Best of Tucson 1996: Best Comic Book Store

Best Comic Book Store

STAFF PICK: Attention all true believers! Whether you're a drooling fanboy after the latest adventures of the X-Men or a disenfranchised slacker looking for the latest issue of Peter Bagge's Hate, you'll find it all at Fantasy Comics, 5445 E. 22nd St., and 3100 N. Stone Ave. Although his stores have moved around town, owner Tom Struck has been peddling funnybooks here for almost two decades. New comics hit the stands every Wednesday, but Struck also boasts the best organized and most extensive back-issue archive in town. Looking for a copy of Justice League of America No. 35, in which Blue Beetle and Booster Gold embezzle the Justice League's funds in order to open a resort casino on the sentient island of Kooey-Kooey-Kooey, only to have Major Disaster hit a hot streak and break the bank? You'll find it here, along with thousands of other comics. As Stan "The Man" Lee might say, "Excelsior!"

A PERFECT 10: For the average person, a trip to a comic book store can be a distinctly unpleasant experience. At most stores, the counter help--whose chief pleasure in life consists of dressing up as Klingons at Star Trek conventions--are surly, uncommunicative, ill-groomed and socially dysfunctional (on a good day). Customers' questions and requests are often treated as affronts and impositions; they tap their feet anxiously, waiting for you to leave so they can return to the latest issue of The Tick. Such has been our experience. How refreshing, then, to enter Capt. Spiffy's Super Hero Emporium, 944 E. University Blvd., where the staff members are unfailingly upbeat, helpful and downright courteous. Indeed, they actually seem glad you're there. Capt. Spiffy's has every comic (er, "graphic novel") you've ever wanted and dozens more you've never heard of, all at extremely reasonable prices. They also carry T-shirts, trading cards, and other essential accouterments. In addition, the store sponsors drawing classes and provides an exhibition space for budding cartoonists.