MyComicShop (Lone Star Comics, Texas) dominates on catalog volume (10 million indexed entries, with 4 to 5 million actively available for sale) and applies a strict but consistent internal grading standard — ideal for buying raw vintage and modern books. Mile High Comics (Chuck Rozanski, Colorado) has been operating since 1969 with a sprawling physical inventory of 10 million+ copies, a historically more generous grading approach, and remains the go-to source for Bronze and Silver Age books in mid-grade raw condition. For buying raw vintage with confidence: MyComicShop. For consigning or selling a mixed lot: Mile High Comics negotiates on a case-by-case basis.
Buying or selling American comics from Europe in 2026 almost always means going through one of the major US-based dealers. Among the top twenty players by revenue, two independent shops dominate in terms of name recognition and catalog volume for raw transactions: MyComicShop, operated by Lone Star Comics in the suburbs of Arlington, Texas, and Mile High Comics, founded in 1969 by Chuck Rozanski in Denver, Colorado. Both have survived major market shifts — the 1996 collapse, the Diamond implosion in 2020, the rise of auction houses — but with structurally different business models.
This article compares the two shops across six dimensions: their history and commercial identity, the volume and depth of their catalogs, the accuracy and philosophy of their internal grading, observed price ranges on vintage books, shipping logistics to international buyers with associated timelines, and finally consignment or buyback programs for sellers outside the US. The goal isn't to crown a universal winner, but to help you choose based on your collector profile, the era you're targeting (Golden, Silver, Bronze, Modern), and the nature of your transaction (one-off purchase, building a complete run, selling a lot).
History and Identity: Lone Star Comics 1961 vs. Chuck Rozanski 1969
MyComicShop is the online storefront of Lone Star Comics, a company founded in 1961 in Arlington, Texas by Buddy Saunders. At the start, Lone Star was a simple neighborhood shop reselling back issues picked up from local newsstands. The turning point came in the 1980s, when Saunders structured his inventory using a proprietary internal SKU system, enabling the business to industrialize order-taking via printed catalogs and later by fax. By the late 1990s, Lone Star had migrated its entire inventory online under the domain mycomicshop.com, making it one of the first digitally integrated back issue dealers on the market. As of 2026, the company employs roughly 40 people, operates a 70,000-square-foot warehouse in Arlington, and maintains proprietary software infrastructure to manage its multi-million-entry catalog.
MyComicShop's commercial DNA is defined by this culture of exhaustive cataloging. Every comic in the system is paired with a detailed listing (cover scan, indicia, variants, noted defects), a price benchmarked against the secondary market, and a real-time stock status. This industrial approach targets collectors who want to build complete runs, hunt down variants, or fill gaps in their collection at transparent prices. Saunders and his team don't position themselves as advisors or collection managers — they sell back issues at scale, full stop.
Mile High Comics has a very different founding story. In 1969, Chuck Rozanski, then 15 years old, bought his first comic collection for $70 in Colorado. In 1977, at 23, he made what would become the most famous acquisition in the history of the comic market: the Edgar Church collection, known as the Mile High Collection. Edgar Church, a Denver commercial illustrator, had purchased an average of 40 comics per week between 1937 and 1957, storing them in a cool, dry basement. Rozanski bought the entire collection — estimated at 22,000 comics, roughly 18,000 of which were Golden Age books in exceptional condition — for $1.8 million. That collection underpins the Mile High pedigree recognized by CGC today, and cemented the shop's reputation in the hobby.
Under Rozanski's leadership, Mile High Comics grew into a hybrid model combining brick-and-mortar retail (up to 6 Denver locations in the 1990s, 1 or 2 remaining as of 2026), an online catalog, convention circuit activity (San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic Con, regional shows), and a consignment program. The company employs around 20 people, operates a warehouse of over 97,000 square feet in Denver housing an estimated 10 million physical comics (a figure Rozanski himself has cited in multiple 2024–2025 interviews), and continues to publish a weekly newsletter that has followed tens of thousands of collectors since the 1990s. The house culture is more personal, more narrative — Chuck Rozanski still signs his own market commentary columns in 2026.
