Phoenix Comics N.W.

This shop is pretty cool. Has some neat stuff and loads of Magic the Gathering. I have been here a few times now to pick up some Magic cards and other items. There is one guy I think his name is David? He is super friendly and always ready and willing to help with anything you want or need. The others I have dealt with are not quite as friendly. I do find they treat the regulars so much better than anyone else that comes into the shop. And really… how do you expect to get more regulars if they never feel welcome?! I have been to sentry box as well and I prefer their customer service as they tend to make everyone feel welcome no matter your experience. Phoenix comics is a lot closer to me and I would like to make it my regular go to place for Magic… but I really need to feel a little more welcome. We have 3 Magic players in our house plus tons of friends that play. We even hosted our own Friday night Magic at our place and had a turn out of 10ish friends which wasn’t bad for a first time. So we have the ability to bring the business wherever we go…

I’ve taken my children here three times now. Third strike. Out. We’ll never be back. If you want to be treated like you’re interrupting someone’s private magic card trading party instead of a paying customer then come on down. Otherwise, there are many other comic book shops in town that know what customer service is. I won’t be back.

Great selection of new comics and animé, figurines and so on… but also the most lonely shop in a strange way. I spent over 20 minutes there, and not even one person said hi or even acknowledged I was there. A bit run down, but then, what does anyone really need for a comic shop.

I’ve gotta admit, I’m not a big comic book guy. I love the characters, I see all the movies, I watch all the TV series, I even periodically look online to keep abreast of my favorite characters’ latest exploits, but I can’t be bothered to go out of my way to go to a comic shop and spend money every month on buying the books, let alone storing them all. That being said, I (like David) used to come to Phoenix for Magic cards. However, I have to disagree with him after that. Their selection is DECENT, and the prices are PRETTY GOOD… but neither one can TOUCH the true leader in all things Magic in Calgary, The Sentry Box. (I’ve also reviewed that one).
Since I just recently started to venture back into the game, I hit Sentry a few weeks ago… but then one day when I needed to pick up some packs for a friend, I noticed they weer already closed. I knew Phoenix was still open so I decided to go up there. I ended up spending a few bucks more, and the selection wasn’t NEARLY as good… but I guess given that it wasn’t their primary specialty like it is at Sentry, that’s understandable.
Now for the one major «dislike» I have about this place. Phoenix has always seemed, and still does, like a sort of fratenity. The same clientelle have been coming there for years, and are treated great (to the point that there was a pile of things behind the counter with people’s names attached to it with Post-​It notes) but as someone who isn’t in that «inner circle», I always kind of feel like I’m more of a bother to them than a valued customer. On my last trip for example, the guy working the counter didn’t even bother to look up from his laptop when asking if I needed help finding anything (and it was said in the the tone of voice that just SCREAMED ‘not that I want to help anyway’). He ran through all the paces, and said all the things you’re SUPPOSED to say, but compared to the guy at Sentry who went above and beyond to help, this guy was disinterested at best (and I was buying a pretty good ammount of stuff, so it’s not like I was wasting his time.)
I can’t speak too much to the comic aspect because I not only didn’t have the interest to look, but wouldn’t have a frame of reference to compare to, but I do have to admit the place generally looks packed to the rafters with stuff — more so than any other shop I’ve ever been in. The up side is, I can only assume their selection must be better than most. The downside? It has a slightly unprofessional look and atmosphere to it… but then again, a lot of comic stores do.
All in all, if you’re in their key demographic, but since most people who read these will presumably be people that haven’t been there already? It’s definitely worth a look… but don’t expect marvelous service.

Best in Calgary!
I used to go to this place back in University for magic cards, and they had an amazing selection and waaaaay better prices than other stores.
About a year ago I rediscovered them, as I decided it was finally time to move my comic file that I’d had at one of their competitors. I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner! The other place always ‘forgot’ to put things away for me, that never happens now and I get a better discount! The staff is very knowledgeable and the selection is awesome. I get a lot of TPBs now, and they always have everything I’m looking for in stock. No need to make special orders (although the couple times I have, they have got me exactly what I ordered).
I don’t play magic anymore but Phoenix still has a ton of singles and packs etc. They always seem to have lots of people buying and trading magic, so I assume they still have the best prices.
Phoenix also does animé and manga if you are into that. They have almost a whole floor devoted to it.
There are two locations in town, and I like the north store better. The staff is really friendly and their recommendations are top notch. I would have completely missed out on Walking Dead if they hadn’t pushed me to try it!
Also, they are the only store in town that is open late on new comic day and they have parking in the back.