Brave New Worlds

Old City's beloved comic book and game shop with a strong Magic: The Gathering community. Comics, TCGs, board games, RPGs, and toys in the heart of historic Philadelphia. Second location in Willow Grove.

Brave New Worlds is a Philadelphia institution nestled in the cobblestone streets of Old City, just blocks from Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. While it bills itself primarily as a comic book and toy shop, the store has built a devoted following among trading card game players — particularly the Magic: The Gathering community, which considers BNW one of the best places to play in the city.

The shop carries new comic releases alongside deep bins of back issues, a solid selection of Magic: The Gathering sealed product and singles, Pokémon cards, board games ranging from casual party games to complex strategy titles, RPG sourcebooks for Dungeons & Dragons and other systems, and a curated toy and collectible section. The breadth of inventory means there's something for virtually every flavor of geek culture.

The Old City location benefits enormously from its setting — it's the kind of shop tourists stumble into and locals make pilgrimage to. The atmosphere leans toward the welcoming side of hobby shop culture, though it's busiest and most social during organized play events. A second location in Willow Grove extends the shop's reach into Montgomery County.

For card game players specifically, Brave New Worlds offers regular Magic events, board game nights, and a community space that keeps people coming back. The staff is knowledgeable across all the shop's product categories, making it easy to get recommendations whether you're building a Commander deck or looking for a birthday gift.