Some of the best afternoons in Oklahoma start with a small storefront you almost walk right past. You step inside expecting a quick look, and suddenly an hour has slipped away while you flip through long boxes of old issues.
The shelves are full of stories, and the people behind the counter actually want to talk about them. If you have ever felt that itch to hunt for a missing issue or find your next favorite series, this little shop is worth the trip.
A Comic Shop Tucked Along North Porter Avenue
Picture a modest storefront on a busy Norman street, the kind of place you might cruise past on your way somewhere else. Speeding Bullet Comics sits at 614 N Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071, and it has quietly become one of the most loved comic stops in the state.
Inside, the shop is all about the printed page. New releases greet you near the front, while the rest of the space opens into a maze of back issues, trade paperbacks, graphic novels, and collectibles.
Regulars describe it as a true fixture of Norman, and some longtime fans go even further, calling it a contender for the best comic shop in all of Oklahoma.
The appeal is simple. People come in looking for one book and end up wandering the aisles far longer than planned.
Families show up for a first comic shop experience, college students stop in between classes, and seasoned collectors drop by every week to grab their pulls.
It is not a giant superstore, and that is part of the charm. The size keeps things personal, and the packed shelves make every visit feel like a small treasure hunt.
For anyone who grew up loving comics, walking through the door feels a lot like coming home.
Two Decades of Old-School Comic Store Spirit
Back when today’s grown-up fans were OU students counting quarters, Speeding Bullet was already open for business. Visitors note the shop has served Norman for more than 20 years, and one creator who returned for a signing remembered being a regular during college two decades earlier.
That long history shows. Fans say the store feels like a genuine comic shop in the way they used to be, not a gift shop with a few comics on the side.
Owner Matt has built a space where new books stand proudly up front while deeper corners hold so many finds that you could visit again and again without seeing everything.
Loyalty runs deep here. One customer mentioned buying comics at the shop for about twelve years, and others have shared how they set up pull lists for the first time since childhood after other local stores closed.
A few even made a point of visiting regularly during tough pandemic months to help keep the doors open.
That kind of community support does not happen by accident. It grows from years of kindness, patience, and real knowledge of the hobby.
In a world where many small shops come and go, this one has stuck around by staying true to what comic lovers actually want.
Long Boxes Full of Back Issues Waiting to Be Flipped
Ever notice how the hum of flipping comic bags can make an hour vanish? That is exactly what happens in the back issue bins here.
Shoppers mention a good amount of older comic boxes to browse, and many leave with an armful of goodies they did not plan on buying.
Hunting for a missing issue? One visitor found every single comic they were searching for.
Another had spent ages trying to complete a run after a beloved local retailer closed, then finally tracked down the missing titles here on a first visit.
A fair heads-up is helpful, though. One collector pointed out that the shop does not carry much in the way of major keys or older Bronze and Silver Age books.
If you are chasing high-dollar grails, you may need to look elsewhere, but for filling gaps and discovering forgotten series, the bins are a joy.
Rare collectibles that are on hand reportedly track close to online market pricing, which many find fair. Staff can also help you find specific titles or issues if you simply ask.
Bring a list, bring patience, and be ready to sink into the fun of the dig.
Shelves Stacked With Trades and Graphic Novels
Trade paperbacks and graphic novels come up again and again when fans talk about this place, and for good reason. Many call the collection the best in the area, with one shopper saying it beat every store they tried around Oklahoma City for trades and hardcover specials.
The range goes well beyond capes and cowls. Readers praise the offering of non-fiction graphic works, the kind of thoughtful books in the style of Persepolis.
A crime fan shared that staff frequently order titles for them and send word when fresh releases in that genre arrive.
Marvel and DC are well covered, but independent titles get shelf space too. That mix means a superhero fan and an indie reader can shop side by side and both walk out happy.
Here is a sweet bonus. The shop runs a rewards program for graphic novels, so regular buyers earn something back over time.
