Awesome place nice people 1$ comic books are amazing you should come until you are broke

I bought a set of dice from Mayhem this week, and the numbers started peeling off the first time I used them. I brought them back and asked for store credit toward another set. I was told they could only exchange them for the exact same product, but since that item wasn't in stock I'd have to contact the manufacturer myself. I wasn't asking for a refund, just an exchange or store credit for an item that was defective on day one. Most retailers stand behind the products they sell, especially when something fails immediately. Unfortunately, that wasn't my experience here, so I can't recommend shopping at a place that doesn't take responsibility for defective items. read more

See all

My husband and I have been to 32 game and comic book stores in 8 different states. We are on a mission to find the coolest stuff across the states. We came to Mayhem Comics and Games because of a recommendation from a friend. We are SO happy we stopped. I can't speak for my husband, but this is officially my favorite store on our journey. We stopped in to pick up some sleeves for one of our card games, The Mind Extreme. The sleeves we had purchased back home were too big and we wanted to sleeve it to play this past weekend while we were in Des Moines and Ankeny. We walked in and one of the owners (?) walked us over to "The Sleeve Wall." They had just about any size you could need. He personally helped us find the right ones. While my husband browsed through Magic cards and games, I stopped into the comics section. I was very impressed with the variety, organization, quality, and quantity of the comics! I could have spent HOURS looking at them all. We were in a rush, so we didn't have much time to browse. I can say that we will DEFINITELY be back. I would recommend this store to anyone stopping in the area. Any age. Any interest. Definitely worth checking out! read more

See all

Very good place to go for comics and collectibles, only downside is the location-for non drivers they have to walk on the one side of the street that has a sidewalk but then maneuver across the street to the store from oncoming traffic-could use a location that both drivers and pedestrians can shop to read more

Favorite comic shop. Staff is amazing. Huge selection of comics, gaming items and more. Fun to shop and browse. Easy parking. Recommended. Staff is always helpful and answers questions. Gaming tournaments and other special events held regularly. read more

Mayhem Collectibles - Comic Books Near Me - Clive, Iowa

Comic shops come and go, but Mayhem has established itself as the anchor for the comic and gaming community. Going strong since 1990 or so, Mayhem has maintained shops and game rooms in both Des Moines and Ames providing not only a good selection of merchandise, but a place to network and connect with fellow fans and enthusiasts. Aside from stocking typical comics and graphic novels, Mayhem carries a decent variety of materials and references for card, LARP, and miniature/figure focused games. While there are some collectibles (action figures, statues, toys, and the like) these items are limited. That being said, Mayhem is prepared and pleased to help you find and order items not in stock. read more

I haven't been to Mayhem since before the pandemic, but allow me to tell you why I've been visiting Mayhem for the last several years. Their selection is fantastically varied to a point where TTRPG players (like myself), figure collectors, family board game lovers, deck-building competitive players, and those who just really love Funko Pop figures can find pretty much anything they need. It doesn't matter if you're into superheroes, cult classic movie themes, MtG, WH40K, anime - they've got something for you. My tastes have changed back/forth over the years, and Mayhem is always fully stocked with prices that beat Amazon or eBay a lot of the time. You're likely to find the game you're looking for, and the obscure expansions to go along with it. If they don't have it, their staff will help track it down for you. They've also got a gaming room, where they hold several events. I'm into some of the games/drafts they hold, but I'm a pretty anti-social gamer so I've never attended. I've always been a little envious of it though, to be honest. Everyone is always having a great time, socializing with each other and the staff. Maybe when we survive this pandemic, I'll finally make a go of it. I love how the store is set up. If you're looking for something specific, the sections are extremely easy to navigate and even a short person like me is able to easily and clearly see everything on the tall shelves. If you're looking to stroll around on a Sunday afternoon, you can do that too! I visited nearly every week prior to quarantine, and found something new/intriguing every single time. Their staff is great - they're always upbeat, joking around with customers, and making every single type of person feel welcome in their space. I am someone who has always been into games, comics, anime, etc., but you wouldn't know unless you saw me in my element. Mayhem is in my element, and I have never once felt unwelcome there by anyone, staff and customers alike. If you're looking for a laid back, inclusive environment to relax and spend time with like-minded people - Mayhem is for you, too! read more

