Astro-Zombies

Astro-Zombies is a comic shop, toy shop, collectibles shop, and record stop all at once. The interview makes clear that vinyl is not an afterthought there: it fits the same collector logic as comics and figures, with condition, discovery, and human enthusiasm doing a lot of the work.

Interview with Astro-Zombies

Astro-Zombies is a beloved Albuquerque comic shop with a real record side. How do records fit into the bigger picture?

We all have a little bit of nerd in us. Whether it's comics, toys, vinyl records or something else, everyone has a hyper focus. We try to have all of our favorites under one roof. The condition of a record affects the value just as it does a comic or the box of a collectable toy. The matter may be different, but the act of collecting is basically the same.

People describe it as a throwback that feels like the 70s or 80s inside. How did that atmosphere come together?

When us old timers were growing up, we had several toy exclusive stores like KB and Toys R Us. Places that sold what they sold and only that. Those don't necessarily exist anymore. So walking into a place like Astro Zombies can invoke the nostalgia of those places. And being floor to ceiling like we are makes it impossible to ignore.

Do the comic and figure customers wander into the vinyl, or are the record buyers their own crowd?

There is cross-over with the fans. Music is probably the most universal thing out there. From the most primitive civilization to the most advanced, there is music. So it's not a far stretch for comic nerds to nerd out in vinyl too. There are however record collecting circles that don't bleed over. Purists, hipsters, gatekeepers, whatever you want to call em. We will have people open the door, look in, apologize for being in the wrong place, leave and then come back in asking where the vinyl is. I love that we combine all that we do together because it gives us a unique vibe. Cool, but not uncomfortable cool and nerdy but not too nerdy.

What music does well with your Albuquerque customers?

We are lucky enough to live in a melting pot of musical tastes. We carry everything we can from Underground house music and electronic to hardcore punk and black metal. I love basically every genre of music so I curate the vinyl respectively. Hip hop and metal sell the best so I try to be on top of that.

Reviewers rave about the knowledgeable, friendly staff. How central is that hands-on service to the shop?

The brand of customer service we provide is the most essential part of our success in my opinion. You can get just about anything we sell online. But our knowledge and opinions and the enthusiasm we have for what we sell is something you simply cannot get online. The human interaction part keeps this brick and mortar alive. We love people so that's the easy part.

When someone wants to sell records, what's the best way to start, and what makes a collection an easy yes?

just bring your records in. We have to physically see anything we plan on buying. And condition is king for any collectable. If someone brings in an obviously poor condition collection, we can tell and we won't likely be interested in what you have. The only music we don't typically buy is classical as there are very few buyers of that genre.

What's the most memorable thing that's come across the counter?

This is a hard question because so much of what we do is really great. But our exclusive Pop figures and Tick figures and exclusive comic covers are super cool. We have had some very important comic books come in like Crime SuspenStories 22, incredible Hulk 181 and Fantastic Four 1 are just a few of the great comics we have seen. And honestly I really get a kick out of seeing the handmade Zines and local comics that artists will bring in to consign. I love the hustle and take pride in being able to help people get their creations seen by others.

First visit to Astro-Zombies: what should someone check first?

Another great question! I personally approach it by just starting in the left corner and working my way top to bottom. Left to right. But we try to have like with like so that you don't have to search the whole store looking for one thing. But something that people tend to not do is look up to see the ceiling of fame. We have famous people, comic creators, musicians and people of note get up on a ladder and draw on the ceiling. It's super fun for us and the people on the ladder alike.

FAQ

When can sellers bring records in for an offer?

Previous store guidance listed noon to 5 PM, Tuesday through Saturday, as the window for record offers.

Last updated: 2026-07-28