Blastoff Comics

It seems from all the positive reviews this place gets, it must be great. I can only review on my personal experience, which might at least show them how important first impressions can be.
I came in looking for Marvel Epic Collections. The girl didn’t know what they were. I told her it was a fairly recent offering collecting long runs of Marvel titles, like the Essentials line but in color. She told me I got the name wrong and that I was referring to the Masterworks line. I told her that the Masterworks line has been in production since the 80’s, the EPIC Collections started about two years ago. She STILL insisted I was wrong and that the Masterworks JUST started two years ago and have not been around since the 80’s and that was what I was looking for. I tried one last time to explain the difference (like the Masterworks are released in both HC and TP and usually collect ten issues at a time, and that the EPIC Collection only comes out in TP and collects longer runs) but she literally shut me down, telling me I was the one that was mistaken.
Let me make something clear, I am perfectly fine if someone doesn’t know the answer to my questions. I am not fine with a clerk not even entertaining the possibility that they may be mistaken. She could have just said, «I’m sure that the Masterworks line is what you are talking about but I will look into the EPIC Collection and get back to you.» I would have been fine, maybe bought a few books, and returned at a later date. Instead, she was more invested in being right and my being wrong. Which is a deal breaker for me.
Lastly, keep in mind that the above encounter never got out of hand, we were each polite and soft spoken, so I’ll give her that much.

I came in here for the first time last night with my husband. What a terrific shop! We were greeted with a friendly smile :) by Jud the owner. Growing up with comic books… especially The Archies… seeing them in the store was a sentimental blast back to my past. Jud was very nice & knowledgeable, and he told us that when kids come in he has a special comic section that they can buy comics for the (past) cover price. So sweet! It gives the feeling of a comic book store you grew up going to when you were a kid. Well… I left with My Archie’s comic book including my fave. Betty and Veronica, and a :) on my face from discovering this awesome shop!

Though I would only consider myself a casual comic fan, I used to work at a store that sells comics and am always interested in how stores will differentiate themselves. As a comic store, you always need to have new releases. But from there, there are many angles to play.
At Blastoff, their angle appears to be their selection of rare and collectible comics. Adorning both the left and right walls are comic after comic, enclosed in hard plastic. Many of these comics feature the first appearance of so and so, or some really unique comic event. For the collector, I’m sure you could drop a lot of money here.
They also had a substantial amount of cool comic figurines, including a really awesome pre-​Brubaker Catwoman.
Definitely more noteworthy for a serious collector, but worth a stop if you’re in the area and want to see a slice of comic history.

GUYS (I mean this in the gender neutral way. I suppose I coulda just said ‘EVERYONE’ and avoided this mess in the first place, but here we are…) check this place out!
This is my go-​to for all my comic book needs. I can’t sing its praises enough.
Upon first walking into this place you may not be blown away at its appearance, but Blastoff has got it where it counts. I first came here after trying to find Deadpool comics (like, literally ANY Deadpool comic) at two of LAs more mainstream comic shops. After being told at both other places that they never have Deadpool in-​stock because they fly off the shelves I began to lose hope in ever getting my hands on one. I came to Blastoff as a last ditch attempt and they had a plethora of collections from the Deadpool saga!
Now, I’m not just giving them a perfect review because they had what I want. I’m giving them a perfect review because their staff is da best. Harley (sp?) has been in there every time I’ve gone in and I always end up chatting for a good 15 minutes. This goes for the rest of the staff as well. They remember me and always ask how I’m doing. It’s not like I’m in there so much to be considered much of a regular, but these folks just care and have a joy for what they do. They’ve introduced me to several new series and authors and have never steered me wrong. When I eventually moved to this area they were also more than willing to point out great spots for dinner and happy hours.
Here’s a story I think perfectly sums up their quality as a business. When I was in one day buying some stuff I paid with cash. They accidentally gave me too much change in return (like $ 5). I informed them of their mistake and gave them back the extra cash. They were very appreciative and instead of just a «thank you», which would have been more than enough, they went above and beyond and gave me a free copy of a comic book they had on hand. Like a said, a «thanks» would have been enough to show their gratitude, but because they enjoy their work and enjoy their customers they went the extra mile ensuring I will be a patron for life.
There is metered street parking, and I highly suggest getting on their mailing list as they frequently have specials and events with writers/​illustrators/​people of the nerd world.

