Dreamworld Comics

I love this place! I would give it 10 Stars if they would let me, but I gave it five, so that's the limit. There are so many things here I wish I was a millionaire and buy everything that I could see! Old MAD MAGAZINES! NEW MAD MAGAZINES! I wish I could work here. Virtually every superhero and superhero movie by Marvel and DC is here! Dawn is a very sweet lady and treats all her customers with respect and she's very cordial. So is the rest of her staff. I can't emphasize enough how much I LOVE THIS PLACE! It really deserved its title. I thought I was in a DREAMWORLD and that I was dreaming. I can't wait to go there again!

It's a really cool place you can find a bunch of unique things there. Really glad we stopped in.

Nostalgia overload! Great place with a lot more than just comics. Costumes, magic tricks, props, pranks, and arcade machines. Check it out! Would like to see some VHS sales there.

Used to work here. God what a dump. Just stopped by and the stock has barely changed in 5+ years. Don't spoil your kids first trip to a comic book store by going here. There are better places to get comics (Pulp Fiction, Comic Bug) and pokemon cards (Target or any of a handful of local game stores). The owners bought the business with the property so they are just sitting on it as the value goes up. They don't actually know anything about the industry nor have they cared to try and learn in the past 10+ years. Probably one of the worst comic book stores in America which is doubly a shame because the outside really used to look nice (now you can't see the art because they rent parking spaces to food trucks).

They have a lot of variety of items from old to new. We didn't see anyone to ask for help until we were done looking through the whole store. Aside from that not a bad place to check out.

What a great place! Friendly staff. The selection is out of this world, it felt like I was dreaming! I highly recommend checking them out!

Lovely shop with an assortment of comic books, accessories and costumes. A lot of new stuff but also a good variety of 70-90s comics

It's a dump, most of the comics aren't even bagged and they are damaged! I would not recommend going to this place, the owner doesn't even seem to care how he handles the comics...

I love this place! I would give it 10 Stars if they would let me, but I gave it five, so that's the limit. There are so many things here I wish I was a millionaire and buy everything that I could see! Old MAD MAGAZINES! NEW MAD MAGAZINES! I wish I could work here. Virtually every superhero and superhero movie by Marvel and DC is here! Dawn is a very sweet lady and treats all her customers with respect and she's very cordial. So is the rest of her staff. I can't emphasize enough how much I LOVE THIS PLACE! It really deserved its title. I thought I was in a DREAMWORLD and that I was dreaming. I can't wait to go there again!

It's a really cool place you can find a bunch of unique things there. Really glad we stopped in.

Nostalgia overload! Great place with a lot more than just comics. Costumes, magic tricks, props, pranks, and arcade machines. Check it out! Would like to see some VHS sales there.

Used to work here. God what a dump. Just stopped by and the stock has barely changed in 5+ years. Don't spoil your kids first trip to a comic book store by going here. There are better places to get comics (Pulp Fiction, Comic Bug) and pokemon cards (Target or any of a handful of local game stores). The owners bought the business with the property so they are just sitting on it as the value goes up. They don't actually know anything about the industry nor have they cared to try and learn in the past 10+ years. Probably one of the worst comic book stores in America which is doubly a shame because the outside really used to look nice (now you can't see the art because they rent parking spaces to food trucks).

They have a lot of variety of items from old to new. We didn't see anyone to ask for help until we were done looking through the whole store. Aside from that not a bad place to check out.

What a great place! Friendly staff. The selection is out of this world, it felt like I was dreaming! I highly recommend checking them out!

Lovely shop with an assortment of comic books, accessories and costumes. A lot of new stuff but also a good variety of 70-90s comics

It's a dump, most of the comics aren't even bagged and they are damaged! I would not recommend going to this place, the owner doesn't even seem to care how he handles the comics...

Great location for comics and much more. They have tons of memorabilia. The staff is so helpful and if they don't have it they likely will order it!

As others have said, this store is dusty and cramped. Last time I stopped in, I told the guy exactly what I was looking for, the author and the publisher. Then he tried to tell me it was already out, oh wait no I got the publisher wrong, oh wait everything I said was right. Why second guess me on everything? He didn't have the issue I wanted but I asked to have the rest of the issues put on hold when they came out, which he never did. This is the second time the person working there was kind of rude and ultimately not helpful. There are plenty of alternatives for buying comics.

