Haywood Games and Comics

Before I dive into this review, let me be the first to tell you that I know absolutely nothing about comics. In fact, this was the first time that I ever ventured into a comic book store! With that being said, if you are one of those people that has passed by this place and thought, «Comics just really aren’t my thing, it’d be a waste of time to go in there!», please think again! Haywood Games and Comics has a variety of not only comics to chose from, they also have video games, action figures, movies, card games, board games, record players, vinyl records, etc. The owner, Doug, is super friendly and really helpful. I asked a lot of (probably really annoying) questions about comic books and he was really patient and put up with my lack of knowledge on the subject. Also, don’t forget to check in here! You can receive a checkin offer for 20% a purchase! I actually ended up getting a Funko model of Bender from The Breakfast Club. How cool is that?! My mom, embarrassing as she is also picked up some comics. Although I will not go into detail about those because they ended up being more about porn than having an actual story. I guess that’s what we get for going into a comic book store with such little knowledge, right? Regardless, this place is pretty cool and I highly recommend checking it out!

I stepped into Haywood Comics not really knowing what to expect. Actually that’s not true, I expected, based on the name, that there would be comics in the shop, but beyond that everything I had heard was whispers and rumors, spoken in hushed tones in dark corners of Asheville’s underground.
«They have vinyl…» one said,
«…toys and games…» from another.
«You like vintage video games? Worth a look…»
Over the course of a month I worked my way into the good graces of a regular patron and with minimal coercion was surprised to find that there was no membership, no secret handshake, no password, anyone could walk in off the streets and experience the bounty of Haywood Comics. So that’s just what I did.
All of the rumors were true, comics, games, music, various pop culture artifacts and trinkets, a cornucopia of fun and delightful things. The staff was friendly, helpful, and tolerant of my bewildered euphoria. I had come in to purchase a gift for a friend, but the clerk saw me eyeing the vintage game systems (did I mention all the games and systems have been fully restored and refurbished, because they are) and in a hushed and secretive tone she said,
«If you like those you should check out the warehouse.»
«A warehouse? There’s a literal warehouse with more games and comics?»
«Just games actually, but yes.»
Now, you might read this and think this is hyperbole, surely it’s not a warehouse. You would be wrong to think that, but that is a story for another time.
Really all I can say is: Do yourself a favor, go to Haywood comics and go on an adventure, you’ll be happy you did.

This place is so much cooler than the crusty comic book store that I was expecting. It’s hip, vibrant, and fun. This store sells comic books, of course, but they also have vintage vinyl, action figures, cool T-​shirts, board games & old school video game consoles and games.
The store is laid out really well. It has great music playing… all in all it is just super cool!

The existence of this place makes me smile everyday. Great merchandise, super fun and welcoming locals & visitors, with cool plans for the future… Live music, gaming tournaments, etc!