Great place we go there every year when my daughter has a competition in Iowa! Fantastic memory with my son, in fact, one of my favorites! Always has great staff on how to answer any questions even if you're not a huge comic book person like me. Always have gone out of the way to seem warm and welcoming and informational. Highly recommend. read more

If you're into comics, collectibles, board games, DnD, MtG, or generally consider yourself a nerd and you havent checked this place out- what are you even doing?? From the floor to ceiling bookcases for comics, to the amazingly well organized magic cards, to the walls lined with mini figs and dice, Mayhem has everything you need. Everytime I'm there I check out their Dice selection and the cases for MtG cards. My husband looks at card binders and deck boxes, and then we decide what mini figs we need to work on next and pick them up. The employees are knowledgable (but always willing to learn something new) and friendly, and up for chats and debates about any number of topics. Absolutely one of the best geek stores I've been to and I always look forward to going back! read more

I will put down my 'AMES MAYHEM RULES' sign because...I shouldn't be biased. They are two locations of the same entity, ha. (Plus, I think the Des Moines store has sent me comics to Ames in the past). I shall withhold the made up rivalry I created for the two stores in my own head. I was looking for a specific trade book, and before I folded to the convenience of Amazon, I wanted to check the Des Moines location of my favorite comic shop, Mayhem. Normally, I would have asked Ames to call-in, but I realized I had never physically been to the Des Moines store and decided to stop by. I am glad I did! Although they didn't have what I was looking for, they did have a nice little set-up. It appeared that this store had a wider selection of cards & games opposed to the Ames location. Which is fine, I go for the comics. I'm not big on the game aspect. Just like their Ames store, it has a well organized 'New' section. The staff was cordial and someone did ask me, periodically, if I was finding everything okay (or) if I needed assistance. They weren't pushy or appear like it was expected. It was just a kind gesture. I will say that the layout seemed a bit buy and slightly more difficult to maneuver opposed to their Ames location. I don't believe this is necessarily a fixable issue. They are just trying to distribute with the space they have. Their back issue space didn't seem as wide or diverse as the Ames location, but again, that relies more on the offerings of the individual store. The two seem to share if need-be from previous experience. I do, for comics, prefer the Ames location. That being said, this is a fine place for comic perusing in Des Moines. I'll go back if the opportunity/adventure presents itself. read more

Mayhem is just that, it's Mayhem in here! So much stuff, I'm getting sensory overload! Toys, games, comics, books, cards, figurines! They have it all! It's a wonderland for kids, and the adults who are still young at heart! I had to kill sometime waiting for some food next door and I enjoyed my first experience in here! They had lots of cool Star Wars stuff, and it looked like game night was about to begin in game room! The staff was very nice and helpful! If you dig comics, games, or fantasy worlds you will feel right at home her! Now back to the Bat Cave to read this new comic! read more

Mayhem Collectibles - Comic Books Near Me - Clive, Iowa

See all

Alex helped me make an amazing burn deck!! Thanks to the staff at Mayhem Collectibles for being super friendly and great to work with. Definitely a must shop play. read more

A lovely hobby shop with (most likely) the biggest selection in all of the state. Lots of neat stuff to explore and buy here with a selection that means they'll most-likely have what you're looking for - or will be able to get it for you. PROS: -This place is HUGE. By-far probably the biggest game store in Iowa. There is a ton of stuff to shop when you're here - lots of comics, miniatures, TONS of board games, lots of figurines and other collectibles, card games, and more. -Separate game room area. However, we came on a Pokemon game night. The separate (including a door and everything) aspect didn't keep kids from opening the door and running/talking loudly in the actual store. If you're a fan of a quieter experience, you might want to choose to come on a day without an event in the attached game room. -Holyshit board games. This is, again, the biggest board game selection I've ever seen. Games were nicely labeled to make it easy to find what you were looking for - or a brand new game to play. There was a "Family Games" section as well as "Co-Op Games" section - and I saw a bunch of games I've never seen before. -Staff seemed friendly. I didn't interact much with them, but I could hear them talking comfortably and in a laid-back fashion with some of the other customers who were checking out. CONS: -Prices can be noticeably more expensive than online options. Depending on what I was looking at, it might have been $15 to $20 more than what you can find online. However, some things were actually cheaper - or about on-par with the online pricing. Just shop smart when you're here, but of course, support a local business like Mayhem when you can. -No easy-navigation design. Once you find what you're looking for, everything is grouped together, but in such a large store, it takes a bit of looking around. The store isn't big enough to be entirely un-explorable, so you just might have to walk around a little bit in order to find the area where your potential item will be located. Everything is grouped together in semi-understandable areas (miniatures are by the roleplaying guides and painting supplies, board games are near other board games, etc.). read more

