The Fantasy Factory - Lakeland, FL

Let's say you're somewhere between Tampa and Orlando and looking for an LCS, where do you go? It's very simple really, go visit The Fantasy Factory in Lakeland!

I was staying in Bartow and managed to get this shop on my route heading to Tampa Int'l Airport. It was pretty easy to find (the GPS didn't mess with me this time) but it could really use a sign by the entrance or similar. Looks like there might have been one up at some point though, have a look at the picture.

Parking was great, plenty of customer parking spaces.

I really didn't expect much but as soon as I stepped through the door it was a genuine EUREKA! experience. This place was huge with a ton of comics, figures, movie and game related items. I was utterly compelled to go through everything... eeeeeeverything. I love that feeling. Their comics selection is very good with the only gap being back issues. They have plenty of new releases and trades along with posters and shirts to fill it with though.

I picked up The Magdalena #1, the Hasbro Series 2 Thor action figure and a Thor by Coipel & Djurdjevic poster.

I had a blast here, check it out if you're in the area!

Google Maps Directions

Dale's Planet Comics - Midland, TX

So I'm in western Texas. Odessa to be exact. I have a couple of hours before my flight leaves so I decide to scope out the LCS. From what I could find there's only one store that serves both Odessa and Midland and it's called Dale's Planet Comics. My trusty GPS got me to within a block of the store location.. but that was it. Or rather, in true GPS fashion it said I had arrived at the destination but all I could see was a gas station and a convenience store. Naturally I start circling around but give up after 15 minutes and call the store.

Turns out it was just on the other side of the intersection. Sometimes I just want to chug that British speaking GPS out the window and shout KEEP LEFT as it's obliterated under a semi.

Anyways, the store had a very cool facade mural thing depicting a large comic book character cast. Very neat; I took a picture of it. Upon entering I quickly realized that these folks don't exclusively deal with comics. The left portion had the comics on tall shelves and then on the right it was more about print and sign jobs. On the inside it basically felt like a print place that also had a storefront. They had a good selection of new books and back issues for current series.

Picked up Kato #1

If you are in the area and looking to pick up the latest issue, go here and show your support.

Google Maps Directions

House of Secrets - Burbank, CA

It's Saturday morning, the better half is in Canada, horse riding date not until 1pm. What do you do?

Get your comic book fix!

I decided the next stop on my local LA tour would be House of Secrets in Burbank. Close and convenient. They don't have customer parking but Olive Ave is wide open for the taking (albeit only for an hour).

So I jump out of the car and head for the entrance. Or at least what I thought was the entrance. Apparently House of Secrets have a horror/gothic type of art gallery right next to it. Totally failing to realize I was not in the right place I kept a straight face and spent about 10 minutes looking at some of the most obscure pieces of art I've ever seen. And some of the coolest as well, I might add. I pick up a book for 5 bucks and head out.

As I exit I suddenly remember seeing another store front door on the corner driving by so I go check it out just in case... Well it's safe to say I finally found my way to House of Secrets and was a happy camper.

The girl working there on weekends is really nice and knows her stuff for sure. Awesome! Store is of decent size and jampacked with books, figures etc. Everything is neatly organized and easy to find. They even have a lounge like area with a couch and coffee table. Me likes.

My pickups were the Azrael: Death's Dark Knight TPB and volume one of Preacher TPB.

If you are ever in the area, check House of Secrets out!

Reviews

Official Website

Google Maps Directions

Hi De Ho - Santa Monica, CA

If you are in Santa Monica and looking for comic books, Hi De Ho is the place for you. Their location at Santa Monica Blvd, close to 3rd Street Promenade, is fantastic and can't be missed. There were no customer parking area so we just grabbed a spot on the street around the corner.

The store is fairly large and they have an awesome inventory of both new and old books but they also carry t-shirts, figures, toys, cards and more. The atmosphere was great and the staff very friendly.

My pickup of the day was Thor: Ages of Thunder TPB.


Reviews

Official Website

Online Store (eBay)

Google Maps Directions

THOR is coming!

Greetings!

Who could be more worthy to grace the first post than THOR?