This place is one of the things that makes Harvard Sq special. Harvard Sq is fast becoming just an open air mall with big brand stores. This is a gem of a store. They have a great selection of off beat graphic novels and comics. read more

Yup. If you are a comic fan stop! Graphic novels neat books... they don't have as much new and trinket and figures like a Newbury, but this seems like a comic book persons comic book shop.... read more

I have bought voomic books from this store since i was 11 years old in 1983. Great selection and informed staff - reasonable prices as well. highly recommend. read more

The man who assisted me was very helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. Their selection is very well curated.

Friendly service and lots of comics from all ages, for all ages. This is definitely a traditional comic bookstore in that most of their merchandise are actually comic books rather that t-shirts, figurines, and other character themed goods. I did however find it a bit pricey. When I looked on Amazon and saw the same book I wanted for significantly less, I asked the worker if they could do a price match since I would rather give them the business. He said they don't do that though and I ended up buying two books I found there off Amazon. For those collectors who are looking for older comics or graphic novels, this is a haven for sure. For casual lookers, you're gonna have to pay more to support your local comic bookstore. That said, I still recommend coming to check it out as you never know what you may find and end up liking. read more

This is what Harvard Square used to be. Small businesses owned by real people with interesting employees who are allowed to express their personalities. I miss that place and time. Anyhoo. Back to December 2021 when the Square is mostly banks, chain restaurants, or store fronts under construction, The Million Year Picnic is one of only a handful of authentic mom and pop shops remaining. You walk through a shared hallway into a basement to the comic collectors dream store. No it is not clean and organized. Yes there are thousands of treasures to be unearthed. If you are actually looking for something specific and not just browsing the employees are happy to assist. This is a fantastic place to find a gift for a tween or a teen or even an adult who really enjoys a good dystopian novel cum graphic novel. read more

The Million Year Picnic - Milkshakes from Milk Bar and graphic novels from The Million Year Picnic. - Comic Books Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Great old-school indie comic shop, that actually stocks lots of comics. The shelves are full of comics, the boxes on the shelves are full of comics and the displays are full of comics that have been collected into graphic novels. You'll find tons of backlist here and old issues. The selection is great with tons of bestselling and cult favorite titles. The store is in the basement level under (approx) the Verizon store in Harvard Square. You'll notice the window displays at ground level as you walk by. read more

See all

My wife and I visited the other day the Harvard Square from Texas. The owner helped us finding European Comic books. It made my day because they had several books. The service was great. Thank You. read more

It's been too many years since I've been in the cramped glory of Million Year Picnic, but for both the avid reader of today's comics, the lovers of comics of yesteryear, and the Eurocomic fans, it's been a haven for decades. Jason U's comment is dead on: this should be your first and last shop for back issues in metro Boston. Multiple subscription packages for those who want them! read more

I really appreciated the quantity of silver age books. I had great a conversation with the owner and appreciated the extra effort he made to find the books i was looking for. Definitely recommend that this is your first and last shop if you're looking for back issues in the Boston area read more

I was wandering through Cambridge, thinking that my comics shopping had to happen at those famous Newbury stores, when I found this. It's located in a basement and it's tiny and fully stocked of lots of comics, but it's breathable and clean, if you're worried about asthma. The toys are fine but happily 90% of the location are shelves FULL of comics, the way it should be. I got everything I was looking for and spent a little fortune here, but left satisfied. The lady at the counter was very helpful and she obviously knows a lot about comics. My only complaint is it needs more "world" comics, as the store is probably 80% American material, and the rest, stuff from the U.K. Also, sales and discounts would be awesome. read more

The Million Year Picnic - Comic Books Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

See all

I've been coming to The Million Year Picnic for my comics since 1986. It's the world's greatest little comic shop: as much a community as a store. Often the person behind the counter is Tony, who has been working there for decades. Whoever is on staff when you walk in, they will be happy to make the most thoughtful and informed recommendations you'll find in a comic shop, whether you're looking for superhero comics, indie comics, manga, or back issues. Their selection of self-published comics has always been brilliant--I've discovered dozens of unforgettable and unexpected creations by browsing it. They can steer you toward local favorites, recent mainstream gems, or just something you've never seen before. Truly one of the most wonderful things about living in the Boston area. read more

