When it comes to reading comics, being unable to find the latest issue can be infuriating. Especially if you don’t have a local comic store around.
Thankfully, the comic industry has embraced technology. Apart from buying digital copies, you can now order physical ones from online comic books stores, no matter the distance.
The Best Online Comic Book Stores
Online comic book stores have leveled up the scene for comic book enthusiasts. You’re no longer limited by your local store’s limited collection, are able to browse the latest releases, and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Here are some digital comic book shops with the best services available.
1. NewKadia
NewKadia is an online-only store that boldly aims to be the Amazon for comic books. It’s a claim they’re making good on, having sold more than 2 million comics online.
Their prices are based on a comic book’s condition. The more issues a copy has, the less it will cost. They do make sure that each copy is still in a fair and readable condition, with “Good” as their lowest possible rating.
On top of that, they also have regular discounts based on themes and events. Prices also drop the longer a comic stays unsold. So it’s easy to nab yourself some bargains at this store but the longer you wait on something, the more likely it’ll get sold out.
As for shipping, they make sure your orders securely packaged and automatically offer free insurance. Shipping is available in and outside the US at affordable prices depending on bulk.
2. Mile High Comics
Having been in the comics game since 1969, Mile High Comics is a fixture in the comics industry. With over 10 million comics and 300,000 trade paperbacks, it’s a great place to find what you need.
Their website definitely needs some updates, but it still does the job well while serving some ’90s to early 2000s nostalgia. Check out their catalog, find promotions, join their email list, send them a message, and buy/trade/sell comics.
They can be a bit hit-or-miss when it comes to pricing. Sometimes they’ll have issues below the average price or well above it. They do have good reasons for this though, ranging from supply and demand to grading.
International shipping is available but can be a bit slow. Looking through reviews, they pack their products well, with little to no mention of returns.
3. Midtown Comics
Midtown Comics is another shop with a sizable catalog and excellent service. Known for it’s media-friendliness and energetic staff, it’s one of the most popular stores in the United States.
It has one of the best websites in this list, packed full of information about comic books, graphic novels, and manga. You can quickly check for back issues, look at your browsing history, and easily find deals.
They have a decent sized collection of older issues but really shine when it comes to new releases. It’s almost a guarantee they’ll have what you need in stock.
Prices are fair across the board. You can even get better deals through their pre-orders and weekly releases. Each comic book comes with a free bag and board for archival use.
Domestic shipping is free for orders $89 and above, provided they don’t contain any merchandise (statues, toys, DVDs, apparel, etc.) International shipping will vary depending on location and bulk.
4. Things From Another World
Things From Another World or TFAW, is the third largest comic book retailer in the United States. They’re specially great if you’re searching for new releases, merchandise, and memorabilia.
It’s also one of the more convenient stores for readers as you can set up a subscription for easier buying and pre-order upcoming releases. The prices are usually cheaper the further out you order.
Prices are fair, with lots of opportunities for discounts. Apart from pre-orders, they also have a deal-of-the-day/week setup and sometimes offer promotions through their mailing list. Domestic and international shipping is available.
5. Forbidden Planet
Forbidden Planet is the United Kingdoms’ largest retailer of comic books and graphic novels. They also offer a wide selection of collectibles, DVDs, video games, clothing, and toys.
Stocks include science fiction, fantasy, manga, cult entertainment, core books for Dungeons and Dragons, and supplementary fiction for many franchises. They also have a large catalog of US books coming from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and other publishers.
Prices are affordable, with many ways to nab a deal. Check out their subscription model, watch lists, and wish lists for frequent discounts.
International shipping is accepted. However, you’ll need to respond to a shipping quote emailed to you before any order is processed. Alternatively, you can email them a list of books you want to purchase and request for a quote before doing any actual shopping.
6. Discount Comic Book Service
Like its name says, Discount Comic Book Service is a store that revolves entirely on selling comic books at a discounted price. You can regularly buy books at 30-50% off.
The downside however, is that you’ll have to wait a long time as their business model is all about pre-ordering weeks to months in advance. But if you do subscribe, you can choose to receive your orders on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis.
Domestic and international shipping is available. They do not accept returns but do replace missing or damaged items as long as you message them 48 hours after receiving an order.
7. Comixology
Comixology is an Amazon-owned digital platform for comic books, graphic novels, and manga. At more than 750,000 books, it has one of the largest comic book databases featuring large and independent publishers.
The advantage of buying digital comics is their convenience. Comixology is compatible with all major operating systems and reading devices such as Kindle, Fire, Windows, Android, and iOS. You can also use their online viewer, bypassing any need for apps.
It also frequently offers sales and other promotions in site, with some comics going as low as 99 cents a copy. It’ll even give select books for free, though they likely won’t be the latest or most popular.
It’s now integrated within Amazon itself rather than being a separate website. This makes it all the more convenient as you’ll have all of your shopping in one place.
Finding the Right Deals
There are, of course, many more places you can buy comic books online. Most major book retailers will have a catalog of them but you run the risk of incomplete or unavailable issues.
However, it’s best to go directly to stores that specifically sell or trade comic books. Chances are, these businesses know their stuff and will offer guidance and a good deal for what you’re looking for. This is specially true if you plan on being a collector, as they’ll know the value of specific issues and handle them appropriately.
Most comic book-specific stores also frequently run promotions. This can range from discounts, bundles, clearance sales, and freebies.
Where do you buy comic books online? Share them in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
