The grand opening was not my first visit to Heroes Comics & Gaming. I work nearby, so I came on my lunch hour to check it out on the first day of their soft opening on March 9. In fact, I was their very first customer. I think that should entitle me to special privileges or at least recognition of some kind, don’t you? At least it entitled me to free burgers, hot dogs, and cake for the grand opening. Apparently, everyone got those, but I still felt special.

Heroes is a big store. It’s spacious and brightly lit. The restroom is painted to look like a TARDIS. I didn’t need to piss, so I don’t know if flushing the toilet sends you on an adventure through space and time. I hung around for a while eating the free food while fellow nerd, James, taught me how to play “Boss Monster.” The store is a comfortable place to hang out. Demond Thompson, a customer checking out the store after his friend told him about the grand opening, agreed.

“I like it a lot,” Demond said. “Honestly, having the room to move is great. Other stores can be cramped. I have a little girl who is nerdy, so a big space like this where she can move around and feel safe is great.”

Even after the free Grand Opening food is gone, Heroes sells sodas and candy to make it easier to hang out longer.