If you're reading this, you likely grew up buying comics at either a newsstand or a local comic book shop. For me, I got my first comic at the checkout aisle of a grocery store -- an Archie Digest06. From there, my dad found us a comic shop, Alternate Words, where we would go every Wednesday night until I was in high school.
Since then, I've bought comics from various places -- other comic book stores, the internet, antique malls, and anywhere else I can find comics. But one location in particular took me by surprise last year. There's a fully functioning comic book store inside Universal's Island of Adventure, and it's located in Marvel Super Hero Island!
Universal Orlando opened Marvel Island in 1999 as a part of their second gate theme park, Islands of Adventure. This particular area is interesting as Universal locked Marvel into what can only be called an iron-clad deal. The deal is so secure that no theme park east of the Mississippi can use certain characters -- which includes Walt Disney World.
Despite buying Marvel 10 years after the fact, the WDW resort in Orlando, Florida, is able to use some characters in their parks, such as The Guardians of the Galaxy, as they technically do not fall into any of the heroic teams found in Islands of Adventure. Disney also tiptoes around not using the name 'Marvel' in their theme parks (hence why we have Avenger's Campus in Disneyland) and is able to use most Marvel characters in their California theme park. If you have the time and enjoy a good read, there's a lot happening with the Marvel characters when it comes to theme parks. It's worth a Google search.
But for now, guests can still enjoy the marvelous offerings, including a comic book shop! Located near the exit/entrance to Toon Lagoon, which features many platinum age and pulp era cartoon characters, this store, aptly named 'Comics', features Storm above the sign.
Once inside, the store sells brand-new weekly books, variants, Diamond Select items, and anything else you would expect from a comic book store inside a theme park.
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The comic books themselves were regular price -- so no theme park markups. The overall condition of these books is about what you would find in a comic book store as well. Some books had minor flaws and others looked Near Mint.
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I personally like how the books are displayed too. Having the books lay flat is a good concept, though not something most shops would be able to pull off. Certain books were even bagged and boarded, though I did not see any bags and boards for sale in the shop.
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The collectibles aspect is about what you would find in an LCS but turned up to 50. Prices were higher on these items, but if you've been to either San Diego Comic Con or New York Comic Con, these prices wouldn't be shocking to you.
But also, a theme park and convention are worlds different, and I don't see the average vacationer going home with a life-size Spider-Man mask replica.
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I was also surprised to see so many Jada Toys inside the park. I'm a big fan of their products, so it was a pleasant surprise. If you're heading to Islands of Adventure in the near future, I recommend checking out their comic book shop. You may just find a new collectible for your home while there!
*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.
