Zanadu Comics

Looking for a good selection of comics? If so, Zana-​do yourself a favor and check this place out. (Man, that was a lame play on words.)
Went in to Zanadu looking for a very specific set of variant editions that were released weeks ago in opaque polybags and was surprisingly able to find them. The overall selection, in general, was very impressive to the point where I spent probably 10 – 15 extra minutes in the store just browsing (mostly because it was a bit tricky figuring out where to look for certain things). One of the staffers was super nice and walked over and asked if I needed help. Staff is clearly very knowledge.
What prevents this review from being the full 5 was a super duper awkward interaction with the cashier about the comics themselves, as they quasi-​condescendingly tried to explain to me what I was getting into, which one would figure would be a Zana-don’t when interacting with customers. (Pun still isn’t funny… O well, still go check them out).

Huge selection of current comics, graphic novels and collectables. While visiting Seattle it was great to not have to miss out on any of the titles I was reading. Being right downtown means I will stop in on my next visit to Seattle as well.

I missed the latest releases while traveling up to Seattle. I stopped in to Zanadu to see if they had them in stock and sure enough, both issues were available. They seemed to be lacking on the selection of variant covers, but then again, I went there on a Saturday, so for all I know those covers were probably sold out by then. Very nice selection of current titles and they several bookshelves of trade paperbacks and collectible books as well. Back corner section features a small collection of older comics as well as Playboy magazines.

This is my favorite comic shop in Seattle. It definitely has the best variety, and the most extensive collection of comics that I have found.

I came here to pick up the a small graphic novel of Clive Barker’s Hellraiser (sequel that should’ve been). The customer service was awesome. I am actually surprised that they had this publication to be honest.

What a fantastic store! I am not a constant comics reader but I love the medium. I wandered in while waiting for an appointment and asked the staff for some fun reading. The first suggestion was Popeye! So retro and not at all what I would expect. I then revealed my love of Rick Veitch and Ed the Happy Clown and they understood immediately. They suggested a wonderful collection of weird Milligan and McCarthy comics, a beautiful hardbound piece. I bought both. Reading them now, I am enlightened. Thank you!

I look for comic book stores in every city I go to seeking hidden gems. Zanadu did not disappoint. They had several statues I was looking for and they gave me a great deal. The woman I worked with was really pleasant and spent a little time nerding out with me which I appreciated. They had a good selection of books, toys, and statues. If you are in Seattle, I cannot recommend Zanadu enough.

Wow! So many comics! I was completely overwhelmed until the nice staff helped me out. She was able to point me to an excellent Hawkeye graphic novel that I throughly enjoyed. Thanks Zanadu! I’ll definitely be going back soon!

I love Zanadu. It is leaps and bounds a better comic store than Golden Age in the market. They usually have a great selection of back comics, statuary and obscure geekry. I found a Vampire The Masquerade mug there once, and some Bloom County shirts. It’s filled with lots of great geekry that isn’t expensive. I love their front display case, which has a Martian Manhunter bust with a small description in front that reads «So Lonely». Their staff is always genuine and helpful and don’t treat you, even if you’re female, like you don’t know your comics. I always liked that. Friendly, helpful, filled with awesome comics, what else do you need?

Technically, there are two comic book shops in downtown Seattle, but if you’re looking for the best place to buy comics, there’s really only one: Zanadu.
The other place (which shall remain nameless, but we all know who it is) is great if you want… stuff. Like posters, games, movie scripts, signed photos, all sorts of cute and geeky toys. That sort of thing. But for comics, they’re the backup option.
Zanadu is the place to get your comics, hands down, and has been for as long as I’ve lived in Seattle. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the latest release or that elusive back issue — they’re likely to have it, and if they don’t, they’ll do their best to find it. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and a couple of them have been there for years. It’s a little like Cheers without the beer; if you start going in regularly, you’re sure to start recognizing some familiar faces.
The front half of the store is where you’ll find a lot of specialty items and graphic novels, and it’s slightly messy and delightful. Wander your way back to the rear half, where the cash register is, and there’s the meat of the place. Current issues are displayed alphabetically by title, with no division for publisher, all the way around the outer walls, so you’ll find the latest issue of Sandman right above where Spider-​Man sits. It makes things very easy to find, no guessing which publisher goes where — especially important since Zanadu carries one of the best selections of independent comics I’ve ever seen, from Abstract Studios to Image to Valiant, and everything in between.
The graphic novel collection is extensive as well, divided by publisher and covering three or four very full bookshelves in one corner. There are also some display shelves for statues and some other collectibles, and they’re chock full of interesting curiosities — but the clear focus here is comics. Whether you’re hunting down an old favourite or looking for something new (or even better, both), Zanadu makes it easy and fun.
So, when you’re in Seattle, you can go to that other place for that special gift for the geek in your life. But if you’re looking for comic books, you have to go to Zanadu.

It’s great that there is a comic book store downtown still. You should really take a peek. Howard is super friendly and he’s full of great recommendations. I get most of my comics online now, but when they’re not available I check here first and I’m usually not disappointed.

