store. So, we were in OB, and I searched it on my phone, and boom, we were there in under three minutes. And it seemed like an awesome store! All kinds of toys and comics and graphic novels. Now, one of my big "things" is robocop. Always has been, but like I said, i'm not a big comic book guy. BUT, I had heard there was a new Robocop comic that had been coming out from some indie press or whatever, so I thought I'd look for it. So I find a Robocop graphic novel, and I'm thinking "Ok, I'm totally going to probably buy this, but let me check and make sure this is the right one". So, I flip out my smartphone (yeah, the one that directed me to GET to the store) and open wikipedia to look up the collection in my hand just to confirm its the one that i'd heard about. INSTANTLY the guy working there is in my aisle and telling me that people arent allowed to use their cell phones in his store. Hmmmm. So yeah, I put it down. Found my wife, who had found a few things she wanted. I had her put THEM down, and we left. Didn't spend a dime. I was about to drop about about $50-60 here, and was so turned off by the ridiculous rule and the attitude that now I'm going to order the stuff online - and actually pay more that way after shipping and such, just because I feel bad for making my wife put her "neat finds" down. So yeah, I would much rather have bought the stuff there. So I don't know what that rule is for. I mean - I can see if people don't want people taking pictures in the store. If thats the case, then say "no pictures". If the rule is because they dont want people price-comparing with online retailers well, here's a newsflash: people in your store are there to buy stuff from a store, and you having a rule against cell phones isn't going to change who uses your store versus who uses amazon or something, I was there to spend money in thier shop, and they ran me out with their BS rule and attitude. So I guess they won't get my business or any of the geeks from Naval Base Point Loma that I get a chance to discuss Geekery-purchases with. Thanks guys. read more

Wow, just wow. The owner of Galactic Comics is selfish, aggressive, and he has no respect for his customers. I am a fourth generation San Diegan and have been coming to Galactic Comics for years. I took my son there today for his 8th birthday with the intention of letting him spend his birthday money. My son was gently touching one of the arcade games in the store (which you are supposedly allowed to do) when the owner told us in an aggressive manner that my son was not allowed to touch the games unless he paid money to play them. After trying appeal to his reason for the sake of my boy, the owner called me a bad father and banned me from the store for life. My son was heart broken and just wanted to go home after that experience. Needless to say we will no longer be supporting this unprofessional and hostile business. read more

I kind of want to give this place one star but I can't. I have gone here a few times but it is never my destination when i go in there. What I mean is I usually go there after I got to Hodads I never go down there for comics. The place has to many DVD's and not enough comics. I realize they probably make more money on the rentals but if thats the case change it to a rental store. The only reason they get two stars is they had something that my local shop didn't. read more

The owner's a nice guy, like previous reviews stated. He knows his stuff. tons and tons of eye candy and awesome selection on figurines. i'd never found a freddy kruger statue/figure at other comic book stores but managed to find one here. Also, they have awesome DC figures like harley quinn, poison ivy and wonder woman. they also carry manga which is awesome. i'll definitely be back. read more

This store is incredibly unique~way more than comics. They carry all kinds of rare, hard to find collectibles and even have a video arcade area. I brought a realtor friend here who was looking for movie posters for a client's home theater. The selection was outstanding and very reasonable on poster pricing. I also brought out of town guests here with their young children, who flipped over the action figures and spent a lot of time playing the video arcade machines while the adults continued shopping. The owner was very helpful in locating for me the Meryl Streep "Iron Lady" movie poster. This is truly a fun place in the wonderful Ocean Beach community. read more

Small comic shop that's filled wall to wall with boxes of series, to the point where there's very limited walking room. Staff was nice and helpful. Sadly they did be have what I was looking for (issue 1 and 2 of a couple series). If you're looking into getting started into a series I would recommend going elsewhere, they mostly have the most recent issues in stock, besides a couple of trade paperbacks. Also have some awesome arcade machines for sale, if you have a spare $2000. read more

Pretty crowded, but good selection. Owner is nice. Parking will be hit or miss.