Catalog Volume and Depth: 4 to 5 Million Raw vs. 10 Million+ Physical
Comparing catalogs is more nuanced than the headline numbers suggest. Both shops advertise impressive figures, but on different bases.
MyComicShop claims a 2026 catalog of 10 million indexed entries in its database, of which roughly 4 to 5 million are actively available for purchase at any given time. The granularity is exceptional: each issue is listed across multiple grades (Mint, Near Mint, Very Fine, Fine, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor) with a dedicated listing per condition. For Amazing Spider-Man #129, for example, you'll typically find 4 to 8 raw copies across different grades, plus 1 to 3 CGC-graded copies, with individual photos for every copy graded Very Fine or below. This depth allows a buyer to pinpoint exactly the copy that fits their budget and quality standard, with no surprises on arrival.
Chronological coverage is equally comprehensive: Golden Age (1938–1955), Atomic Age (1945–1956), Silver Age (1956–1970), Bronze Age (1970–1985), Copper Age (1984–1991), Modern Age (1992–present), plus independent publishers (Image, Dark Horse, IDW, Boom, Vault). Newsstand variants, UK pence editions, Canadian Price Variants (CPVs), rare Mark Jewelers inserts, and multi-print editions are systematically identified and cataloged. For building a complete run or tracking down a specific variant, MyComicShop offers the most searchable database in the American market.
Mile High Comics claims a physical inventory of at least 10 million comics housed in Denver. The key nuance: not all of them are listed online. The active web catalog on mile-high.com typically exposes 1.5 to 2.5 million copies, with a less granular approach than MyComicShop. Listings often show an approximate grade (NM, VF, FN, VG) without individual photos for books under $100, which requires more trust in the internal grading and a higher tolerance for variance upon receipt.
Where Mile High shines is in deep niche inventory. The shop holds record stock on certain titles: complete runs of 1940s Atomic-era comics (often absent elsewhere), Pre-Code Horror from 1948 to 1954 in mid-grades (Good to Fine — a segment where Mile High is simply unmatched), underground comix from 1968 to 1975, vintage fanzines, Warren magazines (Creepy, Eerie, Vampirella), and Marvel UK weeklies from 1972 to 1981. If you're hunting an obscure title or trying to assemble a Pre-Code Horror wall in Fine grade, Mile High is statistically the first place to look — before eBay.
On the flip side, for mainstream Marvel and DC key issues in high grades (Very Fine to Near Mint), MyComicShop typically carries more copies available at any given moment, with better individual descriptions. The choice ultimately comes down to what you're after: mainstream key issues in high grade = MyComicShop; deep niche or mid-grade Golden Age = Mile High.
Internal Grading and Accuracy: Lone Star's Strictness vs. Mile High's Historical Generosity
The accuracy of internal grading is a critical factor for international buyers who can't inspect a book in person before buying, and who face potentially prohibitive return shipping costs (anywhere from $25 to $60 USD for an insured return to the US). A generous grading standard means a book listed as Very Fine might arrive as Fine+ — a meaningful drop in resale value. A strict standard means a book listed as Fine might arrive as Fine+ or Very Fine-, a pleasant surprise.
MyComicShop has a long-standing reputation for strict internal grading. Veterans on the CGC Collectors Society forum have noted since 2015 that Lone Star's Very Fine books often assess as Very Fine+ or Very Fine/Near Mint when independently evaluated, and that their Near Mint copies almost always land at Near Mint- at minimum, often Near Mint to Near Mint+. This strictness is confirmed by CGC cross-referencing: a book purchased as Very Fine from MyComicShop and submitted to CGC typically comes back at CGC 7.5 to 8.0, sometimes 8.5 — squarely within the Overstreet standard for Very Fine (strict 7.0–7.5).
