Pittsburgh is home to a wealth of small businesses, ranging from crepe-cafes to niche comic book shops. The culture staff writers have rounded up their favorite local spots as a reminder to shop local and explore all that Pittsburgh has to offer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Phantom of the Attic Comics, Megan Barron<\/p>\n
Nestled between the Pitt and CMU campuses is a haven for comic nerds and gaming geeks. Phantom of the Attic Comics<\/a> has served the Oakland area as the go-to spot for all your comic book needs for over 40 years. Up the store\u2019s staircase entryway is a treasure trove of comics and graphic novels, from big names like DC and Marvel to lesser-known indie titles and manga. On one wall, they stock lines of new releases and monthly publications available to purchase the day they are released.\u00a0<\/p>\n For people who have never lived near a comic shop \u2014 a store becoming increasingly uncommon \u2014 it means no more waiting for Amazon orders of a single comic or perusing the very limited selection available in retail book stores. Right on campus, you\u2019ll find not only a variety of comics and compendiums, both new and old, but a devoted staff to help you navigate their vast selection.\u00a0<\/p>\n With the prevalence of Superhero movies, fans are becoming increasingly interested in the source material<\/a> that inspired their favorite films. Determining where to start when reading content with over 80 years of publication can be difficult, but the kind and knowledgeable staff of Phantom of the Attic is ready and willing to set you on the right track. From curious new fans to devoted comic readers, Phantom of the Attic is the perfect place to nerd out.<\/p>\n Caliban Book Shop, Maxine Van Nortwick<\/p>\n Last Thursday, I went into the Caliban Book Shop<\/a> hoping to find a nice gift for my mom\u2019s birthday. Though I left without the one thing I needed, I left with something I wanted \u2014, I found the perfect book, \u201cSigmund Freud\u201d by Ralph Steadman, for 15% off. If Caliban Book Shop can be summarized into one experience, I believe this perfectly encapsulates the Oakland gem. If you love to explore old books and new topics, leaf through old records or chat with friendly bookkeepers, Caliban is the place for you. It\u2019s nestled in the heart of North Craig, making it a great date spot or place to wander into on a rainy day. Their prices are more than reasonable, and books are 15% off every Thursday evening until 8:30 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n Caliban is one of the lucky spots that you wander into not knowing what you want and leave finding exactly what you need. I\u2019ve gotten everything from a book on Manhattan art galleries in the \u201890s to a mystery novel about the world ending in 2012. You could spend hours indulging in every nook and cranny of the wooden shelves, learning about Buddhism and the Revolutionary War or the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. They also have eclectic stickers, vintage matches and other knickknacks, if you love small knickknacks like I do. If you\u2019re looking for your next favorite spot in Oakland, I can\u2019t recommend Caliban enough.\u00a0<\/p>\n Love, Pittsburgh, Kelly Kowalewski<\/p>\n