Nice selection of new and used graphic novels. It seemed to have a lot of new releases both in comics and toys and I liked that the staff had made a few picks along with signage that explained why it was recommended. Great if you want to find a new series. It's a big store, but more than half of it is devoted to games and a game room. Nice store, reasonable prices and a friendly staff. read more

Wow. This place is nerd heaven!!! There is so much to look at it's kind of overwhelming, however the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable!! They know their products and where they are at, as well as if they don't carry it, they can either wait list you if it's on order or tell you where you can find it, it it's like a discontinued collectable! Their comic book collection cannot be beat!!! I mean walls and walls of comics and an impressive filing cabinet system. They also have a great selection of games and collectibles!! I have never seen so many board games in once place before!! The only thing I wish that that I wish they had more manga. But according to the employee I asked it didn't sell well so I understand!! Parking is super easy to find and for the amount of merchandise they carry it's pretty well organized and once you find their organization rhythm you can locate things quickly! They do also have an impressive gaming area, I didn't go in, because there was a magic tournament going on, but I checked it out through the window, huge tables for card tournaments! I will definitely be back to get my nerdy binge on!!! read more

Mayhem Collectibles - Comic Books Near Me - Clive, Iowa

One of the best place to get your comics, games and other tabletop game fix. It's a bonus that this is just a walking distance from where we live. We have visited this place a couple of times. They have 5 row or more of cabinets of comic and in alphabetically arrange (which is for me is a delight)!! So I just come in here with my husband and my daughter. Also, make sure to check the back of the store where they normally put their discounted item. They have every time of game altogether, much easier to find what you're looking for. There's an adjacent room where people pretty much play their game (mostly card games I think), not really into those games but this store pretty has some games for everybody. read more

Terrible customer service. Brought our toddler in while looking for some figurines and an possible new tabletop game. While my husband took care of our child a staff member walks up to him and asks "what are we doing here? Kid watching?" I heard this at two isles away. We put everything down, walked out and will now be shopping with Amazon. If I could give no stars I would, but unfortunately that is not an option. read more

This place is amazing. Incredible selection of games, super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Definitely check this place out and support your local shop!! read more

Why I no longer shop at Mayhem Comics and Games: I was in Des Moines this past weekend, and stopped by Mayhem Comics near my parents to buy a few things. (I do this a lot, FWIW. I've probably spent seven or eight hundred dollars there, not including the $195.01 I dropped this weekend.) The first problem was they overcharged me by $11. The computer listed a different price than the sticker.) When I caught it, they graciously Offered me store credit. It seemed a little unprofessional, but they were busy and I figured I would be back next trip anyway. (Ha!) When I got back to Dayton I discovered that one of my new purchases duplicated something I already own. So I pulled their phone number off the receipt and gave them a call. They have a 30 day return policy (for store credit only, but I live in Dayton and I'm not going to be back in Des Moines in 30 days -- it will probably be more like 50 days. Would you please be willing to extend it in this circumstance? The answer is unequivocally no. "We have a 30 day policy. We can't make an exception." This, of course, is bullshit. It's THEIR policy. THEY can change it. They can set whatever policy they want, but this is how they treat a customer that DRIVES 600 MILES TO SHOP IN THEIR STORE! Or rather, I used to -- I'm as loyal to them as they are to me. read more

I appreciate Mayhem's great selection and I really love to go browse around their games, read the backs, and look for a hidden treasure. They have a fantastic selection of games for any age and the prices are reasonable enough that I can take a chance on something unknown that looks fun. read more

This place is heaven for gamers. I am a fan of board games and just about drooled when I saw Mayhems collection. The staff were incredibly nice and helpful even though there were hundreds of people hanging out for some gamer events going on next door. Highly recommend this place for any gamer. read more

Love this place and have been a customer for several years. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Everytime I go in there, I always wind up having a ten minute conversation with an employee about a variety of things. read more

Fantastic store run by James, the patron saint of gaming in Des Moines. Wonderful game room stocked with demo copies of really decent games. read more