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Silver Snail Comics
Categories: Shopping Hobby Shops Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Comic Books Hobby Shops, Comic Books [Edit]
367 Queen St WToronto, ON M5V 2A4
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Queen Street West, Downtown Core
(416) 593-0889
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 10 am - 6 pm
Wed-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 12 pm - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
22 reviews for Silver Snail Comics
Review Highlights
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"There are tons of comic books and action figures." In 7 reviews -
"...selections and stocks of graphic novels/comic books in the..." In 4 reviews -
"Life-size Angel puppet from the episode "Smile Time." In 3 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Nick P.
Toronto, ON
2/21/2012
This place is Toronto's version of Jay/Silent Bob's Secret Stash. It's really not fair to say it's a comic book store because it offers more toys/statues/games than comic books. Selection is limited and they don't have many of the more rare comics but they do have a crazy amount of new releases. The selection of toys and other comic book related items is crazy. It's fun just looking at all the stuff, a little depressing too since you want EVERYTHING but can't afford it all. The staff is friendly and they go all out for free comic book day, in costumes and invite artists. What's the down side? Some things are pricey but to offset that they do have a lot of stuff marked down like Walmart, so even the thrifty geeks can find something there. Go Miss Marvel!
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Review from Ian B.
Fort Erie, ON
4/7/2012
I don't really get the Snail hype. I've shopped here many times before and never really found what I was looking for at a reasonable price. The staff is extremely rude, usually just ignoring questions that you may have regarding purchases.
Do yourself a favor and ignore the hype, and check out some of the other shops in Toronto if you want to be treated well and not crammed into a poorly organized store.Listed in: Comic Book Shops
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Review from Chris P.
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came in last night to get tickets for the Bedlam event in January. The store wasn't all that busy but there was a line of 5-6 people at the cash. Since I didn't have time to check out the rest of the store, I'll stick to my ticket buying experience.
There was a lone cashier. She was really friendly and chatted with each customer as they passed through and she provided excellent customer service. The problem here though is that it's 3 days before Christmas and she was the lone cashier and was taking time to chat up each customer. This is great customer service, but if that is the level the store wants to provide to it's customers then get someone else helping the girl out. Have someone bagging the items while she's ringing them up so that the line keeps moving along.
Also, customers, this is not your opportunity to ask complex questions. If you needed a question answered then find someone on the sales floor instead of holding up the 5 other people behind you with your geeky attempts to flirt with the cute cashier.Listed in: December 2011
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Review from Jack W.
Toronto, ON
5/30/2011
Huge selection of mainstream comics, but... where are the smaller/eclectic/lesser known works? I didn't see a section with european comics (like Jason et al). I was also looking for a copy of Jim Woodring's latest work Congress of Animals, and 2 of the staff didn't know who Woodring was and looked for it in a small-format comic book section, even after I told them it was a book - maybe they are not used to female patrons who know their dark horse from a hole in the ground. Perhaps I am spoiled having been a regular at The Comic Shop in Vancouver for many years, but the staff there are familiar with their stock and with new and old artists alike. They didn't take an order for the book either.
I know it was a busy day and some Battlestar Galactica guy was signing things but seriously, I was there to spend some dosh and am going to find someplace else to do so now.
I guess if you want regular comics and some comic book decorations and dolls, it's a great place, but I was severely underwhelmed. I need a place that covers a lot more ground than this. -
Review from Justin M.
Milton, ON
9/9/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I'll tell you one thing: You don't go to a Silver Snail for the service or value. You go because it's a fairly iconic part of the geek world. It's like Macy's for geeks.
I don't know if that's worth it. It seems whenever I go they either don't really have anything I want, or it's more than I'm willing to give for it. I frequently find myself poking in the bargain bin just so I don't walk away empty handed.Listed in: Geek Stores in the GTA
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Review from Toshiro D.
7/16/2010
I have a lot of mixed feelings about this place. Its in part because of the 80's Silver Snail that I have a career today, live in LA (that's not a bonus), and achieved many of my dreams in life.
I walked in here around 8-10 years of age. I guess that was something like 24 years ago. To be frank, I have no idea how long they've been around for but most of my childhood was spent looking forward to Toronto trips to come in and shop for anime (and comics). Eventually, I moved to TO but by then, comics were not what they were and neither was Silver Snail.
