James is a sommelier for comics. He will always have suggestions for what you like and will not disappoint. One of kind shop - go! Wonderful selection and always friendly. read more

I had an amazing experience here meeting the owner James and getting the comic I came for. James was so excited for talking about comics, introducing me to so much more comic art I never knew existed. I loved his toilet seat art and I could tell how much he loved his job. I live in LA and I have a different comic store to go to. I could tell James is an inspiration to lots of people because he inspired the comic store back home to open up. I will definitely be coming back here again. -From Eno, 12 yrs old. read more

I love this place. James is super helpful and you can tell that he loves comics and is always eager to show you new things you might not otherwise find. His enthusiasm is contagious. Wide variety, reasonable pricing. What's not to love? read more

This place is amazing. Such a great selection of comics, and wonderful recommendations.

Awesome store...a must visit for the comic fan. Meeting the owner is reason enough to stop in. P.s. for owner, thanks for the 'ultimate' breakdown! read more

I'm glad I was finally able to stop by and visit this little comic shop. I stepped foot a bit before closing on a weekend day and was pleased by the setup and organization of the shop. Right at the door, I was already hooked at the first few comic items I laid my eyes on. The deeper into the store I went, the more I found myself continuing to browse the collection at different sections of the shop. I had something in mind that I was looking for but decided to leave the shop as some conversations were going on and I didn't want to interrupt. However, I was graciously asked if I needed help right as I motioned my farewell. I shared that I was looking for "Invincible" and was immediately assisted to where it was on the shelves. Unfortunately, the first few issues (starting at #1) was not present. I asked if it will be restocked, but I was honestly told that I would probably find it elsewhere faster than when Invincible #1 would arrive. Then further conversations continued about how the owner (who turned out to the person helping me out) has history in a few notable comics. I'll let you visit and find out for yourself. With the owner's help I definitely felt like I had a memorable and fulfilling 1st time visit at Isotope Comics. Cheers and I hope to visit again soon, @gerosan_adv read more

Only the best place in the world.... that's all. Haha. James is wonderful and kind and knowledgeable and a pleasure to talk to. I've been coming her for a LONG time now, and I'm... going right now! - Ervin A. read more

I had never walked around this street and seen this comic store. It was open on a Covid day(late descent). The bougie deli next door was snapping at me, so I got to this storefront and looked inside and saw comics. The layout and selection was unique. It's two people that run the comic store. It's European modernist or anime and it's a different take on comics. I needed some recommendations and he showed a few. Try $10 or $15 or $5. I picked a comic book(brochure size) that I had not seen. It seemed rare and I liked picking comics. San Francisco is a comic book and collector's town. You can find some interesting items here. They don't have figurines or accessories like t-shirts and gadgets. He has clearly read through comics and elaborate advanced writing for comic books and the illustration quality is understood. The guy is friendly and wearing a funny suit. read more

Isotope Comics - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This review is based upon a visit during COVID-19 times. I had heard/read great things about this shop and I was very excited to visit it during my wife & I's first vacation child free. I had read that they were open even with Covid happening. Super excited, three hour drive and a two mile walk.... sadly they didn't allow you inside. The wife wasn't the happiest that I dragged her this far for "nothing". However the guy/owner? James? I believe, was amazingly nice and informed me that another shop about a few blocks away was open to indoor shopping. I didn't drag the wife to that location, instead I talked with James. I asked if he carried any floppies/keys or CGC comics which he kindly informed me that another location had what I was looking for. But again I'd rather stick to this location. James brought out a few different trades for me to check out and gave me a run down on each story. Letting me know what was a complete story and/or what I may need to buy. I was blown away by his kindness and his knowledge. I would love to shop at this location more often. If I was a local this would be my place just because of this gentleman. Long story short I ended up enjoying my visit even if it wasn't what I had planned/hoped for. I will return whenever we come back the the bay and when Covid is hopefully done with. read more

