Is opening a comic book store a good idea?
Robert Miller
Updated on March 27, 2026
While comics may have played an important role in your hobbies, comics could also play a central role in your business and entrepreneurial life. Starting a comic book store can be an exciting opportunity, and with some careful planning, your store could be a profitable, long-term business.
Is owning a comic book store profitable?
Owning a comic book shop is not easy, and the profit margin is paper-thin. The stores that survive and the new ones that open will drastically change their business plans for this new economy. The “new-this-week wall” will get very small, as stores will order the bare minimum when it comes to new issues.
How much do comic book stores pay for comics?
For new comics, they normally pay 40–60% of cover price — usually. Sometimes the publishers offer special incentives. In the case of Free Comic Book Day giveaways, the retailer does not get those free; he pays a small sum (maybe five or ten cents) apiece for those.
How do I start a comic business?
The 8-step guide to creating and publishing your own comic book
- Start with an idea. You need an idea before you start out.
- Write a script. Get your idea down on paper and flesh it out.
- Plan the layout.
- Draw the comic.
- Time for inking and coloring.
- Lettering.
- Selling and marketing.
- Wrap Up.
Are comics still worth collecting?
Over time, some of those comic books, especially origin issues, can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, such as Action Comics #1 worth about half a million dollars. Today, with companies like the Comics Guaranty Company and eBay, even current comics are worth a considerable amount of money.
How much does it cost to start a comic book shop?
Having a decent selection of inventory may require an investment of $10,000 to $25,000 to get started. Read our comic book store purchasing guide to learn about the materials and equipment you’ll need to start a comic book store, how much to budget, and where to make purchases.
What is the rarest comic book in the world?
According to the CGC database, there are only 9 registered copies of New Adventure Comics #26, making it the rarest comic book in the world. New Adventure Comics #26 was first published in 1938, during the early days of DC Comics.
How to run an online comic book store?
Get the answers you need to run your comic book business by reaching out to Shopify’s dedicated support team. Chat online, on the phone, or over email to solve any issue that comes your way. Insure customer orders, create targeted marketing campaigns, and get referrals with your choice of over 3,200 Shopify apps.
Are there any physical comic book stores online?
NewKadia is a strictly online comic book store, meaning there is no physical NewKadia store for you to visit. But for an online-only comic book store, they still have a solid stock of comics.
Where can I buy a comic book bag?
Buy bags at your local comic or hobby shop or purchase them online, and when you do, keep these three main comic book sizes in mind: Prevent creases in bagged books with cardboard backing. Cardboard backing can also be bought at most comic and hobby shops.
Where is the best place to buy comics?
The place to go to find small indie creators who may be self publishing, Comixpress is an agglomeration of short-run print on-demand comics and trade paperbacks. There is no minimum order or long wait time. It is also a good way to pick out some indie works to introduce to customers as well as add variety to your store.