Location seems closed with a building lease sign out front, maybe they have now strictly gone online? But they definitely seem to be out of this location.

What on Earth happened to this shop? I used to visit them 10-20 years ago and they were a nice shop, organized and clean. Today's visit made me think it's a comic shop in the Fallout universe. Everything is dusty and dirty, a disorganized mess that looks more like a storage warehouse than a store. What a shame. I checked out their inventory thinking they'd have good deals on old dusty comics only to find everything way overpriced. The cashier was nice but I just feel bad for this place.

I used to love coming to this comic book shop. I used to frequent this place and hadn't come back in a while and decided to pop in today to check out the selection and look for a graphic novel I've been wanting. I was so shocked at what the comic book store had become. I guess they changed owners, and everything seems to be in disarray. The whole place is dusty and cluttered, and you can barely walk around the isles anymore. The comics and graphic novels are all ordered by title and not by author, so it was hard to find anything. Jared who was working the counter is the only reason I'm giving two stars because he was very knowledgeable. They didn't have what I was looking for but he was nice enough to order it for me and show me some other selections and he answered all of my questions and was very friendly. The old owner was a grumpy guy but at least he kept the shop clean and organized. Hopefully they get it together because this is a great location and has so much potential.

Picked up 2 Buffy the vampire slayer comics for my daughter. David was great! He helped me locate the rare omnibus and special editions. This place is a gem. I promise you will see something that will take you right back to your childhood. The adult in you will be fascinated by the new and current cool gizmos and doodads. Will be back for more next time I am in town!

I see this place swaying people the wrong way. I think its more of an acquired taste. This shop is not for the occasional comic book reader that Is looking for something specific. This shop is for the person that wants to spend some time lost in cases and shelves and discovering something they didn't Intend on finding. I probably wouldn't recommend asking for help, I've never seen anyone behind the counter actually leave the counter. This place definitely has its quirks! I like to look at all of the collected memorabilia that is displayed throughout the store, while my boyfriend gets lost looking for things he didn't know he needed.

This place has so much potential but it's ran horribly. I don't mind digging through unorganized comics but if I do that and the condition of the books is horrible don't price them at the counter for NM on eBay. Also, it's sad because they do have some valuable books but they have not been cared for and now they are thrashed. I would spend thousands of dollars here a month if they just priced all back issues at $1-$2. That would help them clear out some room to get organized. They told me 6 months ago they were in the process of organizing but 2 weeks ago nothing had changed. They also tried to charge me 25 cents for the old ratty bag and board a book was in. I took it out of the bag and board told them to keep it. Run a sale where all books are $1. Clear out some room, get organized you can make a lot more money in the future but dusty grimey uncared for books are not going to sell for cover price. That is why your problems exist.

If you don't like my grandson, then I don't like you. The owner of this place is a creep. I have been there 3 times now. I don't like writing poor reviews unless I give the place another chance. I did, 3 times now, and I am done. The owner simply does not like kids, or maybe he just does not like my little grandson who happens to have Autism. Too bad for you Dreamworld, have you not gotten the memo that grandparents will spend the world on their grand kids. Each time we went, the owner told my grandson more than once not to touch anything. Now, he was not touching a thing. He is not as verbal as a typical kid and he does like to look at things, but he is with me, by the hand, every second. He is not allowed to run around or act badly. I just don't tolerate it. So, I have this well behaved child, who clearly has an issue and he is warned not to touch--you never know, he might--spare me. Each time we went I spend more money than most do, I bet in a day. What my grandson wants, he gets. That is the way it is in his land of Bubbie is the coolest. When we got to the check out area, he saw and, OH MY GOD, touched a toy. He was told, with me standing right there, don't touch, well, you nit wit, he touched it to ask me to buy it for him, you could hear he does not speak well, so sometimes he points or touches something he knows I will buy him if he can just communicate his need to me. I did buy it and it was absurdly priced. I will go elsewhere from now on. It is too bad because they have easy parking and a decent selection, but really, get a clue, Dude. You are so lucky I have to stay calm and nice in front of my grandson or you would clearly recall me for the rest of your life. Just wow!