Isotope Comics - Ended up buying The Fade Out thanks to a run down with the worker. - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

James is AMAZING, as is his store. He gives a great talk on his toilet seat collection, which he rotates. The store has pretty much everything you could want in a comic book store. He is dog friendly. So bring your pups. His prices are on point and the store is super clean and uncluttered. He was also quick to answer the phone and give information so we could visit! read more

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TL;DR - A gem in the city! James is a specular person. My fiance Josh has been going to Isotope Comics for nearly a decade and has said that James has been a solid reason for his patronage. James treats everyone with kindness, he understands that some people are new and some people who I consider experts of the comic book world, he meets folks where they are and never with a condescending attitude either. Share with James your interests and he'll point you to the right series! His shop features an eclectic amount of comics, and if you give his shop a call and he doesn't have something he'll make a recommendation as to where to find it. Also, he doesn't really sell accessories like t-shirts, so he'll make recommendations for you to find what you're looking for! Overall, James rocks! read more

Went to Isotope Comics for FREE Comic Book Day Sat 5/3/14. It's next to Fatted Calf in Hayes Valley - Fell and Gough. A storm trooper outside greeted me. I liked that. Lots of people were there. I asked the owner where the FREE Comic books were and he told me on the table, take as many as you want, but then know a kid might not get any. I took a few. Next time I gotta look through each one because lots were just ads / sneak peaks of comics you have to buy. Just ok for me, but I'm not a huge comic book fan. read more

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I can't believe that there aren't more mentions of Isotope's most distinctive feature... the toilet seats! He asks or commissions each visiting artist to ink up a toilet seat and then he displays them on the wall. They are remarkable, unique works of art, and seeing whatever part of the collection is on display at any one time should alone put this on an SF visitor's must see list. It's also impressive how many artists have been there. I need to get on this mailing list. As a comic shop, there's a good selection of new comics and a giant selection of trade books, but very little in the way of back issues. That's just not his thing. I suppose as a traditionalist, that knocks off a star for me. read more

I've been going to this place for 7 years and I could swear I had already reviewed it. This place has an amazing atmosphere and community, it is incredibly welcoming to new readers read more

Isotope comics has a great collection and if you're looking for specific issues or variant covers, there's a good chance you'll find them here. James is friendly and super helpful. The store is in a nice location, and if you're interested in comics, you must visit this store while in San Francisco! read more

NO BASEBALL CARDS!!!! DONT ASK IF THEY DO !! For some reason that makes them angry. Like thousands of people have asked. Not going to hurt their business with a bad review, but they could be nicer about it. read more

Isotope is one of my favorite places in SF. I live in Charlotte, NC where we have Heroes Aren't Hard to Find... which is the best comic book store ever, but Isotope is such a close second. James is always so nice and will literally go back and grab whatever weird title I'm currently into. Isotope offers a wide range of traditional comics as well as indie comics, experimental comics, graphic novels, and much more. I never leave empty-handed during a trip to Isotope, and if you do, then clearly you don't like comics. I love Isotope! read more

While you can find all your favorite movie characters here it's all the great independent comics and the owners voice that make this place special. You can tell he really cares and wants you to care too. Plus he looks like and older version of the x-men character legion. read more

I have stopped collecting monthlies after 30 years, but I could not go near SF without stopping by Isotope. I thought I would pick up some issues of Supreme (64-66) by Erik Larsen. James was and still is the character I remember him as from my previous visit. He's inviting, excited, and will do whatever it takes to make a customer happy. I was able to get 2 of 3 books (65 & 66) that I was looking for, and he pointed me to another comic shop a few miles (?) away. I just loved this guy's energy. He always enjoys what he does, and it's a refreshing change from any expectation one has when visiting a comic shop outside your own sandbox. It's a killer comic book store that you MUST visit if you are in the SF area. If this is YOUR local comic book shop, then I really envy you. Keep up the good work James!! (Oh, there's a no plastic bag in effect in the area, and James sells his bag and boards in bulk only, so I had to be really ginger with my newly purchased issues a few blocks to the car. So, I guess one should already have their bags and boards with them when they visit!!) read more

