Red Nails 2

Prices are fair and all is good here but don’t expect anyone to talk to you in this place unless you’re a regular.

The guys at this shop are helpful when you ask for some assistance finding something. If they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, they are happy to order it in for you.
There’s Sunday casual Magic, which is fun and easy-​going.
Pretty old school shop, but it’s got a good classic vibe there!

I don’t get to pop in here much, but when I do, I nearly always buy something. When I started catching up on the New 52 trades, got into a great conversation with the staff member about which runs to check out and what titles are killing — and it continues whenever I grab more.
It’s the best kind of comic shop — run by dudes who genuinely love comics. No annoying attitude or judgement, no matter what title you’re buying.
Stopped in today and asked how the guy at the cash was doing. His response was «Pretty good, I get to spend Saturday in a comic book store». That pretty much sums it up.

This is a comic book shop in the old ways of Comic Book shops.
Remember that scene from 13^th Warrior where Antonio Benderas watches the viking ship set ablaze as the king is immolated upon the waves? The vikings turn to Antonio and say, «you will not see this again. It is the old ways.»
That’s Red Nails II. The epic sequel to I know not what. If you’re looking for a deep dank basement pit filled with comics, and overpriced books on the wall, then this is your place. It’s everything you remembered and loved from the 1980s. Right down to the group of regulars and staff that eye you wearily when you walk in.
They’ll follow you around the store, and no matter how long you pause at something, they will say nothing. Conversations will stop when you enter, only to start up again when you leave.
While I have no doubt that becoming an insider wouldn’t be all that difficult, it’s a question of whether you’d want to. The world of comic books are changing, and this seems a hold back to the days of snooty shop keeps, and childish fans.
Now, this could be wrong. I’ve only gone in four or seven times. But, the atmosphere is not one I’ve found of acceptance, and people new to comics have not felt comfortable or helped within. And, when there are so many other shops in the city that do make an attempt to welcome and introduce new customers to an art form, there’s little reason to stop here.
Unless there’s something about the old ways you really truly love. Something comforting; like the sacrifice of doomed loved ones, and those closest to them, amongst the heathenish flames, cast upon the rocky seas.

Easily my favourite comic book shop in Toronto.
Yeah… it might not be as «cool» or trendy as other comic book shops in the city, but the owners/​employees are amazing and go above and beyond for their customers — regulars or no. I only go in once and awhile to pick up everything on my pull list, but they ALWAYS remember me and speak with me as if I go in on weekly basis. They actually talk with me about the titles I’m reading and give awesome and appropriate recommendations for other series — unlike other comic book shops in the city that constantly just push whatever is most popular.
I always recommend Red Nails II to my friends, and would certainly continue to have my pull list with them even if I moved away from the area.
Sam is my favourite!

This is a comic book shop with a balanced selection of new stuff, back issues, and comic-​related merchandise. There aren’t too many of these kinds of small shops around nowadays outside of downtown, and Red Nails is, in its way, a bit of a classic.
It’s got that Spartan, teenager’s-basement-with-fluorescent-lighting feel to it, perfectly complemented by the window completely covered with faded superhero posters.