A comic shop that takes canned goods instead of ticket money for some of its comedy nights? Yep, that’s real.
Those cans go to local groups that help neighbors in need.
The same shop hosts an annual Zombie Walk every October. Think makeup artists, a costume contest, and barbecue from a local vendor.
Seriously, that’s a lot of fun packed around a stack of comics.
The name comes from a punk song by a New Jersey band. The whole vibe leans punk rock, community, and DIY.
Dogs are welcome too, which feels exactly right.
I can see why people treat this spot like a clubhouse. Let’s see what happens when a comic shop decides your phone can wait.
A Punk Song Gave This Shop Its Name And Its Attitude
Plenty of shops get named after a street or an owner. East Side Mags got its name from a Bouncing Souls song, and that tells you a lot.
The Bouncing Souls are a punk band, and the song is about friendship and fun. Owner Jeff Beck picked it on purpose.
The shop describes its spirit as punk rock, community, and DIY.
That mix shows up everywhere. You get the classic comic shop feel without the gatekeeping some fans worry about.
The goal is simple: a place where everyone feels safe, seen, and comfortable.
Beck was a comic collector for about 25 years before opening the doors in June 2014. That’s a long time to think about what a great shop should feel like.
He turned that passion into a business, and the result feels personal.
He also chose Montclair for a reason. The town’s strong sense of community was a big part of the decision.
Honestly, that choice makes sense once you see how many events happen here.
So if you’ve ever felt awkward asking a comics question, relax a little. This spot was built for curious people.
And for anyone who likes a little punk energy with their superheroes.
The Shelves Run From Big Heroes To Brand-New Creators
Marvel and DC fans can relax right away. The big names are here, filling the racks with familiar capes and masks.
But the fun keeps going past the usual heroes. East Side Mags also carries independent comics from publishers like Image and Dark Horse.
You’ll find work by local creators and rising national talent too.
That variety matters if you’re stuck in a reading rut. One new series can open the door to a whole genre you never tried.
Indie books are often where weird, wonderful ideas show up first.
The shop stocks new and older single issues. Trade paperbacks, graphic novels, and manga are on the shelves as well.
So whether you read monthly or prefer whole story arcs, you’re covered.
Here’s a smart move for new readers. Grab one familiar title and one that looks totally strange.
Comparing them is a quick way to learn your taste.
Older issues are great for filling gaps in a collection. If you’ve ever hunted one missing number for months, you know that thrill.
And the staff can help point you toward something new when you’re unsure where to start.
Your Weekly Comics Can Wait For You On A Pull List
Missing a new issue feels terrible. One busy week, and suddenly the comic you wanted has vanished from the rack.
East Side Mags solves that with a customer pull list service. You tell the shop which series you follow.
Then they set aside new issues so you don’t miss them.
It’s a simple system, but it changes the whole routine. Instead of racing to the store on release day, you stop by when it works.
Your books are already waiting.
A pull list also turns shopping into a habit with people attached. You see the same faces and chat about what happened in the latest issue.
That’s the kind of social moment a screen just can’t copy.
New to collecting? Start small with two or three series.
You can always add more once you know what you love.
Here’s another practical tip. Keep a note on your phone of every title on your list.
It helps you track your spending and spot series you’ve stopped reading. Then the only scrolling you’ll do is through your own list, which feels like a pretty fair trade.
Toy Hunters Will Need Extra Time Near The Collectibles
Comics are the heart of the place, but the collectibles might steal your afternoon. Fair warning.
East Side Mags stocks action figures, toys, statues, and busts. You’ll also find cards, games, T-shirts, buttons, posters, and stickers.
That’s a lot of fandom packed into one room.
This section is handy for gift shopping. A sticker or button works for a quick present.
A statue or bust makes a bigger statement for the superfan in your life.
Card players get options here too, including trading card games. Pokémon fans of all ages can find something to open.
It’s a fun way to share a hobby with a kid or a friend.
Want a smart strategy? Decide on a budget before you start browsing.
Collectibles have a sneaky way of multiplying in your arms.
Also, think about display space before buying something large. A big statue looks amazing on a shelf.
It looks less amazing balanced on your dresser with nowhere else to go. Measure first, then shop with confidence.
Your future self, and maybe your roommate, will be very grateful for that bit of planning ahead.
Roll Some Dice And Make Friends At The Gaming Tables
Gaming nights are where strangers turn into party members. Literally, if you’re playing Dungeons and Dragons.
East Side Mags runs D&D sessions for all ages and experience levels. That means total beginners can join without feeling lost.
Veterans still get the joy of a good campaign.
Card players have plenty going on too. The shop is known for hosting Magic: The Gathering tournaments.
