Self-described as “the oldest comic store in the D.C. area,” Barbarian Comics has been in Wheaton, Md., since 1969. The shop is as old-school as they come, with huge boxes of back issues filling the store and that distinctive comics smell familiar to those who love the medium. Dale Rawlings, a five-year veteran of the store, loves that customers can find older comics. “We are one of the few stores that still has back issues,” he said.

Rawlings recently moved on to a new job but explained he worked at Barbarian Comics because “comics are my passion.” He especially relishes the opportunity to offer recommendations: “I like helping people broaden their horizons.”

The store mostly sells single issues and trade paperbacks, as well as some action figures, Funko Pops and posters. It also buys and sells classic comics. Rawlings mentioned that despite limited space, Barbarian Comics is starting to carry comics for younger audiences.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZLGkecydZK%2BZX2d9c3%2BOamloaWNkr6a%2F02aaqKWZmMBuv9OoqZ6rXZmwcA%3D%3D