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Aquilonia Comics is a local provider of comic book stores in Troy. Visit us soon at our local store or call us today at (518) 271-1069.

Reviews for Aquilonia Comics

• Aquilonia Comics

  Posted On: May 17, 2008

  Reviewer: Chad

  “Aquilonia has been around since the 1980s which definitely makes it a true veteran of the industry. It is a seemingly “old school” comic shop, but upon closer inspection you can tell it’s evolved with the times. Their comics selection is HUGE as far as new and back issues goes, as well as trades and graphic novels. They also cater to RPG players with a selection of cards for sale as well as having in-house tournaments. On top of that their prices are fair and they offer a very nice incentive to subscribe – what’s not to like?
  
  ATMOSPHERE:
  
  The first thing you notice about Aquilonia is the vintage atmosphere because it’s in an old building in an old section of an old town. The floorboards squeak and bend, but it gives the store an authentic feel. This shop doesn’t seem so sterile and mainstream like the newer stores in strip malls do. Its atmosphere really enhances the historicism of comics.
  
  The store itself is about average size in terms of square footage, but it never seems cramped. Even when it was packed on Free Comic Book Day I was able to walk around and browse everything without feeling like a canned sardine.
  
  SELECTION
  
  NEW COMICS: Aquilonia’s selection of new mainstream and independent comics is huge. Thankfully, they aren’t quick to throw the new issues in the back issue bins, either. I was able to grab up a bunch of comics that were upwards of six months old at cover price that would’ve been back issues at other stores.
  
  BACK ISSUES: It’s amazing how many back issues are available in this store, they might have the largest selection in the area. Having sifted through quite a few boxes I found the overall price range to be fair across the board. However, the majority of their back issues are mostly Modern Age comics. There are a few Silver and Bronze Age comics on display on the walls but serious collectors of the older stuff might not find what they’re looking for here. Regardless, their selection and value is top-notch.
  
  TRADE PAPBERBACKS & GRAPHIC NOVELS: Not many comic shops have the “big book” selection that Aquilonia does, so this is definitely a store for the serious TPB/GN reader. Their selection is bigger than most mall bookstores and if you’re a subscriber your discount applies to these books too – sweet!
  
  DISCOUNT BINS: They have quite a few boxes of three-for-$1 comics, which is always a plus. The bulk of these books usually stink, but I was able to find a couple interesting items in there.
  
  PACKAGED SETS: Aquilonia also offers a variety of packaged comic sets such as mini-series for less than the total cover price and/or the TPB which collects them. I saw so many sets I wanted to buy I was almost overwhelmed!
  
  RPGs: They have a fair selection of card packages for Magic: The Gathering and hold “Booster Drafts” every Friday night. I can tell gamers love this store because every time I go in there are guys throwing down at the tables they have set up in the back. I’m not into RPGs, so gamers should call the store for more information.
  
  TOYS & STATUES: Maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough but I didn’t see any toys or statues for sale. Honestly, I think that’s a totally separate industry from comics so if a comic store decides not to carry them I wouldn’t hold it against them. I’m sure they can order these items for subscribers, though.
  
  ANIME & MANGA: Again, I didn’t see much for sale as far as the Japanese stuff is concerned. But then again, not many other stores in the Capital District have much to offer, either, so it’s understandable.
  
  MISC. ETC.: Aquilonia is one of the last stores to carry adult comics, which I’ve always found to be such a weird niche product (even before the proliferation of the internet). I’m sure if these books didn’t sell they’d stop carrying them, so there must be an audience for them.
  
  DISCOUNT:
  
  Most stores that give a deep discount to their subscribers only apply it to new issues, but here you can buy pretty much anything under the roof for 20% off if you’re a subscriber (some restrictions apply, call for details). That would certainly keep their customers loyal when it comes to back issues as well as staying competitive with Borders. I’d definitely be a subscriber to this store if it wasn’t so far away from me.
  
  FINAL THOUGHTS:
  
  Aquilonia is one of the oldest in the Capital District and yet I’d never been to it until Free Comic Book Day of 2008. I’m glad I did, though, because on the same day they were having a 50% off back issue sale and I was able to fill in some major holes in my collection at a very reasonable price. I’ve returned a few times since and have always been impressed.”

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