Atomik Comiks

This is a very legit and well stocked comic book shop with some knowledgeable and perfectly snarky staff and they really do have a nice inventory as well as action figures and everything else and they are in a very cool part of town so this is certainly a shop worth visiting if you’re coming in to Johnson City and a good place to add to your collection

Super cool store! Comics line the entire store almost floor to ceiling. The staff was nice and friendly and helped me find everything I needed. Even gave me a student discount (which I didn’t know they offered). Will definitely be heading back there in the future!

Location — Atomik is located on E Main, in the heart of downtown JCT, not far from I-​26. Parking is available on the street or in the lot between state of Franklin and Main. Grade: A
Atmosphere– The potential of this space is limitless and I am excited to see how it develops in coming years. However, it just isn’t there yet. This is a cramped, disorganized maze in need of a good cleaning. The most recent issues were piled atop boxes of back issues making both difficult to access. Long boxes, displays and other clutter was strewn about the walkways creating a fire hazard. Other new issues, often of the same title, were scattered among three or four different walls without a sense of continuity stretching back to 2007, making many of these books dust covered back issues going for cover price. I gave up on many searches rather than sort the clutter. On every trip I have witnessed the owner/​salespeople complaining about customers, friends or family members. This ruins the atmosphere in a place, that for many, is an escape. If Atomik didn’t have such a great stock of back issues I wouldn’t return.
Grade: D–
Knowledge/​Customer Service– the staff here is one of the most knowledgeable in the area. If it happened in the world of comics, they more often know it. Reserving a title, new or old is not a problem and if you catch him in the right mood, the owner will negotiate on higher end deals. As a whole the customer service is adequate save for the practice of repricing back issues (Always higher) after approaching the counter. I’m not sure if this is some new comic industry practice but I hope it stops soon. It feels shady and breeds mistrust.
Grade: C+
Quality/​Selection– Trades, Modern and Bronze age comics are plentiful, but the true strength is the giant selection of silver age Marvel and DC lining the back walls. In thirty five years of collecting, I have found larger collections, but not many. If you want new comics, the mainstream is well represented but not easy to view or search. All new books are packed deep on top of one another and impossible to quickly scan. Common independent titles are available, but in very limit supply. The same is true for manga, games, cards etc. The random t-​shirt, antique bike, and vintage 1970s collectibles are also available.
Grade: B+ (A– for Mainstream, C– for indy etc, A+ for Back Issues, B– for toys, games, cards etc)
Overall: This store has endless potential. The collection of silver and bronze age is one of the best I have seen in 35 years. With a little vision, a better attitude and a thorough cleaning crew this could be one of the premier stores in the south.
Overall Grade: C+

I love Atomik! Sean and Lindsey are great. I’ve spent hours perusing through the store, looking at everything from the super rare to the spectacularly new. They always have what I’m looking for, including oddball variant covers and other oddities. If you want to get your regularly-​scheduled comics, you can get on the subscription service. Oh, and they will special order back issues for you.
You can tell this isn’t just a comic book store, but is a passion!

I love this place. I always stop by when I’m in east tn. I do not really go here to get new comics that I need for my collection because they are rarely in stock in some of the comic shops I go to in Nashville. I go here for the older comics they have. I go here to find new comics that I have not see in my hometown. They have a giant selection! Also, they have some posters that I have been eye balling for a while. Great comic shop!!! Oh, and the bubble gum that comes with the comic book purchase is like the cherry on top!