Best Comic Book Stores in Dublin: City Centre Guide & Comparison

If you’ve ever found yourself wandering Dublin’s city centre wondering where to pick up a fresh stack of comics, you’re not alone. Dublin may be famed for its pubs and literary history, but its comic book scene is quietly buzzing with four dedicated shops within walking distance of each other.

Comic book stores in Dublin city centre: 4 major stores ·
Years Sub City Comics has operated: over 30 ·
Big Bang Comics location: Dundrum Town Centre ·
Dublin City Comics address: 103-104 Capel Street ·
Sub City Comics phone: (01) 872 8610 ·
Forbidden Planet Dublin presence: yes

Five facts summarise the landscape across the city’s core comic shops.

Which comic book store in Dublin has the best selection of graphic novels?

Sub City Comics: inventory focus

• Stocks Marvel, DC, Image, Vertigo graphic novels (Sub City Comics official site)
• Also carries POP figures, T-shirts, posters, action figures, board games, and cards (same source)

Big Bang Comics: collection highlights

• Focuses on graphic novels and action figures (Big Bang Comics)
• Describes itself as Ireland’s premiere comic book store (same source)

Dublin City Comics: graphic novel range

• Offers a curated selection of indie and mainstream titles (Dublin City Comics)
• Trades in comics, toys, and graphic novels for cash or store credit (same source)

For dedicated graphic novel readers, Sub City Comics likely has the widest range, but Big Bang Comics and Dublin City Comics offer distinct strengths — especially if you are after collectibles or indie press.

Where is the nearest comic shop in Dublin city centre?

Sub City Comics on Mary Street

• Located at 53 Mary Street, Dublin 1 (Sub City Comics official site)
• Phone: (01) 872 8610

Dublin City Comics on Capel Street

• Located at 103-104 Capel Street, Dublin 1 (Dublin City Comics)
• Reachable from Jervis in about 5 minutes on foot (Tripadvisor)

Forbidden Planet Dublin location

• Accessible from the city centre, with reviewers noting it is on the quay (Reddit r/AskIreland)
• Part of a chain with 18 stores across the UK and Ireland (Forbidden Planet)
• Carries comics, manga, novels, T-shirts, magazines, DVDs, toys, games (Yelp)

The implication: If you are in the city centre, Sub City and Dublin City Comics are within a 10-minute walk of each other, making it easy to visit both.

Is Big Bang Comics Dublin suitable for children?

Family-friendly environment at Big Bang Comics

• Store description says family-friendly environment (Big Bang Comics)
• Offers comics, action figures, and merchandise suitable for all ages

Age-appropriate sections and merchandise

• Also stocks graphic novels and toys that appeal to younger readers
• Located in Dundrum Town Centre, a major shopping centre with family amenities

The takeaway: Big Bang Comics is likely the safest bet for parents bringing kids, given its mall location and family-friendly branding.

Does Dublin have a vintage comic book store?

Stores with back-issue collections

• Sub City Comics stocks back issues and older comics (Sub City Comics)
• Dublin City Comics also carries vintage selections (Dublin City Comics)

Vintage and rare comic availability

• Big Bang Comics likely carries some older titles (not confirmed)
• A Reddit commenter recalled the old Crow Alley Temple Bar shop as a relaxed place full of treasures (Reddit r/AskIreland)

The catch: No store markets itself as a dedicated vintage specialist, but Sub City Comics appears to have the strongest back-issue selection.

Can I buy comic books online from a Dublin store?

Online ordering options for each store

• Sub City Comics has an online store at subcitycomics.ie (Sub City Comics)
• Big Bang Comics may have online presence via comichub (Big Bang Comics)
• Dublin City Comics website offers contact for inquiries (Dublin City Comics)

Delivery and collection policies

• Sub City Comics online store likely offers delivery
• Forbidden Planet UK site ships to Ireland (not local store policy confirmed)

The trade-off: Sub City Comics is the only Dublin store with a dedicated online shop. Others rely on in-store visits or third-party platforms.

Four Dublin comic shops, one pattern: each store carves its own niche.

“Sub City Comics has been serving Dublin for over 30 years with a massive selection of graphic novels and collectibles.”

— Sub City Comics website (Sub City Comics)

“If you are in the city centre, Sub City and Forbidden Planet are your best bets for a proper comic shop.”

— Reddit user on r/irishtourism (Reddit)

“We are Ireland’s premiere comic book store, offering the best selection of comics, graphic novels, and action figures.”

— Big Bang Comics (Big Bang Comics)

For Dublin comic fans, the choice depends on your priority: if you want the widest selection and online ordering, Sub City Comics leads. If you are shopping with kids at Dundrum, Big Bang Comics wins. The implication is clear: you do not need to leave the city centre to find a great comic shop — but knowing the differences saves you a wasted trip. For the Dublin-bound comic reader, the best move is to start at Sub City Comics on Mary Street, then walk to Capel Street to Dublin City Comics. That ten-minute walk covers the city’s comic spectrum.

Förutom de specialiserade serietidningsbutikerna finns det även många bokhandlar i Dublin city centre som säljer grafiska romaner och serier.

Frequently asked questions