Decent, is what I’d say. The selection of books is good. They have some nice figurines and statues. I wouldn’t say they have the best prices on those, but it’s a rule of thumb that you always want to comparison shop those anyway. This shop is one of the larger local comic stores, so if you want a middle ground between «hole in the wall» and «large collectibles» like Golden Age, this is a good choice.
That being said, the last time I came here, I walked in and walked right out. The staff didn’t seem to have much interest in me — which is unfortunate, because I could have easily been talked into buying something (or multiple things). Despite the fact that I spent several minutes looking at things, I maybe got one «Finding everything?» question and that was the end of our conversation. I don’t expect someone to hold my hand or anything, but what makes a comic shop memorable and enjoyable is the company. I like to visit comic shops for the camaraderie, so when I feel like a random number customer I’m not very inclined to come back.
Even stranger when the employees chat amongst themselves and turn their backs to you, as if they don’t want a stranger’s input. Maybe I’m spoiled, but I’m used to employees that gleefully want to include everyone in their geeky conversations. That’s so much of the reason why I don’t simply opt to buy my collectibles at Amazon.
It’s not a bad place, but it felt like walking into a generic store and being a generic customer. But it seems the service does vary, so if my next experience is different I’ll update this.

Zanadu Comics is one of the better comic stores that I have been to since I lit down in the metro area. There is just so much here! They have current issues of titles from the bigger comic companies like Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. They have a REALLY impressive selection of back issues, graphic novels and statues!
They have action figures as well but not necessarily current ones like from DC Direct for example but the selection is nice!
The staff here is happy to help you but are also no nonsense! Another customer was doing something he apparently was not supposed to an a associate firmly told him that if he was going to buy the item he could do whatever he wanted to do with it but in the meantime, put it down.
In all actuality I find this very refreshing! I have seen too many incidents where customers chew you up and spit you out to poor associates that don’t deserve such grief.
Any geek should go in here at least once, it is a fun place!

I love this place. I stop by once or twice a week depending on how many things I want v when Pay Day is. The folks here are super nice and sweet and they have in my opinion the best selection. Half the time I go to another particular shop down a few blocks *cough* and they don’t have issues I want /​are already sold out. The employees are friendly and great and recognize me every time and chat with me about comics, writers, etc. I’m going to miss coming here when I move to Texas! Also as a black fantasy /​sci fi /​comic fan, I’ve been profiled or they don’t take me seriously at other places I’ve been but this place has never made me feel anything other than welcome, even though I guess they’ve been having thefts lately which is REALLY DISAPPOINTING. Shame on whoever is doing it. They have good back issues as well, and a good selection. My little brother loves the kid’s section up front.

I had a great time at Zanadu and found a couple older books I have been looking for.
Great customer service that was friendly and helpful. Even took the time to look up
what bus routes we could take to get to Fantagraphics. Only in town for a couple days but will definitely go again before we leave.

Limited selection, and a bunch of stuff I was looking for was out of stock when I went, but the staff is very knowledgeable and definitely passionate about comics/​graphic novels. My favorite thing about Zanadu, however, is their selection of vintage Playboy magazines, dating as far back as the 50’s. They’re all wrapped, and I’ve yet to actually buy one, but it’s fun to look at the magazines and see how the covers (and models) have evolved over time. If you’re downtown, I highly recommend making a pit stop here — even if you think you’re not a fan of comic books, I guarantee you’ll find something you’ll like. :)

Horrible customer service. Asked a question and got a rude response. Never will I come here for anything.

My favorite comic store, hands down. Nice and chatty staff. They actually stock enough of every issue that you can get the ones you missed. Much more of a real shop than that other comic store down by the water :)

I would like to say that Zanadu may have alot of cool stuff but they did not have
my Zartan, Zandar, or gijoe comic .
this is not the only store in the area that let me down on this .
I don’t know if it is a big thing in the area and sells off, or if there is not enough readers of these books .
this store was not crowed with stuff on top of boxes or over packed with figures on the pegs so that is a plus in my book.

Went on vacation to Seattle and this was a place on my list of places to visit. The comic shop was about a mile away from my hotel so I ended going there on foot. As you walk in, you are amazed of the size of the whole place. It is shelves and shelves of reading material.
Walking around I did find where they kept the new comic books that just came out. I didn’t however find where they had the back issue bins. Asking the guy behind the counter he said that they kept the back issues in the backroom not on the floor. The guy was totally cool and asked what issues I was looking for. The guy really meant well but here is where the problem lies. I am the collector that likes to go through boxes and boxes of comics to find what he’s looking for especially those back issues. All hardcore comic book collectors know what I mean by this. For those who don’t, one of the thrills of collecting is finding comic books you like searching through comic book boxes. So that kind of killed it for me that they didn’t have any comic boxes to go through.
Besides that the guy who was there was totally nice and polite. I would of given the place another chance but I was near the end of my time in Seattle. If I ever go back to Seattle I will definitely come back. This time with my want list.