Heading to Area 51? Check 12 things before you buy: free Comic Buyer’s Playbook.
PDF, downloads right away. You’ll also get the ComicCollx daily email. One click to unsubscribe.
| Monday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
About Area 51
Area 51 is a comic book and gaming store located in Cortland, New York. Collectors visiting this location can find new weekly comic releases every Wednesday, an extensive back issue collection, tabletop gaming, trading cards, and hobby supplies. Area 51 is a game and pop culture store in Cortland's Riverside Plaza with over 14,000 square feet of space. Besides comics and books, it carries Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon singles, sealed Magic product, miniature, card and board games, anime goods and cosplay weapons and armor, and it runs gaming events every day. Google reviewers most often mention its board games, Pokémon and welcoming atmosphere, with comics and collectibles also coming up. Area 51 is highly rated by the local collector community, earning 4.7 stars from 116 verified Google reviews. Whether you're searching for creator signings, trade paperbacks, rare Silver Age keys, local comic shops like Area 51 in Cortland are the heart of the New York collecting community. Visit Area 51 online or stop by in person to browse current inventory and ask about special orders.
Area 51 at a glance
- Open 7 days a week · Open Saturdays (11 AM to 9 PM) · Open Sundays (11 AM to 9 PM).
- The nearest other comic book store is Comics For Collectors in Ithaca, 20 mi away.
- Find Area 51 on Facebook.
Comic Cons coming up in New York
- Queens Comic Con — Oct 31, 2026, Queens
- Big Apple Comic Con — Nov 21, 2026, New York
Area 51 reviews
Is Area 51 well reviewed?
Area 51 has a 4.7-star average from 116 Google reviews. Read the reviews on Google Maps →
Frequently asked questions about Area 51
Where is Area 51 located?
Area 51 is located in Cortland, New York at Riverside Plaza, 168 Clinton Ave.
Does Area 51 sell back issues?
Yes, Area 51 maintains a back issue inventory. Visit or call to ask about specific issues, runs, or keys you're looking for.
What should I expect at Area 51?
Area 51 is a local comic book store in Cortland, New York. Expect new releases, back issues, graphic novels, and a knowledgeable staff who can help you discover new titles or track down specific issues.
When is Area 51 open?
Area 51's listed hours are: Monday 11 AM to 9 PM; Tuesday 11 AM to 9 PM; Wednesday 11 AM to 9 PM; Thursday 11 AM to 9 PM; Friday 11 AM to 10 PM; Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM; Sunday 11 AM to 9 PM. Hours can change around holidays, so call ahead if you're making a special trip.
What other comic book stores are near Area 51?
The closest are Comics For Collectors in Ithaca (20 mi), Play the Game Read the Story in Syracuse (32 mi), Wally's World O Comixs in Norwich (33 mi).
Comic Book Stores near Area 51
The closest other comic book stores to Area 51, by distance:
Comics For Collectors
Play the Game Read the Story
Wally's World O Comixs
All About Collectibles
View all 164 comic book stores in New York →
More comic book stores in New York
Buying or selling comics? Start here
Straight answers to the questions collectors ask most, with numbers you can check.
- How Much Do Comic Shops Pay for Collections?
- Should I Grade My Comic With CGC or PSA?
- I Inherited a Comic Collection. What Should I Do First?
- Is This a Fair Price for My Comic?
Want all of it in one place? Buying and Selling Comics: The 2026 Guide