Great little store that could. I love graphic novels and found some gems here at Milllion Year Picnic. You can browse to your heart's delight. My favorite thing in the store is the geek hierarchy underneath the glass countertop at the register. I thought that I was a geek and then realized that I'm just a wannabe! : P read more

Speaking to the owner of this fine shop, I was informed this is a contender for the longest continually open comic book shop in the country. In operation since the 1970s, The Million year Picnic offers a good variety of comic products old and new. The size of the space versus the amount of product strikes you the moment you enter the sub-street location. A lot of that space is dedicated to current and long-running series. But in addition to the modern and mainstream, the shop manages to maintain a decent manga section (a daunting task in our time), as well as a section for merchandise and gifts. Like the best of its kind, this shop also sets aside a part of its store to old issues--including both comics and fantasy/sci-fi magazines. Costs are what you'd expect in an industry seeing a resurge of interest. Don't expect any great deals on new products, but for the casual browser looking to pick-up something there are no over-the-top prices. If there's a failing in the store's set-up it's connected to my own failure to find the book I was seeking. While this store does a good job at bridging the two concepts, many comic stores have split between those promoting only recent materials and those focused on used and older issues. The balance point has it's advantages, and has likely allowed this store continued success in a high cost area. So while not quite a fault, I'd still like to see stores like this persist while expanding their promotion of used and reprint comics. This is the kind of store to which you make a special trip! If you're anywhere near Boston and haven't visited this comic shop, do so! read more

One of the best comic stores I have ever experienced, while some of the glory days (when they had two whole store spaces in the same building) may be behind it at the moment, it still does not disappoint. If you want something other or in addition to the usual super hero fare then The Million Year Picnic or Hub Comics are the place to go. This is one of the best places for the kind of underground artwork and "comix" now popular in cartoons like Adventure Time and The Regular Show or the Scott Pilgrim comics - you could find it here years before those shows ever became popular. Parking? You had best leave the car at home or at a parking lot by a T station and take the subway and/or bus. If you have a bike bring it in to the building to keep it safe or find a place to lock it on a pole outside. Please see my photos of the store!! read more

See all

If you've ever wondered what being a nerd was like before being a nerd was cool, MYP is it. I've tried my best to make that sound like the compliment I believe it to be, but perhaps I can explain a bit more: MYP is a comic book shop done right. Despite its location in Harvard Square, it's more or less tucked away from the general population; not even directly accessible from the street. Its organization and layout is initially confusing, although said confusion eventually gives way to an understanding and appreciation. Its book to collectible ratio leans far more toward the former. You might find yourself holding a conversation with whoever is behind the register. It smells like paper, and eating anything off the floor may potentially net you a super power. It's glorious. Many reviews have mentioned the great work the shop does towards its manga, its indies, and other obscure books you might find on the shelves. What I'd like to mention here is that while this is all true, the store's standard back issues are no slouch either. This store's responsible for filling a few high-priority holes in my collection. I had Daredevil #184; MYP got me #183. I had FF #348-349; MYP got me #347 (completing the "New Fantastic Four" story). I had 3/4 X-Men vol.2 #1 cover variants, and MYP got me the Magneto one, completing the set. That'd make for a good several trips, but each of the 3 books above were acquired on the same day, and for less than I would've expected (the Daredevil book was the most expensive, coming in at $6... because apparently everyone knows who Frank Miller is now). For long-time comics enthusiasts, this is a must-see if in Harvard Square. You may soon find yourself inventing reasons to head back (suggestions: there's some new sushi shop that opened; it's probably the Honk festival, right?; I hear Harvard's handing out honorary doctorates today). read more

