Williamsburg, Brooklyn · shop
Tucked into a former bakery on Metropolitan Ave in Williamsburg, Desert Island is where indie comics, zines, art-books, and weird printed matter go to thrive. It’s not your flashy retailer—it’s plywood shelves, consignment racks, rotating art displays, and a “no rules but respect the creators” vibe. Owner Gabe Fowler picks up everything from glossy imports to DIY mini-comics, plus they publish Smoke Signal and used to throw the Comic Arts Brooklyn fair. The storefront feels like a visual mixtape: eye-catching window displays, strong community energy, and plenty to discover if you slow down your scroll.