In Austin, you have to expect that each store you want to visit as an otaku (or anyone for that matter) is far removed from the next store you want to visit. Austin has truly mastered the art of urban sprawl. So it’s a pleasant surprise to find a good source for manga and anime right next to Austin’s own konbini, Asahi Imports. That source would be Dragon’s Lair Comics and Fantasy, a comic book store that opened its doors in 1986.
While its largest focus is still comic books, Dragon’s Lair has expanded its inventory to include a wide variety of board games, action figures, and, of course, manga (for purchase) and anime (for rent).
The manga section is the first thing you see on your right as you enter the store. There are two and a half full rows containing hundreds of titles, from Ai Yori Aoshi to XxxHOLiC. It’s certainly more of a selection than you’ll find at Barnes & Noble or Borders (though I have to admit that I am impressed with the manga selection at those stores … being what they are, namely the despised big-box stores).
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While Dragon’s Lair doesn’t have the largest selection of manga in Austin, you can always order any title they don’t have in stock if it’s still in print. Just ask one of the helpful workers to order it for you, and it should arrive within two weeks (in most cases). If it’s a particularly rare title, they’ll keep trying to order it for you for up to two months.
In addition to a healthy manga selection, Dragon’s Lair also offers anime DVD rentals, a terrific service considering so few video rental places in Austin have anime. (I’m still a bit depressed that the Vulcan Video near my apartment closed down, as they offered plenty of anime and Japanese cinema titles. *sigh*)
What else can I say about them? … Oh, if you were wondering, Dragon’s Lair also offers some of the best titles from Dark Horse, DC and Marvel Comics … if that’s your thing. ^_~
Be sure to swing by Dragon’s Lair the next time you’re picking up some natto and Hapi Puringu at Asahi Imports. You know, economize by combining your errands AND support your local businesses at the same time.
Dragon's Lair, next to Asahi Imports
Dragon’s Lair is located at:
6111 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78757-3226
(512) 454-2399
Their store hours are:
M-Tu 10am-Midnight
Wed 9am-Midnight
Th-S 10am-Midnight
Sun 12pm-7pm