Absolute Legends and Collectibles is a new shop in uptown Lakewood offering comics, trading cards, and other pop culture items for collectors. The store opened on Nov. 1, 2025, adding a rare collectible-focused shop to the area. The owners’ passion for comics and trading cards is evident in the store’s displays and product selection.
The shop features vintage releases, including one-of-a-kind items. It offers a selection of old-fashioned comic books and back issues — out-of-print comics that can be valuable finds for collectors. With a large selection available, the store has already drawn attention from Lakewood’s comic book community.
Beyond its merchandise, the shop provides a welcoming place for collectors and traders to connect. Because collecting can be a niche hobby, the store helps build a sense of community by giving enthusiasts a place to meet others who share similar interests.
The shop carries more than just comics. “We sell comic books, Pokémon cards, and figures like Funko,” said co-owner Javier Sandate. He emphasized the store’s wide range of collectibles. “What’s special about this store is that we carry back issues, which are comic books from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. It’s not something you see often in Lakewood. And also, I think what’s special about this store is that it’s unique on its own, that it’s not just one thing, it’s multiple items,” Sandate added.
Many collectors visit the store for the variety. Funko figures and Pokémon trading cards are among the popular items available, along with comics and other memorabilia.
For Sandate, the best part of running the shop is interacting with customers. “The best part about working here is meeting the people, getting to understand what their interests are, and also just seeing little kids’ faces light up when they see all the stuff that we have,” he said.
The shop appeals to both younger fans and longtime collectors. “I typically like collecting Funko Pop figures and trading cards. My favorite thing about Absolute Legends and Collectibles is how everything is very old-fashioned and how everything is decorated in the store. The shopping experience is really cool because there is always something to look at,” said Theodore Cerri, a Lakewood resident.
“My favorite thing about being a collector is that I get to share my interests with other people in the community. Also, the things I have collected are really nostalgic. A lot of them remind me of the toys I used to play with in my childhood,” he added.
For some customers, the appeal is the nostalgia that comes with collecting. Customer Chad Reis said the store brings back memories of the comics he enjoyed growing up. “Some of my favorite items that I have found here are the back issues. They remind me of stories I used to read in my childhood, and they make me feel the joy I felt as a kid again,” Reis said. “I would recommend this store to people my age because it provides a sense of nostalgia and it has a lot of unique finds with a friendly atmosphere,” he added.
Customers also say the staff helps create a welcoming environment. “The employees are most definitely very helpful and show genuine interest in their jobs. They were also very knowledgeable about the items on sale and were willing to answer any questions that I would have,” Reis said.
Although it has only been open a few months, Absolute Legends and Collectibles has already become a popular stop for local collectors. Its mix of vintage comics, trading cards and memorabilia has helped create a unique space for fans in Lakewood, and the shop continues to attract new visitors interested in exploring the world of collecting.
