Celebrate comic book day at the 4 best shops in Bham + see their rarest items

Comic Book Day
Dive into an adventure on Comic Book Day. Photo via Legion Comics

In the world of Marvel and DC cinema, the old fans know comic books are where a lot of our favorite stories first took shape. Comic books have become more than a thing to read—they’ve created an entire subculture of fandoms, conventions and costumes that we are here to celebrate on National Comic Book Day, September 25. We have all the details for the day on the best comics shops in Birmingham, and their rarest items.

1. Sanctum Tattoos and Comics

Comic Book Day
Head to Sanctum for some amazing comics. Photo via Bham Now

At Sanctum comics, you can find your new favorite comic and get a brand new tattoo in the same place. Although my fear of needles is keeping me from getting any ink just yet, I love going to browse Sanctum’s amazing selection of Marvel comics.

What’s also cool about this shop is that they have a huge online database filled with hundreds of comics available for purchase. They even have their own Spotify playlist that offers killer background tunes.

Their rarest item: Captain Marvel Jr. Issue #112 ‘1952

  • Location: 4410 4th Ave S B, Birmingham, AL 35222
  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday Noon-7PM I Sunday Noon-4PM
  • Website I Facebook I Instagram

2. Legion Comics

Comics
So many comics so little time. Photo via Legion Comics

Rows of comic books from all genres will greet you when you enter the doors of Legion Comics. Find Star Wars, Marvel and even Stranger Things lining the walls for you to discover.

They also sell a bunch of fun board games, so you can have a group comic reading and game night with you friends! I suggest going with Codenames: Marvel Edition.

Their rarest comic: Superman Issue #4 ‘1940—first appearance of Lex Luther

  • Location: 3246 Cahaba Heights Rd, Vestavia Hills, AL 35243
  • Hours: Sunday-Tuesday & Thursday 11AM-7PM I Wednesday & Friday-Saturday 11AM-10PM
  • Facebook

3. Bob’s Comics

National Comic Book Day
Open up a new story for National Comic Book Day. Photo via Erik Mclean/Unsplash

At Bob’s Comics, you can spend hours browsing through rows upon rows of comic books and still not see it all. There’s something for everyone whether you like superheroes, horror, fantasy or romance.

Head to Bob’s Comics for National Comic Book Day, and find your favorites.

Staff favorite comic: Green Lantern Issue #87 ‘1971—the first appearance of John Stewart

  • Location: 979 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35235
  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11AM-6PM
  • Website

4. Jim Reed Books

Front of Reed Books Store
This doorway view of Reed Books feels similar to an “I Spy” book. Photo by Lauren Moore for Bham Now

This bookstore feels like a quirky professors workshop with colorful books piled high and fun knick-knacks decorating the walls. They have a wide assortment of comic books—both brand new and vintage.

Their rarest comic: Classics Illustrated Master of the World Jules Verne Issue #163 ‘1961

  • Location:  2021 3rd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
  • Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10:30-5:30 I Saturday 11AM-4PM
  • Website I Facebook

Where is your favorite place to get comics in Birmingham? Let us know by tagging us @bhamnow!

Miranda Shaffer
Miranda Shaffer
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