But it was at Silver Snail that I had my first glimpse at Leiji Matsumoto's Captain Harlock character, and the original Macross Movie: Love Do You Remember, which got me hooked on Asia, art, drawing and everything connected to it. Whoever was or is the buyer here, at least from the era that I refer to, I owe this person or persons a huge debt of gratitude. Their risk taking in bringing over anime when no one knew what it was, and their incredible selection really changed my whole life.
It is true that their staff have never been too engaging but of course, they are always helpful. Comic people are usually introverts which you should know if you have ever had a brother locked in the basement more into Mary Jane Watson than the girls in his class. But these are the instruments of our dreams, and basically this is what Silver Snails has been selling for all these years. Dreams.
I bought some of mine here and weaved the rest myself. For that, and for everything they have meant to the 1000's (millions?) they have helped shape over the year into successful artists, creative thinkers, media professionals, etc. - they have my sincere gratitude.
It is true that the present direction of the store is not what I would wish it to be (I prefer the old assortment of vintage comics and extremely rare anime/toys) but that's not really all that pertinent. Its still kicks the butt of the competition in Toronto and who knows, maybe the tide will turn again.
5 stars to a great shop and to the people who made it possible, wherever they may be. -
Review from Mark M.
Toronto, ON
9/15/2009
Silver Snail is a great comic book store. almost 90% of the time I go to Silver Snail I buy something or I want to buy something and I'm not even a hardcore comic book fan. Silver Snail is located at a great location on Queen st and is very noticeable with its facade painted with popular super heroes. This if the type of place that would make Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons very proud.
When you go inside you will be amazed at the interior of the place.The geek inside me does back flips whenever I'm here. It is not a very large place and the it feels very crowded at times but every nook and cranny is filled with merchandise. You will find many of the things that are "hot" in the geek world here. They have a huge array of hand made figures and even replica weapons from all your favourite characters. Most importantly they have a fairly large sized catalogue of new and classic comic books; be it western comics, Japanese mangas or critically acclaimed graphic novels. Lastly, Silver Snail keeps in-stock a bunch of popular designer toys.
One great thing about Silver Snail is that they make buying comic books and related items, easy and accessible.Even though the staff are not always attentive and they sometimes ignore you, they do know the products they are selling very well. I once was finding a certain toy for a friend but I forgot the name of the toy and the people there were kind enough to help me go through a huge amount of ideas on what the name of the toy could have been Gladly with their help I found what I needed. In other stores, they tend to either not help you properly if you are not a regular or are not well informed enough to help. Try going to a Toys R Us and watch as the staff's faces stare at you with confusion and disdain when you ask for a machine gun wielding Moses action figure.
This is probably one of Toronto's most popular comic book stores so if you are a hardcore fan of comics and you like your grungier, more underground joints, you won't find this store to your liking. One thing that does rub me the wrong way is that the pricing for many items at Silver Snail is quite expensive. I have heard that the pricing of books here is average compared to the competition but many of the toys and figurines are priced way too high for the average consumer. For example, they have a replica light saber from the Star Wars series that costs well over a hundred dollars. I say to myself that I would only buy that if it can actually cut down people that piss me off but it's nothing more than a stylized, silver metal tube.
So, if you do have the cash, go and check out Silver Snail. No matter how much you enjoy or immerse yourself in geek culture I'm sure you will find something that will make the inner asthma prone geek in you
jumping for joy. -
Review from Mihir S.
9/28/2009
Brilliant!
Now I am not a huge comic book guy but I do love the Justice League. I walked in to check out the store to see what JL stuff they had. They had some BAD ASS action figures - AquaMan (old school and new), Black Vulcan, and yes Black Manta! -
Review from Alejandro A.
Toronto, ON
11/6/2008
Silver Snail is probably the most popular comic shop in Toronto, but then I suppose that really depends on who you talk to. Many people know it as "the" comic shop, but as "the" comic guy amongst my friends, i would not send them here first.
The store itself is excellent eye candy. They have an impressive selection and display of mini-busts, statues, replica props and toys. I compare it to a mini art gallery because of this, but I think the store leaves something to be desired on their comics.
Their comics and graphic novel selection, while good, isn't the easiest to navigate. Often, I can't find what I'm looking for, and that's not always because they don't have it.
The staff is possibly the best comic staff in the city. Every time I speak to the staff about anything (finding stuff, or just asking their opinions) they are very friendly and personable. In my opinion, that's the best thing about this store. -
Review from Michelle V.
