Fantasy Zone

I’ve been to almost ever comic shop in Rhode Island and Fantasy Zone is the one most focused on comics. A lot of shops have an emphasis on toys, statues or card games but Fantasy Zone actually the place you want to go if you want comics. The bulk of the store is comprised of back issues, with a robust collection of silver age and modern age comics with the weeks new comics on the wall. The prices are fair and the clerk/​owner was accommodating and helpful.

In an attempt to further expand our limited scope of Rhode Island comic shops, we stumbled upon this little gem online and took a short trip down.
The space may be small but it’s packed tight with thousands of comics, books and other publications. He had a great selection of $ 1 graphic novels and lots of back issues of all the big names. Toward the front is a small assortment of collectables; I spied a couple recently released Bandai prize figures. The hubby and I spent well over an hour browsing and when it was time to check out, the owner gave us a random discount «just because.»
If you’re looking for the newest titles do keep in mind that you won’t find stacks and stacks of copies so make sure to grab things when they come in.
I really wish we had more little stores like this in Providence. Definitely stop by if you’re in town!

First of all, if you are going to critique a business, you should know the difference between «weather» and «whether»… Moving on.
I always miss the hours for this place as I work 9 – 5, but after getting out early this week, I drove by, saw «Open» slammed on my brakes, luckily didn’t get into an accident and pulled in. Upon walking in, I was overwhelmed in a very good way with the amount of items. I am NOT a comic book collector, so I’m not sure why I wanted to come here, but I appreciate small businesses and as a NK resident, try to support as many locals as I can. The owner was VERY nice and gave me some great information on Godzilla, as I have never seen it before. It’s his favorite movie (you can tell once in there!) and the passion he expressed when talking about the films was really refreshing.
Ended up buying the most adorable miniature R2D2 snow globe! I wasn’t expecting to come in so I only had a debit card on me and most small places have a minimum. I asked if this was okay and he was more than nice about it, even though I felt awful for swiping my card for 5 bucks and it was so close to closing time, I didn’t have enough time to race home and back.
Will be returning here, really glad I found this place.
For my first time there and clearly not being a comic collector (I told him I wasn’t), the owner was warm and friendly!

I went in here looking for the original Spawn books to add to my collection and this store didn’t disappoint. The owner Mike can break down virtually every comic story line from decades past and has the latest comics readily available. If he doesn’t have it, he’ll order it for you on the spot. The passion for the business and the wealth of knowledge can’t be found elsewhere. Hands down the best in RI.

This is THE place to buy comics in Rhode Island.
They’ve got the best selection and prices I’ve seen anywhere. The owner is very nice and helpful. The other reviewers said that he treats regulars better than other people, but I’ve only been in there once or twice and he gave me a nice discount. He was very helpful too. I asked if he had a comic I was looking for and he went right to work searching the store looking for it for me!
The one thing I can see being a problem is that the store is a little cluttered, but it didn’t hinder me at all. Besides, I don’t think I’d want to see a perfectly spik-​and-​span comic book store!

The other reviewer is bang on about a couple of things, the hours are more of a guess of when the store might be open, regularly they are ignored The owner will often place a sign offering a discount to those customers return, but I guess what the sign means is he’ll discount his regular guys more then he already does as I’ve taken the time to return to this store the following day (only to find a sign telling me he closed early yet again and to please return the following day. upon returning a third day in a row, I was not given the 10% discount and when I asked about it I was told no rudely. The owner offered a subscription service but again, this isn’t for new readers as there is a number of books you need to subscribe to before the owner will hold your books for you. The number isn’t disclosed anyplace and seems based on weather or not the owner is into you. Also customer service is at best hit or miss.

Fantasy Zone is an old school style comic book shop. Boxes everywhere, piles of comics, and a general feeling that you will miss something you are interested in due to the clutter. You get the standard new releases, back issues with a slight mark up and a small selection of graphic novels. The one downside is that the owner runs a tight ship and you will only find the most mainstream of comic books and usually only one or two extra non-​reserved copies. Not the best store to discover a small press comic.
There is also a book section that takes up about ¹⁄₃ of the store. Paperbacks are half of cover price, I picked up a bunch of old Star Wars books for a buck a pop. They have your general fiction, science fiction, mystery and kids sections.

I have been stopping in this store since it opened a long time ago. I think this is the oldest comic book store in Rhode Island. Mike the owner is a good guy, but I think it’s because he knows me. I have seen him be a bit brash with newbies but he always treats me well and gives me a decent discount on my purchases. He doesn’t any stock new trade paperbacks which is annoying but I always find some really good back issues whenever I go in. Also, if you have hours posted in the door, please stick to them, but overall, a good experience.