Aquilonia Comics

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Aquilonia has been around since the 1980s which definitely makes it a veteran of the industry. It is a seemingly an “old school” comic shop, but upon closer inspection you can tell it’s evolved with the times. Their selection of new mainstream and indie comics is HUGE, and their back issue library is probably the largest in the Capital District. Plus they have a large amount of trades and graphic novels always in stock. They also cater to RPG players with a selection of cards for sale as well as having in-house tournaments. On top of that their prices are fair and they offer a very nice incentive to subscribe – what’s not to like?

The first thing you notice about Aquilonia is the vintage atmosphere because it’s in an old building in an old section of an old town. The floorboards squeak and bend, but it gives the store an authentic feel. This shop doesn’t seem so sterile and mainstream like the newer stores in strip malls do. Its atmosphere really enhances the historicism of comics.

The store itself is about average size in terms of square footage, but it never seems cramped. Even when it was packed on Free Comic Book Day I was able to walk around and browse everything without feeling like a canned sardine.

Aquilonia’s selection of new mainstream and independent comics is huge. Thankfully, they aren’t quick to throw the new issues in the back issue bins, either. I was able to grab up a bunch of comics that were upwards of six months old at cover price that would’ve been back issues at other stores.

It’s amazing how many back issues are available in this store, they might have the largest selection in the area. Having sifted through quite a few boxes I found the overall price range to be fair across the board. However, the majority of their back issues are mostly Modern Age comics. There are a few Silver and Bronze Age comics on display on the walls but serious collectors of the older stuff might not find what they’re looking for here. Regardless, their selection and value is top-notch.

Not many comic shops have the “big book” selection that Aquilonia does, so this is definitely a store for the serious TPB/GN reader. Their selection is bigger than most mall bookstores and if you’re a subscriber your discount applies to these books too – sweet!

Most stores that give a deep discount to their subscribers only apply it to new issues, but here you can buy pretty much anything under the roof for 20% off if you’re a subscriber (some restrictions apply, call for details). That would certainly keep their customers loyal when it comes to back issues as well as staying competitive with Borders. I’d definitely be a subscriber to this store if it wasn’t so far away from me.

Aquilonia is one of the oldest in the Capital District and yet I’d never been to it until Free Comic Book Day of 2008. I’m glad I did, though, because on the same day they were having a 50% off back issue sale and I was able to fill in some major holes in my collection at a very reasonable price. I’ve returned a few times since and have always been impressed.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Great shop. Best in area.: Aquilonia has a terrific selection and a very knowledgeable and involved staff. Congrats to them for running a great store.

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