Amazing service, good prices, great deals, incredible collection of assorted merchandise perfect for nerds of all ages. Definitely the greatest comic and tabletop shops Ive ever been to.Family owned, incredibly polite and friendly staff, even the owner was helpful, and they all took genuine interest in what I was looking for. This is clearly a passion for them all, and they take pride in their store.Well kept store, disinfected counter, the man at the register, Zach, handled my comic book like it was dynamite, which I love and appreciate so much.This place is definitely worth a road trip all on its own so do yourself a favor and visit!!

Staff are always very condescending to me every time I go in. Saw that they were selling Pokémon tins at 26.99 when they retail at 8.99. That’s triple the retail price. I could understand doubling it since it’s a small business, but selling it for a higher price than scalpers online just seems greedy. Everyone I’ve talked to about it agrees that this is just not the place to go.

The core is an awesome place for anyone who loves comics along with d&d. The comic book world is very much alive n well in this store

Great selection of Comics and collectibles. Prices are decent, some items are overpriced. People who work here are knowledgeable.

Mike does an amazing job at this wonderful comic book and game store. The staff are friendly, the store is clean and organized, and the comics and games are fairly priced. Support local and buy here! You won’t regret it. 😃

Always friendly great people great selection of about anything your looking for be it Gameing,Collectables,Comics.

Really good comic and games shop. Very organized with a wide selection to choose from!

Great selection of comics, both new and back issues. Wonderful customer service!

Great combination of new and older materials. I picked up some old comics from late 1960s!!Helpful and friendly owner.

Im not sure what its the core of but good owners, good prices, good variety of...well...goods.The owner seemed cool, like if my grandpa had gone to Woodstock cool. The wife knows her Funko Pops. Seriously, dont even try and challenge her. The son however might be on shakey ground. Was charging $1.00 comics for $.10 and Im pretty sure he overcharged me. Im a super sweaty nerd and people were talking to me so I got nervous. Then he said that will be $96. Inside I was convinced I had got my 400lbs to leap over the counter and scream $96?! Then I came back to what you people call reality just to find out I had given him my debit card and I was making the walk of shame to my truck. Only food can get me through this trauma.

Very friendly spot, from walking in to walking out. The guys upfront were nothing but helpful and kind. I have been to other comic places and anytime i had a question they were rude and dry. But these guys were nothing but kind and helpful. Although its a small space they have a nice variety of anything nerdy.

Best place around for all your nerdy needs❤My family and I have been loyal customers since the mid 90s and have never been disappointed. If the CORE doesnt have it, theyll either order it for you or point you in the right direction to find it. Thank you for everything you do for our community ❤

Super friendly staff. Great hobby/comic store

Great place to go and grab your favorite Comics and Funkos. The people that run the place are incredibly nice. Very friendly place. 🤘😎

Excellent selection, helpful and friendly staff. I stop by everytime Im in town.

Awesome place, knowledgeable and helpful staff!

I love the core and free comic book day I go every time. And the people that volunteer and do the superheros are fun and always include the kids around in the skits they do

Great customer service, super fast shipping and bulletproof packaging. Highly recommend buying from this shop.

Super awesome staff. Always friendly always helpful! Left with a bunch if Funko pops and a new comic series to start after some great input!

I really liked this place. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. They have a great selection of comics to choose from. If cards are you deal they have a ton. Pop figures galore and my favorite board games. They even have the epic Rick and Morty!!! Walking dead figures, backpacks, purses, figurines... the list goes on. It is however a bit pricey but Ill pay too dollar for something that I truly find intriguing.

If you need some minis AND a haircut- you are in luck, my friends

This store has so much stuff, but it is very chaotic, little room to get around, and unorganized. The items are overpriced even for new product that is well above MSRP. For a town as large as Cedar Falls, you would think there would be better choices.

Wow, this unassuming little shop really packs a TON of stuff in here! The selection was amazing, and the staff very friendly as well. Plenty to choose from for board gaming, Magic, RPG, comics, and lots more. We will be back!

Awesome place to visit / shop

Love this place. Everything a nerdy guy like me could ever want

Excellent customer service. Knowledgeable, with just the right amount of nerdy snark, the staff consistently have gone above and beyond to make my experience a great one.

Like going to a place where feel welcomed and the friendly staff. Very knowledgeable and helpful if you have questions.

Nice and friendly staff and a variety of games and comics.

That guy Charles is knowledgeable, helpful, personable and creates a unique shopping experience.

