Best Comic Book Store: Third Planet Sci-Fi and Fantasy Super Store
Third Planet is like an underdog superhero its dedicated patrons might stumble onto while digging through its vast comic book collection. From the beginning, 46 years ago this month, the Kirby District retailer of comics and collectibles has had to fight its way past archenemies, namely a society that wasnāt quite ready to accept geek culture and the cityās unpredictable boom or bust economy.
As the stateās oldest privately-owned comic book shop, Third Planet hasnāt stayed in business because of make-believe superpowers. Itās in tune with what its āPlaneteersā crave, whether itās the latest issue of a comic or a vintage copy from decades ago. The shopās commitment to collectibles is storied, with an accumulation of models, toys, trading cards, T-shirts, movies, posters, role playing games and action figures thatās the envy of E-bay surfers everywhere. On a recent visit, we overheard two of the shopās knowledgeable, friendly staffers discussing the collectible value of a Ruth Bader Ginsburg action figure (yes, itās real and spectacular). From RBG to RPGs, Third Planet has its finger on the pulse of the latest comic shop trends.
Adding to its lore as underdog superhero, Third Planet even has its own Lex Luthor-like nemesis in neighboring Crowne Plaza River Oaks Hotel. A widely reported row between the shop and the looming hotel took on mythic battle status when Third Planet filed suit ā in viral comic book fashion ā against the hotelās corporate ownership this year. It alleges damages to the store, including roof damage from fire extinguishers and other items being dropped onto it, by unruly, unchecked guests of the hotel. That battle aside, in Houstonās CBU (ahem, āComic Book Universeā), Third Planetās blue cape waves bravely for those who turn to it for help.
2718 Southwest Freeway
713-528-1067
third-planet.com