Bright comics and play spaces fill the growing new comic book store in Enid, welcoming gamers and shoppers of all ages.
Big Deck Comics opened this month at Sunset Plaza, selling comics, graphic novels, collectible card games, and collectible toys. The store is also a free place for table players to host their games.
Big Deck Comics co-owners Nicole Forbes and Brian Unruh try to sell what their customers want and continue to add more inventory to their store as they learn more about their customers’ interests.
“We just want to give Enid a place to come and buy all the cheesy, fun stuff that they enjoy,” Forbes said.
Brian Unruh and Nicole Forbes, co-owners of Big Deck Comics, speak in an interview. (Billy Hefton / Enid News & Eagle)
Since Hastings closed, people have had to travel to other towns to find comics and other art, she said, adding that buying collectibles online is far from ideal because part of the value of collectibles is the condition they are in.
“If you get a damaged comic, it’s ruined,” Forbes said. “If you collect them, it’s ruined. You need to make sure it is in good condition. That’s why many of our people are bagged and shipped – that way they’re protected from the elements.
Unruh has loved comics since he was a child and always wanted to run his own shop. He embarked on the “Magic: The Gathering” card game when it was released.
“I like to sit down and learn something new with someone else. It’s always been a blast, ”Unruh said. “It’s just something I kept from my childhood.”
Forbes said she enjoys pop culture and the artistic side of things, being a huge fan of “The Goonies”.
“I’m a graphic designer by trade,” Forbes said. “I love artwork, it’s really cool for me. I generally gravitate more towards art, while (Unruh) gravitates towards the history side. “
While Forbes and Unruh share their passions with Enid, they specifically hope to reach middle school and high school students who may not have much to do after school.
“We want to give children the opportunity to learn to play any game, regardless of their interest. We’re going to have a lot of groups coming up so we can have a mentorship for the kids. We want this to continue, ”Unruh said.
Big Deck Comics is located at 610 S. Cleveland, Suite 110 K. Hours of operation are noon to 9 pm Tuesday through Thursday and noon to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.
