Comics and comic book merchandise in unexpected retail stores
 

In my many travels across the space-time continuum, I occasionally come across comic books and related merchandise showing up in stores that normally don't feature them. It's always a nice surprise to see them in general retail locations. These are usually one-off runs of packaged comics, but I've come across stores here and there even carrying the odd trade paperback or hardcover.

This is the thread to report these sightings. I'll get it started with Five Below, a chain of retail stores across the country that sells everything below $5. Their merchandise usually consists of candy and assorted cheap toys.

http://www.fivebelow.com/

In recent weeks they have started carrying four-packs of fairly recent Marvel Comics in the children's books section, bagged together for $4.

I got one pack, which included Original Sin #0 and #1, Mighty Avengers #11, and Hawkeye #4 (3rd printing variant). I saw several different issues in other packs, though they are packaged so tightly that only the top and bottom issues are visible before purchase.

Re: Comics and comic book merchandise in unexpected retail stores
 

Just left Ollie's Bargain Outlet where they have 10 packs of titles for $5.99 (even cheaper when there is a coupon).

I almost bought a set that had "Archie Meets Kiss" as I would enjoy reading that...till I googled it and found it was a series... So I ordered the collected graphic novel from the library...

Re: Comics and comic book merchandise in unexpected retail stores
 

My local Five Below and Ollie's have had these packs for years.

Re: Comics and comic book merchandise in unexpected retail stores
 

Here's another one to hunt for across the lands, though I admit this seems to have been a one-time occurrence.

As recently as a month ago, a very small wave of older DC trade paperbacks appeared in the children's book section of ROSS stores. I know this chain's merchandise fairly well and this is the first time I've come across any hint of actual comic books. Each location seems to have only gotten one or two copies, though I did spot three different titles at various points.

I picked up Supergirl and the Legion of Super-heroes: Dominator War TPB. It was wrapped in plastic and priced at $4.99. The copies I came across were in surprisingly mint condition. I'm guessing some wholesale liquidator blew them out in a lot.

http://media.dcentertainment.com/sit...?itok=1r3uW9Q1

Re: Comics and comic book merchandise in unexpected retail stores
 

Here is another possible hiding spot for comic books. Clothing retailer Marshalls has carried some of those 10-comic grab bags in recent months in limited quantities. They also tend to be pricier at $7.99.

The weird thing about Marshalls carrying them is that I've found more open packs than unmolested ones at their stores. For stores that are generally very clean, it's like the comic book grab bags are the only thing that get ripped apart.

Re: Comics and comic book merchandise in unexpected retail stores
 

In the sixties Milton Bradley had a series of board games based on Marvel superheroes with a comic included. I was in the toy department of a Turnstyle store and noticed them. Some had been opened and the comic removed. One still had the comic, an issue of Thor. I took the comic out and paid the 12 cents for it.

Re: Comics and comic book merchandise in unexpected retail stores
 

Just this weekend, Marshalls seems to have gotten in a small wave of 5-packs for $4.99. A fairly decent mix of older Marvel and DC issues, some from the Eighties.