This converted gas station is on the corner of Washington Place and Centinela. On a hot day the inside is literally a hot tin can, so be prepared to sweat. There's a variety of comic books, books, collectibles and my favorite: Funko Pops. The majority of the Funkos are commons but I came across a Rocky Horror Picture Show Funko which is vaulted and selling elsewhere for $40, but I got it for $12. However, the box had tape on it, so I am guessing its a buy back. If you're looking for mint boxes, check carefully before purchasing. On my visit there's just 1 guy, who wasn't the most talkative but he did greet me. It's a good place to stop if you're searching for common Funkos.

I wish I could review this place. I came by during business hours but they were closed. Womp womp. So in short....update your store hours.

What a pigsty. A set of Chippendale's furniture in here would graduate the place into the slum class. The owner won't hire adults who know how to work and hires only lazy kids or else this place would be clean. If you want a comic or magazine you have to bring it up to the front and they have to price it. You don't like the price? Too bad. Buy it or put back. Obviously, the owner never took Business 10.

I called the store at 3:55PM asking if they had a book in stock. The lady looked it up on the computer and said that they had it. (She didn't actually go check.) I then asked her what time they closed today and she said 6PM. I got there at 4:10PM (almost 10 mins after I called) and the store was gated up with their "OPEN" sign still lit up. I was confused because it looked closed. I peeked in the windows and saw the same lady who answered the phone sitting and on her phone texting. I knock on the door and she comes out saying "I'm sorry, we're closed. Yeah, sales were really bad today so we decided to close." And I asked her if I can just get one book and that I was the one who called literally 15 mins earlier. And she looked behind her at the store and said, "Sorry, everything's shut down." I don't know how a business receives a phone call from a customer asking for a product, then the business claims they have said product, the customer asks what time they close to make sure they obtain said product, and then the business decides to close the store RIGHT after that phone call. It's clear that this lady -- young and in pajamas (not kidding) just wanted to go home. I definitely could've been rung up for *1* item, but she was clearly lazy. Terrible store and terrible employee. If "sales were really bad today", wouldn't you want the sale of a customer that is wanting a product that you claim you have?

Had literally just walked in with my daughter who loves comics and anime everything and was about to purchase whatever she wanted. Unfortunately, the young lady working decided to follow us and put her body in front of me and tell us to be careful. My daughter had picked up a comic that I could have purchased and the girl made us feel like we were doing something wrong. Because of this, I put the comic book back and as I was adjusting it, she stuck her arm in front of me to readjust it. Seriously, how rude. It all happened so fast I just grabbed my daughters hand and walked out. I was prepared to spend a good chunk of change, as I had done so many times before. Not sure exactly if we didn't look like the desired demographic, but I'm definitely offended. So sad to feel like this at our neighborhood comic store.

Literally never open during their bussiness hours. Don't drive far for this place. It's a shame cause it looks really cool I'm sitting in the parking lot now lol.

As a new customer, I felt super unwelcome in the space. Aside from comics, this place sells a lot of old, dusty and low-quality items. When we went to counter to get our comics, the guy manning the counter had left and we found him outside, on his cellphone. We waited about 3 minutes at the empty counter for him to finish his call and finally come inside, murmuring a half-hearted apology about that. The store feels so run-down inside, like it needs a total overhaul and powerwash. Not worth going.

My son was able to find exactly what he was looking for after the help of the wonderful sales woman. Prices seemed reasonable.

Dreamworld is an interesting place, pros and cons like most LCS: Pros: -It's close to my house -they have comics -they have lots of toys and merch if that's your thing. -no mark up on variants... but good luck ever getting one. It's first come, first serve and I'm not staking out the place so I'm never going to get one Cons: - I think of Dreamworld as your casual comic fans comic book store. If you're a weekly reader there for comics, there are better stores -I feel like the owner isn't really up on his comic knowledge. Like, he routinely gives me misinformation about comics and comic lore. -Back issues are usually covered in boxes of other things or stuff they are moving around the store so you can't actually get to the comics. It's like they are always rearranging the store and they employ tons of underage kids, so the whole place has a strange unorganized vibe to it -If you are looking for last weeks books, good luck. If you're not really into comics and you want to bring your young kid somewhere to look at toys and maybe snag a book or two, Dreamworld is a cool spot. If you are a weekly comic buyer who is all about your hobby, go to Pulp Fiction or Comic Bug