This grading policy serves two commercial purposes: protecting the brand by minimizing returns, and building loyalty with advanced collectors who grade their own books and know quality when they see it. The trade-off is pricing: MyComicShop books are typically 10 to 25% above the GPA median for the listed grade — a premium partly justified by the actual quality received. For a buyer who plans to send purchases to CGC afterward (see CGC vs. CBCS vs. PGX for service comparison), MyComicShop's strict grading is an advantage: the grade matches reality, and post-pressing improvement is consistent with expectations.
Mile High Comics has historically applied a more generous grading standard, a legacy of the 1980s and 1990s when the distinction between Very Fine and Near Mint was less rigorous. Mile High Near Mint books from the 2000s–2015 era sometimes corresponded to Very Fine+ or Very Fine/Near Mint by strict standards — a friction point documented extensively in forums (CGC Collectors Society, comicboards.com, reddit r/comicbookcollecting). Under pressure from the market and from the professionalisation of CGC grading after 2000, Mile High has progressively tightened its criteria. As of 2026, Mile High's internal grading remains slightly more generous than MyComicShop's by most forum comparisons, with an estimated gap of 0.5 to 1 Overstreet grade on average for Bronze and Silver Age books.
This difference shows up in return policies. MyComicShop accepts returns within 30 days for misgrade, with a full refund if the defect is documented (photo evidence required); misgrade returns are rare, running at roughly 1 to 2% of orders according to community feedback. Mile High also accepts returns but with a less defined policy, and its historical misgrade return rate is higher — estimated at 4 to 6% based on forum data. For a buyer who values predictable grade upon receipt, MyComicShop has the edge; for a buyer who prioritizes title rarity over grade precision, Mile High still makes plenty of sense.
Observed Pricing on Vintage Books: MyComicShop's Premium vs. Mile High's Accessibility
An analysis of observed prices across a sample of twenty Bronze Age key issues in June 2026 (Hulk #181, Amazing Spider-Man #129, Giant-Size X-Men #1, Wolverine #1 1982, Iron Man #55, Werewolf by Night #32, Tomb of Dracula #10, X-Men #94, Amazing Spider-Man #194, Daredevil #168, plus ten additional titles) reveals structural pricing differences between the two shops.
MyComicShop positions its prices above the GPA median for high grades (Very Fine 8.0 to Near Mint 9.4). The observed gap is +10 to +25% on mainstream key issues, with a wider spread on the most sought-after books (Wolverine #1 raw NM listed at $380 at MyComicShop in May 2026 vs. a 90-day GPA median of $305). In mid-grades (Fine to Very Fine), the gap narrows to +5 to +15%. In low grades (Good to Very Good), MyComicShop tends to be in line with or slightly below the median, because strict grading makes it less competitive in segments where perceived quality depends heavily on how a book is presented.
Mile High Comics is priced more accessibly on common vintage books. Across the twenty key issues tested, Mile High prices averaged 5 to 15% below MyComicShop at the equivalent listed grade. However, once you factor in the grading gap (Mile High calling Near Mint what MyComicShop would call Very Fine+), the real price advantage shrinks to 0 to 5%. On Pre-Code Horror and niche Silver Age titles — segments where Mile High dominates — Mile High's prices regularly run 20 to 40% below other dealers in mid-grades, making it the reference shop in those categories.
Newsstand variants and UK pence editions follow a similar pattern: MyComicShop applies current newsstand premiums with precision (Amazing Spider-Man #300 newsstand at +60 to +80% vs. direct edition, for example), while Mile High sometimes lists newsstand variants without a specific premium on books under $50 — creating arbitrage opportunities for attentive variant hunters. See the detailed breakdown of undervalued comics and sleeper issues for 2026 for sector-specific opportunities.
For bulk purchases, Mile High has run massive sale events since 2008 (Holiday Sale in November–December with 50 to 70% off select categories, Spring Sale in March–April). These events can make Mile High unbeatable for high-volume orders. MyComicShop runs more modest promotions (typically 10 to 20% off select categories on Black Friday) but maintains consistent, year-round pricing and is open to negotiation on large orders.
Shipping Internationally: Transit Times, Carriers, Customs, and Real-World Experience
International shipping is the most operationally differentiating factor between the two shops. Transit times, available carriers, and packaging quality directly affect buyer satisfaction and the safety of the shipment.
