Silver Snail Comics

If you’re looking for comic shops in Ottawa, you won’t find many… but Silver Snail is truly the best of the three. (See my combined review of both the ‘Bank Street’ and ‘Clyde Ave’ Ottawa Comic Shoppe locations, which Unilocal is oddly attempting to censor. It’s a tad insulting and seemingly goes against what Unilocal claims to stand for. Disallowing honest reviews to impact a particular company’s star rating is blatant censorship.)
It’s important that I write a review of all locations to assist potential customers with honest comparisons based on my recent experiences.
While Silver Snail is a small location, it’s jam-​packed with all sorts of eye-​catching collectibles. I primarily collect action figures and have rarely left empty-​handed. One truly great feature is their website, wherein you can purchase items and have them shipped to the Ottawa store free of charge. I’ve done this many times and the employees are quick to inform me when my items are available for pick-​up.
The staff deserve a round of applause… they are knowledgeable in regards to their products, arrival dates of comic books, the content of the comic books, etc and most of all, possess positive interpersonal skills… they’re friendly and won’t treat you as if you’re a complete bother. They have no problem whatsoever holding an item or two for me to pick up later in the day… being able to practically shop the store when I can’t make it in right away has been a bonus!
As I stated in my review of the ‘Ottawa Comic Shoppe’, while Silver Snail may have less merchandise on hand, they generally have comparable product and at much better prices. As I purchase numerous collectibles each year, price is an obvious factor as I’m able to acquire more for my money. I don’t believe in price ‘scalping’ so aside from Silver Snail’s fair market prices, I would have to suggest customers go the online route, instead of visiting other comic shops in Ottawa.
I want to continue supporting local business and as long as Silver Snail continues the fine job their doing, I’ll keep paying them a visit.
A previous reviewer stated «dated & low stock» but on occasion, this can be a positive, especially when you may have missed an item or two when it was originally released. (example: NECA figures)
The only con I can think of would be a suggestion for their front window… I would suggest not placing collectibles in it during the summer months as the sun is quite damaging to figures, statues, etc. I’ve witnessed a few faded packages on occasion. As we «nerds» know, this obliterates their value. ;)
I wish Silver Snail continued success.

They have everything you could ask for in a comic book shop. It looks a little bare compared to other stores because they haven’t jammed every square-​inch of space with stock. However, comics, graphic novels, toys, keychains, and other comic and pop culture related items are available here.
They have a location in Toronto and unfortunately (for us) that store is way better. This store could do a better job with their interior decorating. The inside of the store is a bit dull. But hell, not a lot of people care about décor, just substance. Silver Snail definitely has substance.

The worst possible customer service. The owner is rude, ignorant and absolutely inappropriate at dealing with customers. With this attitude, I’d rather take my business elsewhere.

Dated and low stocks

Truth be told, I probably haven’t walked into a comic book store since Justin Timberlake was a curly haired member of N’Sync. But I’ve been slowly getting back into Comic Books, err… I mean their more Adult orientated «Graphic Novels» for a few months now and grew tired of the limited selection at the Indigapters monstrosities. So I was pleasantly surprised with the service of Silver Snail when from the moment I walked in.
As lame as it sounds, I was pretty intimidated about walking into the store, I’m clearly a phony when it comes to the current state of comicbooks, but all those notions were thrown out the window the second I walked in there. The staff were super friendly and helpful when I requested a series that was pretty obscure and out of print. They showed me the edition that they had in stock and even went to Amazon to show me how I could fill out the collection. They also provided me with some great recommendations for further series to investigate once I finish this one. The place was pretty pleasant and clean. It was also really well organized and I ended up having a nostalgic blast to walking around and catch up on some of the classics from my childhood.
I’m sure more hardcore comic book aficionados (insert snarly Simpsons Comic Book guy comment) might have some comments on the store’s selection or some other obscure selection of items, but for your average person Silver Snail Comics is a fantastic place, super friendly staff, great prices, a very cool selection and easy to get to. I’m really excited to go back and sped sometime reviving an old hobby.

They have a nice store and fine selection.
Terrible parking.

I love Silver Snail! Used to come here from 2001 – 2005 and the people that worked here were always super friendly. I had a box in the shop and they would always remember my name and let me know if I had anything new in.
I think the shop was organized by author rather than publishing press so it was not always quick to find what you were looking for but either way, I never step into a comic book shop unless I have a couple of hours to spare.

The nadir of the (former) Silver Snail empire. Ottawa has so many better stores than this, which loses out on customer service, location, everything.