The Energon Pub

I used to buy comics from the Graham Crackers comic stores in the Chicago area, but it's too much of a pain-in-the-ass to get out to the stores on a regular basis to get the books. I used to have a "member subscription" or whatever at the store in Lincoln Park, but canceled it out of frustration after I moved to the 'burbs and couldn't get to the store once per month per their rules. They apparently don't care that I'm the owner of Seibertron.com (I wouldn't either if I were them) nor that I've been going to that store for about 6 years. I always eventually came in to buy the books, it might just take me two or three months to get in). The last time I went in about 6 months ago, they had started selling the books they were holding for me so I canceled my membership there altogether. I found a couple of stores out in the 'burbs, but it seems to be hit-or-miss with which books they get in stock, how many, etc. I also don't want to be tied to having to go to a store within X amount of time to pick up my books.

So fast forward 6 months. My current Transformers comics collecting is a mess. I don't really even know what all I've missed out on. Haven't even bought/read Spotlight Cliffjumper or Metroplex, I was only able to find AHM 11 and 12 at the Chicago Comic-Con so I'm behind on that as well (not to mention the multiple covers that I'm missing).

Now that I've got a 4 month old at home, I've found that it is even more difficult to get to the comic stores than it was before.

So ... screw it. I'm officially done trying to buy comics at the local comic book stores. Where can I buy comic books online? Graham Crackers Comics website isn't the greatest. Any other suggestions?

I've had good experiences with Lone Star (www.mycomicshop.com). Fast service, good preorders, quality shipping and a searchable database.

Now that I've found a brick & mortar out here, I haven't used LoneStar for much other than filling in back issues, etc.

I'm sorry you've had such bad experiences: my local place is awesome. They've held stuff for at least a month for me, call the day they get stuff in for me, and know me by name (the fact that I'm just about the only female who goes there alone kinda helps).

Obviously, I'm in no way affiliated with Lone Star Comics. Just had good experiences.

HK, hrm. Not feelin' it today.

For new comics, I'll think you'll be happiest with Midtown Comics (http://www.midtowncomics.com) or Thing From Another World (http://www.tfaw.com). They're both big-time sellers and have a wide variety, including independents. Also, both give discounts on new comics. Midtown gives 15% and TFAW gives 20% for pre-orders, I believe.

I've ordered from Midtown but not TFAW.

Some others are Lone Star Comics (http://www.mycomicshop.com, already mentioned) and Mile High Comics (www.milehighcomics.com).

Good Luck!

Mile High Comics has an excellent back issue selection but at times way overpriced.

I like Midtown Comics the times I've ordered from them. They seem like they have a decent mail subscription.

I've also heard Discount Comic Book Service has an excellect subscription discount service.