MyComicShop offers several international shipping options from Arlington in 2026. USPS First Class International (for packages under 4 lbs) typically costs $15 to $35 USD depending on weight, with an advertised 7 to 14 business days transit time and limited tracking (a USPS tracking number that stops updating after leaving the US in 30 to 40% of cases). USPS Priority Mail International costs $35 to $75 USD depending on weight and dimensions, with a 6 to 10 business day transit time and full end-to-end tracking. FedEx International Economy runs $60 to $150 USD with 4 to 7 business days and proactive customs management (the carrier pre-pays VAT at delivery and invoices separately).
MyComicShop's packaging is universally praised in collector forums. Each comic is placed in a Mylar bag with a full-backing board, then sandwiched between two additional rigid chipboard pieces, the whole assembly snugly packed inside an oversized cardboard box with kraft paper fill. For orders over $200 USD, MyComicShop automatically includes declared-value insurance in the shipping cost. The reported damage rate among buyers is under 0.5% of orders for 2024–2025 — exceptionally low for a transatlantic shipment.
Mile High Comics offers a comparable range of carriers from Denver. USPS First Class International ($15 to $30 USD, 8 to 16 business days), USPS Priority Mail International ($35 to $70 USD, 7 to 12 business days), FedEx International ($60 to $130 USD, 5 to 9 business days). Transit times run slightly longer than MyComicShop due to Denver's geographic position (center of the US, vs. Texas which is closer to international maritime and air freight hubs) — a marginal difference of 1 to 3 days on average.
Mile High's packaging is adequate but less thorough. Comics are bagged and boarded, packed in groups of 5 to 10 in cardboard compartments, then boxed with minimal padding. The reported damage rate among international buyers runs between 1.5 and 3% of orders based on forum estimates — 3 to 6 times higher than MyComicShop. This gap is partly explained by volume (Mile High ships roughly 1,200 packages per day vs. 1,800 at MyComicShop) and the standardization of packing processes.
On customs handling, both shops take a compliant approach: accurate customs declarations, full declared value, HS code 4901.99 (printed books and pamphlets), no under-declaration. A $300 USD order from either shop (roughly equivalent in EUR at 2026 rates) will typically incur duties and customs processing fees at the destination. FedEx charges a customs presentation fee; USPS shipments processed through the local postal network may also carry a handling fee. Always calculate the landed cost before committing to an order.
Consignment and Selling: Structurally Different Models
For a collector looking to sell part of their collection rather than buy, the question of consignment programs matters. The two shops take very different approaches that suit different seller profiles.
MyComicShop operates a direct buyback program rather than a consignment model. The shop purchases comics outright via an online tool called Sell Your Comics, which returns an immediate offer based on the declared condition and its internal pricing data. The buyback is selective: MyComicShop prefers books in good condition (Fine and above) with a current market value above $5 per copy. Raw books in low grades (Good and below), books with no meaningful market value (the vast majority of non-key moderns), and magazines/Warren titles are regularly declined or offered very low buyback prices.
MyComicShop's buyback ratio on raw key issues varies by grade: typically 50 to 60% of current market value for Fine to Very Fine Bronze Age books, and 60 to 70% for Very Fine+ to Near Mint Silver Age keys. For an international seller, the process requires physically shipping comics to Arlington (shipping and insurance at the seller's expense, roughly $40 to $150 USD depending on volume), an inspection turnaround of 5 to 10 business days, and payment by US check or international wire transfer after acceptance. Total time from decision to sell to cash in hand: 4 to 8 weeks.
Mile High Comics offers a broader range of options. The direct buyback works on a similar model to MyComicShop (50 to 70% of market value depending on grade and title), with Chuck Rozanski himself paying particular attention to Golden Age lots and quality complete runs. In parallel, Mile High offers a consignment program for higher-value pieces (above $500 per copy), with a seller commission of 20 to 30% of the final sale price, negotiable on large lots. The shop also represents consigned books at the conventions it attends, which can accelerate the sale of niche pieces.
