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Back issue comic shops
Back issues are comics that have left the new-release wall, from last month's books to runs from decades ago. Shops with a back-issue section keep them bagged and boarded in long boxes, sorted by title and issue number.
How to dig through back issues
Most shops file back issues by title, then by issue number, in long boxes on tables or under the shelves. Pricier books often hang on a wall or sit in a case by the counter. The price is usually on the bag or on a sticker on the backing board.
Back issues are how you fill a gap in your run, read a story in its original issues, or find a cheap reading copy of a book you love. Many shops also keep bargain bins where older books sell for a low flat price.
A shop gets its back issues by buying collections, so the stock changes all the time. A box that had nothing last month may have the issue you need today.
Map of comic shops with back issues
Top comic shops with back issues, in customers' words
Shops whose customers mention back issues in a review, ranked by Google rating × number of reviews. Under each one is what a customer said. Call ahead, since what a shop offers can change.
Mile High Comics - Jason Street Mega Store
The Mecca… I’ve been searching for back issues of a certain title for years.
They had a huge section of comics, both new and back issues.
They have back issues, stabbed collector issues, new issues, trades, hardbound.
The selection is outstanding, with an impressive range of current issues, back issues, and an excellent mix of new and retro toys.
Their seemingly endless collection of back-issues, paired with excellent retail space, generous rewards program.
Really knowledgeable and unlike many shops they didn't mind fielding questions or helping you find back issues.
the staff here was very friendly and I was shown the basement which has a huge collection of board games and lots of back issues of comics.
Nice atmosphere, great back issues, friendly staff!
They've got new issues, TPBs, back issues and even 2for$1 bins.
Coliseum Comics & Games
This comic book shop has an excellent size of back issues, collected editions, statues and more on top of all the gaming setups too.
Best comic book store I’ve been to: they have endless back issues and so much in stock of current runs that I’ve had trouble finding at other stores.
Large store that has a little bit of everything, but has a humongous selection of back issue comics.
Back issues by state
1,448 comic shops in 50 states and DC carry back issues. States with 3 or more have their own page; the rest are listed below.
- Alabama19
- Alaska2
- Arizona25
- Arkansas9
- California146
- Colorado22
- Connecticut26
- Delaware5
- District of Columbia2
- Florida78
- Georgia39
- Hawaii3
- Idaho7
- Illinois70
- Indiana44
- Iowa13
- Kansas8
- Kentucky19
- Louisiana13
- Maine7
- Maryland21
- Massachusetts47
- Michigan54
- Minnesota20
- Mississippi2
- Missouri34
- Montana3
- Nebraska11
- Nevada16
- New Hampshire8
- New Jersey51
- New Mexico11
- New York101
- North Carolina49
- North Dakota4
- Ohio73
- Oklahoma20
- Oregon19
- Pennsylvania73
- Rhode Island6
- South Carolina15
- South Dakota3
- Tennessee34
- Texas101
- Utah8
- Vermont2
- Virginia42
- Washington34
- West Virginia6
- Wisconsin20
- Wyoming3
In states with one or two shops
Alaska
Good selection of back issues and GN.
Huge selection of comics (new and back issues).
District of Columbia
Not a back issue store, per se, they had recent issues, and a solar box, but ample to enjoy and find, excellent selection for kids.
Nice little store with great selection of new titles, and enough back issue bins to pore over for half an hour or so.
Mississippi
Good selection if back issues and a boggling selection of statues.
Fantastic selection of back issues and unique items.
Vermont
- Back issues: mentioned in 2 customer reviews
Overall, they have a wide selection of new and back issues, as well as a very friendly staff.
Questions
- What's the difference between a back issue and a new comic?
- A new comic is this week's release. Once a book moves off the new-release wall, usually when the next issue arrives, it's a back issue. There's no set age.
- Are back issues expensive?
- Most are not. Plenty sell for about cover price, and bargain bins go lower. Key issues, older books in high grade, and books tied to a new movie or show can cost much more.
- Which state has the most comic shops with back issues?
- California has the most, with 146 shops. In all, 1,448 comic shops in 50 states and DC carry back issues in this directory.
- How do you decide which shops are listed here?
- A shop is listed only when a customer's review mentions back issues there or the shop's own website does. The line from the review, or a note about the website, is shown with each shop. Shops change what they offer, so call ahead before a long drive.