(credit: thecomicbookink.com)

Sometimes it helps to unwind by stepping into an alternative fictional universe where you can lose yourself in the dramatic rescue of someone in peril. If a good old fashion book doesn’t do it for you, try a comic book — some have better plots, dialogue and characters than it highbrow cousin! – Olga George

Phantom of the Attic

411 South Craig Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 621-1210
www.facebook.com/pages/Pittsburgh-PA/Phantom-of-the-Attic-Comics-Oakland/270567764926

Phantom of the Attic on South Craig Street in Oakland is a comic book geek paradise with just about every publication they’ll want to get their hands on! New issues, back issues and old issues can all be found inside this spacious second floor store at reasonable prices.

Eide’s Entertainment

1121 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 261-0900
www.eides.com

One genre of comics you’ll find an abundance of at Eide’s is the hard to find adult comics. Items are spaced and labeled for easy location and the laid back staff is quite knowledgeable about the comics’ universe, so you’ll never have to say, “Holy find Batman!”

The Comic Book Ink

116 Smithfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 263-2002
www.thecomicbookink.com

When Art Institute students hang out at a comic store, you know it’s a special place to be and that’s The Comic Book Ink in the Mazzei Building on Smithfield Street. Comic book finds such as Wonder Women and Dare Devil will win you from the door. You may need a ring of power to escape without purchasing something.

New Dimension Comics

20550 Route 19 #20
Cranberry Township
(724) 758-2324
www.ndcomics.com

New Dimension Comics in Cranberry Township provides three times the opportunity for you to find comic books of your heart desire. If you can part with even one of your treasured old comics – like, say, a Thor comic book, you’ll able to sell it here.

CCGs Cards Comics and Games

4020 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
(412) 621-3401
www.ccgscards.com

CCGs Cards Comics and Games is just a fun store to visit! As its name suggests, shoppers will also find a lot of games based on comic books. Just be sure you don’t lose yourself as though you entered a time warp or black hole.