Isotope Comics - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

The guy that owns and runs this place is so incredibly friendly and cool. He replied to me over yelp quickly and ordered a comic for me they didn't have in stock. And he held the comics for me on the side. Sure, some comics might be a little cheaper online, but this place has a soul that's worth visiting. read more

Isotope Comics - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

You know how there are some of those comics shops where people just don't care? it's messy? Dirty? Cluttered? Well, this place is the opposite! People here are friendly and very knowledgable. The place is very clean and welcoming - it's actually hard to leave. It's a very neat and organized shop and I really enjoy coming here. If you're looking for the newest comics and trade paperbacks, this place is perfect. When you're here, you actually don't feel that bad about being a comic book nerd! Be proud! read more

Perhaps I'm a bit of a poseur writing this review. Or, more appropriately, perhaps I'm a poseur in reverse. So... I'm not a regular reader or collector. In fact, I'm pretty sure that it's been about 10 years since coming to a store dedicated to Comics and Graphic Novels. I've walked by Isotope many times. I was at a bar on Thursday night and one of the other patrons was talking about his Friday comic run the next day. He told me about a alternate-timeline Batman series from a few years ago. I was intrigued by the plot-line, so I figured that I better head over to Isotope at lunch the next day since I work a few blocks away. I kinda figured I be out of place - the unfair stereotype of the Comic-Book guy from The Simpsons was what I thought I'd walk into. At best, I was thinking Brody from Mallrats talking to TS. I know very little beyond some of the basics. I was literally intimidated to be the least cool customer there. I walked in and the shop-keeper (James) asked what brought me in - I told him, and I expected to be treated like an idiot. He said, there are MANY alternate Batman timelines - tell me a bit more. I said "Bruce Wayne got killed and his dad is Batman". He slapped his fingers and his eye's lit up: "Say no more. Right this way!" he said. At any rate, he didn't have it on hand, but told me he'd be able to order it - which he happily did. (Coming next Friday) Clearly, James has a real gift at sharing his passion with others. He showed me another Batman book done by Frank Miller and told me a little about the history. Again, I know nothing about the real world of comics, but I was inspired by his enthusiasm. For what it's worth, I did buy V for Vendeta and have enjoyed reading that this weekend. I'll be back to get my book next Friday, and I plan to drop by and learn a bit more. I thought the service was absolutely terrific and it is a beautiful store. If you're like me and don't know anything but think these books are both beautiful art and terrific story-telling, then drop in. I think you'll have a nice experience. read more

I walked into this store today for the first time because they were hosting a signing with writer Brian K. Vaughan (Saga, Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina). Vaughan is a huge deal (I was at his signing at Image Expo the day before and it got capped because of how much demand there was), and it was really awesome for this store to host a free signing open to the public. One of the walls is lined with toilet seats signed and decorated by comic book luminaries - apparently Brian K. Wood had too much to drink at an event one night and decided to draw all over the bathroom, starting a tradition for the store. There's an artist's desk and couch upstairs that was useful for the signing, which I've also heard is open to some local artists who want to work in the store. Comfortable looking chairs downstairs. Overall, a great atmosphere if you want to come hang out and maybe meet other comic book fans. In this regard this is one of the best stores I've seen. The staff members I spoke to were friendly and helpful, like I've encountered at most comic book stores. They also have an impressive collection of graphic novels and trade paperbacks. This store also has the standard gamut of new or recent releases. What I didn't see (at least, not in the front of the store accessible to everyone) were any back-issues. I was looking for an issue I couldn't find, and it sounds like they have some in the back, so be sure to ask if what you're looking for isn't readily available. You might find it annoying that these aren't available to browse though. I bought a couple of comics while I was here, and was really surprised that they don't sell individual boards and bags! I was told they are only sold in quantities of 100. This is the first time I've walked into a comic book store that did not sell this pretty basic service. If you're buying comics and want to take care them, you bag and board them. This will probably stop me from coming back here to buy comics unless there is something else going on at the store like today's event. But if you buy your bags and boards in bulk and are only looking for new (recently released) comic books, then you might think this place is perfect. read more