Exceptional customer service. Definitely a go to if you’re looking for some hard to finds. I didn’t really get the name of the clerk but he offered myself and 2 of my other cousins a free comic when we first went. The store itself is simple but beautiful.

This store is all about Harley who I think is a super hero in her secret life and this is her disguised as a comic book clerk and nerd queen (yes she wears glasses). She’s super knowledgable and friendly and remembers your name. Always with a great recommendation. The owner Jud is a cool guy as well. Great selection of singles, trades, back issues, art books and fantasy/​SciFi novels.
If Jesus actually did come back and started collecting comics this is the place he’d go.

This is, in my opinion, the best comic shop in Los Angeles. Stunningly gorgeous shop, the inside looks like a modern museum of gold and silver age comics when you walk in. Incredibly friendly/​knowledgeable staff and very quick to help you find exactly what you are looking for. Every time I come to them for books on a weird, obscure character or for something that is out of print, they have always managed to find me a copy.
What I particularly enjoy about this store is that it is a straight up comic book store. They are not peddling cheap toys or sodas behind the counter. There are no gaming tournaments that make walking into the store uncomfortable. It is a classy book shop, it’s wonderful.
When I first moved to California I lived a block away from the store. I live in a different area in LA now, but I still keep my pull list with them and make the drive down. They are more than worth it.

This place is more than just a comic book shop! This place is an escape to a world of fantastical stories and adventures, and there is no shortage of either. The store owner Judd, is amazing at his job. He creates a very comfortable shopping environment for every single person that walks in. He adds that personable touch to his store and his conversations. Unlike other comic shops he is genuinely interested in what each guest is into and what they are looking for. I would definitely recommend this place for someone just getting into comics and the people that have been reading them for years. When you enter this store you blast off into a creative and engaging experience!

I’ve been coming here almost two years now and I’ve never had to shop at any other comic book store since moving to Los Angeles. I even migrated from the valley a while ago and I still make the trip to regularly come here.
The store itself has a great aesthetic that’ll catch any enthusiast’s eye and really make him/​her feel at home, but what really sells the atmosphere is the staff. They are incredibly helpful and so welcoming to all readers, whether they’re new to the medium or not. In fact, what makes them stand apart from other stores is their love and devotion to the art. They read and follow everything, and this only helps with their infinite knowledge of all things comics.
They are very respectful and appreciative of their loyal customers so if you regularly stop in and they start recognizing you, they’ll be able to make very accurate recommendations, help you with anything you need, or just talk to you. They have that distinction where they care about the people coming in and really listen. Everyone that works here, from Jud himself to the lovely Harley — they’re all great people, and they have my support 100%.
I can only hope more people read this or hear about them and start paying visits. They will not be disappointed.

I used to go here all the time, even though it was overpriced because I liked the girls he hired then discovered how if given the opportunity this store will choose to screw you over. Case in point: I showed up KNOWING exactly what I wanted but they had barely closed. Like :01 and so the owner comes over telling me they closed the registers. «UM YOU ARE THE BOSS! Hey cmon just take my money put it in your pocket and give me my comic.» Geez– the owner was happy to turn away money. And remember I was a regular that prob easily spent $ 2000 there– argh. Another time I asked about filming something on my iPhone for a YouTube thing — hey FREE PUBLICITY from a fan of your store– he goes «no only we film here» well good on you, I’m now shopping at Golden Apple and Emerald Knights where they respect customers. Avoid this place! ~Tim I had to edit my review because the store cried about «personal attacks»

This is a great comic spot! I walked in and had questions about a comic I heard about and was welcomed with tons of knowledge and suggestions of other comics as well! They keep track of your purchases in the computer too so if let’s say you are unsure if you already purchased a comic– they’ll let you know! It’s in the Arts District. Parking is a little tricky but it’s definitely a spot you should check out.

