Decided to stop by as I had some down time and was in the area. I was very impressed to say the least. Incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. Told the man working there my favorite comic series and general vibe I enjoyed in comics and he quickly picked out ten books for me. I’ve only read one of the five he recommended so far, but I can say with certainty that it hits the exact spot I go for in comics.

I don’t usually read comics myself but I stopped by after a long day because I happened to be in the area. I met James and he was such a warm and inviting person! We talked all about the store and the art within it. I loved the place and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for something new to read :)

Was walking around the area near the school and I found this shop. Selection seemed mediocre at best. Then, I walked in and heard the person at the register say to someone else that hiring diverse writers is just a trend and that its hard to be a white man right now. Not impressed.

Lots of selection and great environment very knowledgeable staff! Highly recommend

Even COVID can’t stop Isotope Comics. Stopped by while in the city and got a lot of great recommendations from the staff. All the books were in pristine condition and they had plenty of things I haven’t seen anywhere else.

They didnt have exactly what I was looking for but the staff was very helpful! They were patient and had great customer service. They even suggested another local spot to help me find the missing pieces for what I need. Highly recommend!

The best comic book store in the whole f* world! James is the best curator. Just give him a random topic or comic genre you like and let him do his magic for you. ;-)

Looking for new comics or graphic novels from big publishers? Isotope has them! Looking for indie and locally printed comics? Isotope has them! Looking for friendly, knowledgeable recommendations? Isotope will help you find exactly what youre looking for.Swing by and support local a great local business.

Im in town, visiting from Vancouver (BC) for work, and just had to get to a comic shop. Isotope has great reviews, and oh man, they arent kidding. Excellent selection, and a fantastic balance between superheroes and everything else, rather than the usual 2/3-1/3 or fewer stock. My taste in graphic novels is pretty specific (was once informed by a hometown comic shop owner that my taste was too niche-y and promptly abandoned/ignored), and Ive often been met with the cold indifference and other challenges facing females in stores primarily frequented by males, so I tend to feel wary in new shops. NOT THE CASE here! The excitement and enthusiasm that I received over my reading choices was immediately contagious, and only grew as volume after volume were brought out for me to peruse. Not only did I come away with six new series Im thrilled to start, but I also logged another half dozen for future orders. I seriously wish this was my local shop; if youre in the SF area, you are so lucky. Go give them your business right now!

Such a friendly and open vibe. The owner made us feel like old friends exchanging stories and talking comics.Their toilet seat gallery is something to see

The woman working here was extremely friendly and helpful! Came in with my wife and she helped me through different genres and ultimately helped me find the perfect comics I didn’t even know I was looking for. It was really refreshing after most comic store staffs having little more to offer than some vague recommendations. She really knew her stuff and it made me really appreciate the store and the comic enthusiast culture!

I can’t say enough nice things about this awesome comic book store and its stellar owner James.I’m not a graphic novel reader myself but my beau is - James always has great recommendations when I’m in need of a good gift for him.I also love that they stock lots of local talent and clearly care a lot about the genre and the artists that create it.

Great selection, friendly, knowledgeable staff. Isotope is among the ranks of Mile High in Colorado, Midtown in NYC and Dr. Volts in SLC, one of the best comic stores in the US.

Isotope had a wonderful selection of comics for kiddos and the staff/owner is super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful

James is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic supporter of graphic novels. He also sells them.

Great place and staff. Went there while on a work-trip to US in November and had a wonderful chat with the guy behind the desk. Very friendly and gave me plenty of great tips on what to read next.

Great selection of comic books and graphic novels. The owner is gregarious, warm, engaging...and very knowledgeable. The store is attractive, light, airy, neat, clean and well organized. And you won’t want to miss the toilet seats...

I love this comic shop so much! Huge selection and always fully stocked with current single issues and volumes. And great prices! The owner/operator James is super nice and always conversational. Pick his brain about any comic youve read or want to read. Even ask him for suggestions. Hes friendly and always willing to help.Great prices, awesome selection and awesome management.10/10 would shop again!

Best place to go for new comics. Unlike the stereotypical comic store owner, James is enthusiastic about everyone reading comics, including kids. I recommend going on a day when hes there (I think everyday except Sunday) and its not too busy as if you can describe the types of stories or comics you like, he gives generously of his time and energy towards making recommendations. His warmth and excitement are contagious! Note, however, that this isnt a store for trading older comics, only new.