Isotope Comics - Short line for a daytime signing with Saga writer Brian K. Vaughan in their upstairs space. - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

I had the pleasure of meeting the owner and he is one cool cat! He even bought some copies of my friend's comic book which I thought was totally cool! So definitely come by if you're a fan of comics and/or a fan of art. read more

This comic shop is dark and cool when you walk in. It feels very comfortable. At the end of the room you find a reading area with comics strewn throughout the furniture and 3 adjacent walls. The walls have toilet seat cover artwork from famous and local artists on the main wall above the cash register. Upstairs there is a wax looking figure of Dr. Strange. If you like comics and want somewhere quiet and peaceful, this is the place for you! read more

Isotope Comics - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

Just the best little comic shop in the City, is all. Sure, there are bigger stores but you just can't beat the enthusiasm and massive comics knowledge of these people. I visit as often as I can even though my shelf space has run out long ago,,, You should too. read more

Isotope Comics - From a double-decked tourist bus! A unique perspective - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

(See pics) Review #1177. Came here for the Free Comic Books Day to check out new series and some free posters. These are really fun and happy people that they have big expressions on their faces and you can see how enthusiastic and joyful they are! This is definitely a place that makes you feel like at a friend's house. Good selection of comic books in addition to all the latest issues of the popular series. Love the red sofa at front and comfy plush benches at the back so that you can enjoy your stay. Yep, they are dog friendly as people stroll along with their lovely pet friends. Having enjoyed Habibi, I can't wait to enjoy Blankets that I picked up here! On the day I visited, authors Ted Naifeh and Adrianne Ambrose were also there to sign the free hardcover book Mouse Guard. read more

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Solid! This place has all the comics I want/need. Cool atmosphere and cool personnel. I am there each WED picking up my weekly lot. Some others stores either are poorly organized, strange behind the counter help (I was once told the story of a counter person's sister in law and how slutty she was,un prompted, no need for that)and not a great selection Isoptope has it Great selection Organized Cool People read more

Isotope Comics - The Place! - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great selection, customer service is above and beyond and James, the owner is super friendly and knowledgeable.

Easily my favourite store to head to on the weekends to pick up my subscriptions. James and Kirsten are friendly and outgoing. Warning! If you like to talk, they'll gladly reciprocate and you'll find yourself wrapped up in conversations with them and easily passing more time than you intended! James also has a great eye for picking out new series and comics that he suspects his regulars will like. He's put aside several new ones that came out before I even knew of them, much to my happiness. I'm not sure what the reviews mean by "no back stock" but I've been able to dig up some missing issues that were a few months old and if they're not immediately available, James is more than happy to hunt it down for you. He's ordered many back issues for me, gone to other distributors and even picked up missing issues for me at conventions. My only single complaint is sometimes it's slow on getting back issues or filling in the blanks in your collection, but James and his staff and the atmosphere of the store (it's hip and cool and not like a dingy smelly basement like other comic stores I've gone to) more than make up for it. Also, James' zoot suits are always a treat to see. Today, it was a purple knee-length jacket and pants suit. AMAZING! read more

This place breaks the comic book store stereotype of being condescending, smelly, and unkept. Isotope is a well lit store with modern red and white styling. There's even plush sofa seating!!! (Besides the employees, who reads comics in a comic store?) SIngle issue comics are displayed on metal racks while trades are in the back. The single issues are stacked half-cover over each other. This makes searching for a title, or just looking through the comics cumbersome. When I wanted to put back a comic book, it was a bothersome task, especially since I was holding a bag in one arm. The trade collection would benefit if there was some signage to separate categories. Overall categorization is a bit confusing. I'm sure if you asked they could find it for you or order it. Even though this place looks really cool and hip, I don't feel particularly comfortable here. It feels like you're entering one of those exclusive jewelry stores, aka Kid Robot. This feeling is not too bad and I actually welcome the atmosphere. Maybe it felt weird because I'm so used to all the other stereotypical comic stores? ___ Categorization and organizations needs some attention, but basically a solid store. read more

