That's Entertainment is the obvious choice in Worcester. There's also Wonderland Comics in Putnam, CT if you don't mind taking a drive!

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that's entertainment is awesome and they've got the friendliest staff around

I second this, I love both stores!!

Otaku Sekai in the Auburn mall, anime merch/gaming, they also have a lounge for movies, Japanese snacks, and books. You might see folks in cosplay.

That's Entertainment has a good sized manga selection, but they have their hands in every collectibles market, so space is their limiting factor- US comic books take up half of the space and the selection is fantastic. It's one of the coolest shops in Central Mass, if not THE coolest. It's a must visit.

Great Stories in Whitinsville has some anime/manga merch and some of the best prices on back issues. Great selection of newer comics, tons of games. I go here a lot, nicest people, clean store, well organized.

The Green Dragon in Rhode Island. Absolute gem. Worth the drive, especially this time of year.

Superworld Comics, out towards Holden. I've never been.

Crazy4Comics, in Northborough, mostly US comics, prices are hit or miss, not exactly organized. Big selection for a small shop. Expect to dig thru bins and stacks, then haggle. Very old school experience, geared towards the fervent collector that loves the hunt.

Hall of Comics in Westborough, the exact opposite of Crazy4Comics. Well organized, modern, good prices, friendly staff, almost exclusively filled with back issues. They have the largest selection of investment quality, graded/slabbed comics in the area. There's some legendary stuff in there. Like a museum but everything is for sale. Almost exclusively US comics- I don't remember seeing any manga.

Anime Zakka in Boston too, but it's a drive. I've never been.

Anime Zakka is a trip but easy enough to get to on the train. Get off the train at Back Bay or Lansdowne and walk over. If you get off at Lansdowne you could also go check out Comicopia, there’s a pretty good manga and indie comic selection there.

Library ? Also has comic /anime programs for kids iirc.

I know it's not what you asked but growing up I was super surprised to find the public library had amazing manga/comic collections and that formed the basis of what I was into. Definitely recommend checking out those collections too especially if they have it in YA and adult, you can help curate what she's reading in the adult section, I bet most of it would be teen appropriate (I forget how WPL graphic novel section organized it).

That’s E

That’s E

Thank you very much! That’s entertainment was the perfect choice and you’re right the staff is wonderful

^^^ always loved the manga section at the library!

That’s Entertainment is the only place I know of actually in Worcester. If you’re open to something in Worcester area, check out Hall of Comics in Westborough. I don’t read regularly anymore but I like to pick up a stack of books if I’m going away and expect to have time to read. Every time I e gone in the staff has been super friendly.

That’s E also has illustrators come in to talk with fans and sign autographs too.

That’s Entertainment is the best

Everyone has already covered that’s e! But also artifakt supply In tatnuck square does comic book illustration classes. You can follow them on Instagram for those details.

Also the worcester art museum offers similar classes. Worth looking into.

Also maybe have her sign up for an illustration class! Sometimes the art museum and other places around town have classes you can take that are for drawing comics, illustrating, and such.

Might also want to consider take her into Boston next weekend for https://www.micexpo.org/ - The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo.

I plan on taking my son, who also is very artistically inclined. My co-worker has been before and says it's great.

Really can’t say enough about the staff. It as if they enjoy working there. Tons of smiles and positivity.

Thanks for the pointer. I took a quick look at the agenda and it looks like a lot of content for independent contractors (taxes, marketing). Do you also see some programming for novices?

They have workshops for all ages and skill levels. Demonstrations, panels, etc according to the poster. It's free admission too!

Seriously, they're the friendliest comic shop around. If you're not an asshole they'll let you read the titles all day long.