This comic book shop is wholly unique and stands out. First off, and seemingly the only bad, they dont do back issues. Isotope has a unique setting within the townhouse neighborhood structure of San Francisco. A snazzy setup with unique furniture where you can lounge and read your weekly haul. Theyve also got a sweet balcony with nothing but super indie comic books and zines. They hand out an annual award for best independent comic book/zine that they award during the annual Alternative Press Expo*. The owner if dressed in ginchy suits that almost over shadow the shop but add to the panache of the shop.

Amazing, the only comic book store you need to visit! Owner is so nice and had incredible stories! You wont be disappointed!!

Even though I live in Europe, Isotope is my local comic shop. James makes my trips. I walk in and ask What should I read? And he brings me a stack of comics android graphic novels. Ill own a third android hell tell me You cant buy them all. You need something to cone back for. I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

Great store! Awesome selections! The owner is a great guy, just ask him anything and hell find the right book(s) for you. We came in and left with a huge smile on our face, and an autograph :)A MUST for any comic book lover.

The best comic book store Ive personally ever been to. Its owned by James who is passionate about guiding new customers to titles theyll truly enjoy - whether youre a totally immersed comic book junkie or completely new to this world. Their collection is wide, but whats even better is that they curate and display it in a way that its easy to walk around the store and pick up something that appeals to you. Highly recommend!

Stopped by while visiting San Francisco. Found it to be a quirky little shop with a great selection. A nice focus on the smaller publishers while still having the big names available. Katie talked with about my likes and picked several things for me to look over. She did a great job and I left with some new reading material. Highly recommend a visit!

Id never really been to a comic store before. That and the Simpson had unintentionally formed the opinion in my head that people who work in comic stores have to be unashamedly lofty about their position.Couldnt have been more wrong. Friendly, relaxed and highly highly knowledgeable without bring pretentious. The money I put down in comics today was great value for the comics and a bargain for the advice and atmosphere. 10/10 would visit again.

At the moment weve entered the shop we got a happy vibe, James the shop owner, was excited to help us new costumers. He guided us to find the best comic book for us. He is a big fan of Dr. Strange and he has a real cool costume of him. We got a good feeling after being there either we would buy or wouldnt buy anything from there. Really good shop.

Usually more immaculate and organized than my last visit, very helpful staff.

As soon as you enter the place, its obvious the biggest comic fan in here are the ones managing the place. Plenty of toilets lids with awesome arts, a costume of Dr Strange...The person in charge that day swiftly (and joyfully) recommended me quite a few comic, and I have to admit most of them were things I was curious about. Spot-on!

The very best comics store in the US, no question.A wonderful place to go if youre interested in comics and looking for advice on where to start. The owner, James, knows comics inside and out. He also values customer service and creating an inviting, inclusive experience above all. The selection is curated and top notch, and the in-store signings and events are second to none.

My favorite comic book store in the US. As a lady, its rare that you can go into a comic book shop and still feel welcome. Theyre not only kind-- theyre also great at recommending a wide selection of works tailored to your tastes, make you feel like youre in the right place no matter who you are, and the owner literally looks like hes out of a 90s comic book himself. Look for the gorgeous collection of drawn on toilet seat covers lining the walls, superbly low brow / high brow and from some great artists. One of my favorite spots in Hayes Valley.

Wonderful shop with an extremely nice owner whos up for a chat about anything and everything (from comic books, obviously, to tiki bars around the world).I would recommend this place as a quintessential comic book store to visit in San Francisco.

Lovely place with the friendliest owner behind the counter who will help and recommend great reads. Highly recommend everyone and anyone to come here if youre looking for comics. Thanks for special ordering Phoenix ressurection: the return of Jean grey for me!

Nice shop and very friendly staff. Really worth visiting!

I always enjoy visiting Isotope for my paperback fix, but they have all ranges and genres and issues. The owner is perfect. Eccentric, friendly, and a bit of the weirdo San Francisco hipster that is a rarity these days. The place is a comic purist shop, so not a huge variety of art books or tangential genres. A comfy space-age-retro seating area, Dr. Strange costume, and custom signed and illustrated toilet seats from various artists bring extra character and amusement throughout the store. Its a delightful experience! Love you Isotope!

It’s a very beautiful shop. The idea of having self-made comics it’s fantastic!And the shop manager is helpful, kind and pleasant.

This place is amazing! I stopped to get a couple comics for my nephew and they helped me find exactly what I needed and the guy who helped me was so energetic and happy to just help you could tell he truly loved his job. Keep up the great work everyone!

Nice place with some good people who are able to give you some good advices!