How ANYONE can give The Million Year Picnic a score less than 5 stars is beyond me - I can personally testify that this incredible shop has not strayed from its plethora of unique and mainstream comics, graphic novels, magazines, toys, undergrounds, over 18, international, independents - and so, so, so many other types of goodies to drool over - for more than 20 years. All through the 80's and 90's when we would jump on the train from the South Shore - reach South Station and then hop the red line for Harvard Square...mmmm....nothing was better than that. And Million Year was always part of the menu of the "perfect day" (buying comics, browsing through the Garage (pre-trendy shops), Urban Outfitters, independent bookstores, and Chinese food) - it's where I took men I loved. Don't you dare ever change Million Year - where else would I get my Love & Rockets, Elfquest, Strangers in Paradise, Tintin, Zot, Asterix, Doll, Oz, and so so so so much more. Does anyone remember that AMAZING film memorabilia store across the hall? I had beautiful "Sid and Nancy" promo oversized poster in French - dragged that sucker all over the globe with me. read more

I'm not a comic collector, but I always like to stop in this place whenever I'm in Harvard Square to see what's on their shelves. I've picked up a couple of very moving graphic novels over the years--like Persepolis. This place has a broad selection packed into a tiny space--anime, international comics, graphic novels, indie/self-published stuff, along with the usual DC/Marvel stuff. Although it can be difficult to manuever around when its crowded, its fun to browse in there because its so cozy and the clerks never fail to play the best selection of music. I've also found the clerks to be very helpful and nice, despite the fact that I am ignorant of the scene. read more

This is my favorite store in the Cambridge area. Real old school feel, focus on trades and hardcovers, including some very limited prestige editions. Tony, the owner, is awesome. I always discover something I didn't know I wanted here. read more

I'm not a Bostonian from birth. I grew up out west where it's not cool to be a geek or get your nerd on. Where I come from comic book stores are usually reserved for back alleys next to check cashing places and pawn shops. Imagine my surprise when I discovered Newberry comics. People walking around the city with bags of a freaky looking kid on them proclaiming that these people had bought comics, glorious glorious comics. But alas, when I first entered into a Newberry, I was dismayed with all the other crap that was there. Stuff that was great if I were to shop at Hot Topic of a Spencers gifts. But comic book stores are reserved for comic books, with the occasional action figure thrown in just to balance things out. It wasn't until I discovered Million Year picnic that I found my north easter oasis. It's everything I believe a comic book shop should be. A place with more comics then they have space for, and a staff that's probably read everything there, twice. If you want something they don't currently have, they can find it for you and get it in. There hasn't been a time where I went in there and didn't walk out with something, and more often then I'd care to admit, I've even walked out with a smaller bank account then I'd come in with, but extra goodies I'd found without even looking. If I had to pick something to complain about, and let's face it, I'll never be elite if I only said good things about places. I'd say this, check out sometimes takes a bit of time. They check off each purchase of the trade paperbacks, and their credit/debit card machine is slow, when it's working at all. I've been there on two separate occasions where the machine was down and it took a painful amount of time to get home and read my new purchases. (Who am I kidding? We all know I'll have read everything on the bus ride home) read more

Ok, so I'm a comic book geek as well... Fine selection of new and old. Graphic Novels and collectibles as well. I was searching for an out of print novel, and he went out of his way to acquire me a copy. He wasn't able to find it, but at least he looked and called me and let me know. Quality. read more

This is a nice little comic book store, with a little bit for everyone. They definitely carry more than your typical comics and have a lot of hipster stuff, if that's what you desire. I came in here looking for sweet little men as I like to call them (Marvel lead figures) and they had a good selection to look through for present giving, though some that there's not a huge demand for (Captain Britain, I am totally looking at you). When I went in, I didn't even get a look up from the counter guy.....he didn't look up once for anyone else either. He may be narcoleptic for all I know, but that guy wasn't really movin'. So yeah, not great customer service, but whatever. If you want a grey variant Hulk, this is the place for you. read more

While there are other comic book stores with larger inventories, Million Year Picnic has something the other ones don't: a thoughtfully arranged collection and the coolest staff on the planet. I started reading comics about five years ago, and Tony and his staff are one of the biggest reasons I continue to do so. MYP is one of the few businesses left where you can come and chat with the staff, meet other geeks, AND come away with some really great stuff. Superhero fans will find plenty of stuff to satisfy them, but MYP also has a truly outstanding collection of indie comics, over-18 comics, manga, art books, and local 'zine-type titles. read more

