Zeppelin Comics

Zeppelin Comics is a comic shop at 929 First St in historic downtown Benicia, California, selling comics, graphic novels, games and gifts in a family-friendly space with a selection that runs across all ages. It also handles trading card game preorders and pre-release events, which makes it a practical stop for players as well as readers.

What's on the shelves

Comics and graphic novels are the core of the store. The catalog runs to about 10,740 products and covers single issues, hardcover and library-bound graphic novels, paperbacks, manga and manhwa, boxed sets, magazines, minicomics and zines, and convention and store exclusives. Younger readers get board books, picture books, and coloring, sticker and activity books.

Beyond reading material, the store carries games, role playing games and dice, along with tarot decks, calendars, novelties and gift certificates. Comic boxes and other supplies are stocked for collectors who need to store what they buy.

Trading card preorders

Trading card game product is preordered rather than simply stocked, and the terms are specific. A preorder takes a down payment, set as a percentage of the product's cost, with the rest due when the product arrives. Down payments must be paid within a month of the preorder being announced. Preorders can be placed through the store's Square storefront.

When the order comes in, the store sends an email with a pickup date, and customers have 7 days to pay the remainder and collect it. Missing that window means a refund and forfeiting the product. Preordering early locks in MSRP, while a second wave of stock is priced at market value. Preorders are not refundable and the product cannot be switched. Anyone wanting three or more of the same item needs to call the store first.

Pre-release events

Pre-release events run on a strict policy: no show, no play, no box, no refund. Space is limited, so players on the signup list who cannot attend are expected to say so, which lets the next person in line take the spot. Higher turnout also means larger order allocations, so more product reaches players.

Store policies

All sales are final, with no returns or refunds. A problem with an item has to be reported within 24 hours of purchase. Books placed on hold are kept for 30 days, and the store will try to work something out for customers who will be away.

Items are new, not previously owned, but most have been merchandised on the shelves and handled by customers. Condition is generally free of major defects such as rips or missing pages, though neither mint nor near mint condition is promised. Shipment errors must be reported within 7 days of receipt.

Hours and getting there

The store is also closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

The local scene

Other card and game stores are within a short drive. RPP Hobby is also in Benicia, about 2.7 miles away. Nor Cal TCG in Martinez is about 2.9 miles out, with Games of Martinez and DVY Collectibles LLC, also in Martinez, about 5 miles away, and RetroEdge Games in Vallejo about 5.4 miles away. Further afield, a card show is set for Nov. 7, 2026, roughly 45.7 miles from the store.