Newbury Comics will live in infamy as the place where I purchased my "date" for Halloween 2005: a large plastic penguin. My "date" and I really had some good times on that rockin' Halloween night. We partied out in Allston, got heckled by some drunk guys on the T and he even took a couple shots of something or other in the little penguin butt, thanks to my friend who was dressed up as a nurse and got a little crazy with her syringe. My beloved recently was the first item to sell at the bargain price of $2 at my last garage sale. So if you are ever in need of strange plastic animals to use as escorts on Halloween, Newbury Comics has got you covered. It also seems to be the only place you can buy BU's porn magazine Boink, but I am not sure if they are still selling it. It got kind of lame after the first couple issues. I don't think I've ever actually bought a CD or DVD or anything here but it's fun to come and browse. Interesting selection of random plastic crap and funky tights and fishnets and things. Lots of political and funny pins. read more

I can spend hours browsing for crap that I don't need here. Latest purchase: a magnet demonstrating how pug dogs are made (apparently, they are shipped in on a conveyor belt, fired out of a cannon into a red target, and shipped off again with their newly-smashed in faces). Soon, I will buy the ear flap hat shaped like a lobster. read more

Such a cool, clean, unique store! There's three levels, so be sure to explore every floor. You'll find WALLS UPON WALLS of Pop figurines-- cartoons, anime characters, food mascots, and everything in between. I was impressed that they had all of the Addams Family, and my boyfriend found all of the My Hero Academia pops. They also have comics, novels, calendars, stationery (mostly on the upper level), as well as records and music on the lower level. I found a few Liz Climo books, which are super hard to find, as well as some original Archie comics. They also have dedicated sections for certain shows/characters where you can shop their merch (e.g., Bob's Burgers, Game of Thrones, Studio Ghibli, etc.). It's like a super unique Barnes & Noble! A great place to buy gifts for those "hard to shop for" people. Not to mention, the employees are extremely friendly and know where everything is in the store. We will definitely be back! read more

Thank God for Newbury Comics, this original store keeps me sane in these sad times. Today I was browsing as usual, and at checkout Adam returned an umbrella that I lost 3 weeks ago. Who does that? Thanks so much. read more

I've been a Newbury Comics fan since I moved to Massachusetts a quarter of a century ago. One of the reasons why I am a devoted customer is because of Corey! That guy is super nice, knowledgeable and helpful. He makes your stores awesome! read more

Really cool store, love the wide variety of vinyl and their cool exclusive colored vinyl. Would definitely enjoy coming back whenever I can.

SCAM ALERT! READ BEFORE YOU BUY FROM THEM: I ordered an autographed Anonymous CD by Blackbear and never received it. It said delivered at my mailbox but I never got it. I contacted the company about this and they told me to contact my post office. If it wasn't there, then to contact them again. I contacted my post office and came empty handed. I also contacted my apartment office and mailman. It's REALLY shady. I wrote them kindly saying that it never showed up and if they could either send me a replacement or give me a refund. They ignored me. I've purchased from many companies in the past and never had a problem. This was my first time ordering from them. This is also the first negative review I ever wrote about anyone. I usually leave positive feedback to help businesses. I always like to give people the chance to respond and I felt I was very patient. The only reason I am writing this is to help others not lose their money. I'm very disappointed cause I was excited. I just hope this didn't happen with anyone else before they read my review. read more

They've found the magic formula to staying afloat and selling music, diversify. Oh, and sell stuff on Amazon (they do!). I get all my boyfriend's Star Wars paraphernalia here. Lots of random silly stuff to put together pleasant gift packages in addition to the collectibles like clothing, gadgets and accessories. They've got a solid selection of cds including some fairly obscure stuff I didn't expect em to carry. I give the records a perfunctory perusal, and find a good cut once every long while. But I'll always get some classic film here on the cheap. Still managing to keep that slight indie feel with its semi-haphazardly put together staff and semi-unkempt displays of merchandise. I can dig it. read more

