In the Hudson Valley, fandoms are thriving. Thanks to local comic fests and cosplay programs, fan-centric fun is trending like never before. Much of this is thanks to the region’s comic and game shops, which act as central hubs for everyone from manga and figurine collectors to Pokemon players and LEGO lovers.
Often out of the way or hidden in plain sight, these destinations are veritable gems for competitors, fans, and followers in search of vintage comics or gaming sessions. Take a browse through our list for a shop near you, then get exploring! You never know which treasures you’ll find at these under-the-radar locations.
Comics Warehouse
Where: Pearl River
What’s There: New and classic books in an out-of-the-way location.
52 S Main St, Pearl River, 845.732.8401
Photos by Funny Business
Funny Business
Where: Nyack
What’s There: Games, comics, and LEGO abound at this stocked-to-the-rafters store.
130 Main St, Nyack, 845.348.4747
The Underground
Where: Beacon
What’s There: The Underground aims to cover all your bases: skateboards, toys, manga, and disc golf are sold alongside comics, board games, and collectibles.
462 Main St, Beacon, 845.440.8345
Dragons Den
Where: Poughkeepsie
What’s There: This longtime haunt for all things nerd reopened in 2018. Its massive space hosts Magic and Warhammer tournaments.
2585 South Rd, Poughkeepsie, 845.471.1401
October Country Comics
Where: New Paltz
What’s There: This strip mall haunt is packed with boxes upon boxes of comics, from new issues to collectibles and rare editions.
246 Main St #15, New Paltz, 845.255.1115
Alterniverse owner Anthony Just. Photos by Tom Best
Alterniverse
Where: Hyde Park
What’s There: Alterniverse distinguishes itself with friendly, knowledgeable staff and substantial trade in Magic: The Gathering and Pokemon cards. Beyond stocking new issues and packs, it occasionally hosts special release events.
Rockledge Plaza, 1164 Rte 9G #6, Hyde Park, 845.233.4234
POW!
Where: Port Ewen
What’s There: Young, insightful, and friendly, POW! is a great store for old geeks and newcomers alike. It hosts lively tournaments, comics events, and Super Smash Bros competitions.
175 Broadway, Port Ewen, 845.616.5473
Megabrain
Where: Rhinebeck
What’s There: The region’s most recent addition, “your friendly neighborhood comic store” stocks plenty of new issues, as well as hosting competitive games in its large back hall.
20 Garden St, Rhinebeck, 845.516.4168
Pop’s Universe
Where: Germantown
What’s There: This family-owned business sells comics, sure, but it also wants to encourage children to pursue careers in science and the arts, and sells curios for the geologically-, artistically-, and technologically-inclined.
101-3 Main St, Germantown, 518.537.7677
Kirwan’s Game Store
Where: Catskill
What’s There: Kirwan’s is a magnet for gamers throughout the Capitol Region and regularly hosts massive Magic and Warhammer tournaments that take over the entire store. It also sells a healthy number of board games for those who don’t have 20,000 hours set aside for painting miniatures. There is a branch in the Poughkeepsie Galleria as well.
369 Main St, Catskill, 518.719.0091
Earthworld
Where: Albany
What’s There: Open week-round, Earthworld stocks anticipated new issues.
537 Central Ave, Albany, 518.459.2400
Heroes Hideout
Where: Albany
What’s There: This place is toy central, selling both vintage and new as well as tons and tons of WWE-related products for those who won’t stop believing in kayfabe.
131 Colonie Center, Albany, 518.956.0505
Flights of Fantasy
Where: Albany
What’s There: Plopped unassumingly in a strip mall, Flights is a gaming and comics bonanza that fills a huge space. If you’re lost, clerk James is a bountiful source of info. The shop also sells fantasy books from authors like Garth Nix, some of which are signed.
381 Sand Creek Rd, Albany, 518.435.9337
Zombie Planet
Where: Albany
What’s There: In addition to weekly events like Open Board Game Night (Friday) and Warhammer 40k League (Saturday), Zombie Planet has a substantial selection of graphic novels, cards, and board games for sale.
1238 Central Ave, Albany, 518.438.7202
Aquilonia Comics
Where: Troy
What’s There: A long-running (since 1985) source for comics and collectibles, owner Robert Jupe Jr. sells most major comics and cards and hosts release events.
412 Fulton St, Troy, 518.271.1069