Toronto, ON
6/15/2009
I never feel like I don't belong when I walk into the Silver Snail. I'm not knocking the other comic book stores in the city which are equally (if not, perhaps more) knowledgeable or stocked up but the Snail seems to have the welcome wagon out when I take a stroll down Queen Street whereas other smaller and, for lack of a better word, danker comic book store feel exclusive.
The staff is somewhat quick to ask if I need help (there are usually 2 guys chatting by the trade paperbacks, which I what I usually buy, who turn out to be staff). The display cases for deliciously geeky busts and statuettes are always great to look at though I wonder how many people purchase those. The walls (as well as the upstairs section) is just full of your favourite comic book or cult characters that you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.
Also, they have a nice collection of artist and artwork books :)
Other funs items they've procured:
* A replica of the yellow coat that the Bride wears in Kill Bill
* Shaun from "Shaun of the Dead" 12" figure
* Life-size Angel puppet from the episode "Smile Time"
* Various helmets from Star WarsListed in: If You Took Me To These…
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Review from Laura D.
Toronto, ON
10/29/2008
There's a lot of hype about Silver Snail that I never quite understood. There's no doubt that they're the best place to go for action figures and similar collectables but if you're looking for anything outside that niche, you're not going to be in much luck.
All of the new releases for comic books are layered amongst a number of shelves in the back. While the latest 2-3 issues of your favourite series are almost guaranteed to be here, Silver Snail's back issue selection is sort of lacking. There are no labels on the outsides of the drawers, so it takes me a while to figure out which one I should be looking in. When I do find the right drawer, I find out that the issues aren't in stock. Maybe I just have bad luck?
Their manga selection is better than the average Chapters/Indigo, but pales in comparison to places like the World's Biggest Book Store and One Million Comix. The same thing can be said about most of their other stock; they have a decent selection of popular card games but a store like 401 Games is better. They do have a really nice collection of posters, but they have no list of what's there so you just have to spend a lot of time browsing through the many musty-smelling boards until you find something you like.
I also find it sort of annoying that I can't tell the employees apart from the customers. I think its great that the employees can wear whatever they want, but they should be wearing a badge or something on their shirts to distinguish them from everyone else. I've accidentally asked just enough questions to non-employees to be put off from asking any more.
So long story short: go to Silver Snail if you're looking for great toys and the latest issues of comic books. Otherwise, you might want to try looking for a place that specialises in whatever it is you're into. -
Review from Vanessa G.
Toronto, ON
9/10/2008 3 photos
Although I'm not a comic book aficionado, I'd have to say Silver Snail is a super hero mecca. Unlike other comic book stores I've visited, this place is kept in immaculate order - clear plastic drawers house thousands of plastic covered comics all labeled and filed accordingly.
There are tons and tons of super hero, nintendo and movie figurines laid out all over the store, many of which include signs that read "do not touch!". It was especially hard for me not to feel the creepy exterior of the LIFE SIZE alien head from the alien movies. They also have a huge selection of movie memorabilia, graphic novels (my boyfriend picked up The Watchmen, which I am dying to read!) and anything else a nerd in Toronto could possibly ask for.
I've also been told by many a comic book lover that their prices are very competitive and their selection is outstanding. So for all of you looking for some super hero lovin' in your life, Silver Snail will treat you right. -
Review from Michael C.
3/31/2010
I like to think Silver Snail and Hairy Tarantula are two sides of the same coin: the former is clearly more trendy, but don't cater as well to certain items; the latter may not be as pretty, but has plenty of selection in regards to everything.
The Silver Snail definitely is a trendy and cleaner spot. But you aren't going there for gaming. They have a great and organized selection of TPBs and back issues, as well as statues and action figures.
The staff is also very helpful, but seem to have their jobs cut out reorganized the sturdy back issue cases.
I would recommend hitting up both stores, but if you're in mixed company, hit up Silver Snail first. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
1/13/2009 1 photo
I'm not a comic store kid, but I do like to gawk at toys. Next to Magic Pony, this is my go-to place if I need to buy something celebratory for my nerdy friends.
Though I can't comment on their comic book selection as a whole, I got some recommendations on teen graphic novels for my nephews, and the boys just vacuumed 'em up. Yay! Prepubescent vote! Done!
But where they excel the most are the toys -- you can probably find every cult-movie/animation action figure here, and if not, they could probably order it for you.
And the prices for some of the smaller ones aren't too bad, either. I usually score a quirky action figure for less than $15. And that's it! There I go, gift done, and I win the award for most memorable gift-giver award.