While better than some mega stores for music and DVDs Newbury Comics is pale imitation of the record stores that have sadly all but vanished from the Boston landscape. The store doesn't have the right atmosphere. It doesn't invite people to pour over their selection browsing for music they didn't know they needed. Don't bother asking the sales people for help looking for anything. Unless it's some record that Pitchfork deemed as cool, my experience has been they won't know anything about it. For a while I did find they were good for buying used DVDs. However, many of the DVD sets I bought there were damaged beyond repair or contained discs from another set or didn't play at all. While I understand that they can't play every DVD they can at least look at the condition of the discs. Many of the discs looked like someone had backed over them with a Mack truck. One used set I bought I had even been burned! How does a DVD get burned!?!? Maybe scorned lovers are destroying DVD collections and then selling them at Newbury Comics. The staff there really needs to get a clue about this racket. In trying to return these sets I have had mixed experiences. At first things were good and staff were very helpful and willing to exchange the items. However, most of my experiences have been quite negative in this regard. Usually the sales person is very unhelpful, and while I hate to play the race card it's necessary. There have been times I have been told there is nothing I could other than leave with my damaged copy. I've had a white friend of mine then go in and deal with the same sales person, only to find that he was able to return the item without any issue at all. Needless to say this has made me go sour on the place. My last negative experience was 2 years ago and I haven't been back since. Newbury Comics, you're dead to me. Worthy alternates: aquariusrecords.org - the best as far as selection and customer service othermusic.com - good selection and good customer service forcedexposure.com - largest and least expensive selection, but the customer service can be an issue read more

I actually can't believe I haven't Yelped about this place yet. In the 6 years I spent in Boston I must have went here, or at least one of their locations, at least once a week. No matter if you are looking to buy something or just kill time, Newbury Comics is the place to go. This place has always been evolving from just a CD store carrying every type of music, to a place that also sells new and used DVDs, t-shirts, action figures, comic books, accessories, shot glasses, buttons, hats, gag gifts, Halloween costumes, etc. Really there isn't something in this store that you wouldn't want to buy. Plus this place never gets old because you'll always discover something new each time you go. They also hold small acoustic concerts of some pretty big names when they are in town from time to time. I haven't found a place this great now that I currently don't live in the Boston area and it makes me sad...but one day Newbury and I will be together again and the world will be grand. **Insert awkward reader response** read more

Hot Topic+Spencer's+Best Buy=Newbury Comics More for my gamer cousin or my sister who's always looking for some obscure indie film or my teenage niece who loves all things anime. Not my jam (unless you count the Bungalow 360 wallets), but apparently, the perfect one-stop shop for those on my Christmas list. read more

If ye be looking for a bountiful treasure, the yellow smiley face marks the spot! Whether ye be giving chase to the newest shanty or one of those new moving pictures that ye can take home with yarrrr, they're sure to not leave ye marooned. Worried about having your purse pillaged by large corporations? Newbury comics is a sutler that asks only a few doubloons for used cds and dvds. And if ye be a gentle(wo)man of fortune, there's plenty to outfit yar vessel...even a brand new Jolly Roger! For those that be hip and trendy, lovers of song and entertainment, the quirky and unusual, it would seem they have all you need other than grub and grog. Any soul who says ill of this spot, I say they be full of blige and smartly be made to kiss the gunner's daughter! Fair winds and a very Happy Int'l Talk Like a Pirate Day to all ye sea dogs! Arrrrrrr http://www.io.com/%7Esj/PirateTalk.html read more

More than just comics like stepping into my teenage years all over again. Records, clothes, Kool kid bags and urban sacs. Halloween masks, Star Wars and all kind of super action hero stuff and much much more. The more you wander around here the more you see geeky or quirky items that would fill a teenagers bedroom or be adorned on a college dorm room. These days I'm twenty years older and not "Steve Carrell in the 40 year old Virgin" but I really enjoyed perusing here. The more I think about it I should have bought one of their animal masks for Halloween. Oh well there's always next time! read more

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Call me cheap, but after converting from buying CDs to MP3 files, all the one-time used CDs are out to be traded at a 1/2 price. Even I like the convenience of MP3 files, often I need to browse through the piles of CDs to try new/old albums that I could not think of otherwise. Instead of just downloading music safely approved by the entire generation on MTV, I would turn to old ones like ELO and old Prince CDs, which I learned to like them as I get older ;) So, this is still my sideline shopping venue along with online music sites, and still a good source of my kind of music. And, you can return the CD if you do not want it within a week or two, or resell it. Those punk looking kids have very sweet heart and I like their down-to-earth service. I always walk away with a big smile on. I think I like the shop mostly because of the friendly staff, indeed. read more