As a Regional Manager I have been to more comic book shops in and outside the country than any one I know, and The Core is by far the best shop out there. The service is amazing and Mike, the Owner is always on top of any and all promotions like the recent Comic shop exclusive promo. I was amazed at the shops around me that were not involved.Mike also is great at emailing his customers current books of the week with reviews as well as filling all my emergency mail orders. Simply the best shop around!!!p

The only place in town to get card supplies! Very friendly

Great place. Lots of selection

Excellent atmosphere as well as collections. Im a big time Magic player, and this place somehow always has what I need for my commander decks. Great place for players of any formats to come and play. I cant wait for the opportunity to come where I can attend a Commander FNM.My only concern is how vague the store credit policy is. I was unaware that so much money worth of Magic cards would only get me half the value in store credit. Of course, the store needs to make profits, but it would be nice if there were specifications on how store credit worked.But the positives outweigh that minor problem. Good staff, great service, great people, excellent collections and a must-go for anyone looking for comic books, Magic cards, and other nerdy stuff. The Core is my go-to for Magic product.

A comfortable and clean store with a large selection. They offer curbside pickup to keep customers safe from exposure. The staff was very enthusiastic to be there as well as knowledgeable about their products.

Great selection, so much cool stuff. Helpful kind staff. A jewel of awesomeness.

One of the best, if not the best, comic shops Ive ever been to. I couldve spent hours in there. Great place! Great people!

Was there today with my wife and one of our boys. We picked up comics for the girls at home also. I picked up a few pop heads. The core does have something for everyone.

A friend had his house broken into and vintage comic books were among items taken. I called and asked if anyone had brought them in to sell the employee was sympathetic and answered all my questions. He took my name number to contact me should anyone try to bring them in and sell. Very helpful and kind.

Very friendly staff

The Core is by far the best comic book store I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. The staff is friendly and takes care of their customers. They put on great events for the community celebrating comics and gaming. I have since moved away from the area and have yet to find a comic book store that provides such a welcoming atmosphere as The Core did. You might go in to pick up your comics but you will leave with more than just books, in that you will form great relationships with the staff and community of folks that spend time there. I recommend you stop in and check it out for yourself. You wont regret it!

I have collected comics for 55 years. I have bought comics from places ranging from corner drug stores to two story comic shops. I must say that the Core has always provided me with a unique experience. Even though comics and games are in their name, they provide so much more. The people who work there make you feel welcome and call you by name whenever possible. They can tell you the latest story lines in comics or tell you about the newest version of a game because they read comics and are involved in the games. They provide services for the community to promote reading and to allow kids of all ages to dress up as, and meet, their favorite superhero. Whatever the needs of a customer, the Core will always try their best to send them on their way satisfied. I would rate this store a solid 5 stars.

Everything is pretty easy to find. They have a little bit of everything for everyone and I love it. This is one of my favorite places to go while Im in town. There prices are average, good place to support your local small business.

Ive been coming to this fine establishment for about 20 years now, ever since 1998 when I discovered there was not only a comic store in town, but they sold collectibles, games, and a variety of rare toys and the like. Mike Blanchard, the owner, along with his crew of highly knowledgeable and super courteous staff are there every step of the process to make sure what youre there to purchase is of the utmost in quality and availability.Highly recommended for anyone who loves comics, games, and pop culture memorabilia. They even do orders by mail. I wont go anywhere else!

Ive been a customer of Mikes for decades, going back to the days of Oak Leaf Comics. Mike is one of the most knowledgeable people Ive ever met, when it comes to comics and everything related to them. Over the last 30 years, I have literally spent thousands on building up my comic collection, with 99% of that being through Mike and his shop. Mike goes out of his way to make his customers not FEEL like customers.I remember when Batman the movie came out. Mike bought out the 1st two showings, to give tickets away on the radio, but also to his loyal customers. I even bought a Batman costume from him when they came out.Anything Ive looked for, theyve been able to find it. Happy to do business for another 30 years with them!

My uncle owns this place.

One of the coolest shops in Iowa. Great service and well organized. The staff has knowledge on everything youre looking for! Doesnt hurt that they are also super cool and friendly.

Very friendly people. They have a wide variety of games, books and comics.

Great store. The gentleman working during the day 8/1 made the great store even better. He was very attentive and made effort to find some issues i was after. Highly recommend!

My awesome LGsI went there today to find some sleeves and was greeted by an awesome employee stuff is always been real friendly with me and also always helpful

I have been collecting comic books and science fiction toys/figures for over 30 years and have been to many different stores in other states. The Core is by far one of the top stores in the Midwest. They have a wide range of products for kids all the way to the serious collector. If you have any questions, the staff is very friendly and always willing to help answer those questions. The Core also is huge supporter of gamers. But the biggest thing that involves the community is the Free Comic Book Day and the Halloween Costume Contest. These two events bring in people to see Superheroes and Super Villains and others. Families come out to get free comics and get their pictures taken and talk to the costume superheroes. Smiles are always seen by children. I give the Core my strongest recommendation! 5 Stars!