(Because gift-giving is all about me, apparently.) -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2008 1 photo
I'm not much of a comic book reader (or do you prefer the term graphic novel). But I've been dragged into this store by a few boys who are...
Upon entering, the store has an earthy old smell to it, quite endearing but after a while gets to be too much. There are tons of comic books and action figures. I didn't realize there was such a big interest in action figures! I played with boy toys when I was little, and I'm pretty sure I had some valuable pieces in my collection.
Pretty hip shop, if you're looking for a particular comic (on the second time I went, they didn't have the comic my friend was looking for) - there's as good as a chance you'll find it here. -
Review from Luke A.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2008
This was a haunt of mine growing up: an afternoon trip to Silver Snail was often a reward for sitting through Saturday school up on College Street. They had a huge back issue selection, as well as long stands with new issues too. The second floor houses models, RPG tchotchkes, and the like. I'm not as much a fan of it as before, though.
Yes, they've got way too many super-sculpted and expensive action figures these days, but that's the way the comics industry has been going since the late 1990s. Sadly there's more money to be made selling comics merchandising than comics themselves.
If you want to know what Silver Snail looked like back in the day, take a look at Ron Mann's excellent documentary Comic Book Confidential (1989), which features a few shots of people browsing inside the store near the end of the movie. -
Review from larry b.
11/13/2010
Best comic store in Canada. But Im prejudiced casue I used to work here. Ron did a great job with the store and it has stood the test of time while others are long gone. Long live the Snail!
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Review from Roy A.
Toronto, ON
7/20/2009
My favorite comic store in Toronto. I like most things about Silver Snail. I don't find the staff all that helpful though, the very few times I've asked for help they seemed a bit annoyed that I had interrupted their conversation. Not that is a bad thing though, I like to spend some time there browsing through the comics so it would be worse if the staff were overzealous....
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Review from Julianna B.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2009
The Silver Snail has one of the best selections and stocks of graphic novels/comic books in the city. If my sweet little neighbourhood joints have been sold out for weeks, I sigh and head down to the Snail. Don't get me wrong, they're nice enough, but it's not as easy to get helped, and it all feels a bit... suburban? The sculptures are fun to look at, and the front window often hosts insanely detailed dioramas.
Listed in: Book Shopping!
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Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2008 1 photo
I remember as a child saving up my meager allowance week after week until I finally had enough to buy something at Toys R Us. In my youth, Toys R Us was the only place where you could get good toys. My generation has grown up and yet we still enjoy playing with toys, that's where Silver Snail comes in. In what I can best describe as an emotional flashback, when I walked into Silver Snail I wanted one of everything. I wanted the life size princess Leia doll, I wanted the McFarlane army men, I wanted it all. I don't think I've ever been impressed so much by a store filled with toys. The weird thing is that this is definitely not a store for kids, it is designed for adults and it's awesome. They have two floors with every wall lined with figurines and toys galore. I do realize that I am waxing nerdetic, but it's hard not to. The Silver Snail will bring out your inner child/nerd and you won't care because you have so many wonderful new toys.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from Evan H.
Peterborough, ON
2/14/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I have been visiting the Silver Snail since I was a child and it has always had something for me at every stage. From action figures, to collectible cards, to posters to comic books this shop has it all on two floors. They have a fair amount of back issues (although it was better in the past) but I think what captures every shopper's attention are the massive glass cases with collectables. The staff aren't the best (not always friendly or always attentive) but the selection is. I mainly visit Silver Snail now for new comic releases.
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Review from Joebo J.
Toronto, ON
5/22/2009
Silver Snail was a million times better back in the 80's, when they actually had silver and golden age comics you could flip through, instead of the stupid white comic cards that they now have. There are no vintage comics there and if they do happen to have some older comics, they are very over priced based on the condition. Nothing vintage there, except for the new crud that Marvel & DC put out now. It's impossible to get any help there from the idiotic staff. They're too busy talking shit among themselves, with the attitude. ''I'm so cool, cause I work here...'' Such losers. Upstairs there's tons of lame action figures. Lots of worthless Star Wars episode 1, Spawn and Lord of the Rings figures that nobody wanted. Gee, I wonder why? I always see the Silver Snail set up a booth at comic cons, which they basically bring the same crap from the store down to the show at the same prices. Why even bother? Silver Snail is the ''Wal-mart"" of comic book stores. Avoid.