Newbs is A-OK with me .. I think the first time I was in this store was 1984.. DAMN that was a long time ago. I dont think they sold CDs back then. a big chunk of my vinyl collection is from this store. Now a days it seems like they have more and more "stuff" and less music, but its all ok with me since most of the stuff is cool crazy fun entertaining crap that you dont need but maybe will end up buying. even though newbury comics is a chain it isnt as bad as a best buy big box atrocity mega chain.. support the local merchants!! i am glad they are still around!! smallish indie record shops are rare!! read more

I'm sure the store in Boston is nice, but don't order from them via Amazon if you can help it. Disc 2 of a CD I ordered arrived scratched although the exterior packaging was fine. I asked Newbury Comics for an exchange but they refused, shifting the blame to Amazon since they fulfilled the order (although Amazon's policy is refunds only, no exchanges, when orders come from outside vendors). Since I don't want to pay additional shipping fees (or take a chance on a second copy being damaged), now I'm stuck with an album of which I can only listen to 3/4 of the songs. Next time, I'll be careful not to order anything that comes from them. read more

I'm a believer that if you are going to put a word in the title of anything, you should generally have more than a cursory glance toward it. To be called Newbury Comics, one would think they are likely a comic book store or at least mostly a comic book store. Instead there are about two bookcases of comics that are not well taken care of at all. Unless you buy them the day they come out (and not even then) the spines are bent, the covers are worn, and they are obviously damaged. The staff is exceptionally nice, but it should not be listed under comic books any more than a 7-11. Alright they have more comics than a 7-11, but they are not a comic book store. No real back issues, no comic book supplies, and a poor overall selection. They are a great place for music and trendy stuff, but don't come here hoping to find Boston's answer to the comic book store. read more

Now that I'm away from Boston, I can honestly say I miss Newbury Comics! I can't find any place like it anywhere else I go. They have such a great selection of regular up-to-date movies as well as foreign films, esp. asian movies!! I can't vouch for much else because movies are all I would buy at Newbury and it was enough for me. Location's great too....Newbury Street In Boston--need I say more??? read more

If you're from the west coast like me, you will instantly recognize this store as the east coast version of Amoeba Music. West coast proponents like I will immediately scoff at the diminutive size of the store compared to Amoeba but honestly, Newbury Comics is better than Amoeba in most respects. First of all it's cleaner, feels warmer, doesn't overcharge you like crazy and the employees don't look like they've been listening to Phish records all night in their mothers' basements. Secondly, they have a usable website, a great selection of movies and videogames, and even action figures! The bad part is that due to having a smaller store they don't have as many rarities as Amoeba but rest assured you're sure to find a gem or two in the stacks. read more

I've got a secret. Not every record store can be like the one in High Fidelity. Want another secret? That's a good thing. Look, we all can harken back to days of yore when audiophiles were serviced by dedicated music lovers offering intimate establishments with a vast and eclectic catalog. Those were a cool part of yesteryear and I loved exploring an expanse of vinyl in search of a hidden gem. Times have changed, though. The internet came around and changed the face of retail. Stores that opperated with no overhead could offer steep discounts on the suggested prices. Consumers who knew what they wanted could get a real bargain. But that wasn't all. See, the little record shops could have still survived if their insight was marketable. But its not. See, you can do the research yourself online. Its not just online stores, but online communities that changed music retail. You can find everything you need to know online. Opinions, hints, information. Its all right there. So, what do you need a store like the one in High Fidelity for? For that matter, what do you need a store like Tower or Virgin for? So what do you need Newbury Comics for? Well, I've got another secret. Their prices can be pretty good. And no need to worry about shipping. Not to mention all sorts of pop culture goodies from high-end collectables to goofy gag gifts to the latest comic books and toys. This is the modern model for what a record store can be. And that's a good thing. Its one stop shopping for pop culture at a decent price. Maybe its not as "cool" as an old-school indie record store. Maybe its not as comprehensive as the rapidly disappearing national record store chains. But for this day and age, a strong regional chain with good prices is a very nice thing to have around. read more

