Book lovers and collectors know there’s something magical about spending time in a great bookstore… the anticipation of discovering your next read, hunting for a rare comic, or just soaking up the cozy atmosphere. Glendale and the surrounding neighborhoods offer an impressive variety of indie shops, specialty boutiques, and classic used bookstores guaranteed to keep any reader busy for hours.
Let’s get to it.
The Scribbled Hollow
Stepping into The Scribbled Hollow feels like entering a fantasy emporium in historic downtown Glendale. New releases in fantasy, mystery, science fiction and horror line the shelves alongside comics, manga and pop-culture merchandise… Soft lighting illuminates cozy reading nooks with wooden tables and carved stone accents.
A loyal lanyard program keeps multiple library cards organized and earns points on every purchase. Founder Amber and partner Mark guide customers through detailed recommendations. They know their fandoms inside out, helping shoppers choose from dozens of Boba Fett variants or decide whether the latest Stranger Things manga belongs on their shelf.
Regular updates keep the inventory fresh. A rotating display of new releases, custom dye-sub merchandise and manga finds its way into the “Newest Arrivals” filter on the website. Prices range from basic $12 lanyards to premium custom bundles. The Scribbled Hollow also supports school programs and features artwork from local illustrators, blending Glendale pride with a dedicated fantasy and sci-fi culture.
Drawn To Comics
At Drawn To Comics fans will find a full comic shop culture experience in downtown Glendale. New issues share shelf space with deep back-issue bins, graphic novels and a dedicated manga section. Superhero titles dominate but sci-fi, fantasy, indie and children’s selections are equally prominent.
Action figures, over 150 different poster prints and T-shirts fill the collectibles area. Pop-culture curiosities line every shelf. Owner Ken Brown and his team offer thoughtful recommendations and welcome debates about storylines without hesitation. The open layout invites browsing and casual seating makes it easy to linger.
Subscribers enjoy bag-and-board service, weekly discounts and occasional free variant covers. Student and military discounts add another layer of savings. Since the early 2000s this family-run shop has hosted the annual Free Comic Book Day with Velma Teague Library, featuring local artists, vendors, cosplay and tabletop gaming. Prices stay competitive, especially for subscribers who stick around month after month.
The Toy Box
The Toy Box in Glendale offers a nostalgia-filled experience for collectors and casual shoppers alike. Vintage toys from the 1960s stand side by side with modern action figures across wall-to-wall displays. Retro video games from Atari, Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation and Xbox occupy glass cabinets under bright LED lights.
A dedicated comic section sits next to shelves of Funko Pops and mystery minis, perfect for surprise collectibles. Shoppers often spend hours examining stacks of cartridges and discs. The accessible layout includes wheelchair access and a secure bike rack at the entrance. Credit cards are accepted without an extra fee, so transactions move quickly.
Price points reflect collectible values, falling between thrift-store finds and museum-level auctions. Knowledgeable staff can track down obscure figures from the 1980s or verify rare editions. Regular customers appreciate the organized shelving and frequent inventory updates. The Toy Box creates a focused shopping environment where every corner reveals a piece of pop-culture history.
Samurai Comics
Since 2002, Samurai Comics has served Phoenix-area collectors with a family-run atmosphere. New releases and graphic novels sit alongside Silver and Bronze Age issues stored in labeled filing cabinets. A spacious, bright floor plan replaces the cramped feel of many specialty shops.
Front shelves feature superhero staples while side aisles display indie and underground titles. A robust manga selection covers shōnen, seinen and more. Display cases house rare collectibles from action figures to limited-edition prints. Anime toys, gaming accessories and tabletop games fill in the gaps.
Staff members reference the Overstreet Price Guide or guide newcomers through their first purchases. Weekly livestreams showcase new arrivals and themed events keep fans engaged. Appraisals for buying and selling comics happen on the spot. Prices match a specialty store but rewards programs and occasional sales offer value. Samurai Comics remains a go-to for collectors who appreciate selection, service and a relaxed shopping environment.
The Astrology Store
In Glendale, The Astrology Store stands out as a metaphysical hub for spiritual seekers. Towering shelves of astrology volumes include new releases, collectible titles and out-of-print gems. A dedicated tarot section offers decks for readings and practice.
Crystal displays range from clear quartz clusters to rare mineral specimens. Incense and candle selections line the shelves for ritual use. Jewelry, fairy sculptures and tasteful décor add whimsy. A well-trained parrot perches near the entrance.
Certified readers conduct psychic and tarot sessions in private booths. Several practitioners also offer deep-tissue massage alongside energy-healing work. Workshop boards highlight astrology seminars, psychic-development classes, group medium sessions and paranormal nights on select evenings.
Prices for readings, classes and merchandise sit in mid-range tiers. Over 15 years on Glendale Avenue have cemented The Astrology Store as a local fixture. Shoppers find serious reference material and eclectic gifts under one organized roof.
Jan Ross New Age Books & Gifts
More than a quarter-century in Glendale and Phoenix has turned this shop into a true metaphysical destination. You’ll find every kind of New Age, Pagan, and self-help book you could want, plus a wide array of crystals and gemstone jewelry. Shelves hold angel figurines, dragon statues, fairy décor, and glass cases filled with unexpected treasures like a unicorn-themed oracle card deck.
The atmosphere is calm, with cozy corners for slow browsing. On Tuesday evenings, regular classes and psychic readings keep the community engaged. Workshops pop up every week, and local authors often drop by to answer questions.
