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One of America’s biggest comic shop chains is gearing up for major expansion, and have named a new leader to help grow
The Florida comic store giant Coliseum of Comics recently expanded to Texas, and now it’s promoted Chris Powell to keep growing
NewsbyChris Arrant, Editor-in-Chief
Published on Mon Jul 13 2026
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One of the largest comic book store chains in the world is growing, and to help it do that, they’ve named a centralized director of operations. Veteran retailer & comics distribution executive Chris Powell is now the Florida-based chain’s director of operations, after successfully launching two new locations earlier this year in Texas
“We’ve been navigating a period of significant growth. Giving Chris the reins to lead our stores into their next stage of evolution is essential to maintaining the pace we’ve set for ourselves,” says Coliseum of Comics president/CEO Phil Boyle’s in the announcement. “His experience, leadership, and commitment to operational excellence make him the right person to help.”
Launched in 1983, Phil Boyle’s Coliseum of Comics chain has grown to become one of the primary comic stores in Florida, and the store chain’s buying power has positioned it to be one of the strongest and most well-respected voices in comics retail – especially following the bankruptcy of Diamond Comic Distributors.
Powell is best known for his time at Diamond Comic Distributors, where he held several roles, including ultimately the chief sales & service officer for its then-parent company, Geppi Family Enterprises. Powell got his start at Texas’ big comic store chain, Lone Star Comics. When Powell joined Coliseum of Comics in late 2025, he returned to his native Texas to handle the chain’s entry into the Texas market and test some innovations (including a revised logo for the company) in these new stores
“Coliseum’s expansion into Texas has exceeded our expectations in a remarkably short time,” Boyle added. “Our increased visibility has opened doors to opportunities nationwide. We recognized the need for a leadership team organized not only to maximize the performance of our existing stores but also to position Coliseum for continued growth.”
It’s my understanding that Coliseum of Comics is actively seeking out opportunities for new locations in the US Southeast. The chain is actively hiring right now for several positions, including at its main warehouse in Orlando
Here’s a list of all the job openings in comics right now
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Chris Arrant: Chris Arrant is the Popverse’s Editor-in-Chief. He has written about pop culture for USA Today, Life, Entertainment Weekly, Publisher’s Weekly, Marvel, Newsarama, CBR, and more. He has acted as a judge for the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, the Harvey Awards, and the Stan Lee Awards. (He/him)
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