Sam helped me find what I was looking for. A nice pair of shoes. The staff here are very friendly and are fun to have a conversation with. There's a reason that Newbury Comics has been around for such a long time in Boston. :) Thanks Sam -G read more

For anyone who wonders how my room actually looks like, just go into Newbury Comics and you will have your answer. It is a haven for anyone who has multiple interests which includes comics, toys, films, music, and just a bunch of stuff that people don't really need (I think marketing people call them "novelty" items). Since I am from Los Angeles, I would describe Newbury Comics as a small Amoeba Records mixed with a Golden Apple Comics with plenty of helpful and nice associates willing to help you drop a ton of your paycheck in exchange for things you don't really need, but not willing to live without. The music selection at this location is rather adequate. There is something for everyone, including chart toppers and indie boppers. There are a ton of films. That is where a lot of the customers do peruse around before leaving the store. The comic selection is good in terms of current issues, but those looking for back issues or rarities will probably will be disappointed. Toys-wise, it is pretty random. They have superhero figures, statues, and even more vinyl collectibles such as blind box figures up to the high ticket items from ThreeA. For anyone who has a ton of interests, like me, I totally recommend this location of Newbury Comics. It is in a prime location, right next to a Condomania. Sex and comic books? Score! read more

This Newbury Comics is exactly what you think it is, a Newbury Comics. If you've never been to a Newbury Comics before, it's essentially a record store that also sells DVDs, comics, posters, and all sorts of gifts. The CD section is up to par, and I'm usually able to find some rarities that I wouldn't be able to find elsewhere. Their vinyl selection is pretty decent as well, the best I've seen at a Newbury Comics. I particularly pleased with the setup of their DVD section. It's basically off in its own room, but its really well sorted and organized. If you're trying to find any sort of indie releases or other stuff that you're having trouble finding, I'd say take a look here first. While they might not have every underground piece of music you're looking for, they definitely get pretty deep. I'd say if you can't find it here your next stop is probably searching the internet. My only gripes with the store are the prices (which tend to be a bit high) and how crowded it can get (particularly on the weekends). I've made very few CD purchases in the last year (I'm a pirate, so sue me), but the ones I have made were mostly from here. One thing thats worth noting is that they typically have things in stock right on time with their release date. I picked up a Prefuse 73 record here on vinyl that I had been waiting for here the day it came out and they had multiple copies in stock. Very dependable source for new music. Totally worth a look. read more

This is one of the better regional chains -- that yes, happens to be corporate truth be told. It can be fun to mill around and look at the collected magnets or buy some dvds. I would rather shop here than the nearby Virgin Megastore even if the prices were higher (and I don't believe they are). The employees seem like nice people. The one recognized my name from designing a local collegiate mag (that was in part distributed through this store location). It was pretty cool! read more

Back when I was in high school, this place was, as we say, the shiz. Honestly? It still is. I'm still a big fan of Newbury Comics and all of it's organized chaos. First off, the employees know what they're talking about. They can help you find obscure stuff right away because sometimes I don't know where to start looking. And they're all nice, though sometimes slightly intimidating with all their amazingly rad piercings. Though, now that I am older with a few piercings and tats of my own, they seem less god-like and more just like regular people. The novelty items are still amazingly funny. The Prices are still ridiculously outrageous. Not much seems to have changed over the years, including my love affair with browsing for hours and sometimes buying. read more

The original, its better then any of the others, which they all are pritty good... for the most part. Vinyl -great Dvds -good Cd -dont really know Piercing stuff -$$$ Toys -cute Comics -they just took the comics out of the back corner and expanded them in the center rear of the store ... much better selection here then any other newbs Books -really good, if you have some time, check them out (xpecially this "fu_k sign" book, funny, and innovative) This one time i went early in the morning before class and they hadn't opened yet, so i waited outside. If you have ever been there i was just hanging out by the railing, and this guy came and as waiting too. We struck up a conversation, and it turned out he was this dj that just moved from ca. We had a really nice talk, and her gave me his card and told me that he would make sure i got into the club.. never ended up going but it was cool that he offered. when we walked in we both went over to the lps which was kinda ironic. anything else im missing sry, but this is why i go here. read more