I visit The Core semi frequently and every experience I have shopping here has been a positive one. The staff are very friendly, polite and helpful. Their knowledge of pop culture is unequalled amongst the staff and owner. Give this place a visit and your experience will be surprisingly positive everytime.

This is is a great place to shop if you like comic, tabletop rpgs and/or pop culture items.It is very clean. All of the merchandise is well stocked, organized and arranged. It is laid out in a logical sense.The selection is broad for tabletop rpg, comics and pop culture.The staff was friendly, ready to help and good at suggestive sales.I will go there every time I am in Cedar Falls!Thanks!

Awesome store! Staff is always friendly and always helpful. The store has a ton of selection ranging from pops, comics, graphic novels, board games, card games, figures, etc. It is cramped, youll be going through narrow aisles, since it is a smaller shop with so much product. They do host a lot of community activites which is awesome!

Today, what started out as a simple trip from Decorah to Waterloo to the orthodontist, turned into a fantastic trip down memory lane. My stepdaughter had never been to a comic book store before, so while in Cedar Falls, l thought why not stop at the place where a large part of my collection came from. The Core (back then it was known as Oak Leaf Comics). And its still run by the same man!! Whether he remembered me or not, it was a fantastic day and my stepdaughter was overwhelmed by all the merchandise!! I remember nothing but great experiences here and today was no exception!! Welcoming and friendly as l always remember! We will be back!

Definitely one of the best comic book stores Ive been in. Dont have one this good down in lousiana! Definitely wish i could stay longer just to go more. Most definitely worth a visit for anyone

Always friendly and have a great selection of whatever nerdy thing you are into.

One of the best comic shops Ive been to. Great staff, great selections, and the owner knows more than his fair share of comic knowledge. The Core doesnt disappoint!

A must stop for comic, card, collectable and table top game lovers, The Core has a great selection for all of the above and more! While some of the prices might be a bit steep, the sheer amount of comics and other items make it well worth the visit!

Stopped in to pick up some amazing back issues when driving through town. Ended up grabbing tons of Hulk back issues, some Iron Fist, a book and a bunch of new comics. Highly satisfied with the selection and great customer service. Havent been in for years and was still treated like family. Thanks to Gary.

I’m a OTR trucker and hunt for shops like this one all across the 48. So I read a few reviews regarding the size of store, not an issue in that department for me. I was impressed by what I experienced as I walked through the door and how much is actually there. Great selection of comics, table top and trading cards in excellent condition! Bought a whole booster box of MTG Guild of Ravinica at a fair price and couple of comics. I will definitely be coming back. The owners are so friendly and helpful. Get that happy feeling browsing around in The Core. Amazing spot!

Mike and Gary are the coolest guys ever. I wasnt big into comics, always felt awkward trying to expand my interests without being judged. They both make me feel at home and whether youre a long time comic reader or just getting started they know their stuff. When I go in there its not like Im just going to buy my things, its like seeing friends with those guys. They ask me how I like my series or new things Im trying and will suggest other things I may be interested in. Anyways, you want fantastic customer service that makes you feel like family? Come here.

This is the store where I fell in love with comic books as a boy, back when it was still called Oakleaf. Today, I returned home for the first time in many years and introduced my wife to this magical store. I’m happy to report that it’s as amazing now as it was in 1993. She bought some Paper Girls trades (her first comics) and will now hopefully not be so annoyed with me when we eventually move house and have to cart a dozen or so longboxes onto the moving truck.

So fun. Usually friendly staff. Product cost normal range. Love Comic book day

Great place, great people. Could spend hours in there jyst looking at cool stuff!

Have never been there or even heard of the place. They had a board game in stock that no one else had. Very friendly and welcoming. Will definitely be back.

Super friendly staff with an awesome selection. They also host table top game tournaments. Love this place, definitely check them out!

This store has a very nice atmosphere and it’s a great way to get D&D books found all the stuff I was looking for and the employees are very friendly and helpful

Great comic and collectible store! One of my favorite stores

An amazing store!Welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable friendly staff.Great place for comics and games.Twice a year they hold a Free Comic book Day, cosplayers, artists, sales, and a costume contest at the October FCBDYou wont find a better store around!

Has a good assortment of table top games as well as comics, graphic novels and collectibles. However on free comic book day they only let you get 4 free comics where as Limited Edition lets you get all the free comics you want.