Pokémon tournaments are on the schedule as well.
Tabletop games are wonderfully social. You talk, laugh, plan, and groan together when the dice go wrong.
No app notification can match a whole table cheering a lucky roll.
Brand-new to D&D? Ask the shop about upcoming sessions first.
Then show up curious and ready to learn as you go.
For tournaments, practice a little at home beforehand. Know your deck and the basic rules so play moves smoothly.
A friendly attitude matters just as much as a strong strategy.
Parents, this is a great way to get kids playing with others in person. And honestly, grown-ups need that too.
Few hobbies build teamwork, creativity, and friendship quite like a good game around one table.
October Brings Zombies Shuffling Through Town
Most shops decorate for Halloween. East Side Mags sends a crowd of zombies into the streets.
The annual Zombie Walk happens every October. Makeup artists help people get their spooky look just right.
There’s a costume contest too, so creativity really pays off.
Food from local vendors joins the fun, including Notorious BBQ. Yes, apparently zombies get snack breaks.
That might be my favorite detail.
The event turns a love of horror and comics into a true community party. Neighbors, families, and fans all get a reason to gather.
It’s goofy, creative, and very New Jersey.
Planning to join? Think about your costume early, especially if you want to compete.
Simple ideas with strong details often stand out more than complicated ones.
Comfortable shoes are a must. Shuffling like the undead sounds easy until you do it for a while.
Bring layers too, since October weather can change fast.
And if you’re not into gory makeup, that’s fine. Cheering from the sidelines still counts as participating.
Watching everyone’s creativity is half the fun anyway, and you’ll leave with plenty of stories.
Karaoke In Costume Is Somehow Just One Event Among Many
Cosplay Karaoke. Read that again, because it’s exactly as fun as it sounds.
East Side Mags fills its calendar with events that go way beyond buying comics. Live comic reads bring stories to life out loud.
Stand-up comedy nights add laughs to the mix.
Free Comic Book Day arrives every May. It’s a perfect excuse to bring a friend who’s never picked up a comic.
Make Music Day happens in June too.
The shop also hosts the Montclair Zine Fest. Zines are small, homemade publications, often weird and wonderfully personal.
That DIY spirit fits the shop perfectly.
Artist signings are another big draw. Comic artists, writers, and even movie and TV celebrities have stopped by.
Meeting a creator in person makes a favorite book feel even more special.
The best advice is simple. Follow the shop’s official social media to catch announcements.
Popular events can sneak up on you fast.
Try at least one event outside your comfort zone. You might discover you love live comic reads or zines.
Or you might learn that singing in costume is your secret talent. Either way, it beats another night of scrolling.
Little Artists Can Grab A Pencil And Start Sketching
Reading comics is great. Learning to draw them might be even better.
East Side Mags offers drawing classes, giving young artists a chance to build real skills. There’s also a Saturday Morning Cartoon Club.
That name alone brings back cozy weekend memories for plenty of grown-ups.
Kids who love doodling heroes in notebook margins will feel right at home. Classes turn a hobby into something they can practice and improve.
Plus, they get to create alongside other kids who share the same interest.
Here’s a helpful tip for parents. Bring a small sketchbook so your child can keep practicing at home.
Progress shows up fast when drawing becomes a habit.
Encourage kids to make their own characters too. Copying famous heroes is a great start.
Inventing a brand-new one builds imagination and confidence.
Not an artist? No problem.
Simply hanging around creative people can spark ideas you didn’t know you had.
The shop’s mix of reading, drawing, and gathering fits families well. It gives kids a screen-free way to spend a weekend morning.
And it might just launch the next great comic creator from right here in town.
Plan Your Visit, And Maybe Bring A Can Of Soup
The shop used to sit on South Fullerton Avenue for about seven and a half years. In September 2021, it moved into a larger space on Bloomfield Avenue.
You’ll find East Side Mags at 491 Bloomfield Ave, Suite 102, Montclair, NJ 07042. Hours run Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday stays open until 9 p.m., and Sunday closes at 6 p.m.
Mondays are closed, so don’t plan a start-of-week comic run. Friday’s later hours are handy for an after-work browse.
Weekends work great for families.
Good news for pet owners: the shop is dog-friendly. Your four-legged sidekick can tag along.
Just keep them close near those fragile collectibles.
Now for the detail I love most. For some events like signings and comedy nights, the shop asks for canned goods instead of a fee.
Donations go to local groups like Toni’s Kitchen or Montclair Mutual Aid.
So check the event calendar before you head over. Toss a few cans in your bag if something’s happening.
You’ll leave with new comics, new friends, and the warm feeling of helping your New Jersey neighbors.