A beautiful eclectic space run by a charming owner who is passionate about great comics and graphic novels and really knows his stuff! Check out the toilet seat art on the walls drawn by famous professional comic book artists. A must see when visiting the Hayes Valley district in the city.

Not your standard boring comic shop this place is cool and interesting with a groovy guy behind the counter ready to offer a recommendation and interesting conversation. Cool custom toilet seats and lids are mounted high on the wall. This is a must visit place if you visit San Francisco.

You cant miss at isotope, what a friendly fun spot. Something for everyone, me, my 12 year old son and 9 year old daughter all left overloaded with awesomeness! And dont forget to check out all the toilet seats simply amazing. Thanks James and Kirsten

Isotope is the finest comic book store I know. In addition to a great selection of high quality graphic novels, the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I need a lot of help selecting appropriate comics for my sons, and I always walk out of Isotope with great choices under my arm. Check it out.

Hands down THE BEST comic book shop in SF, maybe the world!Literally ask the staff for anything you want, almost like a mixology, I’ve came in asking for lovecrafty sci-go kinda of like the Thing and got an awesome book. Seriously just ask

One of the best comic shops I’ve ever been. The owner is a true comic book fan and he is absolutely passionate about the subject. Couldn’t recommend it enough!

I was visiting SF for only 3 days and I knew I had to make my way here. James, the owner, calls this the first comic book lounge and he actively encourages everyone to stay and read as long as they like. I left buying The New X-Men vol.1, a stack of free comics he gave my sister and I, and a note with his friends numbers who run a comic book store in NY, back where I was headed. Its probably the best comic book store experience Ive ever had.

Aw what comics fan doesn’t love this locally owned gem? Staff know their stuff - ask them for a recommendation! No matter what I’m after they always seem to have it. They often have authors over for signings - look up their schedule! Prices are fair compared to what you find online and hey, Amazon doesn’t have couches.

One of the best places to find good comic books. The owner is very passionate and like an encyclopedia on the matter. The book offering is very diverse.

Took my five-year-old for his first comic book store visit today and Kate was incredibly helpful, friendly and welcoming! Great shop!

I love this place. We were visiting San Francisco for a few days during our holiday and found Isotope by chance. This is a great place to browse and pick up some new and classic comics. My son thinks this was the best place we visited in our two week tour of California. We were at a low point in our holiday due to the social issues in the tourist spots. After picking up some comics, the owner of the store said before you leave my neighbourhood I would like to tell you about some great places to visit. This really made the trip to San Francisco. We were guided to Patricias Green, Smitren Ice Cream, Biergarten and the Cat Cafe. These places are a real community, amazing place to visit. We came back the next day which unfortunately was our last day before we flew back to England. So if your tired of tourist traps pick up some comic books from Isotope the best unofficial tour guide in San Francisco. The trip was saved by the comic book guy and watching the Giants which was our first ever ball game. awesome.

Everything you want in a comics store, and nothing you dont want. Lovely place for all comic fans: experienced, casual, superhero, alternative, n00bs, curious kids hoping to find new stories. Stop in, grab one (or two or three) issue(s) of whatever looks interesting, buy it, and carry around until you are looking for some screenless storytelling. (Or ask the amazing staff for suggestions.) Should you go visit? ABSOLUTELY.

Amazing selection and lounge atmosphere. Great place to chill or browse. The toilet seat museum is amazing!

Great comic book store and great staff. Would definitely be my go-to store if I lived in San Francisco.

My sister was thrilled with the comic book I bought her from ISOTOPE❗👍

The owner is such a character and even put up with me not being able to follow his directions to the nearest cafe with toilets. Cool place to take a load off and read!

Boutique-type shop (no back issues), but with great style. This is the type of place I could go to with friends and hang out.The owner is a really good guy with loads of knowledge (and toilet seats).

Amazing place with outstanding customer service! Would absolutely go again! Honestly, its probably my favorite comic book store. The owner was SO nice!

Amazing place with a nice selection of comics. The owner is extremely friendly and you will definitely have a great time having a chat about comics, movies, events, etc.

A really awesome comic shop with an awesome helpful owner. Admittedly, their selection is not as expansive and it may be hard to find something, but the really friendly owner or whoever is at the register is ready to help. Hard to say anything negative about this comic shop!

This is a great local comic book store. The staff are always friendly and have great recommendations. Definitely worthwhile checking out when in Hayes Valley.

Amazing staff. Fantastic, well curated selection. One of the best stores in the nation.

