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FAQ

What can you tell me about Emerald City Comics in 100 words or less?

Since 1989, Emerald City Comics has been serving the Tampa Bay Area with a carefully curated selection of comic books, graphic novels, games, toys, and pop‑culture merchandise for all ages and interests. Our 7,000+ square‑foot superstore is clean, well organized, and staffed by a friendly, knowledgeable Team that genuinely loves this stuff. We focus on great stories, great experiences, and helping Guests discover something they’ll enjoy – not chasing trends or speculation. For many of our Guests, Emerald City Comics isn’t just a store; it’s where their best pop‑culture memories live.

 

What is the “secret origin” of Emerald City Comics?

Emerald City Comics was founded in Seminole in 1989 by Neil Johnson, who wanted to build the kind of pop‑culture store he wished had existed when he was growing up. Inspired by The Wizard of Oz, he chose the name “Emerald City” to reflect a place where wishes are granted and imagination is rewarded.

After opening a second location in northern Clearwater in 1994, both stores grew steadily. In 2013, Emerald City consolidated into one large, centrally located warehouse space in the Tampa Bay Area – creating a single, massive pop‑culture superstore that continues to grow today.

 

New Comics, Subscriptions & Preorders

When are new comics available?

New comics are typically available when we open every Wednesday.

Games, toys, and other merchandise arrive throughout the week and may be stocked on any day.

 

How do I find the comics I want?

  • New comics are racked alphabetically by title.

  • Superhero titles are filed by character name rather than title (for example, Amazing Spider‑Man is filed under “Spider‑Man”).

  • This week’s new comics are clearly marked with a “New!” label.

Graphic novels are organized into the following sections:

  • Marvel Superheroes

  • Star Wars

  • DC Superheroes / DC Animation / DC Vertigo / DC Black Label

  • Fiction & Literature / Indie & Underground Comics (including Silver Sprocket and similar publishers)

  • Featured Sections (cookbooks, how‑to, reference, mythology, Wicca, novels, coloring books, and more)

  • Art Books

  • Manga (Japanese comics translated into English)

  • Kids

Back issues are filed alphabetically by title, following the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide listing.

 

What do you recommend?

Each week, our Team selects their favorite new comics and displays them near the front counter. We also feature staff picks at the register and maintain a rotating “Featured Books” table highlighting great reads and bestselling graphic novels.

We’re always happy to make reading recommendations based on your tastes. However, we do not recommend comics based on potential future investment value – we believe comics are meant to be read and enjoyed.

 

How many copies of a new comic can I buy?

To ensure fair access for all Guests, new comic releases are limited to one copy per Guest, Group, or Family unless additional copies were preordered.

If you need multiple copies, simply preorder the quantity you want up to one month before release.

 

What is your in‑store subscription service?

Our subscription service holds new comic books and graphic novels for you so you never miss an issue.

How it works:

  • The service is free; you only pay for the books when you pick them up.

  • Please subscribe to at least three ongoing titles.

  • Your subscription file must be picked up at least once per month.

  • If a file becomes delinquent, it may be placed on hold and the books returned to stock.

We’ll gladly help you track upcoming releases, but we also recommend using distributor catalogs to place orders for items not already on your file:

For special‑order items costing $75 or more, a 50% deposit is required. Deposits are nonrefundable unless the item is canceled by the manufacturer or distributor.

Ask for a subscription form at the register or subscription counter, or sign up online.

 

Why should I preorder comics and books?

Preordering benefits everyone involved:

  • It guarantees you receive a copy, even if the item sells out.

  • It helps us accurately gauge demand and order the correct quantities.

  • It helps publishers and creators set appropriate print runs, reducing delays, reprints, and waste.

To preorder, contact us before the item’s Final Order Cutoff (FOC) date by phone, email, text, or in person.

 

Orders, Shipping & Online Purchases

When does my online order ship?

Online orders typically ship via USPS with insurance on the next business day. Most domestic orders arrive within three days after shipping.

In‑store pickup is also available for Guests near our physical location.

 

Do you ship outside the United States?

Yes, through eBay International Shipping. Please email orders@emeraldcitycomics.com with a detailed list of items you’re interested in, and we can add them to our eBay store for purchase.

 

What if I can’t find the item I want?

If you see an item in distributor catalogs or can’t find something in‑store, just ask – we can often special order it for you.

For special orders totaling $75 or more, a 50% nonrefundable deposit is required. Deposits are refundable only if the item is canceled by the manufacturer or distributor.

 

Pricing, Payments & Returns

How do you price back issue comics?

Back issue comics are graded for condition and priced using a combination of respected print and online price guides.

Our primary print reference is the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide. Online references include completed eBay sales, GPA Analysis, and ComicsPriceGuide.

Most newer back issues are priced at cover price plus the cost of a bag and board (currently $0.50).

 

What payment methods do you accept?

In‑store, we accept:

  • Cash

  • Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express

  • ATM/Debit cards

  • Contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

  • Emerald City Comics Gift Certificates

  • Store credit

 

Can I return an item?

Yes – most items can be returned for store credit as long as the following conditions are met:

  • You have a receipt

  • The return is within 15 days of purchase

  • The item and packaging are in original condition

If these conditions are not met, we may be unable to accept the return, but we will always do our best to take care of you.

 

Do you offer layaway?

Yes.

  • Layaway is free, with a $50 minimum.

  • A 20% down payment (pre‑tax) is required.

  • Items may be held for up to two months.

  • Layaways must be paid in full within two months.

  • Partial takeouts on multi‑item layaways are not permitted.

  • You may cancel at any time before the final payment.

  • Upon cancellation, all payments will be refunded minus a 20% cancellation fee.

  • Sales and discounts do not apply to layaway items.

 

Do you sell gift certificates?

Yes. Emerald City Comics Gift Certificates are available in-store or online in any amount over $0.99. They are redeemable in‑store only.

 

Selling Comics & Collectibles

Will you buy my comics or collectibles?

We buy comics and collectibles that we are sold out of and believe we can resell.

How it works:

  • We review your items in person.

  • If interested, we make an offer for cash or store credit.

  • If you accept, payment is made immediately.

For large collections, please email a list in advance:

For small collections, please call ahead to ensure a buyer is available.

We cannot provide estimates over the phone or by email – items must be seen in person.

We only evaluate items for purchase. For insurance or legal appraisals, contact neil@emeraldcitycomics.com for a quote.

For more information on selling your collection, see 'How to Sell Your Old Comic Books FAST!' or 'How to Sell Your Old Toys FAST!'

 

Why was I offered less than I expected?

Several factors affect offers:

  • Condition matters, including odors such as smoke.

  • As a retail store, we must offer less than full retail or guide value to cover costs and inventory time.

  • Supply and demand play a major role; if we already have strong stock or low demand, we may decline to make an offer.

In some cases, selling privately through online marketplaces or conventions may be a better fit.

 

Community & Donations

Do you make charitable donations?

Yes. We are happy to donate comics for good causes when possible. Please contact us at least one week in advance so we can prepare the donation.

We will provide a Donation Receipt form; we simply ask that you print and sign your name when picking up the donation.

 

CW Tampa's "44 On the Town" segment on us!

 
 
A TV ad for EC!

 
 And the original EC TV ad from wayyyyyy back in the day!

#ThrowbackThursday

 

 

 

 

 

 The Grand Poobah himself!