This store is quickly becoming my favorite part of Los Angeles. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and nice (especially Harley). When they didn’t have the volume I wanted they ordered it in front of me and called me in a few days to pick it up.
Clean. Pristine.
Walls covered in both vintage and modern issues. They really care about their work and it shows. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Great selection, convenient and friendly, knowledgable staff. By far the best comic shop in L.A. — especially if you’re looking for vintage comics!

Been coming here for the last 2 years and I got to say this place is great. It was a while before I found a comic book store as welcoming as Blastoff Comics. Jud is a great person and Harley always is happy to talk to you about any comic, especially Nightwing. 5 STARS!!!

Beautiful shop. Tons of rare hard to find issues in amazing condition. They have several variants on Wednesdays more reasonably priced than most local shops. Not many back issues in store but they do have several ½ off bargain graphic novels.

Nice cozy store with a good selection of vintage and new age comics. I liked how the interior of the place was set up. The owner/​manager was nice and helpful enough, didn’t get his name though. It’s street metered parking, being located right along Lankershim Blvd. Parking may be tricky sometimes i can imagine. When we went here today around noon (Monday) there was enough parking.

My go-​to comic store now. Now just to buy, but to pick their brains. Very knowledgeable crew there. Especially Jud. Very glad he decided to open the store since it provides him with a public forum to share his knowledge.
I have been able to share lists I’ve acquired to see what they recommend. And I’ve never been disappointed.

Let’s see where do I begin.
First off, the place has two things that make it great. A guy named Jud who is both knowledgable and passionate about comics and fun to talk to, and of course Harley, who is equal to Jud in those respects, but also looks like Harley Quinn!!!
Next thing, this is a vintage comic book fan’s match made in heaven. I don’t know where else you can go to find a copy of Avengers #1, Fantastic Four #1 and many other key books in the same rack of a glass case, but you can find it here!!! Honestly, there fun to just look at.
Blast off is definitely a place that caters more to the vintage comic book lover as I stated above, but they do have a selection of other modern books and graphic novels so it’s a nice variety I find. Not to mention they do the good old free comic book day. On top of that and from what I’ve seen from there facebook page, Jud does various charities so this place has a great vibe for many different reasons.
The place itself is clean, sterile and has a laid back feel. Most comic book stores aren’t this clean, but when you have the merchandise he does it’s an asset to find a store this clean as the everyday collector should know. All vintage comics are place inside a mylar bag with a hard wooden backboard, thus giving solid protection and a nice glossy appeal.
All in all, I have no complaints and enjoy coming here. There’s a starbucks very close to so you can do a quick coffee and read break and come on right back to talk more vintage comics. Quite frankly, it never gets old haha.

Super awesome comic book store. Great customer service! Good selection. Check them out!

A friend wanted to go in to look for a gift. This is a nice store, well-​lit, books spaced out instead of crammed together, and they carry more than just your expected DC and Marvel titles, with lots of books near the front. I was idly paging through an Alison Bechdel book when I discovered that Neil Gaiman has his own shelf, at which point I flipped out because I found a hardcover Death book I didn’t know existed, and slammed it down on the counter without another thought. The woman working the counter wanted to make sure I knew about the Sandman prequel finally starting (none of my jerk comic book nerd friends told me!) and walked me over and nabbed me the last copy. Then we stood by the counter and were fangirls and it was totally fun. She gave my friend and me frequent buyer cards.
As much as I was irritated with myself for buying $ 40 of comic books when I originally wasn’t even interested in going in, well, I can’t say it won’t happen again. Damn you, Blastoff! *shakes fist*