The $1.9 Billion Boom: 7 Reasons Why 'Books, Comics & Things' Is Thriving In 2025

The traditional comic book shop is not just surviving—it is witnessing a massive resurgence, transforming into a vibrant hub for collectors and casual fans alike. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the market for "Books, Comics & Things" has become a billion-dollar industry, driven by a perfect storm of nostalgic collecting, blockbuster media adaptations, and the explosive growth of the Trading Card Game (TCG) sector. This deep dive explores the current state of this booming niche, using the iconic, family-owned institution of Books, Comics & Things in Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a prime example of a local business successfully navigating a global collecting phenomenon.

This resurgence is not just anecdotal; industry reports for the US and Canada show that sales of comics and graphic novels were up by 4% in 2024, reaching an impressive total of $1.94 billion. Crucially, it is the brick-and-mortar comic shops—the very places like Books, Comics & Things—that are driving this growth, with revenue increases of approximately 13.3% in the sector. The "things" part of the name is now more valuable than ever, encompassing everything from collectible back issues to the latest must-have TCG products.

Books, Comics & Things: A Profile of a Thriving Local Institution

Books, Comics & Things (BCT) is a second-generation, family-owned business established originally in 1981 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Unlike many smaller specialty stores that have struggled, BCT has expanded its footprint, operating two locations in the Fort Wayne area. This longevity and expansion are a testament to the enduring demand for physical media and collectibles, particularly when paired with expert, helpful staff and a strong community focus. Recent customer reviews, as current as January 2024, consistently praise the store for its wide selection of both new and old comics, its extensive collection of collected editions, and its robust offerings of games and Trading Card Games (TCGs).

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• Established: 1981 (Second-generation family-owned)
• Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana (Two locations)
• Core Products: Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Games, Trading Card Games (TCGs), Back Issues, Collected Editions.
• Key Service: Comic Pre-Order Subscription Service (Pull List).
• Market Position: A key driver of local comic and collectible culture in the Midwest.

The "Books" and "Comics" Market: Periodicals and Graphic Novels Lead the Charge

The global graphic novel market, valued at approximately $15.75 billion in 2024, is projected to grow to $16.88 billion in 2025, illustrating a robust and expanding readership. The growth is multifaceted, driven by both the traditional periodical comic format and the accessibility of collected graphic novels.

1. The Return of the Periodical Comic Book

For years, the collected edition (the graphic novel) was seen as the primary growth engine, but 2024 saw a significant resurgence in the periodical market—the single-issue comic. This revival is largely fueled by major publishing initiatives:

• Marvel's Ultimate Line: The successful relaunch of the Ultimate universe has created significant buzz and key issues that are driving collector demand.
• Image/Skybound's Energon Universe: This ambitious shared universe, which includes popular properties like *Transformers* and *G.I. Joe*, has brought new readers and speculators back to the monthly pull list.
• DC's Blockbuster Releases: Titles like *Absolute Batman #1* have topped bestseller lists, proving that iconic characters still have massive drawing power in the single-issue format.

2. Graphic Novel Dominance in Bookstores

While comic shops excel at periodicals, graphic novels continue to be a staple in bookstores and a gateway for new readers. This format is crucial for topical authority, as it captures the full story in one volume. The continued success of Manga, webtoons, and non-superhero genres ensures that the graphic novel segment remains a powerful, multi-billion dollar force.

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The "Things" Phenomenon: Why Collectibles are Driving Store Traffic

The most dynamic growth in stores like Books, Comics & Things is often found in the "Things" category, which primarily consists of Trading Card Games (TCGs) and related collectibles. TCGs have evolved from a niche hobby to a mainstream, multi-generational collecting and gaming activity, providing a massive revenue stream that complements comic sales.

3. The Big Three: Pokémon, Magic, and Yu-Gi-Oh!

The established titans of the TCG world continue to dominate the market in 2024. These games provide consistent weekly engagement through local tournaments and new product releases, ensuring steady foot traffic for local stores.

• Pokémon TCG: Remains the undisputed best-seller, with a massive global fanbase and record sales, often driven by high-value collectible cards and nostalgia.
• Magic: The Gathering (MTG): Continues its strong performance with frequent, high-profile set releases and its enduring status as a highly strategic competitive game.
• Yu-Gi-Oh!: Maintains its position as a top-tier TCG, appealing to a dedicated competitive audience.

4. The New Challengers: Star Wars and Disney Lorcana

The introduction of major, highly anticipated new TCGs has injected fresh excitement and a new wave of collectors into the market. These new entries are essential for a store's topical authority and relevance in 2025:

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• Star Wars: Unlimited: This game’s launch has been a major success, leveraging the immense popularity of the *Star Wars* franchise to create a compelling new TCG experience that appeals to both gamers and collectors.
• Disney Lorcana: Quickly established itself as a top-selling TCG, capitalizing on the vast catalog of beloved Disney characters. Its collectible value and family-friendly appeal make it a unique market force.

The Enduring Value of the Local Comic Shop Experience

The success of businesses like Books, Comics & Things highlights a crucial trend: despite the rise of online retailers, the local comic shop remains an irreplaceable community hub. The experience of visiting the store is a key component of its enduring appeal.

5. The Power of the Pull List and Subscription Service

A core service offered by BCT and similar stores is the comic pre-order subscription, or "pull list." This service guarantees customers receive their favorite monthly titles and provides the store with a stable, predictable revenue stream. It fosters loyalty and ensures that customers visit the store weekly or monthly.

6. Expert Staff and Community Building

Unlike large chain stores, local comic shops often employ highly knowledgeable staff—the "experts" who can recommend a deep-cut back issue, explain the rules of a new TCG, or help a parent find an age-appropriate graphic novel. Recent reviews of the Fort Wayne store emphasize the helpfulness and friendliness of the staff, confirming that personalized service is a major competitive advantage.

7. The Thrill of the Hunt for Back Issues and Keys

The collectible market is driven by "key issues"—comics with the first appearance of a major character or a significant storyline. Stores that maintain a large inventory of back issues and collected editions, as BCT does, cater to the speculative side of the hobby. This constant search for valuable items keeps collectors engaged and ensures that the store is always a destination for both new releases and historical treasures. This combination of "Books, Comics, and Things" solidifies the local store’s role as the definitive nexus for all things geek culture.