I told the guy behind the counter that I was glad I didn't live anywhere near The Million Year Picnic. I'm sorry if you live in that neighborhood. Just don't go in and it will still be okay. As for me I'm profoundly glad not to live near a shop like that. I found book after book that called out to me in soft wheedling tones and said how happy I'd be if I just opened my wallet. So many graphic novels I just had to have. I'm pretty sure that if I lived there I'd be reduced to just handing them my paycheck each month. But it just might be worth it. So when can I move to Cambridge? read more

I have been a customer of Tony's at both his now defunct Providence location and the original Big Bad in Cambridge for several years. Besides being one of the most decent proprietors in the comic book retail arena, Tony and his crew run one hell of a shop, covering everything from obscure mini's to hard to find art books to all of the funny books and trades you could wish for. Viva El Picnic! read more

I love this place and have dropped serious cash here. Why? Not because I'm a career comic book enthusiast on the hunt for insanely expensive collectibles, but because I come in with vague inklings of the type of books I like and the staff are more than eager to have thoughtful, deep conversations about their various titles and subsequently make considered, tailored recommendations. I wholeheartedly recommend MYP if you love comics and want to shop local. Just be sure to enter with a budget. read more

Million Year Picnic is a shadow of what it was in the early 1980s- back then they once had one of the largest back issues rooms on the east coast- today its mainly modern issues... It's annoying how their back issue bins are usually inaccessable because junk is usually piled up on them- a bit of a messy store, but good for modern issues..FYI to the store, if you block product, it won't be purchased. They have some older back issues, but nothing like the good old days.. read more

I love graphic novels, and I love supporting local businesses, so this place is a pretty easy sell for me. They have EVERYTHING (that I can think of, at least): Osamu Tezuka, tons of random titles that I see popping up on awards lists, Chew, Fables, etc. They have acres of manga, lots of weird indie stuff, and then all that superhero business of which I know and understand little. The only problem(s) I have with this little store are: - finding things, since it's broadly organized by section and then the shelves are haphazardly stuffed; and - paying full full bucks for these titles; dude, I bought two graphic novels last time (American Born Chinese and Joe Sacco's Journalism), and I shelled out $50(!!) for the privilege. Argh, my eyes, my frugal eyes, it burns!!! I know I'm supposed to resist Amazon, even if its smart algorithmic search caters to my every need, both conscious and suppressed, and even if the prices are so much lower. But arrghhh, sometimes it's hard to resist! Nonetheless, I will resist. I consider it a local-community-remains-awesome tax. read more

I have been to all of the local comic stores because I have kids who are Manga fans. For such small store, it is packed with good stuff. We stop here at least once a week and are not disappointed. My middle son's latest jam is Steven Universe and this was the only place that he was able to find the comic book in stock. The staff is very knowledgeable and are always able to answer your questions. read more

If you are new to comics, this is the place to go first. I can walk in here after work, looking girly AND preppy, and I still get the same fabulous service as I would if I was a dude in a Batman t-shirt. It's so wonderful to find a shop that doesn't assume that your outer appearance matches your inner geek. Oh, and my inner geek is mighty. Yes, I could probably get Y The Last Man at any local comic shop, but I'd rather go someplace where I get a recommendation for a new series, or hear rumors about when it's going to be made into a movie. So I keep coming back! read more

Love me a great old school comic shop and this place definitely fits the bill. It's a little dusty and bit of a tight squeeze but as I dug a little further, I was surprised to see they really cram in a TON of great comics and books, as well as a solid collection of Marvel and DC back issues. Picked up Spider-Man #15 (the one Todd MacFarlane didn't write, draw and ink) and the TPB of Batman: Hush. And the staff, despite what some other reviews on here may say, were very friendly, helpful and knowledgable. If you happen to be in Harvard Square (I was visiting from NYC) this spot is definitely worth stopping in for a peek. read more

