[My Favorite Park Slope...]: Place to Be A Nerd

pic via Studiophototrope.wordpress.com

I don't hide my nerdiness for comics. I embrace it.

And with the upcoming cinematic summer full of movies like The Avengers, Spider Man and Dark Knight Rising, even non-nerds are going to geek out over comics, which is awesome. Park Slope, while known for many splendid attributes, doesn't really come across as a "Comic Book Mecca," yet it kind of is. We have three comic shops in the nabe -- Bergen Street Comics, Galaxy Collectibles, Brooklyn Comics and More  -- and in November, King Con, Brooklyn's own mini Comic-Con, will be returning to its home at the Lyceum Theatre on Union and 4th Ave. In addition, Park Slope is home to many talented comic writers and illustrations, some of whom I've profiled on FIPS. 

Often I'm asked, "Where's a good place to get a comic book in Park Slope?" This one's easy, friends: Bergen Street Comics. Hands down, it's the best comic retailer in the area. Yes, I have written about them about before, but I want to continue to show my love for this amazing comic shop. Here's why: First, the owners, Tom and Amy Adams, are the nicest people ever. They're friendly, knowledgeable and really into being part of the neighborhood. The couple is always hosting events and book launches to support and promote Slope-based artists. 

pic via Bergen Street Comics

Second, the store itself is aesthetically pleasing. Comic book shops tend to be a little, well... shitty looking. Often they come across as creepy, with their bad lighting, moldy moth ball smell, and rows and rows of yellowing comics in protective plastic. Bergan Street is spacious, clean and well organized. They also have big, comfy chairs to sit in while you perusing your comics. Bored to Death has even filmed there, which is pretty rad!

Third: You want it? They probably got it. Their selection of big-name Superhero comics from DC and Marvel is impressive, but what's more impressive is their catalogue of those hard-to-find, indie comics that other comic shops in the area don't sell.

Lastly: They have a section of self-published comic writers and illustrators, which means that they go out of their way to make sure that comic creators doing it on their own have a retail venue to sell their wares.

If you're not a comic book nerd yourself but have one in your life, it's also a great place to a get a gift or gift certificate (Father's Day is around the corner, nudge nudge). The staff is extremely helpful and not judgmental like some other comic book retailers tend to be. They're really great at helping locate that special something for that someone special.

Even if you don't really care about comics, you should totally take a walk on down to Bergen Street to check this place out.