Isotope Comics - Comic Books Near Me - San Francisco, California

I love Isotope! If I'm in the area, I make sure to stop by because this little store has the most gracious and dynamic staff, and I almost always take away a new comic they recommend based on my prior reading. After first coming here to purchase the Saga volumes, I later returned to find a new comic to pick up. This is where I was introduced to Vision, Snotgirl, Y the Last Man, Private Eye. If the comic you're looking for isn't in stock, the staff will take your email and let you know when they order it again, and also save you your copy. So nice! Don't be afraid to sit and read either, Isotope is so kind and welcoming read more

Told the owner my tastes and he pulled out about 10 books and walked me through why he thought I'd love them. Amazing experience. I walked out with a huge smile on my face. You don't often get personalised retail experiences like that anymore. I picked up a handful and loving them so far. read more

So i don't get it. i read the awesome reviews for this place and my boyfriend and i were pretty excited to check it out, making it our main activity one day last weekend. overall impression: it's small, has weird trying too hard to be cool decor, and the 2 people working there mumbled what may have been a hi to us and i think that it's. i also couldn't figure out the small upstairs part (is it for employees only or what?)... i went up there but got what i thought was a dirty look from one of the employees. Anyways.. i'm what i think my boyfriend secretly thinks of as a 'faux comic reader'. meaning i read adrian tomine, daniel clowes, jeffrey brown, etc. i don't like "real" comics i guess, no super hero stuff for me. bring on stories about self involved sad relationships, etc. he however, is Mr. comic- this very moment he's absorbed in volume 4 of the preacher series. anyway- needless to say he was even more excited than i was to check out this place and even more disappointed than i. i guess we might be a little spoiled. we both moved to oakland from chicago- home to chicago comics and quimbys- possibly 2 of the best comics stores in the country. but we were happy to find a pretty decent store only a mile away from our new home- Dr. Comics on piedmont- super friendly staff- great selection and filled to the brim with not only comics but board games, toys, magazines, etc. And absolutely zero attitude. So maybe that's the problem... maybe there was a little too much pretension, too much emptiness, and over all just not enough nerdiness you come to expect and love in a good ol' comic book shop. Oh yeah- and don't ask for a board for your comic cause "we don't do boards"- what's that about? read more

Way back in the day when I was young I wrote a brief review of Isotope and I held onto the elusive 5th star as James (the owner) doesn't wear his Dr. Strange outfit on a daily basis and this minor detail kept this place from being perfect. Actually it was due to the lack of back issues. But let's not shit ourselves, the fact that they don't have boxes and boxes of old comics keeps this place from looking like... well my garage. Back issues be damned, this is a five-star comic shop. It's easily cooler than a comic shop needs (maybe deserves) to be. They have a healthy dose of indie books mixed with all the mainstream titles that you are looking for and will guide you to something of your liking should you ask. Another nice touch is that if they don't like a book, they will let you know. How novel is that? I have yet to go to one but I hear they have great in-store signings that are 1 part business mixed with 3 parts party and a dash of alcohol. I'm going to try and experience one of these soirees tomorrow night... On top of all that, their love of comics is infectious which means it's overly easy to get wrapped up in a conversation about books new and old and spend much more time in the shop than you expected to. I picked up a book from here today that I had already been to two other shops looking for (DC Wed. Comics!! Still looking for Sherlock Holmes # 2... *raises fist angrily in the air*) and remembered how much I really dig this spot. Need to come here more often. The End. read more

