Finding Comic Books

Finding Comic Books – X-Men in London

| Costas Barbatsis

I’m a big fan of the X-Men so l was excited when l heard that an all new Uncanny X-Men series was coming out. The only problem was that l did not know when!

Two days ago l while I was in London I found out that 4 issues had already been published!!!

By chance I was in Soho and I knew that Gosh! Comics was just around the corner.
There I found the first two issues, when I asked for the rest I was informed that issue three was already sold out and that the fourth one was coming out the next day.

I explained that I live in Greece and soon I would be going back so it was so kind of them to offer to keep a copy of issue four and if I was lucky enough maybe they will have an issue three.

Next day I went and GOSH issue 3 & 4 were there waiting for me.

I’m such a happy comic book fan!

Finding Comic Books – Fez

| Costas Barbatsis

Visiting Morocco was a unique experience, there is so much to see, you can’t get enough you just want to see more.

Staying though in a Medina did not give the opportunity and the time to look around for comics.

In Fez though I did find in a small bookstore a couple of very old hardcover anthologies. They featured comics like Tarzan and other comics which originate from UK. They were translated in Arabic and the pages were coloured in blue, orange and black & white, a colouring which was used in Greece as well in the past. Didn’t like them so much although they might’ve had some collectors value.

The last day though at the airport I found in the duty free a comic book…l do believe everyone loves a Disney comic, especially if it features Scrooge Mac Duck!

Finding Comic Books – Amman, “Wide Screen Comics and Manga”

| Costas Barbatsis

I’m visiting Amman in Jordan and I’m really enjoying it. I was also so glad that I found a comic book store there .

The store is called “Wide Screen Comics & Manga” and its not that far from downtown Amman. It has been around about 4 years.

It has a good solid collection of comics that would satisfy a comic books appetite and merchandise.

I had a chat with one of the two owners Osama and bought a comic book which is from a Jordanian artist.

watch the following video to listen in on what Osama and I chatted about!

Finding Comic Books – Sifnos

| Costas Barbatsis

During summer vacations instead of a book, I look for a good old comic book.

This summer while having a walk in Apollonia, the chora of the Greek island Sifnos I found a small book store which had several old comics from the Asterix series.

I bought Asterix and Kleopatra the Geeek translated version.

Although I had read it as a kid it always was one of my favourite comics which was missing from my collection.

I am glad that I continue all these years this “tradition” of mine of no matter where I might be I will always try to find comic books!

Finding Comic Books – London

| Costas Barbatsis

Comic book day in London!

Whenever I visit London there are three comic book stores that always I like to visit so I can find comic books.

This time I went first to Forbidden Planet. On the ground floor you will find loads of merchandise related to comics, movies and books.

But downstairs is a dream for all comic book fans. It has a huge collection of fresh new comics, back issues and graphic novels in all kinds of formats and from various publishers. I was bedazzled!

I also like that it has a nice collection of books of sci-fi and fantasy genre.

There was so much to choose from that it took me a while but I finally did find a comic, a collected edition of Greek Street!

Next stop Orbit Comics in Covent Garden.

I always love to take my time in this comic book store. It gives me the sense that you can find something different and unique, so I pace myself and check everything in detail.

In the area which almost looks like a room of someones private collection I check out all the indie and alternative comics which are there.

Then I head for the long boxes.

A huge collection of comics in the long boxes from various publishers. I always find something there. This time I found an issue of 2000 AD with Judge Dredd on the cover, so cool.

Last but not least I head for Gosh! Comics on the corner of Berwick and Peter Street in Soho. I really like where its located and you can spot it from a far with its huge display windows, I always spend several minutes checking them out.

It has a very nice style for a comic book store, it gives you a warm, cozy and welcoming feeling.

I went first down stairs looked around at everything new on the shelves and then at everything that is old in the long boxes. It all seems organized with a personal touch.

Then I head upstairs to look through all the graphic novels. It has a good collection of comic books here as well.

Finally I decide to buy volume one of Injection, I am a big fan of Warren Ellis and I just love Declan Shalvey’s art plus this copy was signed from Shalvey!

What a treat!

I’m done for today, luckily right out side of Gosh is the Berwick market. I pick up a falafel to have for lunch while I head for a cozy spot in Soho so I can read my comics.