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Indie and small press comic shops
Indie and small press comics come from publishers outside Marvel and DC, from mid-sized companies down to self-published minicomics and zines. Shops that care about them give these books real shelf space and often stock local creators.
Finding indie comics at a shop
Indie books include creator-owned series, graphic novels from literary publishers, translated comics from Europe and elsewhere, and self-published work. Many come out as complete graphic novels rather than monthly issues.
Small press and self-published books are printed in small runs, so a shop that carries them chose them on purpose. Staff-pick shelves and local-creator racks are good places to start.
If a shop doesn't have a book, ask. Many can order graphic novels through their distributors, and some take local creators' books on consignment.
Map of comic shops with indie and small press
Top comic shops with indie and small press, in customers' words
Shops whose customers mention indie or small press comics 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.
Coliseum Comics & Games
Half of their back issues for indie publishers are underneath and hard to access.
Half indie bookstore half local comic shop half underground concert venue.
they do a wonderful job of stocking comics from independent publishers/artists and highlighting local artists.
They know about the rare indie comics from 20 years ago I ask about.
I especially appreciated the specialty shelves for LGBTQ+ comic creators and spotlighting local creators.
Has indie comics to DC, to marvel to IDW to everything in-between.
My husband and I found some really great indie comics in great condition at ridiculously affordable prices.
She has been a resource beyond anything I could have ever hoped for as an independent comics creator.
Surprisingly big, good layout, has tons of great books (including indie publishers, weird graphic novels, and works by local artists), as well as a wide selection of games.
They have mostly independent comics, and the bigger name comics seem to be low or out of stock.
They have some harder to find indie titles as well.
Typical classic mainstream titles are here, but also many small press and unique books difficult to find in person.
Indie & small press by state
209 comic shops in 41 states and DC carry indie and small press comics. States with 3 or more have their own page; the rest are listed below.
- Alabama7
- Arizona6
- Arkansas3
- California31
- Colorado7
- Connecticut3
- District of Columbia2
- Florida9
- Georgia3
- Hawaii1
- Idaho1
- Illinois16
- Indiana5
- Iowa1
- Kansas2
- Maine1
- Maryland3
- Massachusetts7
- Michigan9
- Minnesota1
- Missouri5
- Montana1
- Nebraska1
- New Hampshire1
- New Jersey7
- New Mexico2
- New York13
- North Carolina2
- North Dakota1
- Ohio4
- Oklahoma3
- Oregon5
- Pennsylvania11
- South Carolina1
- Tennessee4
- Texas10
- Utah1
- Virginia5
- Washington9
- West Virginia1
- Wisconsin3
- Wyoming1
In states with one or two shops
District of Columbia
Typical classic mainstream titles are here, but also many small press and unique books difficult to find in person.
A small but diverse back-issue selection and a good selection of trades and small press publications.
Hawaii
They have the standards, Marvel & DC, but also include some small presses I don't see at other shops.
Idaho
They have so many good indie books as well as hugely popular books!
Iowa
Limited selection of independent comics, but they're always willing to order anything!
Kansas
The indie titles are a mix from a bunch of the smaller publishers, but they will order any new title you want.
- Indie & small press: mentioned in 1 customer review
Maine
They have a lot of rare horror magazines and comics at really great prices.
Minnesota
I found some great deals, and a number of unique, indie titles.
Montana
The shelves are packed with gorgeous omnibuses, indie zines, and classic issues.
Nebraska
- Indie & small press: mentioned in 1 customer review
New Hampshire
Their collection of indie comics is huge!
New Mexico
There are quite a few options and many of the are independent titles, so you won't find much repeat from the shelves of the big box stores.
Huge selection to sift through, with a large selection of indie titles.
North Carolina
- Indie & small press: mentioned in 1 customer review
Huge selection of the big two as well as all of the indie comics you could want as their monthly releases (something that is getting smaller and smaller at some stores).
North Dakota
- Indie & small press: mentioned in 1 customer review
South Carolina
Indie and Alternative Comics: Discover hidden treasures from independent creators.
Utah
The atmosphere is awesome, the selection is impressive, and I especially loved the focus on local creators and community events.
West Virginia
Have helped me find and chase down, little odd comics by indie publishers.
Wyoming
Great selection of Independent Comics, love the store curated mystery bags and complete series they have as well!
Questions
- What counts as an indie comic?
- Broadly, anything not from Marvel or DC. Some readers save the word for small or self-published books. The shops here have a customer review or a website that mentions indie, small press or independent comics.
- Where can I find self-published comics?
- At shops with a local-creator shelf, at small press shows and zine fests, and directly from creators online.
- Which state has the most comic shops with indie and small press?
- California has the most, with 31 shops. In all, 209 comic shops in 41 states and DC carry indie and small press comics in this directory.
- How do you decide which shops are listed here?
- A shop is listed only when a customer's review mentions indie or small press comics 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.