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Photo by Ariel Dovas

Free Comic Book Day 2017: San Francisco comic stores worth hunting down

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/eviloars/4970133948/
| Photo by Ariel Dovas

Whether you're a fan of DC Comics or a follower of Marvel, both sides of the comic book publishing house war can agree on one thing—you're all nerds. But the other thing that the embattled sides can agree on is that, come the first Saturday in May, all shall rejoice for it is Free Comic Book Day.

But comic book themes aren’t relegated to just superheroes or Archie and the gang. Everything from popular film and television shows, to video games, to more serious issues are conveyed through the medium of illustration. (Take, for example, the Persepolis series, a graphic novel by Marjane Satrapi about her childhood in Iran during and after the revolution.)

Every year, comic book stores and related businesses celebrate the genre with giveaways, special issues, and related events. Major publishers (DC Comics, Marvel, Dark Horse Comics, and more) will offer free comics for fans to enjoy at Free Comic Book Day. Here's a map of the participating San Francisco stores you should check out posthaste.

The mapped points have been listed in geographical order, from the most north to the most south.

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Cards & Comics Central

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In addition to a way selection of comic books, this Richmond District store also carries figurines of your favorite action heroes/villains. (A great place to take your kids!) They also specialize in trading cards, so you'll have to battle it out with enthusiasts of the baseball card and Pokemon variety.

A post shared by JR Ignacio (@dynoisthename) on

Isotope Comics

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This Hayes Valley staple is noted for two things. A) Store co-owner James Sime, whose iconic hairdo is second only to his prowess on graphic novelists and comic artists superior selection of comics, graphic novels, and more. B) Its owner, It has also been praised as being a judgement-free/no-snark zone, ideal for novices looking to get into the comic book game.

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Comix Experience Outpost

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Billed as San Francisco's oldest and most diverse store selling comics, this Outer Sunset gem is noted for its stock of back issues. What's more, they also print their own magazine "Comix Experience Onomatopoeia," a guide to the latest and greatest issues. Don't

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Amazing Fantasy

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According to the Hoodline. "The store has sold comics to generations of San Franciscans, it’s well-stocked with a variety of titles, and everyone there seems to know one another." It's also a store with die-hard customers who love comics almost as much as they love this Sunset District staple.

A post shared by Nate Polish Last Name (@znk1) on

Comix Experience

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Along a stretch of street going through Valencia Street 2.0, this store is an oasis of creativity and wonder, a refuge from the athleisure-wearing masses on their way to Bi-Rite for pretentious IPA and gluten-free kombucha. It's an excellent spot for new and used graphic novels. They also have an extensive selection of new comic books. Don't miss the store's Graphic Novel Club (for adults) and Kids' Graphic Novel Club wherein Comix Experience's staff chooses the best brand new graphic novels.

Mission: Comics & Art

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According to one review, this Mission Street store has an art gallery "great for upcoming comic artists to show what they got and get recognized/sell their work." They also carry a slew of well-known and lesser-known graphic novels. It's also a cool place to hang out.

A post shared by Ali Hooke (@redbandanapins) on

Two Cats Comic Book Store

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Cards & Comics Central

In addition to a way selection of comic books, this Richmond District store also carries figurines of your favorite action heroes/villains. (A great place to take your kids!) They also specialize in trading cards, so you'll have to battle it out with enthusiasts of the baseball card and Pokemon variety.

A post shared by JR Ignacio (@dynoisthename) on

Isotope Comics

This Hayes Valley staple is noted for two things. A) Store co-owner James Sime, whose iconic hairdo is second only to his prowess on graphic novelists and comic artists superior selection of comics, graphic novels, and more. B) Its owner, It has also been praised as being a judgement-free/no-snark zone, ideal for novices looking to get into the comic book game.

A post shared by Kate Rose (@katerosebee) on

Comix Experience Outpost

Billed as San Francisco's oldest and most diverse store selling comics, this Outer Sunset gem is noted for its stock of back issues. What's more, they also print their own magazine "Comix Experience Onomatopoeia," a guide to the latest and greatest issues. Don't

A post shared by Cam Simmons (@manicmisnomer) on

Amazing Fantasy

According to the Hoodline. "The store has sold comics to generations of San Franciscans, it’s well-stocked with a variety of titles, and everyone there seems to know one another." It's also a store with die-hard customers who love comics almost as much as they love this Sunset District staple.

A post shared by Nate Polish Last Name (@znk1) on

Comix Experience

Along a stretch of street going through Valencia Street 2.0, this store is an oasis of creativity and wonder, a refuge from the athleisure-wearing masses on their way to Bi-Rite for pretentious IPA and gluten-free kombucha. It's an excellent spot for new and used graphic novels. They also have an extensive selection of new comic books. Don't miss the store's Graphic Novel Club (for adults) and Kids' Graphic Novel Club wherein Comix Experience's staff chooses the best brand new graphic novels.

Mission: Comics & Art

According to one review, this Mission Street store has an art gallery "great for upcoming comic artists to show what they got and get recognized/sell their work." They also carry a slew of well-known and lesser-known graphic novels. It's also a cool place to hang out.

A post shared by Ali Hooke (@redbandanapins) on

Two Cats Comic Book Store

tktk

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