Bloomfield's Comic Book Market Draws Up Diverse Selection

One of the first things I noticed about was how customer-friendly the store's layout and staff are. The comic book store, located at 28 Washington St., is also easy to get to and has diverse selection.

Comic Book Market's walls are full of all different kinds of comic books. One can find anything from the latest issues of mainstream series like Batman, Amazing Spider-Man and Uncanny X-Men to independent series like The Stuff of Legend, The Walking Dead and The Goon.

“We keep a great selection of Silver Age through Modern Age comic books in stock," said Mariseli Saenz, manager of Comic Book Market. "We also bag and board our new comics at no extra charge and offer a subscription service with discounts.”

Comic Book Market is one of the most organized stores I've ever been to. Both veteran comic book fans and the folks who just watched Iron Man 2 who want to read more about the character can navigate the store with ease and find just what they're looking for.

“Every section is in alphabetical and numerical order,” said Saenz, “to help our customers find what they're looking for.”

The Comic Book Market opened its doors in 2008 and has been Bloomfield's sole source for comic books. It couldn't have opened at a better time. Since 2008, comic books have come to the forefront in popular culture. Whether you are watching Iron Man, Dark Knight and Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World on the big screen or The Walking Dead, Smallville or The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes on the TV, you can't deny comic books have invaded popular culture in a big way - and it's just starting.

The Summer Blockbuster slate is full of comic book movies. Green Lantern, X-Men: First Class, Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger and Cowboys & Aliens are all based on comic books and they're all hitting theaters starting in May.

“[W]e try to keep a good stock of books related to the character or series. For the real popular characters, we usually have plenty of books in stock already," said Saenz when asked how the store prepares for the onslaught of upcoming flicks. "If not, we try to order a few books related to the origins of the character. It's usually what people look into when they are new to the character/series.”

Located in the heart of Bloomfield Center, the shop is conveniently located for both locals and travelers.

“We're right by Bloomfield College, a few blocks away from Bloomfield High School, and near many other stores and restaurants,” said Saenz. “It's also very easy to get here even if you're traveling from a distance. We're two blocks away from the Garden State Parkway.”

Comic Book Market isn't like some stores I've been to. Its staff is knowledgeable and friendly and its wide, diverse selection is easy to navigate. The next time you're in Bloomfield Center, pop by 28 Washington St., browse the wide selection at Comic Book Market and pick up something fun to read.