Dreamworld Comics just relocated to a brand new store, just a few blocks away from their original location. The owner is what's called and considered fan friendly with a long term focus on customer service and care. He's gracious and respectful to his visitors and is doing what it takes to earn the business and brow his customer base right. He's the small business owner you want to root for and cheer on to be successful and is someone everyone needs in their neighborhood. The selection includes: Statues (they're not toys!) Action Figures (they're not dolls!) - - okay, these are toys... Graphic Novels and Collected Edition / Trade Paperbacks Comic Books - both new releases and back issues ('tho not a big selection (yet) of Vintage Collectible Back Issues such as CGC graded high end comics, Bronze, Silver or Golden age comics). They do have a $0.50 comic book bargain bin where you might find hidden treasure or want list set fillers for hard to find back issues once in a while. Novelties (other stuff for boys and girls and kids of all ages) The original location was good, the new location is GREAT. The original location was a corner lot, but parking was a bit difficult and it's one of those placed, if you didn't know it existed and drove by, you may pass by and if you did happen to see it, it would be too late to stop and too hard to find parking... ...The NEW location is much improved, the signage is clear and visible, it's also on a corner lot, but you can drive right into the lot with plenty of parking. I just visited this new location in February 2013 and it's being renovated and constructed, so I only got a glimpse at things to come, and the future looks great for this store.

Super cool place. Just a warehouse filled with everything you can imagine. Kid friendly and some benches to read. The pricing is all over the place. Got a comic for $3 and a mini storm trooper for $10. The one employee is knowledgeable about what's in stock. Definitely come check it out!

Medium/small sized store with a lot of older stock. Items are dusty. Really feels like such a shame. It seems like this place used to have an owner that really cared. There are much better places to go just right down the street. Pros: - Worker was friendly and let me browse in peace. - Nice music was playing. Cons: - Everything at this store is cover price.... Big Disappointment - My main attraction are graphic novels and there wasn't an exciting selection here. - Most first volumes were out of stock. - When I went I was the only customer so I was fairly comfortable, but if there were maybe 4 or 5 more people, it would feel pretty cramped.

Lately I learned the difference between a good comic book shop and great one with just one series: Dark Knights Metal. Here's my comic store review series #9! This place goes big. It's swap meet-esq, but the stock they have runs deep. Not too many Metal books available, only a bunch of one's I've already collected but they had a first printing #4 along with some rare #5 covers. Or Vic versa I don't remember, but behind the counter they have a foil forge cover for almost 100$ signed from someone (couldn't tell if Snyder's autograph but clearly not Capullo), along with a few more signed copies of rare covers and tie ins. All were about 50$ or higher, so far the highest price I've seen for any shop but also the rarest. Not sure what to make of this one exactly, but they deserve 4*'s for the sheer volume of merch they had along with rare items. My quest continues, but I'll be back here if I absolutely can't find that forge cover elsewhere. YT: Erik Wade

I hate to give the thumbs down on comic shops but unfortunately Dreamworld is left far behind the other options within this area :( As many people have stated, there's a HUGE lack of customer service at this shop. It's pretty from the outside and hard to keep up with on the inside. If you're here for a toy, you should be alright but if your looking for some comics that didn't just release this week I hope you've got a few hours to spare. Out of all the local comic shops in the area, this is the only one where I walk out empty handed each visit. It seems like they've been around for a while though so they must be doing something right, I guess I just haven't come across it yet. On the plus side, parking here is SUPER convenient!

I love this place! The staff is really friendly, my fiancé loves the selection and the Batmobile outside is a big plus for parents like us. :) PS: They have churros outside for 3 bux !!

I needed the perfect gift for a close friend, and the staff was so helpful in my decision, very knowledgeable and insightful with my questions. She even gift wrapped the gifts with cool posters. Very sweet!! Really appreciate it! I will definitely be back.

