You don’t need ruby slippers, a yellow brick road, or a cast of quirky sidekicks to get to Emerald City. That’s right, the glittering bastion of imagination is actually in the Tampa Bay region. Emerald City Comics has long been the hub for diehard fans of comics/graphic novels in Clearwater.

You can’t miss the building either, it’s the one with Spider-Man and Batman peering from the roof. Several awesome locals opened my eyes to the cultural gem. Tammy Kingan, owner of Tails and Trails dog walking and pet sitting, and Samiha Elvira Shamseddine, owner of Misomia, are both longtime patrons.

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In operation since 1989 in Tampa Bay 

The pop culture mega store officially opened in Clearwater back in 2013. Owner Neil Johnson opened his first comic shop in Seminole in 1989, and after a huge outpouring of support opened a second shop just 6 years later. When both those stores outgrew themselves Johnson launched the massive Emerald City Comics warehouse locals know and love today.

Here you’ll find pop culture merchandise of all types. Whether you love superheroes, anime, or professional wrestling (*raises hand*), your obsession is covered. Emerald City is also a hub for gamers: board, dice, and digital alike.

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The best in new comics at Emerald City 

Yes, the selection of comics includes the latest and greatest from the likes of Marvel and DC, but it also features work from celebrated publishers such as Vertigo, Dark Horse, IDW and Image. If you want to preorder an upcoming comic, make a special order, or learn about backorders and vintage publications, you can also contact the store directly.

Emerald City is a highly activated space, too. Author/illustrator signings are frequently held at the massive warehouse. They’ve even offered comedy nights, and host an Emerald City Comics book club, the latest of which concerned the excellent Lock & Keye: Welcome to Lovecraft. 

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Keep up with Emerald City on social 

Want to visit Emerald City? The comic book and pop culture warehouse is located at 4902 113th Ave N in Clearwater.

Follow Emerald City on Instagram and Facebook for updates on new releases and events.

Need more books in your life? Tombolo Books just opened in the Grand Central District and features a highly curated selection of the best new fiction, non fiction, poetry, graphic novel and memoir releases available.

You should also pay a visit to M&M Video Games, a huge warehouse that features 25,000+ videos games, and one of the best arcades in St. Pete.