As in many other European capitals and American cities, our capital also has a strong comic book culture. And proof of this are these comic book stores in Lisbon!
Specializing in the famous comic books, these spaces are also a meeting point for many comic book aficionados, who come here not only to buy the greatest comic book hits but also to acquire other cult objects linked to this genre of literature.
The history of comics in Portugal
Comic books may have been born in Europe, but it was the United States that gave them all the prominence they now have and deserve, especially when newspapers in New York started using this comic book format to tell short stories at the beginning of the 20th century.
It wasn’t until the 1950s and 1960s that the adventures of Tintin and Lucky Luck managed to boost sales in Europe, although it was a long time before, in 1850, that the first comic book story was published in Portugal: “As Aventuras Sentimentaes e Dramáticas do Senhor Simplício Batista”, which told the adventures and misadventures of a middle-aged romantic.
Others claim that it was much earlier, in 1744, the year in which the Padrão do Senhor Roubado was built, a monument in Lisbon that tells, in a sequential form and on tile panels, the story of the robbery of the Odivelas Mother Church on May 11, 1671.
Whatever the date, the truth is that it was only after April 25, 1974 that this format of stories began to be more widespread and consumed in our country.
Today, there is a mural in Lisbon that tells the history of the city in comic strips, in a place you wouldn’t believe.
Lisbon has a number of stores specializing in selling this type of literature , from Portuguese, American, French and, of course, Japanese comics, which have been gaining more and more fans all over the world.
Let’s get to know the most popular comic book stores in Lisbon!
Table Of Contents
Kingpin Books
Located on one of Lisbon’s busiest and best-known thoroughfares , Avenida Almirante Reis, Kingpin Books is one of the oldest and largest comic book stores in the capital, and probably the best known.
There you’ll find all the greatest comic hits, from American and European comics to the best Japanese manga titles.
At Kingpin Books you’ll also be able to buy lots of merchandising material featuring your favorite heroes, including action figures (dolls) and scale model replicas that are 100% official and licensed.
Address: Avenida Almirante Reis 82A
BdMania
The second best-known comic book store in Lisbon is BdMania, which has a space of interest to all aficionados of pop literature.
It’s on Rua das Flores, near Chiado and Largo de Camões, and has a vast collection of titles – new and old – of various themes, including a section dedicated to Portuguese authors, which is to be applauded.
At BdMania you can also buy more than just comic books: posters, various merchandise, decks of cards, action figures, among many other products, which you can also find in the online store.
Address: Rua das Flores 71 (Chiado)
Casa da BD
Located in Lumiar, this is one of Lisbon’s comic book stores that gives the most prominence to titles by Portuguese comic book authors.
With a wide selection of books, magazines and albums, at Casa da BD you’ll find what you’re looking for in no time, including action figures and funko pops.
And as it also offers a home delivery service, you can choose and order everything you want on the website.
Address: Rua Luís de Freitas Branco 42C (Lumiar)
Tintin Lisbon
The character created by Hergé, Tintin, is one of the greatest icons of comic books. It’s therefore not surprising that he has had two dedicated stores in Lisbon alone. But only Tintin Lisboa has stood the test of time and is still open on Avenida de Roma.
In this store, which also sells online, you’ll only find material dedicated to the adventures of Tintin, not only comic books but also various merchandising items, including clothing such as T-shirts, beach towels, key rings, watches, bags, etc.
Not to be left out are the figures from various Tintin collections, as well as an area dedicated to children and promotions.
Address: Avenida de Roma 39A
Tinta nos Nervos
The Tinta nos Nervos comic book store, located in the Santos neighborhood, is more than just a comic book store… it’s also a gallery and a café with an outdoor terrace.
As it is also a place for exhibitions, Tinta nos Nervos also hosts events related to this type of literature, where there are often talks and autograph sessions.
You can find works by such well-known names as Lorenzo Mattotti, Charles Burns, Dinis Connefrey, André Ruivo or Ema Gaspar, just to name a few.
Address: Rua da Esperança 39 (Santos)
Map with comic book stores in Lisbon, and the list for your cell phone!
There’s something very special about these 8 bookshops in Lisbon