Hard to miss the colorfully decorated Dream World Comics driving to and from Costco in Marina Del Rey. I always said I would stop by and about a week ago I did. I'm glad they turned this oil change spot into this, well, something of a dream world for comic book fans. It has something for everyone and the major superheroes and heroines are largely represented. However, I went with one of the biggest comic book fanatics I know and after we browsed the entire store, he turned to me and said, "meh" (imagine the Comic Book Guy from Simpsons). He was turned off by the fact that everything in the store was marked up higher than other comic book stores. Further, he wasn't all too impressed with the selection they did have. He remarked at how the emphasis is on memorabilia and collectibles rather than the lifeblood of any comic book store which are the latest and greatest issues of comics. It certainly felt like most of the store is dedicated to Funko Pop Toys and other collectible toys instead of comic books. It's hard not to judge a book by its cover (no pun intended) and from the outside Dream World looks fantastic and something out of the wonderful imagination of the most hardcore comic book enthusiast. But once you walk in you realize there isn't as much substance behind the glitz. Certainly worth a visit if for nothing else but to catch a photo-op with the mini-batmobile ride parked out front and to peruse the batcave. I just feel like if my die-hard comic book friend was not impressed it has to say something about this comic book stores compared against the rest in LA.

This place said comics, cards, and collectibles, but barely had any cards. Inventory seemed a bit old. Also showed up twice when they said they were open and place was closed.

This place is amazing! I stopped by here with a couple of friends on Batman Day (7/23) so we could get the free Batman comic. Apparently he was also giving out vouchers for capes and cowls but that was for the first 200 people... which we were definitely not a part of. You know this place is special as soon as you spot it from the street because it is so well decorated/painted with comic book figures and logos. And the inside is even better, with so many props to take pictures of/with and a huge variety of comic books and merchandise. Seriously... there were so many things I wanted to buy... it was so hard to exercise self-control :P The owner was also really nice and great to talk with. And with plenty of parking, I would totally be a regular here if it was in my neighbourhood. Sadly (but very thankfully for my wallet) this place is too far for me to ever frequent... but I will definitely be stopping by whenever I'm in the neighbourhood! So jealous of everyone who lives around here XD

Despite its close proximity and flair, Dream World is all smoke and mirrors. Ok, its got some rad statues and what not. Ok it's got basically a bat cave in the back to display the owner's stuff. The shop is clean and fully stocked. If you ask, they will help you out, otherwise they leave you alone. They didn't have that great of a selection of indie books. Even mainstream titles you could only find a few back issues. If you're broke and sometimes need to hold off a bit on your books, this can get a bit frustrating. Ah well, go to another shop to get your back issue fix. I drive past this shop quite a bit on my way to Venice. I'd love a good shop to be on my regular path. This is fluff and Hollywood crap. I'd bring my non serious comic book friends there once, but not if they are serious real collectors.

YELP INSIDER TIP FROM DOREEN (AKA AZN PERSUASION): Lotsa parking, a little bit of everything for the novice and serious collector. The two gumball machine games are fun! ***** I've only been to two other comic book stores, Comics Ink on Overland, and Meltdown Comics in Hollywood, so I don't have much comparison. However, DWC is pretty big, clean, new, well organized and fun just to even browse. We purchased some Groo and Walt Disney Duck Tales comics, but stayed for a really long time. They have 2 gumball machines/games, a used DVD section, clothing, toys, stuffed animals, and new and old comic books. They have a picnic bench outside and a couple of people were out there just sitting and talking.

Conflicting review. This place has so many comics and I loved looking but, it's crazy disorganized. So if you don't like looking and aren't looking for something new you're gonna have a rough time. It is also dirty as stated before so most the comics have a little dust. The reviews more of a 3.5 but I'll give it a four because I had a good time looking through everything.

This is my first visit here. I would say this is exactly what a comic book shop should look like. However, the books and toys are exposed to pollution and moisture from the air so, if you just read comics but do not keep for long term collection, then this shop is for you. I honestly prefer the clean ac'ed shops where comics are cozy. Ryder is so nice and friendly. Would come back jus to say hi to the guy and maybe buy a few copies.