I stopped in during a recent vacation. The owner was super helpful in helping me find what I was looking for. He was also more than helpful in helping me pick out a gift for a friend with a pull box there. I'll be coming back next time I am in town to hunt down more treasures. read more

I love the arcade games in the store, and David is friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. Pick up your favorite comic and enjoy a day in OB.

I From El Cajon I came all the way to the beach to look for comic books. I heard they had a lot of good comic's but when I got there they had a poor selection and when I went to the register to ask some guy about a certain comic book he was very rude and wouldn't help me. I asked the store manager he said he was the store owner. I was very unhappy with the way I was treated. Why go to a place and be treated like crap if they want your buisness I just dont get it. read more

I really enjoyed visiting here. The store is quality and customer centric. I recommend doing business here, you will not regret it.

I will never recommend this store to anyone. My friends and I went there today because we love comics, and I took my phone out of my pocket to take one picture of an action figure because it was my favorite character and I loved it. The only employee working there burst around the corner and yelled at me to leave the store immediately and accused me of "hurting a small business by doing Internet shopping in his store." He also YELLED that we should have seen the no photographs sign ABOVE the door. My friends and I were likely going to buy something, but now we will never recommend this store. The employee was incredibly rude. He could have just asked what I was doing and politely asked me to take no photographs. I would have been ok with that. I should never have been yelled at and falsely accused like that. read more

these guys rule... there's awesome memorabilia and their comic book knowledge is intimidating... even for a nerd like me. This has always been one of my favorite businesses on Newport and I am happy to see them thrive. read more

This is a pretty cool comic book store. We played some old arcade games and the tv in the place had pee-wee's big adventure playing, so the vibe was there. I think they give too much space to dvds but that's because the space is a little crowded. I found some books I needed and the dude was nice. I'd frequent this place if I lived in the area. read more

A great spot for locals and tourists. Get your weekly comic fix or grab a keepsake souvenir to commemorate your trip to Ocean Beach. The owner is a great guy too. He knows his stuff and is super friendly. Definitely check it out. read more

I was in search of some comics and this was my first visit to this comic store. I am not writing this based on my emotions, but based on my professional opinion and the facts. It was the owner who was working at the time and who had also helped me out. As soon as I enter the store, I can tell he sells comics, some comic supplies, toys, posters, and rents out dvds.The store has no kind of organization, especially with the comic books. The variety of comics is very limited. You would have to subscribe to a certain comic through his store in order to get that certain kind of comics. If you are new to comics, bring someone who knows something about them or the owner will try to take advantage of that. It seems like he is more interested in making a sale than have a happy customer that will keep returning. When purchasing some comics, he gave me some comic bags and boards, all the comics that I purchased were the same size. When I got home, the bags and boards were all different sizes. Included were current sizes, regular sizes and also golden age sizes.. Really? Would I go back?... Probably not. It wouldnt be worth the trip nor the extra charges. Like I said... It seems like he is more interested in making a sale than have a happy customer that will keep returning. Although, if you are looking for cool toys, that might be a good spot for you, but be ready for the high prices. read more

They have a great array of movies to buy from and a good comic selection. However, it's difficult to shop comfortably when the guy who's sitting at the counter is watching your every move. He forbids the use of cellular devices whilst shopping, as a prevention of photography. I snapped a photo of a 50 dollar action figure I knew would be a good gift for a family member, and I was scolded by the guy for doing so. I later find out the same action figure is online for 30 dollars, in the same condition as the one from the store. Maybe that's why he doesn't like people taking photos of his inventory. But that just means his store is overpriced. I will not be returning. read more

This guy is one of the rudest people I have ever met. I go in there take a picture of a comic book to show a friend and he starts flipping out, for no reason as if it's illegal to take a picture of something. The store is filled with tons of items but none are actually in good condition add that with a horrible attitude by the owner, and what do you have.... a place not worth wasting your time at. read more

