Nestled in the clean, budding center of Hayes Valley sits the Isotope Comic Book Lounge. Stylish and upbeat proprietor James Sime has created a welcoming and unique atmosphere (something between an upscale art gallery and Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory) complete with knowledgeable and helpful staff. The store's fresh selection largely features offbeat and independent fare, including titles like Rutu Modan's Exit Wounds and Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese. There are also lots of comics for the kiddies, such as the critically acclaimed Bumperboy, and the store is never short of the heavy hitters from Marvel and DC. Two of the most notable ongoing achievements of Isotope are its amazing in-store events with big names as well as the industry's brightest up-and-comers, and its annual Excellence in Mini-Comics Award, responsible for jumpstarting the careers of some of the newest creators.