I stumbled upon this place by accident on a slow Sunday afternoon. Not only do they sell a wide variety of different comics, but the place has a fun and unique vibe to it, not in small part due to the delightful customer service - You can tell theyre selling comics out of love for the medium. A true gem of a store, Im looking forward to my next visit!

Most cool place, great selection of graphic novels especially indie stuff, places to sit and read. Owner is rad and knowledgeable and great live events and meet n greets. Go here

Brillant owner and innovator of the comic book scene here in SF. Took the comic book collection out of the basement and into the light. A breath of fresh air and always willing to talk about the last and great of current events. Pick up your latest issues right here!

After reading the reviews I knew I wanted to check the place out. Upon getting to the store I was disappointed at the size of the collection. The only unique thing in the store was the toilet seat collection which is worth the time if your already in the area. The owner was really nice but the store and collection is below average.

Got a new battery and new watch band. I am very pleased with the band.

Really friendly stuff, good recommendations.

This is the coolest comic store in America (that I have visited). The owner is a joy to hang out with and talk shop, comics, culture and just about anything. Mr James Sime shows us what a modern comic store can and should be. I have been a collector for years and I always find new treasures and recommendations that suprise me. Well laid out and welcoming, this is a great place to unwind in the presence of comic culture. Unfortunately I live far away in Arkansas, but I try and visit each time I stay in SF. Do not miss it. Also, if you are a new person to comics, he is wonderful at helping folks navigate the many options out there with you. A+

Such a cool spot for comic and the owner acually reads comic and know what you would like / suggest

The owner knows his stuff, very nice, and recommends the next stuff to read 👍👽👍

This is, hands down, one of the best comic book shops on Earth. Great selection, great service, and great in-shop recommendations, all the time. Highly recommended.

Good selection, fair prices, chill atmosphere

Very nice store. The owner is really helpful and knows alot about comics and the area. Strongly recommend that you visit even if you arent that interested in comics.

A different concept of Comic Store. They do strange things in the upper backstore.. a bit scary...

The one and only James !!!! can never go wrong

Friendly and passionate help. Great selection. Come in for a chat and/or get the latest release.

Great service and selection! Super friendly place :D

Collection is nice but if you ask him for recent old issues it dosent carry it!! Plus doesnt give plastic case for comics which is normally given in every other store! Plus if you ask him can he order comics which is not available in store, sorry.

My go to comic store in San Francisco. The owner is extremely helpful and he keeps his establishment in tip top condition.

Isotope is an amazing shop with a great selection and staff that is both friendly and knowledgeable. Cant wait to come back next time Im in the area!

Great comic book store. Excellent selection, very nice proprietor, and they hold really interesting events regularly.

I love this place! James is awesome and super friendly, and the store has a bunch of great events to showcase rad talent about once month.

A must place to visit for the latest and greatest in comic and fantasy reading. Owner is very friendly and a kick.

Super kind staff and amazing selection.They just let us sit with our bubble tea and read for hours. I miss this place.

Theres a reason that Isotope has been voted Best In The Bay year after year.James runs a friendly shop. Everyone there is knowledgeable and more than happy to help.

A San Francisco classic. Say hi to James and buy comics in a relaxed atmosphere. Lots of events with industry professionals, and toilet seats all over the walls drawn on by your favorite comic book artists.

James, the proprietor, was very helpful and enthusiastic. The selections were outstanding!

Very good specialty bookstore

Really nice guy who works there, he was super knowledgeable and gave good recommendations. Cute place too with a decent selection.

The owner is so friendly and willing to discuss comics, make recommendations,etc. What else could you want from a comic book store

Great selection, great service. Cool place to hang out.

The owner is always willing to give great recommendations and it is worth a visit if for the guest artwork alone.

Amazing comic store. A must visit for any comic book fan. Very nice guy running the store.

Great selection, quirky shop and staff. Fun place :)

Great store, super nice customer service, definitely coming back.

This was the rudest place that I have ever seen. The owner James is disrespectful and very pompous! I dont know how the hell they were rated the best store in San Francisco. I was asking him a question on the phone and he just hung up on me and didnt have the time or courtesy to provide any customer service-let alone to speak with me.

Great service, everyone went out if their way to help me find what I was looking for, I wont be going anywhere else for comics.

Awesome comic book shop. Staff are super friendly and know their stuff

Just a phenomenal comic book store! James is a knowledgeable and friendly host with a casual and welcoming store.

Hands down the best comic shop in California

Great selection of comics. Owner is super friendly and knows everything about comics.