This place sucks. Everything is ridiculously overpriced, at least double what you could buy it for online, if not more. I understand small businesses having more costs and therefore higher prices, but this dude is just gouging his customers. A figure which you can buy on Amazon for $12 prime he is selling for over $25! Then he gets pissed when you say something about it. So it makes sense that they forbid you to use your cell phone in the store. The owner watches you on a camera and freaks out if you pull your phone out.... guess he doesn't want you to know how overpriced everything is. We own a toy store and encourage people to scan items... everyone should know what market value is on what you're buying. read more

Don't come to this shop unless you want to be racially profiled. I was in the shop just browsing the comics, I was picking them up and reading the back to get a sense of what I might be purchasing (because every single book they had was boarded and sleeved, I didn't have much to go on) I took my time because it was a Saturday and I had the day off and I wasn't about to rush into a purchase I wasn't sure of, as I hope most shop keepers may understand. I felt myself being watched by the owner, I looked up and realized that there were cameras everywhere. I get that, I understand a store-owner has the right to make sure that his livelihood isn't easily stolen, but I could tell there was some odd suspicion and hostility toward me which I did not understand- I'm Hispanic, but I look like a total nerd so I didn't get why I looked so suspicious to him for just looking at stuff. In the store there were two other Caucasians and then an African American man and his Hispanic friend entered. They faintly smelled of marijuana ( I didn't care) but looked like your average nerd as well. I saw the black guy was alone looking through comics and noticed that he had a Beach House shirt and I sparked up a conversation about the band. I was planning on buying a Darkman comic but was torn between two issues and asked him for his opinion. We are talking and suddenly the store owner comes up to us and asks in a passive aggressive tone if he can help us. The other Hispanic guy comes to our section and the owners accusingly asks him what he was doing "in the back". He tells the owner that he thought it was a restroom and quickly exited. The owner finally mans up and asks directly if he stole something and the guy says no and amiably complies to a search, which given the circumstance I understand. The owner then asks his friend to be searched too, which doesn't make any sense because he didn't even go into that room. He is offended, but complies as well. After accusing them of stealing, he then asks if they smoked weed in there (Which is obvious that they didn't because they came in already smelling). The owner starts working himself up and goes into gestapo mode and starts questioning them like a police officer and makes them reveal that they smoked before they entered the shop (which was none of his business) and proceeds to chastise and judge them for smoking and says he is calling the police. They ask him politely if he wants them to leave and the shop-keeper goes back to being passive aggressive. They decide to leave without being ordered to and I, being sickened by the rudeness of the owner, quickly put the Darkman back on the shelf. As I walk out he then stops me at the door, and asks me to open up my jacket. As if I'm in cohorts with the other two guys just because I'm not white either (According to him all colored people know each other and work together to steal apparently). I give him this incredulous look and he then puts his fat sweaty hands on me and tries to manhandle me. Knowing this guy has a stick up his ass and me just wanting to get the hell out of there without succumbing to the urge to punch this guy (who had no right to touch me) I open up my jacket. ( I should have just pulled out my fat wallet and slapped him with it, I don't need to steal anything) As this is happening to me the other two Caucasians walk out the door without the need to be frisked by this obese angry man who looks like he's on the verge of having a heart attack. The black guy and the other Hispanic fed up with this ridiculous situation put their hands up in the air in a comical fashion as if they are prisoners of war and the shop owner loses it and starts cussing us with derogatory words out the door around the vicinity of children and other pedestrians. As we walk away from the store he yells, " Don't ever come back to this shop again, you're banned!" ...As if I would ever want to come back to such a hateful and ethnically hostile environment. read more

