Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Comic & Game Headquarters in Santa Barbara
Metro Entertainment has served Santa Barbara since 1991 as a premier destination for comic books, manga, graphic novels, toys, board games, and role-playing games. Our store fosters a welcoming environment for enthusiasts of all ages to explore daily arrivals and participate in gaming events. With expertise in pop culture and gaming, we offer curated selections of t-shirts, collectibles, and exclusive merchandise. Our team hosts weekly tournaments for Magic: The Gathering, Pokmon, and Dungeons & Dragons, providing both casual and competitive play opportunities. We maintain partnerships with major publishers to ensure access to the latest releases while supporting local artists and creators.Through educational workshops and one-on-one gaming demonstrations, we help customers develop skills in strategic gameplay and storytelling. Our commitment to community engagement has earned recognition as Santa Barbara's top comic shop during the industry's growth period. With decades of combined experience, our staff delivers personalized recommendations and maintains a dynamic inventory that reflects evolving pop culture trends. We operate seven days a week with extended evening hours to accommodate gaming events and customer schedules. Our physical location in downtown Santa Barbara complements our expanding online store, ensuring accessibility for local and remote customers alike.
Services
Comic Books
Graphic Novels
Board Games
Role-Playing Games
Gaming Tournaments
Card Game Lessons
Pop Culture Merchandise
Toy Collectibles
Event Hosting
Online Store
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- Established in 1991 with deep roots in Santa Barbara's gaming community
- Hosts weekly Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons events
- Offers expert-led gaming workshops for all skill levels
- Maintains partnerships with major comic publishers for timely releases
- Provides personalized recommendations from experienced staff
What people say
Great comic selection
Knowledgeable staff
Fun tournaments
Friendly atmosphere
Weekly events
Services
Comic Books
Metro Entertainment offers extensive selections of current and back-issue comic books from major publishers like Marvel, DC, and Image. Our inventory includes superhero adventures, independent titles, and manga series for collectors and casual readers. We maintain organized displays and knowledgeable staff to help customers find specific issues or discover new series.
Gaming Tournaments
Weekly gaming tournaments feature Magic: The Gathering, Pokmon, and Dungeons & Dragons with structured formats and prize support. Events include Commander Nights, Standard competitions, and beginner-friendly leagues. Our experienced staff organizes Swiss-style tournaments and provides rental decks for new players while maintaining tournament integrity.
Role-Playing Games
We host Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder RPG sessions for players of all experience levels. Introductory workshops teach character creation and basic mechanics, while regular game nights connect established groups. Our store provides rulebooks, dice sets, and miniatures for rent during sessions, with expert Dungeon Masters available for guidance.
Board Games
Metro Entertainment carries modern and classic board games suitable for families and gaming groups. Our inventory includes strategy games, party games, and war simulations with demo opportunities available in-store. Staff members provide game explanations and recommend titles based on group size and preferred play styles.
Card Game Lessons
Free instructional sessions teach Magic: The Gathering and Pokmon card game fundamentals. Beginners can borrow demo decks to learn core mechanics, while experienced players receive strategy tips. Our staff provides rule explanations, deck-building guidance, and tournament format overviews during scheduled lesson times.
People
Bob Ficarra
Owner
Bob Ficarra founded Metro Entertainment in 1991 and has guided its growth into Santa Barbara's premier pop culture destination. He oversees major purchasing decisions and maintains relationships with comic publishers and game distributors.
Jim Tourville
Store Manager
Jim Tourville manages game and comic acquisitions while organizing Metro's extensive tournament schedule. He coordinates Magic: The Gathering events and ensures inventory reflects current gaming trends and customer demand.
Questions
What are Metro Entertainment's current operating hours?
We're open daily from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, seven days a week with no exceptions.
What gaming events do you host weekly?
Weekly events include Magic: The Gathering Commander Nights, Pokémon League, and Dungeons & Dragons sessions with varying start times.
Do you offer game instruction for beginners?
Yes, we provide free Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon lessons with staff assistance available during scheduled times.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, major credit cards, and mobile payment options for all in-store purchases.
How can I find your store location?
We're located at 6 West Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, with Google Maps integration available online.
Do you carry manga and graphic novels?
Yes, we maintain extensive manga and graphic novel collections from major publishers in multiple genres.