One of the best jobs I ever had was during my brief stint of Southern California living when I worked at a locally-owned comic book shop in San Diego called Comics-N-Stuff. My co-workers were great, the clientele was fun and interesting, and the excitement of receiving each week’s shipment of new comics for the shop brought out the kid in me that my young adult self was so desperately trying to leave behind.
Now that I’m firmly in adulthood, I see the value of never letting go of those things that make you feel young, alive, and inspired. For some, that may be comic books. And although comics were never a big part of my life after I left that job, there were a few that really resonated with me. My own children definitely love their age-appropriate comics, but I’ve learned that most comics today actually have a target audience of teens through grown adults. If you’re not familiar with comic books other than the superhero blockbusters of your youth, I encourage you to check out the seemingly endless variety of modern comics. Many have interesting, complex concepts and themes, a myriad of styles of artwork, and there are many genres to choose from (not just humor as their name suggests). If you don’t know where to start, just ask one of the knowledgeable employees at any of these amazing Portland comic book shops and they’ll be more than happy to help. For the rest of you that already know what you want and love, what are you waiting for?! Hop on a bus and get yourself to one of Portland’s many comic book shops.
Websites for each location are listed below and should be referenced for store hours and further details on each shop’s specialty. Also listed are the nearest TriMet stops to each shop. For further trip planning assistance, visit TriMet.org and enter your starting location and the location of your desired shop for a detailed trip itinerary.
Bridge City Comics
3725 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227, (503) 282-5484
Photo by Marie Richie on flickr
“Bridge City Comics is dedicated to fulfilling the needs of comic book enthusiasts in Portland, Oregon! We are firmly committed to expanding the market and educating people about the fun and excitement that goes along with enjoying comic books and graphic novels.”
Visit bridgecitycomics.com
Accessibility:
- N Mississippi & Beech Northbound: Stop ID 3955 – 0.02 miles away Served by line 4
- N Mississippi & Failing Southbound: Stop ID 3957 – 0.06 miles away Served by line 4
Cosmic Monkey Comics Inc
5335 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213, (503) 517-9050
Photo by Janet Lackey on flickr
“We carry a full selection of new comics, back issues, graphic novels and supplies. Whether it’s that elusive hot new title or obscure back issue from the vaults, we can find it for you. We delight in filling special orders and searching for the issues you need to fill those empty holes in your collection and your soul.”
Visit cosmicmonkeycomics.com
Accessibility:
- NE Sandy & 54th Eastbound: Stop ID 5102 – 0.03 miles away Served by line 12
- NE Sandy & 54th Westbound: Stop ID 5103 – 0.04 miles away Served by line 12
- NE 57th & Sandy Southbound: Stop ID 7738 – 0.2 miles away Served by line 71
- NE 57th & Sandy Northbound: Stop ID 7737 – 0.21 miles away Served by line 71
Excalibur Books & Comics
2444 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, (503) 231-7351
Photo by Christopher Sohler on flickr
“Excalibur comics is the oldest comic book shop in Portland, OR. Excalibur boasts the largest back-stock inventory in the Pacific Northwest, including an impressive collection of Golden and Silver Age comics as well as literally millions of current issues that we diligently keep organized and accessible to our patrons. We also have a wide selection of trade paperbacks, graphic novels, manga, and more!”
Visit excaliburcomics.net
Accessibility:
- SE Hawthorne & 25th Westbound Stop ID 2611 – 0.02 miles away Served by line 14
- SE Hawthorne & 25th Eastbound: Stop ID 2612 – 0.04 miles away Served by line 14
Floating World Comics
400 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209, (503) 241-0227
Photo by Joshin Yamada on flickr
“Floating World Comics is a store for people who still like going to stores. We’re a bookstore that just happens to carry the coolest books of all – comics. But also art books, international art magazines, graphic design, illustration, animation, music and movie related items, anything that might serve as inspiration for creative people looking for something new.”
Visit floatingworldcomics.com
Accessibility:
- NW 5th & Couch St MAX Station Southbound Stop ID 9303 – 0.05 miles away • Served by: MAX Green, MAX Yellow
- W Burnside & SW 4th Eastbound Stop ID 772 – 0.06 miles away Served by lines 12, 19, 20
- W Burnside & SW 5th Eastbound Stop ID 13171 – 0.08 miles away Served by lines 17, 54, 56
- NW 6th & Davis St MAX Station Northbound Stop ID 9299 – 0.11 miles away Served by MAX Green, MAX Yellow
- Visit this link for even more close downtown stops
Future Dreams
1847 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214, (503) 231-8311
Photo by Christopher Sohler on flickr
“We have been a full service Science Fiction and Comic Book Specialty Bookstore for over 35 years. We carry a full line of new items in the field. We also have an extensive supply of back issue comics and magazines, pre-owned paperback and hardcover novels, collectible paperbacks, prints, posters and portfolios, graphic novels, statues and much more.”
Visit futuredreamsbooks.com
Accessibility:
- E Burnside & NE 18th Westbound: Stop ID 730 – 0.02 miles away Served by line 20
- E Burnside & SE 20th Eastbound: Stop ID 740 – 0.07 miles away Served by line 20
- NE Sandy & 18th Eastbound: Stop ID 5061 – 0.15 miles away Served by lines 12, 19
- NE Sandy & 18th Westbound: Stop ID 5062 – 0.16 miles away Served by lines 12, 19
Things From Another World
Portland Store: 2916 NE Broadway St., Portland, OR 97232(503) 284-4693
Milwaukie store: 10977 SE Main St., Milwaukie, OR 97222, (503) 652-2752
Photo by Joshin Yamada on flickr
“If you’ve been looking for comic book stores, look no further. Things From Another World is the premier comic book store in the world. Visit one of our four local comic book shops in Oregon and California, or order online and we’ll carefully pack and ship your comics and graphic novels right to your door! No matter what you’re into, TFAW.com is the online comic book store that has just the thing for your collection!”
Visit tfaw.com
Accessiblity to Portland store:
- NE Broadway & 28th Eastbound: Stop ID 638 – 0.03 miles away Served by lines 70, 77
- NE Broadway & 30th Westbound: Stop ID 641 – 0.04 miles away Served by lines 70, 77
Accessibility to Milwaukie store:
- SE Jackson & 21st Eastbound: Stop ID 8225 – 0.1 miles away Served by lines 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 70, 99, 152
- SE Jackson & Main St Westbound: Stop ID 8223 – 0.1 miles away Served by lines 28, 31, 32, 33, 75, 99
Article by Stephanie Paris
Cover photo by Sam Howzit on flickr
Portland By Bus 