Mayhem Comics and Games

Mayhem Comics and Games is a comic, game and collectibles store at 2532 Lincoln Way in Ames, Iowa, one of two locations in the Mayhem family. It has served the Ames and Des Moines areas for more than 30 years. It suits collectors who want singles and bulk in Magic, Pokémon and Lorcana, and players who want a large, free game room with plenty of seating.

What's on the shelves

Comics are the foundation: new releases and back issues, plus manga, Funko POPs, toys, board games, role-playing games, miniature games and comic and gaming supplies. On the card side, the store stocks singles and bulk for Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering and Disney Lorcana, alongside One Piece Card Game product.

Two things the store does not do are worth knowing before a trip. It does not carry sports cards, and it does not buy or sell graded cards or graded comics. It also offers no grading services, and it carries tabletop games only, with no video or electronic games.

Buying and selling cards

The store buys used Magic, Pokémon and Lorcana singles and bulk, plus Bandai singles. It also buys gently used trade paperbacks and graphic novels, comic books, Funko POPs and RPG books. It does not buy sealed collectible card game product, sports cards, graded or slabbed items, miniatures, or board games. Pokémon basic energy and code cards and Lorcana Enchanted cards are also off the list.

For Magic and Lorcana bulk, store credit of 10 cents per bulk rare is also available.

Offers are made only in person, after the condition and value of the items have been assessed, so there are no quotes over the phone and no free appraisals. Anyone selling should call ahead: for five items or fewer, to check that an employee is free to look while you wait, and for bulk or larger collections, to confirm the store is currently accepting them. Bulk cards should be unsleeved, with no basic lands or basic energy. Larger collections are left with the store under a contract that does not obligate the seller, and processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Sellers must be at least 18 with a valid ID to receive a check or sign a contract.

Used board games can go on a consignment shelf, with up to 3 games at a time, paid in store credit.

The game room

The Ames game room seats about 80 people and is free for anyone to use, as are the shelves of demo games and miniature terrain. Non-alcoholic food and drinks are welcome in the room. The store hosts public events and runs two creator-focused gatherings, Mayhempalooza and Mayhem Market Day, where local creators show their work.

Preorders and hold tags

Preorders require no payment up front, and a buyer is under no obligation to purchase when the item arrives. Most role-playing, board game and miniatures preorders requested at least a week before release get 10% off. Requests must name the exact product, using the official English-language set name, and held items are kept for up to 7 days after the customer is contacted.

Collectible card game preorders, covering sets such as Magic, Riftbound, Lorcana and Gundam, close one week before the product goes on sale in the store, which is not always the official release date. Those preorders are limited to one of each type of item. Single cards are never held, and hold tags are not accepted for Pokémon products.

Other policies and perks

Military and veteran ID holders get 10% off regular-price items. Gift cards come in any dollar amount. Comic readers can join the pull file service, which takes 15% off pulled titles and can ship by mail. Masks are required in the stores. Empty cardboard boxes are free to take, and the staff will save them if you call ahead.

Hours and getting there

The second Mayhem location is at 7500 University Ave. in Des Moines, with the same hours.

The local scene

Several other hobby stores are in Ames, among them Main Street Magic, Miniatures & More and Shield Comics and Games, each about 1.9 miles away. The Hobby Shop is 2 miles away, and The Main Event Sports Cards and Collectibles, a good option for the sports cards Mayhem does not sell, is 2.3 miles away. The Silver Card in Huxley is about 9 miles out. Farther afield, the Urbandale Collectible Show is about 26 miles away, with its next date on November 7, 2026.