One of my favorite hang out spots in the west side! I was in the area and decided to stop by. It's always awesome stopping by. I love just hanging out and checking out the collectibles behind the glass case. Batman, GI Joe, Doctor who...all cool stuff! Action figures, comic books (to include back issues), graphic novels...the works! As a fan of Batman, my favorite thing about this place is the Batcave in the back of the shop. I just watched The Dark Knight Rises, the night before and it was pretty cool seeing the Bane Episode from the Animated Series playing.

Let me start by saying I'm not into comics.... but my boyfriend is and I took him here. He had nothing but good things to say. He said it had a really large selection of hard to find series. He was able to find something that he wanted which he didn't even know was out in print yet. Bonus: I stayed entertained by the Calvin and Hobbs display, because who isn't into CnH?!!! I also think its very clean, and the outside is very cute with how the building is painted.

Really cool little comic shop, I love that it is in like a renovated garage or something, it gives it a really unique feel. They have all the latest issues, and have a decent selection of toys, magazines, and trade paperbacks as well.

I was super excited to begin my journey into the comic worlds but I have to admit I'm really disappointed in fact that my first comic book looks badly defective!! Although I may be new to this, I still know a thing or two about how a new comic should look like. The comic does NOT look like a new comic. The ends are covered with flaws that can be easily noticed with the naked eye. The printing on both front and back covers are damaged and i'm guessing its because of bad boarding and covering (the print was facing the matte side of the board, when it should've faced the glossy side). When I told the guy that this book seems to have flaws he said that it's part of the design. I mean does this look part of the design? I just wish he wasn't trying to take advantage of me being new to this as a way to trick me. Anyways I'm just really upset that this was my first experience. I might give this place another try in hopes that things will be different. Stay Tuned!

Holy condescending Batman! Traveling from out of town and wanted to pick up my weekly books. The cashier to my daughters (who are older -9&12) as they picked up a comic: "Be careful with that, people read those." My daughter was confused. I said, "yeah she reads comics...that's why we're here. Same to my other daughter as she picked up a POP vinyl figure: "Be careful, people collect those." Most things were overpriced, but after his tone to my kids (and the way he talked to the other staff), I didn't want to spend a dime. Avoid.

He was so mean and unrespectful he made my son cry. He said my son could not touch anything.

Customer X- just wrote a review on this place, how wrong this is. I find this shop great, I have been going to this shop for years. the management pushes books for kids they have a rack right up front when you walk in. The store also has a very open atmosphere, its very inviting. I was in attendance on the day Customer X is referring to Free comic book day. Dreamworld had not only had the event but had it two days Sat and Sun with popcorn, jump house, artist, and Indy publishers. They had two young women letting people know where to find the free comics in the front of the store. Then it was also marked with a sign, once you went to the party area Dreamworld was giving away a goody bag with toys in it. I was one of the Indy publisher present, we had your quarky comics. we sold a lot of them to nearly sold out all to kids.Dreamworld was thrilled to have us and treated us and there guests great. So if your looking for a misleading post Customer x marks the spot, if you want a great comic shop go to Dreamworld.

Second time I've been here and it is still a cramped and disorganized place ... very difficult to walk around. They do have a decent range of graphic novels, but the staff is apathetic and some of the books are not in very good shape. I don't think there will be a 3rd visit by me.

As far as comic book shops go, this comic book shop will be my #1 choice when I'm on the west side. After our lunch in Santa Barbara, I was aching for some superhero literature. I haven't bought a graphic novel in quite a while. I'd seen this place several times while in the west side, but never went in. We went in this time. I love comic book shops. They have a freakin' bat cave for godsakes! How cool is that? You can even chill on the couch. At least I think you can. I didn't get a chance to. I wish I had my camera. The dude at the counter was very informative, I had a couple of questions with regards to some of the collected editions of stuff, I needed answers, he answered them. Nice! Oscar? I didn't get a name, he's a young cat. I ended up buying both collected volumes of "Thunderbolts." Like some shops I've been to, there is no pretentiousness here whatsoever. I hate comic book stores that take themselves too seriously to help a brotha out. Not here, no aura of BS. I dig that. You best believe I'll be back for more adventures! Gerard is a happy meat.

