07/13/09

Al's is the only place for comics in SF

by horriblecomics

With Rory Root gone Al is the most colorful and vital comic seller in the Bay Area. Walking into his store is like crawling into a cave, but instead of bats the walls are covered with books.

If Al yells at someone it's because they deserve it. Al's is the only comic shop I ever go to in San Francisco. There are plenty of clean-scrubbed, brightly lit, well indexed, clearly marked shops in other parts of town where you can find freshly printed manga. I hate manga. I only like old stuff and Al has it, and he's always there with a smile for me whenever I come in. In fact I value Al's "crazy" act, since it keeps out the yuppies.

• Pros: So many good comics
• Cons: I am always broke

01/11/07

Al's Comics is the Worst! He was so rude to me!

by danieloz

I went into Al's Comics looking for the latest Teen Titian comic, as I had fallen behind on my reading, and asked Al a simple question at where the most current issue was. I expressed confusion as to what he had on the shelves, I thought, incorrectly, that the issue he pointed out was the one from the month before. Instead of gently telling me I was wrong he started to verbally insult me, telling me that I needed to come in with the correct info (uh, I thought that was what he was there for), telling me that my assuming was not "helping this conversation" and that all he could offer me was the facts. I was shocked. This is how an owner of a store treats his customers? I still can't believe how rude he was. I will never go back to that comic book store.

• Pros: Nothing, the experience was awful.
• Cons: Al, Al, Al, he was the rudest.

11/12/06

Shop for comics somewhere else; believe me!!!!

by tedk

Al, propriotor of "Al's Comics", personally delivered the absolute worst experience I've ever had in any store. At first (when he first started getting in my face and yelling) I was kind of thinking it was a joke, playing on the stereotype of the "comic book guy". No, he was serious. I love going into a store to ask a simple question and within a minute being verbally attacked unlike anything else I've ever experienced.

Stay away from this guy. Don't even walk in the door unless you want to take a chance on having to deal with the most annoying and unfriendly person currently walking this Earth. Yea, there are some guys that are kind of rude, but have a certain mitigating charm. Not Al. I used to live right across the street from his old place on Guerrero, and contributed money towards his relocation (and you may notice, over a year later and he's still begging for donations). I told him this while he's screaming at me (just for asking a simple question) and he didn't care at all!! You're welcome. Can't wait to help you out in the future.

Anybody that spends even a single penny at Al's is just endorsing his appalling, rude, and obnoxious behavior. There are many other similar stores that are actually fun to shop in; give those stores your business.

Stay far away!!!!! This guy encapsulates everything that is annoying in human beings.

12/17/05

Al is one of the best

by kid_fabulous

Though not very big, this place is packed with stuff - new issues near the front, back issues in the rear, and graphic novels on shelves throughout. Carries both mainstream and indie comics. If you're looking for something specific, just ask Al - he's more than helpful and will usually know off the top of his head if what you're looking for is in. Also does custom orders. A nice neighborhood place, Al's feels like family. If you ask Al questions, he's got a boatload of info, and is very personable. Good deal.

• Pros: Great customer servic, Browsable merhcandise

Since 1989, this comic book cornucopia offers floor-to-ceiling titles and toys for all of your superhero needs.

by Contributor

In Short
Owner Al Kittzien collects an astounding inventory of super villains, underground revelations, and yes, even adult spreads, amidst graphic novels and collectable vinyl toys -- all mint in the package, of course. The place is so dense that you'll likely have to ask if seeking something specific -- though perusing the incredibly tidy display is a wonderful solution for a lost afternoon.