Great place for all your comic book and geeky needs!

Cool place

The guy inside was happy to talk to us about everything in the store and we didnt feel pressured to buy. It was clean, well lit and hospitable.

Everyone at the Core is always so nice and willing to help you find what you need. If they dont have it, theyll see if they can order it for you. Its a great place to get your comics, board games, and collectibles, as well as little trinkets or knick knacks for simple gifts. They host tournaments and have the occasional big party with cosplay that the whole town seems to enjoy. I cant suggest this place enough! When friends from out of town visit, I usually try to take them here, and we have a good time looking at everything (and of course we usually leave with at least one purchase).

I love going to the Core! It is my home away from home. This is the first comic shop Ive ever been to, and its become the only one I want to visit. When I was in high school I started going to Limited Edition (the local competition). After several times where my friends were scolded for thumbing through comics, being ignored when I tried getting the staffs attention, and being refused a pull box so I couldnt always get the comics I wanted I decided to go back to the Core. There I am always greeted kindly when I walk in the door, people are welcome to flip through the comics to take a look at the artwork, and a pull box was started for me right away, so I never miss any of the 8-13 titles I pick up weekly. They also host card tournaments constantly, sell games, statues, toys, paint, and about anything else you could want at a comic shop. I have never had a poor experience at this location. Their Free Comic Book Day is something you dont want to miss! There are always various artists that show up to sign drawings and talk to the locals, more cosplayers than you can shake a stick at, an excellent selection of comics ranging from free to discounted to full price, and prizes for lucky members of the crowd. All in all the Core is just a great place to be. Its like the Cheers of comic shops. If you dont get the reference look up the theme song real quick and youll catch my drift.

Unfriendly owner and staff. Overpriced. They have a good selection of everything but be prepared to overpay for anything you want to buy and the staff wont be very helpful.

Very good selection of goods, customer service is great as well the last few times Ive been in. Thank you for the good shopping experience. I will be returning here to shop.

Fantastic selection of board and table top games. Also had a great selection of POP collectables. Lots of D&D books including collectables like 2nd edition books. Im into board games, so didnt venture too far into the store, but was excited about the selection and variety of items. They had playing tables, too.

I visited the core for the first time, and I was wowed. A large selection of comics, games, and cards greeted me, with an atmosphere any geek could fall in love with. I dont play magic much, but there certainly seemed to be an epic selection of cards, rare and common. I was more interested in the comics and graphic novels on offer; these ranged from classic superhero comics to modern graphic novels. I kept thinking: surely they wouldnt have *this gn or manga series. Then Id turn a corner and find it!

One of the best comic book store in Iowa in my opinion

Found a pop head that was having problems finding. Friendly and helpful staff!!

I did not like this place at all. I normally go to Daydreams in Iowa City, and their selection of older comics is far broader than The Core and arent as expensive. I bought a comic at Daydreams for $2 which I later saw at The Core to be $4. Service is good if you ask for it.

Really great selection of board games and card game materials! Definitely worth visiting!

Wonderful atmosphere! Friendly employees! There is something for everyone at the core!

Super friendly staff and wonderful selection of all our nerdy need 😁

Such a great shop! Extensive selection of books and tabletop games. The staff are helpful and friendly!

Great selection, good prices, helpful staff...

You get better deals and customer service for stuff at the other comic book shop in town (Limited Edition). They are the only place in the area that sells Magic singles and has a consistent tournament schedule.

Awesome store of comics and games. They got something for everyone.

Great shop with a great selection and friendly staff! These guys know comics and will help you out if you dont know where to start :)

We were only there for a Halloween event. It was nice to get some free comic books. Just as cramped inside the store as pretty much any other comic book store and prices are equivalent

Fun place for all your comic needs. Ive even found some interesting board games there as well.

Awesome that they are supporting organized play for the new game keyforge instead of me having to drive 1.5 hours away!

Picked up some Conan the Barbarian filler issues and a couple issues if Phoenix Resurrection. Chatted with Mike about the up coming Cedar Rapids Comic Con and reminisced about cons we went to in the past. What a great store and owner!

I’ve been going to the core since I was a kid, for anyone looking for great prices and deals on all your nerd apparel this is your spot. Mike you run a great establishment keep up the good work!!!

Very nice selection of miniatures. I was impressed. Spent alot on them.

I love the core! So many cool things here, and they really make you feel welcome.

Great place to buy board games, play Magic, and have fun!

My childhood store is still epicly amazing

The Core is an amazing comic shop that truly cares for its customers. Fun events and a great staff, highly recommend if in the cedar falls waterloo area!