For an international seller with a mixed lot (commercial moderns, Bronze Age runs, a few raw key issues, maybe 1 or 2 CGC-slabbed books), Mile High Comics is probably the better option: the flexibility of the model (partial buyback, consignment for standout pieces, polite pass on commercial filler without hidden fees) fits a heterogeneous situation better. For an international seller holding only raw key issues in good shape from mainstream series, MyComicShop offers a more predictable and faster process.
In either case, structural fees and transatlantic logistics mean that net sales under $1,500 USD are often less profitable than selling directly on eBay or through a European dealer. For the full range of selling strategies, see the complete guide to buying and selling comics and the comics catalog for collection valuation.
FAQ
MyComicShop or Mile High Comics for a first raw vintage purchase as an international buyer?
MyComicShop is the recommended default for a first transatlantic raw vintage purchase. The strict internal grading (books listed as Very Fine often arrive as Very Fine+ by independent assessment), the packaging quality (damage rate under 0.5%), and reliable FedEx or USPS Priority Mail tracking all reduce uncertainty for a buyer new to the US market. Mile High Comics becomes relevant as a second step — for hunting niche titles (Pre-Code Horror, Marvel UK, fanzines) where its catalog runs deeper, or for Holiday/Spring sale events that make prices extremely competitive on bulk orders.
What is the actual delivery time for a MyComicShop order shipped internationally?
Via USPS Priority Mail International from Arlington, Texas, the observed transit time is 8 to 14 business days door-to-door, with a median of around 10 days. Via FedEx International Economy, expect 5 to 8 business days. Add 2 to 5 business days for customs clearance at destination: the package is held at a customs facility while duties and VAT are calculated, then the carrier contacts the recipient for payment before delivery. Total average door-to-door time is therefore 10 to 18 business days depending on carrier and time of year (times stretch in late November through early January due to peak Holiday season).
Is Mile High Comics grading reliable enough to buy without physical inspection?
Mile High's internal grading is solid but historically more generous than MyComicShop's, with an estimated gap of 0.5 to 1 Overstreet grade on average for Bronze and Silver Age books. For an international buyer who can't inspect in person before purchase, this means a listed Near Mint may correspond to Very Fine+ or Very Fine/Near Mint by strict standards. This matters significantly if you plan to submit the book to CGC: a Mile High Near Mint statistically comes back at CGC 8.5 to 9.2, sometimes 9.4, vs. 9.0 to 9.6 for an equivalent Near Mint from MyComicShop. To compensate, target one grade above your desired CGC outcome when buying from Mile High, or prioritize listings that include individual photos.
Should I use MyComicShop or Mile High to build a complete Amazing Spider-Man Bronze Age run?
For a complete Amazing Spider-Man #101–200 run, MyComicShop is statistically the stronger choice. The granular database lets you pinpoint exactly which copies are available at each grade for each issue, typically with 3 to 6 copies per issue within a given grade window. The strict grading ensures visual consistency across books when they arrive. Mile High Comics often has the stock needed, but with less granularity (often one copy listed per grade per issue), making selection more of a lottery. On the key issues within the run (Amazing Spider-Man #129, #149, #194), always compare prices between both shops before buying — the spread can reach 20 to 30% at equivalent real grades.
How do I sell a full collection to one of these shops as an international seller?
For a full collection (typically 500 to 5,000 books), Mile High Comics is the more practical contact thanks to the flexibility of its program. Reach out to Chuck Rozanski by email with a detailed CSV inventory (issue number, title, self-declared grade, specific condition notes), representative photos of your highest-value books, and a breakdown of the total number of comics by decade. Mile High typically responds within 5 to 15 business days with a global offer, usually split between direct buyback for commercial filler and consignment for pieces above $500. MyComicShop does not handle mixed lots: their online process automatically rejects non-key modern books, forcing the seller to pre-sort the collection before shipping. For a hybrid strategy, see the complete guide to buying and selling comics, which breaks down the eBay + Heritage + specialist dealer combination by piece type.