This place gets two stars, and one of them they get automatically for being a comic book shop. So, you do the math. This store is more impressive for their interior decorating than for their comic book selection. Sure, they have two really stylish couches that you can sit on -- that makes them a lounge? Whoop de fucking doo. Their selection of books isn't organized in any recognizable way, so it's hard to find what you're looking for. But then again, if you like comics, then they probably wouldn't have what you're looking for in the first place. They did have a lot of new superhero comics on their shelves, but their graphic novel selection is only "eh" and their selection of independent comics is nonexistent. But yeah, nice couches. read more

Comic book stores always feel a little dirty to me. Like you have landed in some weird dude's basement and you can only look at his supercool shit if you know the magic password. Which you totally don't and never will. Isotope is such a breath of fresh air. Open, welcoming, clean, modern - an environment that is befitting of the wonderful world of comics, illustration, and graphic novels. There are places to sit, tables to peruse, SPACE TO MOVE. Natural light. A great selection that made me want to spend lots of dollars and escape into fantastical lands. The world of comics is out of the basement and all growed up. But not too growed up to recognize the awesomeness of hand-painted illustrated toilet seats. Heh heh. read more

Seriously, A clean, fairly well organized, modern, friendly comic book shop! I'm in geek heaven. Even if they don't have something I want they do everything in their power to help me get it and they always treat me great (No "Comic Book Guy" here). It's so nice to have a place that doesn't make you feel like a total douche for liking comic books. I can do that on my own. p.s. Cyclops + Robert Forever read more

This review may be one of the hardest I've written so far. See, I realy like the interior decorating. It's very cozy, actually stylish, hip, and an inviting welcoming space. It is a fantastic place to bring newbies to sample some comics, because it definitely does not have the intimidating, geek-boy know-it-all pretentious vibe. You know the one that comes from developmentally arrested teenage boys whose bodies have grown into an ambiguous 30-40 something old frames fed on soda and junk food, turned into petty gods of their very tiny domains of their comic multiverses (Marvel, DC, Image, Darkhorse, or even worse yet, Fantagraphics), arguing about continuity problems in various versions of the X-men (X-Factor, X-Force, Teeny-X, Xistance, Xcrement, Xegesis and on and on and on). This is certainly NOT that store. And, I did not have to put on my geek-shield (which admittedly is not as sturdy or impenetrable as non-comic book readers', since I am a defacto geek by my comic book habits. But still, EVEN I require one when entering comic book shops). They did have a very good selection. And a nice range of indies. And an arty collection of toilet seats displayed on the wall. But...... They have no back issues. And a comic store should have back issues, in my opinion. If you are going to set up a relationship with a comic store, you want to know that they bother to look for older comics to help you fill in gaps in story lines. And the display was infuriating. Part of the fun of comic book stores is browsing through the display for the next promising story line or artist, or the new book by that writer you love. Everything was just piled on top of each other on way too minimal shelves, making it impossible to really browse. So, I'll go back, try again, perhaps revise my review. But for now, despite all the advantages of toning down the geek, I'm afraid style won out in this store instead of purpose. Form did not follow function, despite the modernist conceit. read more

One of, if not the best comic shops in the Northern California area. In fact, I would have to say that this place shouldn't even be considered a comic shop. That would only make you think of some long box heavy location full of nerds and the stench of desperation. No, this place is a new level of nerdom and enjoyment of the comic industry that if you're ever in the S.F. area and you're a fan of the medium, by all means come here. It will probably change the way you see comic shops forever more. It's a hip comic shop, which I guess will be lumped together with being a Hipster comic shop. May I slap you across the face to get you out of that mindset? Mainly because this place doesn't have any of the pretentiousness that comes with most comic shops in terms of their thumbing their nose upward when asked if something that is on the Marvel and DC label is in stock. It's clean, it's roomy, it's a way to improve the comic going experience. This place is just that awesome. Go now. This place makes comics fun again. read more