I mean this in an incredibly affectionate way.. but I think the guys that work here are total music/movie geeks. LOVE IT! Every time I've come in they've helped me out. From finding some DVDs for a hard to shop for guy friend to knowing (off the top of their head) when DVDs/CDs will be released. I've been able to find what I'm looking for in here 90% of the time (including some random some old school movies). Sometimes, I'm not gonna lie, I head to Best Buy because I know they might have a better price but I usually just stick to NC. I also enjoy the cards and knick knacks around the store. I'll usually come here for that kind of stuff if I don't have time to swing by Joie de Vivre or Monroe Salt Works. read more

They are really good about having a great track playing, specifically an album that you've never heard of, but that you wanna. They were blaring "Original Pirate Material" months before that hit the states, and just have a knack for what's gonna be big, or what's never gonna be big (but is good anyhow). Only been here a handful of times, and I rarely bite the bullet for physical music media (it's onezeros), but this place offers an array of colorful shiny things (a few kitschy lunch boxes at times?) such that you won't be bored. read more

Newbury comics is a sweet place to find movies, music, and other pop culture knick knacks. 1) For a small chain, Newbury is relatively cheap. You can find new releases cheaper than the Best Buy down the street. 2) There's an excellent selection of merchandise across the board. If you're looking for something relatively esoteric, you'll probably find it. 3) Good atmosphere. The staff is pretty friendly, and it's easy to find some cool random poster you might have always wanted. Overall, a sweet place. The only reason it doesn't get five stars is because the store gets cluttered and hard to navigate sometimes. read more

As with any place to buy creative stuff (e.g. books, music, art), Newbury Comics' value to you will be quite relative. Here's what I think about it: Prices - definitely better than most chain stores. The last time I walked into Strawberry's at Downtown Crossing, CDs were $15.99 and up. At Newbury Comics, most domestic new releases are based at about $13.88 and are on SALE for the first few weeks of their release. What other store puts albums on sale the first week they're out? Nobody. Don't even front. Best Buy's new releases are consistenly $13.99. PLUS Newbury Comics has a big used CD section that constantly gets more CDs in. Selection- Newbury Comics carries a good amount of small labels. Burnt Toast Vinyl (Christian emo), Candlelight (metal and metal reissues), and Bear Entertainment (Euro dance tracks) are three labels off the top of my head that no other downtown Boston store carries; Newbury Comics carries them. Comics - Yes, comics. Some of the reviewers here seem be lumping comics and graphic novels in with the other "stuff" and "schwag" that is crowding up the music. Newbury COMICS started out as a comic shop and it continues to carry a lot of indie press titles, as well as the major press monthlies. They have regular deals on their comics and graphic novels too. There is a pretty entertaining book section too. Movies - Their movie section is beyond reproach, so don't even try to compare it to Best Buy or the former Virgin Megastore. Sure, Best Buy might have a larger inventory, but where else beside Newbury Comics are you going to find newly released movies at sale prices that actually seem like a discount? Their used section is great as well; for example,last weekend, I picked up Satisfaction ($5.99), Running on Empty ($2.99), and The Stepford Wives ($8.99), of which only the latter could you find at a major chain store. read more

Moving from a town with no record stores to boston had me excited. The first store I checked out was the original Newbury Comics on Newbury St. This is the most pleasant music store in Boston. They have a fairly large collections of CDs though a small mostly new collection of vinyl. The staff here is helpful if not a little intimidating, they all look as though they go to Berklee with degree's in knowing music. The pricing here is great, if not better than Amazon. New cds are as little as 7.99 through the first two weeks of sale. They also have hard to find magazines on art, music, and misc. Plus they have cool posters and weird toys. Defiantly Recommended! read more

This place is huge and has a massive TV that's usually playing something fun like the Family Guy DVDs. Good place for CDs obviously. The staff I give an average rating for friendliness because they are never rude but they don't really talk to you unless you hunt them down. They have an awesome selection of posters, huge DVD section, fun stuff like belts and belt buckles, sunglasses, and body jewelry. This Newbury Comics is a staple stop for me anytime I am on Newbury Street. read more