Pair that with the yearly Monster Sales discounts, and it gets hard to leave without a heavy bag.
And if a book is missing from the shelf? The team might be able to get it for you.
One more reason so many readers treat this place as their one-stop shop.
Staff Who Talk Comics Like Old Friends
Ask any regular what keeps them coming back, and the answer usually starts with the people. The staff earn constant praise for being friendly, helpful, and deeply knowledgeable about the medium.
One first-time visitor was simply browsing when the manager offered a quick tour of how the store is arranged. That chat turned into a happy conversation about all things comics.
Another parent brought their son for his first comic shop trip, and the team took time to answer every question and explain different series. They spent about an hour and left with three new comics and one very excited kid.
Service goes beyond the counter talk. Regulars say the crew will point out new titles that might match their tastes, and some shoppers get notified when favorite series come in.
Pull list customers appreciate that the store will even hold their books for a while when life gets busy.
Not sure what you want? They will help you find what you need.
Know exactly what you are after? They will help you track it down.
Either way, you leave feeling like you just spent time with folks who genuinely love this stuff as much as you do.
Bargain Finds, Kids Corners, and Special Events
A single dollar can open a whole new world here. Shoppers have raved about a discover-a-new-comic deal where first issues went for about a buck, a smart, low-risk way to sample series you might never pick up otherwise.
Prices in general get good marks. Visitors call them decent, and one fan said the shop has the best prices in Norman.
Add in the rewards program and the yearly Monster Sales, and budget-minded collectors have plenty to smile about.
Younger readers are not left out. There is a kids section stocked for little fans, and visitors describe the shop as a cool place for all ages.
Beyond the books, you will spot action figures, posters, a few Funko Pops, statues, and some DVDs mixed in.
Events add another layer of fun. The store has hosted creator signings, and one memorable visit brought Power Rangers star Jason David Frank to town.
A parent who attended with their son said the entire experience was amazing.
Between deals, collectibles, and special appearances, every visit has the potential to turn into a story worth telling.
Organized Aisles With a Cozy, Bookish Feel
Smells like books. That is how one happy visitor summed up the atmosphere, and anyone who loves paper and ink knows exactly what that means.
The shop has a quaint, cozy charm, but it is also surprisingly orderly. Several fans call it one of the most organized comic shops they have visited, and newer collectors say that tidy setup keeps the experience from feeling overwhelming.
You can actually find things, which is a big deal in a store this packed.
Be honest with yourself on the first trip, though. One shopper noted the layout takes a little time to figure out.
Once it clicks, the place becomes a fantastic spot for comics hunting. Asking staff for a quick orientation can save you some wandering.
So who will love it most? Longtime collectors craving that classic comic shop vibe.
Parents introducing kids to their first floppies. College students on a break.
Out-of-town visitors curious about the local comic scene.
Really, anyone who enjoys slow browsing and friendly chatter will feel right at home. Just do not expect to be in and out in five minutes.
The shelves have a way of pulling you in.
Planning Your Visit and Why It Is Worth the Drive
Timing matters, so check the clock before heading over. Speeding Bullet Comics keeps shorter hours on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, open from 1 to 5 PM.
Wednesday is the long day, running 10 AM to 7 PM, perfect for new release fans. Thursday through Saturday, the doors are open from 11 AM to 6 PM.
You can reach the shop at 405-360-6866 or browse speedingbulletcomics.com before your trip. Calling ahead is a smart move if you want to confirm a specific book is in stock or ask about upcoming events.
Getting there is easy. The store sits at 614 N Porter Ave in Norman, a short hop from the University of Oklahoma area and an easy add-on for anyone driving down from Oklahoma City.
So is it worth it? For readers who miss the feel of an old-school comic shop, the answer leans strongly toward yes.
The selection is deep, the team is warm, and the bins hide surprises for patient diggers.
Give yourself a free afternoon. Chances are you will walk out with a stack of new reads and a plan to come back soon.
Share this story