I'm no comic geek by ANY standards. In fact, I've only read one complete graphic novel, but in the span of one week, I was shopping at three different comic book shops to find my comic lovin' bf the perfect bday gifts. I was actually lucky enough to find his surplus of gifts at 2 other comic shops, but Dream World Comics was #2 on my checklist. I read their rave reviews, so I really wanted to check it out. I told my bf about this shop, so we finally went here one evening and he was like a giddy, little kid in a candy shop. He wasn't nearly as giddy as he was at Comic-Con, but close enough though. Within 5 mins, I realized I could've killed two birds with one stone cause all the graphic novels and the figurine I got him at the other 2 shops were all at this shop alone. I also noticed off the bat that the owner was very hospitable and knowledgeable about what was up and coming, so it's a shame I didn't get there sooner, but better late than never. After browsing through the store together, I left my bf to his own comic geek world, and I found the bat cave in the back (thanks to the heads up from the loyal customers who yelped this place). This shop has the COOLEST BAT CAVE known to mankind! I literally felt like I just got off the Batman ride at Magic Mountain and was waiting for my photo to appear on the screen. However, in this case, it was even better cause I perfectly came in when they started playing the opening credits for The Dark Knight. I sat on the sofa with the A/C blasting over my head in this super cool, dark bat cave, fully entertained by the film and fascinated by the endless figurines of Batman, Robin, and Joker that surrounded me on all sides. This is the perfect spot to just sit back and chill while a true comic geek combs the shelves for the next best graphic novels.

I used to go to another comic book store in Santa Monica, but I decided I wasn't going to go back when I pulled up the day Captain America came back from the dead (My favorite super-hero) and rather than let me buy the comic, they closed the door and locked it just as I was putting my mitts on the handle. I showed up to give them money and they said, "No thanks!" So I've been looking for a good neighborhood comic store. I spend more money than I should on comics, but ...and I hate to say this, I get hooked on the stories. I can take a minor detour on my way home from work to get to Dream World, so I gave them a try. Best.Comic.Store.Ever. First of all, they've got a lot of stock - trades, new releases, old stuff, indies, you name it. Collectibles by the ton! Also, the Bat Cave in the back is truly awesome - a real cave-like space full of Bat Collectibles. I'm not a Bat Fancier, but I still this this was super impressive. But more than anything - I asked a few questions about the most recent Marvel events, and Oscar, the owner/manager/expert walked around pulling all the titles for the Secret Invasion plot line, told me what order to read them in - and then piled on a bunch of freebies on top of that - I mean a BUNCH just to get me caught up on the Dark Reign story. Because it's a great story and he's enthusiastic about it, and he knew if I got hooked, I'd come back and buy the rest. And you know what? He's totally right - with a few freebies and an enthusiastic answer, he got himself a loyal customer. I'm starting my pull list next time I go in. This is how a comic book store ought to be - the staff loves comics, and wants you to read them!

My gosh. Oh Dream Worlds, you are so Dreamy! I had a project I was doing some research on involving comics. I had visited two comic stores previous to this one and was feeling a bit down in the dumps. I learned the hard way that if you are an outsider, comic book stores in general are NOT SAFE PLACES for inquisitive minds. Dream Worlds saved me. I was helped out by a guy who could have been a dead ringer for Sabretooth (and not in a bad way). He was more than helpful. In fact I was introduced to some awesome collections. This is truly a KID friendly comic book store. The previous stores that I had been to were geared more for adult fans. But if you have a child that likes COMICS not MANGAS but real good old fashion COMICS, take them here to indulge. AND PAY ATTENTION! Know what you kids are reading. Ask these guys for the most appropriate series for child's age. Just because its colored does not mean its kid friendly. Believe me when I say that nipples often pop out when you least expect them to.

I really didn't care for this place. It's nice and shiny but what it has in looks it loses in actual substance. The book racks are all wood. So you can only make out half of the title of whatever is new. The back issues is spread out so that you're already making a tough task even tougher. Traders are all over the place and in no real order on the wall. It makes looking for specific books that much harder. Forget about looking for the last few issues of whatever. It's simply not going to happen. I have to give it one thing though, they have a sort of bat cave in the back of the store. While it's neat and all, it serves very little purpose besides allowing the owner to display his many batman statues without the mrs. getting mad at him. The help, from my couple of experiences going in there, was more concerned about what we thought of the stores looks opposed to what we needed help in finding. There's better comic stores near here. This place is all flash and no substance.

