Encounter Comics & Games

We travel throughout the Northeast and try to go to as many Comic Book Shops as pissible. We found this place about a year ago and left with a small box full of variants which we bought for $ 1.00 each. We have been looking forward to being in the area again so we could visit again.
When we walked in we felt right at home. They have over 4 aisles full of long boxes with back issues. The staff is very courteous and helpful. The selection of back issues is fantastic. Although their $ 1.00 comics are now at $ 1.50 we were still were able to walk out with over 200 comics and were given a great deal on them.
Their walls of New issues is also very impressive and then give a great discount to customers who subscribe with them.
We are planning on coming back and going through their aisles of 0.50 and 0.10 cimics Next time.
Almost forgot to mention their very large gamers area.
Don’t miss coming here.

Do not be fooled by the «comics and gaming» in the store’s description. This store is by no means a gaming store. Magic is not the only game system out there, and their gaming selection is horrible (maybe I couldn’t find anything through all the junk you have to sift through). Wal-​mart and Target carry better game selection.
The store is a complete shit box of disorganization. Filthy is being kind. Maybe the guy behind the counter could sweep up instead of bullshiting with non-​paying loiterers.
Lastly, the parking lot is a death trap. There are much better places in the valley to get comics and games that won’t cause an insurance claim trying to get in and out of the giant pot hole they call a parking lot.

Not much I like about this place. First of all the parking is a pot hole in a pot hole over a broken drive way into a small tiny space. It’s dangerous and just horrible.
The interior of the store is a god awful mess. Lots of comics but not one broom to be found. It’s terrible. Also this place reeks of greed on new release day. If they know it’s a hot title they automatically raise the cover price. On release day! This happened with the 3D covers from DC and that was I had enough and vowed to never return. There are many other comic book stores in the valley go to them first and skip this mess.

****This is the review I posted to their Facebook as well****
I stopped going to this place a long time ago. They don’t care to help you unless if you are there for Magic Cards. They are almost always rude to you. One day I was there to look at Yu-​Gi-​Oh cards and someone came up to the counter after me. The employee looked right at me and proceeded to help the other person who came into the shop after me. So they are either sexist as fuck, or terrible at running a business. It is probably both.

For lack of any significant alternative shops, I occasionally find myself wandering into the den of inadequacy known as the Encounter.
To be fair, they truly have a wonderful selection of comics, games, and other nerdy odds & ends that one would hope for. They carry very little in the way of miniatures, though do have a fair number of ‘Heroclix’ and the many clones of that game. There is a disconcerting lack of role playing games such as ‘World of Darkness’ or ‘Dungeons & Dragons’, but this seems to be the only truly neglected ‘food group’ of the gamer world.
That, however, is where the positives cease. Parking is a hit-​or-​miss affair that generally leaves you leaving your car in an unpaved lot behind the shop and enjoying a stroll down a narrow alley where you may find such Allentown flora as discarded tampon applicators, used diapers, and condoms.
The clientele are in small part your traditional geek and in large part hipsters cashing in on the recent popularity of all things ‘geeky’. They are unassuming enough but lack social grace; be prepared to all but throw elbows if you need to squeeze past one.
There are regular ‘events’ such as tournaments for Magic: The Gathering, which serve the dual purpose of making parking difficult and ensuring that your stay will be a lengthy one if you intend to make a purchase.
Why? In true comic-​book-​shop style, the staff appear to regard most customers as an inconvenience at best. If you’re one of their regulars, I imagine the experience is pleasant — but for those of us not among this inner circle, you will be summarily ignored. Waiting to purchase a single item can stretch into half-​an-​hour territory as the staff chit-​chat with customers, pore over someone’s card collection, or organize stock — all while obviously aware of your presence. It can take numerous requests for service before you earn the privilege to be sighed at and rung up, though not before they try to sign you up for an economically unnecessary ‘pull list’.
If you’re looking for a place to install yourself as a fixture and truly immerse in nerd culture, this is it. If you want to just buy a comic book, look elsewhere.
I’ve deducted an overall star because The Encounter seems to be a strong supporter of the pedophile subculture known as ‘Bronies’.

these guys are awesome, great deals love to help, expert graders will be honest on what to grade or not. awesome inventory

The first place I regularly played Magic in the area — still do occasionally though a bit far out of my way now. Great play space, friendly atmosphere, although a bit more competitive than my tastes. Best selection of Magic singles in the area, lots of card supplies, with some great sales on occasion. Wide selection of comic and related merchant/​supplies. Decent selection of board games and used video games. The store overall has an old warehouse feel in terms of organization/​tidiness, but this doesn’t significantly detract from the experience — especially given the great service. All in all one of the best geek/​nerd hangouts in the region.

This store is really interesting. It’s not as well organized and modern looking on the inside as others I have seen, but it is well lit and huge, one of the largest comic/​gaming stores I’ve seen.
They have tables upon tables of longboxes with both cheaper and more expensive comics and graphic novels, along with the wall of new comic books that most stores have. Lots of $ 1 comics and reduced graphic novels. The store carries a rather large selection of board games. Collectables can be found spread all around the store including some vintage toys and a variety of old video games.
Store also caters to the Magic and Yu-​Gi-​Oh gamers, and has a significant amount of both products in stock. Huge gaming area in the back of the store that was crowded when we stopped in. Does not carry Heroclix which surprised me (several other stores in the area do so it’s not a problem.)
Service was fine and we walked out with several comic books and graphic novels. Worth the stop even if you’re just looking in the longboxes for a deal.

One thing the encounter offers is a great variety of cards (especially magic). Other items such as comics and collectibles are difficult to find due to the enormous piles of stuff on top and underneath the tables. This store is jammed pack with «stuff»! Be warned though, do not look under the tables, that «stuff» is not for sale.
The place in general is cluttered and unorganized. Is reference to how clean it is… well lets say the floors are nonexistent. This place is gross.
If you’re looking for cards you will most likely find them here, other than that don’t bother, there are better shops in the valley.

This store has a really good selection of comics, but it is really dirty even for a comics and games store. The parking is terrible if there is a tournament, we had to park by this overflowing dumpster in the back. One staff member was really helpful, but everyone else seemed preoccupied with socializing.
There are better places to go in the area.

Met these guys at NYCC, so I can’t speak of the store, but they brought a comprehensive selection of comics with VERY fair prices to the con. Nice guys, and incredibly knowledgeable of what they have.

We visited this place before actually moving to the valley.
Oliver was very nice and friendly then and has greeted us each time since. The other owner (?) seems to be just as friendly, if not quite as gregarious.
While he seems to be a gamer/​comic guy, he is also pretty good with the customer service. Going so far as to call multiple other businesses to get us what we wanted, when they were not in stock.
They have the nearly the best selection of board games (second to Hobbytown) in the valley with MUCH better customer service and competitive pricing.
If you are looking for comics or cards, this seems to be the place to go. With excellent selection and game play space.
Only downsides… its so cold inside during the winter and it’s not clean/​neat.

I’ve never actually made a purchase here but I’ve enjoyed the Encounter from a different perspective… watching my boyfriend play D&D.
I have a great appreciation for any nerd sanctuary. I feel like they take good care of their own here.

Oliver i have known for 19 years, and he has never let me down. I really cant say much other than he will make sure you leave there 1) laughing hysterically and 2) getting a great deal. What more can you ask for? His selection of product is both quantitative and quality at the same time. If your hungry, he may take you — a total stranger out to eat!