Maybe I had the wrong expectation, but I thought Newbury Comics carried more used vinyl than new...way too much new vinyl/reissues. The used sections were minimal and I only walked out with one used record and one sealed new single. Was a little disappointing for what I was looking for. There are other shops in Boston that are geared for the used record collector, this just isn't it. If you do want something new or a reissue, this place probably has what you need. They had a very large selection, all genres, among other things the store offers (comics, books, shirts, hats, socks, mugs, toys, etc) Worth checking out if you have extra time, otherwise, if you're looking for records I'd go to In Your Ear or Cheapo. read more

honestly the worst place to buy vinyl you can ever encounter I got 3 vinyls for xmas all of which skipped every other song when I called to get them returned they accused me of breaking them on my own umm what kind of customer service is that. Refused to give me my money back and even spoke poorly to me on the phone. Said i can only get store credit like why would I ever want to exchange it for a new vinyl if it all of mine dont seem to work. The cashier didn't give that i went back and forth out of my way 1 hour. If you are trying to get good vinyl skip on this store they may look cute but they genuinely suck and are rude straight up. SO UPSET!!!!! read more

Great place for used CDs and DVDs! Cant ever go wrong with a Newbury Comics! Walking down Newbury street you HAVE to stop here. They offer so much in one store front! Used/new CDs, DVDs, magnets. T-shirts, and just awesome gag gifts! So there is something here for every one and every generation! Did I mention vinyl records too!? It's always a trip to just go in and take a look! Even if you don't plan to buy anything. I visit anytime that I come down to Boston. Living in Vermont we don't even have one. Instead we are stuck with FYE...And let me tell you that FYE does not even compare in my book... The staff is always helpful too. If you need help finding something just ask them! They will find it for you or see if they even have it in stock. The prices are more than fair. On par with the Walmarts, Targets and Best Buys of the world. Sometimes better with sales! Used prices are even better! Plus they guarantee it to work. So whats not to love about Newbury Comics? I have no idea! I cant think of any. But if you do...Please fill me in! Awesome 5/5! I always look forward to visiting! read more

Always stop by here when you can! Classic posters, funny Halloween costumes, lot's of music to choose from, but not a large variety in vinyl. I would suggest coming here on the weekend with friends and hanging out before walking around. I've gotten most of my magnets from here! read more

Came here because my fiance said he wanted to look at comics, so I was delightfully surprised to find that there are so many other fun things here! Clothes, books, stuffed animals, little trinkets... we even saw a horse mask! I probably spent way too long in the clothing section looking at their literature and pop-culture themed shirts Absolutely adorable, but their sizing does seem a bit inconsistent between designs. Good thing you're actually here in person then, so you can actually check out the size before making the purchase! Prices are also very reasonable, and I ended up getting a few Pusheen shirts, whist my fiance got a fun book and a Pokeball belt. Despite initial impressions and intentions, we made zero comic purchases. Oh well. Still a successful trip! read more

I came in to exchange a birthday gift for my friend; they have something for everyone and the staff is super helpful. Maryanne was especially friendly and took care of everything I needed! I will definitely be coming back to this location over any other. read more

Newbury Comics has been reviewed a bazilion times so I'll keep it short. When I was a kid I loved going into Spencer Gifts at the nearby mall. There was just loads and loads of cool crap. Newbury Comics combines Comics, Music, DVD's, etc with all that Spencer's offered. I love poking around. read more

I know this review is going to be very colored by my situation but that is the point of yelp reviews, right? Whenever my wife and I go on vacation to somewhere we haven't been, I like to visit a local comic book store. I went to Google and found that the nearest one to our hotel in Boston was Newbury Comics. It was still a bit of a walk but my wife wanted to see Newbury Street anyway so it was a win-win. Sadly, I was disappointed when I got to Newbury Comics and found that less than 10% of the huge store was devoted to comics. It is in the name of your place! I expected to see a lot more comics! I really wanted to pick up something to read on the plane ride home but with such little selection, I couldn't find anything I really wanted or hadn't read already. The store has a lot of stuff and was pretty cool but I just didn't find what I came there for. read more