Mayhem Collectibles — Local services in Ames

I used to play Magic: the Gathering here regularly while I was growing up. I returned for the first time in a few years over the holiday weekend, only to be very disappointed in my experience. I sat down excited to play, because I don't get the opportunity very often, and the person in charge of the event (Austin?) said because there were 16 players, the event would be four rounds, cut to top eight, a format I was familiar with.

I won three rounds, which guaranteed me a spot in the top eight, and because I won my last round quickly, I went next door to meet up with my wife while my friends finished their round. They joined me next door, and I asked if the next round was starting, only to be told the event was over. I guess "cut to top eight" meant the prizes were to top eight, and not that there was a cut being made before play continued. So I went back to collect my prizes, and I was told that they "thought I didn't want them" because I left, so they gave them away to other players. I lingered, confused and a little upset, and was basically told I was out of luck.

I know five packs of cards isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but this left a very bitter taste in my mouth. I was not told that "cut to top eight" meant something different than usual, and I returned before most of the people had even packed up their things. All in all, there seemed to be a lot of inside information I should have known before attempting to play here, and that's not what I was expecting from a community that I assumed would be welcoming. (I was particularly confused by the announcement that some "six-letter words" were banned, and that I was assumed to know what those words were and discouraged from inquiring further.)

I won't be returning, and I encourage others in the area to play...

I've been going to Mayhem since it first opened - before, actually, when it was under a different name with a different owner. Other than when I lived outside of Ames for a period, my weekly comic shopping trip to Mayhem has been a staple of my life for over 2 decades.

The shop has grown and they've expanded their offerings dramatically over this time, but at the center of all of it there's been two consistent, visible owners, Rob and Dave, who are the heart and guts of the store.

The customer service at Mayhem is absolutely stellar - you won't find a more knowledgeable and helpful crew in a retail setting anywhere. It's clear they love what they do, and they're always excited about what's coming out next, and they'll happily recommend things they love (and won't B.S. you about things they don't).

The store is very well organized attractive - the selection is pretty incredible, but you can find everything very easily, because it's right where you'd think it would be. Some stores of this type just stack stuff, and though it can be fun to dig through the stacks, it's much nicer to just go find what you want.

I also love that this is a local, independent store that has succeeded in Ames, spawning another store in Des Moines. There aren't many local businesses of any type that can claim the staying power of Mayhem Collectibles.

If you are into comic books, games, or anything remotely related to the genre, you won't find a more pleasant shopping experience...

Drove to the Mayhem im Ames on a Saturday night date night to maybe pick up some books I was missing in my runs or score some cgc slabs. No such luck. Granted it is right after the holiday season and with the pandemic still controlling economic recovery the staff was polite. With that being said we proceeded to our objective, down stairs we climb. I haven't been able to get this Mayhem location in a few years so it was refreshing to see the murals leading down and comics lining the walls. Unfortunately I wasn't able to find any books to add to my collection this trip. Curiously, I asked if they had any graded comic books and got a deer in the headlights look so that only added too my disappointment. The glass case over flowing with books layer after layer was hard to decipher, I didn't even bother with them. So in review I would say if your looking for newer old stock to fill holes in your runs this place could be adequate enough I guess. Just don't go out of your way expecting too much in regards to comics. I did purchase some mylite+ and half backs, waste of money, will probably throw them in the garbage. Stick with mylites 2...