Staff members know their topics—from tarot spreads to selecting the right crystal for a friend who thrives on positive energy. Prices aren’t rock bottom, but they reflect the specialty and depth of the collection. Most visitors leave feeling satisfied by the variety and expertise they find here.
Dreadnought Comics
Operating in the West Valley since 2017, this shop has quickly become a comic-lover’s haven. A wall displays over 5,000 current issues in clear sight lines, and custom racks hold mountains of back issues. If you’re hunting a rare title, just ask—the staff will dive right in.
The store layout is bright and accessible, with private parking and wide aisles. Knowledgeable employees are ready to discuss major superhero arcs, indie releases, or manga series. Beyond comics, you’ll find action figures, airsoft gear, and plenty of collectible toys.
They welcome trade-ins of books, cards, and figures, making it easy to clear space on your shelves. Free Comic Book Day here is a mini festival: free titles, special deals on back issues, and a festive atmosphere. With prices starting at fifty cents for many back issues, the shop keeps your budget in mind while offering an unbeatable selection.
Changing Hands Bookstore
At both its Tempe and Phoenix locations, this bookstore has been a beloved institution for over 50 years. The Phoenix branch even houses First Draft, a café-bar serving lattes by day and a glass of wine by night. It’s the perfect spot to settle in with a novel or a stack of comics.
Inside, you’ll find cozy nooks for reading and dedicated displays of Arizona authors. Staff picks rotate constantly, and there are sections for graphic novels, signed editions, and rare finds. A robust trade-in program allows you to convert old volumes into new credit. With around 300 author events each year, the calendar is always full—readings, signings, and community gatherings keep the place buzzing.
Changing Hands strikes a balance between a living room hangout and a community center, where activism and literature meet. Every visit feels fresh, thanks to rotating inventory and enthusiastic staff eager to discuss any genre under the sun.
Half Price Books
Since 1972, this chain has combined a classic bookstore feel with affordable prices. Each location boasts wide aisles and tens of thousands of titles, from mystery novels and academic texts to children’s literature and manga. Clearance racks offer surprise bargains on every visit.
Beyond books, you’ll discover vinyl records, vintage video games, CDs, and DVDs. Special displays feature signed copies, first editions, and local authors. The store buys and trades in used books without judgment, welcoming everything from mainstream bestsellers to obscure finds.
Educators enjoy a year-round 10% discount. The chain also partners on book drives and recycling efforts, reinforcing its commitment to community and sustainability. After five decades, Half Price Books has perfected a model that blends variety, value, and a friendly browsing experience.
Collectors Marketplace
Inside Collectors Marketplace, you navigate a 7,000-square-foot showroom packed with pop-culture treasures from the last eighty years. The aisles hold Star Wars lunchboxes, rows of vintage Hot Wheels and a sprawling manga section. Shelves of back-issue comics sit alongside anime figures, from Gundams to more obscure releases, so every visit uncovers fresh finds. The space feels densely arranged but not overwhelming, and staff members move through the aisles effortlessly.
They know their inventory inside and out, offering recommendations based on what you already collect. Collectors Marketplace hosts events almost every weekend, including Pokémon tournaments and artist alleys, and they even run a small comic and toy show in-house. Prices remain reasonable for serious collectors, and the store buys old items for cash or credit, which keeps stock rotating. Free parking is available in the rear lot. The family behind the shop has decades of experience in antiques and collectibles and brings that expertise to every transaction. This blend of variety, knowledgeable staff and rotating inventory makes Collectors Marketplace a go-to spot for enthusiasts.
Zia Records (Bethany Home – Phoenix)
Stepping into Zia Records (Bethany Home – Phoenix), you enter a pop-culture playground filled with more than rows of record bins. The 2,000-square-foot space was recently renovated, providing ample room to browse tens of thousands of books, vinyl, DVDs, comics and more. Friendly staff greet you immediately, ready to discuss sci-fi storylines or explain the differences between trade paperbacks. They offer genuine help without making you feel inexperienced.
The store shelves also feature classic Zia collectibles and novelty items, making it easy to spot the perfect gift for a fan. The comic and graphic novel selection stands out thanks to a mix of new and used volumes, so every visit yields something unexpected. Zia Records has earned a reputation for fair prices and a straightforward trade-in policy that keeps inventory fresh. You’ll often catch a vibrant new display mural or hear about events with local musicians and artists. Family-owned and independent for over forty-five years, the shop captures an authentic record-store vibe without feeling stuck in the past.
Bookmans Phoenix Entertainment Exchange
This spacious warehouse-style store blends used books with vinyl, video games, and pop culture collectibles. Wide aisles give room to explore sections dedicated to sci-fi, thrillers, biographies, cookbooks, and more—each shelf clearly labeled for easy searching.
The kids’ area has puzzles and books, plus a rotating selection of toys or retro consoles. Alcoves showcase rare video games, signed novels, and local author highlights. Staff members offer tailored recommendations, and a “staff pick” shelf often introduces you to surprising new titles.
Budget-friendly prices apply across most inventory, though collectible gems carry premium tags. The trade-in program accepts books, games, and gadgets, keeping inventory fresh and varied. An active events calendar hosts book clubs, comic workshops, and local art collaborations. The overall vibe is one of discovery, making this spot a community hub for readers, gamers, and collectors alike.