Image via Gods & Monsters
Artegon is adding geek heaven to its store roster: Gods & Monsters. The new comic shop recently signed a lease on space in the former Festival Bay Mall, promising more than 18,000 square feet of comics, gaming and collectibles. This massive space, the owners claim, makes it the second-largest store of its kind in the nation.
Some of the features of the facility are (directly from the press release):
- The Transmetropolitan Gallery – A pop-culture, fine art gallery featuring an ever-changing array of top quality comic and media themed art – including sculpture, paintings, custom toys and original comic art – from local, national and international artists.
- The Offworld L.O.U.N.G.E. – A sci-fi gaming lounge, heavily inspired by the movie Blade Runner, where guests can enjoy flavored iced coffees, artisan sodas and themed snacks while facing off in a round of Cards Against Humanity or wrecking the noobs at Super Smash Bros as they chow down on udon noodle cups at the White Dragon Noodle Bar.
- An interactive app that will provide access to hidden content throughout the store and beyond (to be released during the second phase).
- Special events such as creator signings, movie premieres and conventions where fans can meet their favorite writers, artists and stars.
Co-founders Todd Fisher and Anna Young are no strangers to the game, having operated such Orlando gems as A Comic Shop and Acme Superstore, among others.
Artegon is slated to open Thursday, Nov. 20. There is no word on an opening date for Gods & Monsters yet, but we’ll let you know as soon as we hear.
This article appears in Sep 17-23, 2014.