The store has some cool stuff, a couple I had never seen before. However the guy behind the counter was a bit of an ass. First of all, it's a comic book store, with cool collectables, old school video games, costumes, masks, posters, and even a DVD rental ? There are signs all over the store, that state: "NO FOOD, NO FOTOS, NO BARE FEET... And he watches you to see if you saw the sign and will quickly point out their "Rules" just, in case you missed them. This store is in a very, latex back Beach Community In San Diego, I saw a couple of kids walk in wanting to get a couple of comics ready to spend money, but when he say they had just come from the beach bare foot, he asked them to leave. While there my wife was interested in buying a Japanese figure they had for sale. When she asked when they closed, he told her in 10 min. We walked back buy about an hour or so later, and the store was still open. He was very rude and not very customer friendly... But the store it's self was awesome! read more

I really love this place. My bf and I really try to support local businesses, so we always cruise up and down Newport, but no starbucks here, ha. Anyways- we went in and my boyfriend really wanted to get this movie called The Rocket (yeah i don't know) its a hockey movie. Rocketeer, yes I know that one, i digress...anyways- We went in one night and we didn't see it- so as we were renting another movie my bf asked Robert the owner if he had it, when he checked we got to chatting and he was super helpful and said he woudl get it in stock. We said no worries since we do have netflix (i know ridiculous, but we definitely shop here more) Anyways- so then the NEXT DAY he gets a call saying they have it in....now thats some great customer service. There is one girl that works here that I could take or leave, always has a chip on her shoulder, but the rest of the staff is great. We actually are watching The Rocket as we speak....well at least he is.... read more

Stopped in about a month ago while walking around good ol OB. Wasn't too familiar with the place, however I like comic shops and decided to go inside and browse. First thing I notice is the owner has apparent mental issues. As I walked in he was berating someone because they had flip flops. I also made note of his security setup, to me it seemed a bit excessive. I walked around and was impressed by the shop. Lots of cool items. I took my phone out to tag myself there and the owner jumped out and harassed me about having my phone out. I can understand the policy, you don't want people taking pictures of your merchandise. However his approach made me feel as if I committed a crime. He walks upto my face and freaks out about my phone. Telling me I am rude, disrespectful and causing him to lose business. He was unnecessary hostile for such a small infraction. I'm an adult, simply say sir we have a no phone rule in a polite tone and I'll comply. You don't need to berate me for trying to tag myself at your place. read more

Used to love this store until I was rudely instructed not to use my cell phone. What, you fear me checking my email? Paranoia is costing you sales, not the other way 'round, duh. read more

Every time I've been in there the people have been nice and helpful, They have a good mix of comics and collectibles and a lot of dvd's. I have found some hard to find stuff at this place. They're great but a tad expensive. I would definitely check it out though if your a comic or Toy collector. read more

second time disappointment at this business...today is d c's preview of their "rebirth" comic series and free hard copy comics were to be distributed at comic book stores...I just telephoned and the female answered, "I don't think we have any left"...how about a definite answer?...also last September 26th, it was a d c batman day...when I went in, they were totally clueless...that leaves me to go to comickazi in liberty station...sure, it is far to go...yet they know their stuff, are very "tuned in" to d c and other promos, and do not show a lack of professionality... read more

This is the worst comic book store I have been too. I have been out searching for specific comics for a while, and when I walked into this place, I was shocked. It felt like a kick in the nuts. Seeing all the comic books crammed in together is the spaces they were in. The comics, graphic novels, and series collections were all mixed in together, it was completely unorganized, and i found a few issues that had folds in them. The place looked as if they people working just packed them in where they could fit them. And the selection, was so horrible, I could spend hours in a comic book store looking for comics, well really trying to decided on what to buy. I didn't find any of the the current issues I was looking for and when i was leaving they decided to ask if I found every okay. When I told them no, all they said was that they were sorry. Such a shitty environment to go to. If I could give them anything less than a One Star I would. Comic book fans should shame places like this. read more

a cool little store. the selection of comics and graphic novels is kind of small, but they make up for it with alot of toys for sale and they also sell and rent movies. how cool is that? the staff is friendly and know their stuff as well. read more