Dream World Comics is my happy place on Wednesday mornings. I make a list of my pulls for the week and commute on over so I could spend my day reading (I highly suggest the new She-Hulk, Ms. Marvel* while they're still a couple issues in. The owner is more than happy to give recommendations as well). The reason why I drive out to Culver City instead of other comic book stores around my area is because of the customer service: the owner is very knowledgeable, always looking to chat you up (especially if you become a regular, he's a funny guy), he checks the comics you pick out to make sure they are not damaged, and gives you the board/bags for free (other places charge you for that). What I like about the set-up is that it's really easy to find the current week's comics. You walk in and they're to you're left. They're alphabetized and are easy to pick out. (In my experience, other stores have racks that are an eye sore and make you feel overwhelmed when you can't find your comics). Old comics are located further in the back along with the huge collection of old issues, trades, etc. Keep in mind that comics (and trades) are special to collectors and those selling them - in other words, handle the items carefully when browsing so that they don't get damaged, otherwise it's worthless. If you can't find last week's or any older comic, let the owner know. He will walk with you to the back where the old issues are and he'll show how to find what you're looking for. As I always tell the owner - see ya next Wednesday!

It's a nice, local comic book store on the Westside. The staff is nice and knowledgeable and there's a good supply of books to satisfy whatever you desire. The new releases are in the front near the cashier and the older stuff is in the back. There's this cavern like area that is like Dungeons and Dragons and they play movies, some you know, some I have NO clue what it is. There's a pretty big collection of collected volumes of comics if that's your thing. It's located right on the corner in a busy intersection and parking is limited, but if you need comics and are in the area, it's a great place to go to. The people are pretty nice, not talkative unless you solicit them so that's good as I don't need anyone stalking me as I look for something!

When I was a kid, there were two things I looked forward to: buying my favorite comic books and reading them deep in my secret fort deep in the woods, and buying new packs of my favorite trading cards. And while it's not the direct inspiration for CBC and The Android's Dungeon, Dream World Comics could be a close image in terms of what to expect. Walking through the front door, one can't help but notice how sterile everything is. So much inventory behind glass or sealed up in plastic. Walking around the store, one can't help but notice that the overwhelming majority of what makes up their stock is 'the big two': DC and Marvel. And while I appreciate these two heavies for everything they've done and put out over the years, my tastes tend to be a lot more underground and/or local (think Last Gasp, Rip Off Press, Paul Mavrides, Gary Panter, Randall Vogel, Keith Knight, The Hernandez Bros, etc). None of which appears to be found within their inventory (if it is, it's pretty well-hidden). As previously noted, it amazed me at the amount of merchandise was sealed up in plastic- rather thick plastic where dirty grubby human hands might touch them, causing their collectability value to drop. I wouldn't be surprised one bit if they were hermetically sealed. This does not bode well if you want to peruse a tantalizing new title for it's storyline/artwork. Even though this store is primarily mainstream material, I decided to inquire with the clerk about a title that was not on the shelves or in the bins. But as I got closer to the counter, and began hearing the venomous rantings of Glenn Beck, I decided it was time to depart the store. The overall impression I got from this store is that it's not the place for comic book/graphic novel/illustrated story aficionado. Rather, this is a place for the collector. The individual who purchases the items not to be enveloped in the imaginations artists/story writers, but as an investment, speculating that at a future time it will be worth many times more than the purchased price. It is, also good for anyone working in the studios, and need multiple copies for handouts to producers, paste-ups for storyboards, etc. However, for the average reader, given the limited selection and noticeable lack of non-mainstream inventory, I would consider shopping elsewhere.

I came here at lunch the other day, to take a look around. I'm guessing it used to be a car repair place, as it's basically a large shed with metal paneling and no heat. I guess that's usually ok for LA, but probably not the best circumstances for keeping large quantities of paper that people like to collect and keep for years. Anyway, there were a bunch of comics and a fair number of toys/games/etc. What wasn't there? Anyone working. I coulda just grabbed whatever I wanted and walked away. Nor was there anyone to ask, "Hey, you guys have any Game of Thrones memorabilia?"