If you are a comic book fan looking for some fun and adventure in Tacoma, WA, you are in luck. Tacoma is home to some of the best comic book shops and attractions in the state, where you can find everything from new and vintage comics, toys, games, collectibles, and more. Whether you are looking for a place to buy your favorite comics, meet other comic enthusiasts, or explore the pop culture scene in Tacoma, here are some of the top destinations you should check out.
Atomic Comics & Toys
Atomic Comics & Toys is one of the most popular comic book stores in Tacoma, located at 4020 S Steele St in South Tacoma³. This store has a huge selection of comics from Marvel, DC, Image, Dark Horse, and other publishers, as well as a variety of toys, statues, Funko Pops, and other merchandise. You can also find some rare and vintage comics and collectibles at Atomic Comics & Toys, as well as trade paperbacks and graphic novels. The store is open every day from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (except Sundays from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM), and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
www.facebook.com/atomiccomics
Stargazer Comics
Stargazer Comics is another great comic book store in Tacoma, located at 2610 6th Ave⁴. This store specializes in new and vintage comics and manga, as well as graphic novels and trade paperbacks. You can also find a wide range of toys, action figures, statues, manga memorabilia, posters, pins, apparel, and tabletop gaming accessories at Stargazer Comics. The store is open every day from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (except Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM), and the staff is helpful and friendly.
www.stargazercomics.com
Destiny City Comics
Destiny City Comics is a comic book store that embodies the spirit of small businesses in Tacoma. Located at 218 St Helens Ave¹, this store offers a curated selection of comics from independent and local creators, as well as some mainstream titles. You can also find some zines, art books, stickers, patches, pins, and other items made by local artists at Destiny City Comics. The store also hosts events such as book signings, readings, workshops, and book clubs. The store is open every day from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (except Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), and the owner is passionate and friendly.
www.facebook.com/DestinyCityComics
Grit City Comic Show
In addition to some great comic book stores in Tacoma, WA, they also have their own comic book convention! Grit City Comic Show is a must-see annual event for anyone who’s a fan of comic books, vintage comic books, gaming, or cosplay. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to spend a day with your loved ones and share in an unforgettable experience that celebrates the culture and community of comic books. You can meet some of your favorite comic book creators, get your hands on rare vintage comics, play some of the latest games, or show off your cosplay skills. This is a one-of-a-kind event that you won’t want to miss, so make sure to mark the date on your calendar for the Grit City Comic Show on November 11, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
www.gritcitycomicshow.com
Retro Game & Toy Exchange
If you are looking for a place to buy or sell your old video games, toys, comics, or collectibles in Tacoma, you should visit Retro Game & Toy Exchange. Located at 3843 6th Ave³, this store has a huge inventory of retro games and consoles from Nintendo, Sega, Atari, PlayStation, Xbox, and more. You can also find some classic toys such as Star Wars, Transformers, GI Joe, He-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more. The store also has some comics and graphic novels for sale or trade. The store is open every day from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (except Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM), and the staff is friendly and fair.
www.instagram.com/rgtxkent
Tricky’s Pop Culture Emporium
If you’re a fan of pop culture, you’ll love Tricky’s Pop Culture Emporium, a toy store in Tacoma that sells and buys all kinds of cool stuff. You can find vintage and new toys, comics, t-shirts, collectibles, and more at this quirky and fun shop. You can also trade your old items for something new or sell them for cash. Whether you’re looking for a rare action figure, a classic comic book, or a funky t-shirt, you’ll likely find it at Tricky’s. You can also browse their online store on eBay or follow them on Facebook for updates and deals. Tricky’s Pop Culture Emporium is the coolest store in Tacoma for pop culture lovers of all ages.
www.trickyspopculture.com
What?
The What store is a hidden gem for music lovers and vinyl collectors in Tacoma, WA. This store specializes in selling new and used records, CDs, tapes, and DVDs of various genres and styles. You can find everything from classic rock and jazz to indie and hip hop at this store. You can also browse their selection of books, magazines, posters, and memorabilia related to music and pop culture. The What store is a cozy and friendly place where you can chat with the staff and other customers, listen to some tunes, and discover new sounds. The What store is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates music and vinyl.
www.whatshoppe.com
Tinkertopia
Tinkertopia is a creative reuse center that offers alternative arts and craft supplies for teachers, students, artists, and makers of all ages. You can find unusual materials for any creative venture at this store, such as fabric, wood, metal, paper, buttons, beads, and more. You can also donate your own “good junk” that you no longer need and help Tinkertopia recycle and repurpose it. Tinkertopia also has a TinkerSpace craft activity room where you can build, invent, and experiment with the materials provided. You can also join workshops, events, and camps that teach various skills and techniques. Tinkertopia is a destination for anyone who loves to tinker and create.
www.tinkertopia.com
Tacoma Art Museum
If you are interested in art and culture in Tacoma, you should visit the Tacoma Art Museum. Located at 1801 Dock St², this museum showcases the art and artists from the Pacific Northwest and broader western region of the U.S. You can find a variety of exhibitions and collections at the museum, such as paintings, sculptures, photography, glass, jewelry, and more. Some of the highlights include the Black Lives Matter Mural Project, the Haub Family Collection of Western American Art, the Chihuly Collection, and the Northwest Studio Jewelry Art Display. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (except Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM), and admission is free on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
www.tacomaartmuseum.org
Museum of Glass
The Museum of Glass is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of glass art. The museum showcases the works of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly and other contemporary glass artists from around the world. You can also watch live glassblowing demonstrations in the Hot Shop and walk across the stunning Chihuly Bridge of Glass, which connects the museum to downtown Tacoma. The bridge features three installations of Chihuly’s glass sculptures that sparkle in the sunlight and glow at night.
www.museumofglass.org
LeMay, America’s Car Museum
If you’re a car enthusiast or a history buff, you’ll love LeMay, America’s Car Museum. This museum displays over 300 vintage and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles that span over a century of automotive history. You can learn about the history and culture of automobiles, see rare and unique models, and even take a ride in some of them. The museum also has interactive exhibits, simulators, and educational programs that appeal to all ages.
www.americascarmuseum.org
Dune Peninsula Park
Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park is a new and exciting attraction that offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and the surrounding landscape. The peninsula was once a toxic site from the ASARCO copper smelter, but it has been transformed into a beautiful park with landscaped gardens, trails, and art installations. You can enjoy a walk or a bike ride on the Frank Herbert Trail, which loops around the peninsula and honors the author of the sci-fi novel Dune. You can also cross the Wilson Way Bridge, which connects the peninsula to Ruston Way and offers a panoramic vista of the bay and the sky. Dune Peninsula is a perfect place to relax, explore, and appreciate nature and culture in Tacoma.
www.metroparkstacoma.org/place/dune-peninsula
Conclusion
Tacoma is a great destination for comic book and pop culture fans, as it offers some of the best comic book shops and attractions in the state. Whether you want to buy comics, trade comics, meet comic creators, or enjoy comic-related art and culture, you can find it all in Tacoma. So grab your comic books and head to Tacoma for a fun and exciting adventure. You won’t regret it!