Finding a "third place" in the Pacific Northwest usually involves overpriced espresso or a damp park bench. But for people in the Couve, I Like Comics Vancouver has basically become the living room of the local geek community. It's not just a store. It’s a massive, 10,000-square-foot warehouse of nostalgia and ink that manages to feel intimate despite its sheer scale.
Most comic shops are cramped. You know the vibe—dusty longboxes stacked in a hallway where you have to turn sideways just to let someone pass. This place is the opposite. It’s bright. It’s airy. It feels like a library but without the "shush" factor. Located at 1715 NE 78th St, it has anchored the Vancouver, Washington scene for years, surviving the digital shift and the pandemic by being a physical destination people actually want to hang out in.
The Reality of the Backlog
Let’s be real about why people go there. It’s the back issues. While most shops carry the new Wednesday releases, the depth of the archive at I Like Comics Vancouver is staggering. They claim to have one of the largest inventories in the Northwest, and honestly, walking through the aisles, it's hard to argue.
You’ve got the silver age wall, which is basically a museum of American pop culture. You’ll see those iconic Amazing Spider-Man covers or early X-Men issues that cost more than a used Honda. But right next to those are the $1 bins. That’s the magic. You can spend thirty bucks and walk out with a stack of 90s Spawn or X-Factor issues that smell like newsprint and childhood.
The organization is better than it has any right to be. Usually, in a shop this big, things get lost. Here, they use a logical grid system. If you're looking for an obscure indie title from 1984, the staff usually knows exactly which row it’s hiding in. It’s weirdly efficient.
Beyond the Single Issues
Graphic novels and trade paperbacks take up a huge chunk of the floor space. This is where the shop really shines for casual readers. If you watched a Marvel movie and want to know where the story actually came from, they have the "Suggested Reading" sections sorted. It’s not just Marvel and DC, either. Image, IDW, and Dark Horse get significant shelf real estate.
They also lean heavily into the "lifestyle" side of the hobby. Statues. Toys. Apparel. Funko Pops (love them or hate them, they're there). It turns the shopping experience into a scavenger hunt. You might go in for a copy of Saga and leave with a replica Batmobile. It happens.
The Community Hub Factor
What really sets I Like Comics Vancouver apart isn't the paper; it’s the people. Chris Simons, the owner, has built a reputation for being approachable. That trickles down to the staff. There’s zero gatekeeping here. If you walk in and ask, "I've never read a comic, where do I start?", they don't roll their eyes. They ask what movies you like. They ask what books you read. They actually care.
Events are the heartbeat of the shop. Free Comic Book Day here is an absolute gauntlet, often featuring local artists and creators. Because Vancouver is so close to Portland—a massive hub for comic professionals—you never know who’s going to be browsing the stacks. Writers from Dark Horse or artists from Image are regulars.
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Grading and Consignment
If you're a serious collector, you care about the "slabs." The shop handles CGC and CBCS submissions. This is a big deal because sending books off for professional grading is a nerve-wracking process involving insurance and shipping risks. Having a local spot that facilitates this makes the hobby much more accessible for high-end collectors.
They also buy collections. This keeps the inventory fresh. Most shops are picky—they only want the "keys." While I Like Comics is discerning, they are known for taking in massive hauls, which is why those dollar bins stay full. It’s a constant cycle of vintage paper flowing through the doors.
Why Location Matters
Being in Vancouver, WA instead of across the river in Portland, OR changes the dynamic. There’s a different pace here. It’s a destination for people from Battle Ground, Camas, and even Longview. It’s the anchor of the 78th Street area.
You can park easily. That sounds like a boring "adult" thing to say, but if you’ve ever tried to visit a comic shop in downtown Portland on a Saturday, you know the struggle. Having a dedicated lot makes it a family-friendly weekend trip rather than a logistical nightmare.
The Digital Threat
Is digital killing the shop? Not really. Comics are tactile. You can’t "collect" a PDF. The rise of digital readers like Marvel Unlimited has actually acted as a funnel. People read a series on their tablet, realize they love it, and then head to I Like Comics to buy the physical trade paperback for their shelf. The shop has leaned into this "collector" mentality. They know they aren't just selling stories; they're selling artifacts.
How to Get the Most Out of a Visit
If you’re planning to head down, don't rush. This isn't a "five-minute in-and-out" type of place.
- Check the New Wall First: New releases hit every Wednesday. If you want the "A" covers or limited variants, get there early. They have a pull-list service that is honestly the only way to ensure you don't miss an issue of a popular run.
- Dive into the Bins: Don't just look at the wall books. The real treasures are in the mid-grade back issues. Look for "runs"—groups of 10 or 20 consecutive issues. It’s the best way to read a story arc without breaking the bank.
- Talk to the Staff: Ask for recommendations. Tell them you liked The Boys on Amazon or Invincible. They will point you toward stuff you’ve never heard of, like Something is Killing the Children or Department of Truth.
- Mind the Hours: They’re usually open 10 AM to 7 PM, but Sunday hours are shorter (usually ending at 5 PM).
Actionable Steps for New Collectors
Stop thinking about comics as an investment first. That’s how people lose money and get frustrated. Start by finding a character or a creator you genuinely enjoy. Use I Like Comics Vancouver as a resource to explore.
Start a pull list if you plan on coming back once a month. It costs nothing extra and guarantees your books are waiting for you. This helps the shop know what to order and helps you stay organized.
If you have an old box of comics in the attic, don't just dump them on the counter. Call ahead. Ask when the buyer is in. Organize them by title and era. It makes the process smoother for everyone and usually results in a better offer if you're looking for store credit to beef up your modern collection.
The hobby is about the hunt. Whether you're chasing a 9.8 graded Hulk #181 or just looking for a cool $5 Batman book to read on the couch, this shop is the best place in the region to do it. Just give yourself at least an hour. You're going to need it.
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Next Steps for Your Visit
- Inventory Check: If you are looking for a specific high-value key issue, call them at (360) 852-8890 before driving down; the high-end wall moves faster than the website can update.
- Pull List Setup: Bring a list of 3-5 titles you currently follow and ask the clerk to start a "subscriber box" to save 10-15% on your weekly pickups.
- Trade-In Prep: For those looking to sell, ensure your books are in chronological order and bagged/boarded to get the fastest appraisal time during weekday mornings when the shop is less crowded.