With Free Comic Book Day upon us, there is no better time for me to share with my loyal readers (both of you) the comic book findings in Sin City. No, not the Frank Miller series. I’m talking fabulous Las Vegas. During a recent visit, Mrs. Wife was kind enough to indulge me with a day of hitting all the comic book stores Google Maps could find.

To me, the sign of a good comic book store is the depth of its back issue selection. If they have older and rare material, I take it as a sign that the store has been in business a long time, or it has access to items that can be hard to find. Some items, such as statues, are easy to buy off ebay, but if the store is willing to carry a broad selection of various figurines, it tells me the store is looking to please everyone, rather than cater to a certain segment of readership. Other material, such as animation or games, can be a positive indicator if in the right amount. Too much suggests a lack of clarity of purpose; too little suggests too little interest to be knowledgable.

Here’s what I found (in no particular order:

•  Alternate Reality Comics (alternaterealitycomics.net)
4110 S Maryland Pkwy (Pioneer Plaza), Las Vegas
702-736-3673
A fun and eclectic shop with a  broad selection of the today’s comics. Depth of its back issue selection isn’t much to speak of, but I understand that’s a new effort on the part of the proprietor. There is a back wall full of original comic book art on display, which makes it well worth the visit.

• Maximum Comics (maximumcomics.com)
5130 South Fort Apache Road #285m (Apache Plaza), Las Vegas
702-367-0755
In my opinion, it’s one of the better comic shops in Vegas. It’s got a broad selection of comic book and genre-related material at prices better than other stores I visited. It’s back issue stock is kept in wooden file drawers, clearly marked for easy browsing.  Definitely put this one on/near the top of your list.

• Comic Oasis (comicoasis.com)
3121 North Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas,
702-212-8885
Clean, well-kept and very well organized, this place has probably the widest selection of graphic novels, as well as lots of gaming supplies.

• Cosmic Comics (cosmiccomicslv.com)
3830 East Flamingo Road #2 (Paradise Marketplace), Las Vegas
702-451-6611
Another store with a healthy depth of back issues, as well as plenty of collectibles. It was featured on the list of top comic book stores in Las Vegas by the local CBS affiliate, and I heartily agree.

• Avatar Comics and Games (avatarcomicsandgames.com)
881 S. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas
702-795-8700
A good outlet for your comics and gaming fix. Small and cozy.

• Velvet Underground  
4241 West Charleston Blvd., (Hyde Park Shopping Center) Las Vegas
702-258-2689
Again, lots of back issues. Well worth checking out.

• Wishing Well Comics  (wishingwellcomics.com)
5706 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas
702-870-1268
Small. Very small. I got the impression the store is new to the comic book retail market, but I left thinking I’d like to re-visit in a few years. I think they could be my kind of store, but your mileage may vary.

• Battlezone Comics
7910 W. Tropical Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89149
702-645-7249
Great for comic fans and gamers. Highly recommended. The staff seemed very eager to help me find a few hard-to-find items, though their lack of success in this regard is not their fault. What can I say, I’m selective.

• Heroes Playground (heroesplayground.com)
3310 S. Nellis Boulevard #9, Las Vegas
702-998-4376
Don’t bother. No comic books, just DVDs and video games

• Action Comics & Games (mtglv.com)
210 North Boulder Highway #110, Henderson
702-387-5566
Another blend of comics and games. Long boxes form a spacious “corral” of game tables, with plenty of collectibles, trade paperbacks, t-shirts and other items located along the walls. Another good place to find those elusive back issues you might be searching for.

•  Comic Art Depot
Not what you think. We couldn’t find it, but a visit to its Web site suggests it’s not a retail store for comic book fans.