Box office and pop cultural juggernaut "Avengers: Endgame" has already smashed multiple records in its meteoric opening week — and now its second weekend will coincide with Saturday's annual Free Comic Book Day. One of the 51 comic books available completely free of charge this year is an "Avengers" story that sets up the current run of the superhero team.
But there are also plenty of comics from smaller publishers and properties, such as Noelle Stevenson's award-winning "Lumberjanes"; a comic tie-in to the hit cartoon "Bob's Burgers"; and yes, a Star Wars comic: this year, Free Comic Book Day also happens to fall on May the 4th.
With all this in mind, Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top comic book shops in New York City, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best places to spend this year's Free Comic Book Day.
1. Forbidden Planet
Topping the list is Forbidden Planet. Located at 832 Broadway (between 12th and 13th streets) in the East Village, the comic book store is the highest rated comic book spot in New York City, boasting four stars out of 377 reviews on Yelp.
2. Book-off
Next up is Midtown's Book-Off, situated at 49 W. 45th St. (between Fifth and Sixth avenues). With four stars out of 324 reviews on Yelp, the bookstore, which offers comic books and music, has proven to be a local favorite.
3. Midtown Comics
Midtown Comics, located at 200 W. 40th St., Floor 2 (between Seventh and Eighth Avenues), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the toy store, which offers comic books and more, four stars out of 316 reviews.
4. Desert Island
Desert Island, a comic book store in Williamsburg, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 90 Yelp reviews. Head over to 540 Metropolitan Ave. (between Lorimer Street and Union Avenue) to see for yourself.
This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