By far the best comic book shop in the Boston area, and arguably in the top 10 countrywide. When I lived in Boston, this was my comic shop: I'd go at least once a week, was a subscriber to their pull service (sweet discount!), and was friends with practically all of the staff -- including the owner. Sometimes I'd stop by just to say hi. One of the most independent and self-publishing friendly stores I've frequented, Million Year Picnic stocks most of your panties and capes periodicals, but also puts a heavy concentration on European imports, photocopied minis, and indies from a wide assortment of publishers. Because of that, it became an epicenter of sorts for the area's minicomics and self-publishing scene, including most of the people associated with the old Highwater Books. Perhaps not the best place for back-issue browsing, the Picnic is more oriented toward the smart, current, independent comics reader. Decent selection of trade paperbacks, but still an emphasis on the single-issue sale. I've yet to find a comparable shop in New York City. Fancy that. read more

You could never ask for a better comic book store. Friendly and extremely helpful service, tasteful memorabilia, a good combination of old/new and vintage comics, a comprehensive selection of Manga, and one of the largest indie comic sections i've ever seen. I've been able to order things here that I wasn't even able to order off of Amazon or a few other web-based comic sites. The place is sorta hidden away in the basement, with the side window visible from the street. Directly opposite Peets coffee on Mt Auburn st. This is the type of place where your interest in comics just increases by simply being there. It's a must-see if you're interested in anything of the sort. read more

There was a time in the early 1980s when The Million Year Picnic had an additional room with an enormous selection of back issues.(that room is now occupied by the copy place accross the hall) The Million Year Picnic is only a fraction of it's original size, and the finite space shows. I feel claustrophobic in my visits, and half the time back issues are buried under piles of product. There is an ample selection of current issues, and often back issues of current titles- so if yet are missing an issue from 3 months ago, they still have it. They do have an excellent selction of TPBs and books. Still a good comic shop, and the one I usually hit for current issues- but i miss the Million Year Picnic that used to be, that had a massive room filled to the rafers with back issues. read more

I want to add my two cents. I remember when MYP was just the front store, and then they expanded to the space in the back. Hours and hours spent at 99 Mt Auburn. I have memories of just being there, and I'll recall two. The first was meeting Dick Giordano, chatting with him for a few and getting his autograph. DICK F-ing GIORDANO. That may not mean much to you younguns, but to this old comic geek ... The second was when the Space Shuttle Challenger went down. I was there, listening to the staff's radio. Not a good memory, but a memory, none the less. Let me tell you about me getting there. No car, no bike, just a bus pass and a lot of time on my hands. I would get out of school (BLA, when it was at Fenway), take the 57 bus to the fire house stop in Allston (right across the street from Mr Donut), catch the (then) 86 bus to Harvard, and hang out at 99 Mt A. Then, when I was done, I would either 1) take a bus back to the intersection of N. Harvard and Western Ave or 2) walk to the same intersection and walk from that point to past where Shaws is right now (home with the goods). And I did this for years ... I haven't been there for years. I joined the military in 1989, and last been to the store around 1999. Because of the parking (or lack thereof) I find it hard to justify going to Harvard Sq. read more

Probably one of my favorite comic book shop in New England. They don't have a lot of excessive junk and it's almost all current issue. (very little back issue) They have a fantastic indie comic section which is great to find artists that are upcoming and possibly local. It's a small area but they have it layed out nicely to be able to browse. The staff is always friendly and helpful. You can tell the people that run and own this store actually like comics. Good place to pick up an issue or two and then go across the street to drink some coffee and ponder how to take over the world . read more

Good old-school comics shop with a wide selection, especially of international comics and more adult fare (not talking XXX, just clearly adult-oriented comics). However, every time I've been in looking for a relatively run of the mill kids' comic or graphic novel, they haven't had it. Don't come here for kids' or tweens' comics unless they're into Tintin. read more

While I'm not super into comics, I use to work with them for years, so I have a pretty good sense of a good comic store. Million Year Panic has a great location and a very large selection of comics. If you're ready to spend a lot of time here, you can probably come away with some cool stuff. The problem I saw was that the organization was a bit off. Maybe it was just the layout of the store, but the flow of each section seem very disrupted. So again, be prepared to spend some time. read more

Awesome little comic shop with some obscure, hard to find titles. The place is small and cramped but the guy was knowledgeable and pleasant. read more

The Million Year Picnic - Comic Books Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Nice hole in the wall place with very old school comic book store vibes. The selection was pretty standard but what bumped these guys up to 4 arrays was the really cool and helpful staff. Personable and friendly. Go here. read more