Theater senior and co-owner Gabriel Cooper, left, and co-owner Aaron Solon converse while waiting for customers Jan. 8, 2014, at Hollow Mountain Comics on Grand River Ave. The store opened New Years day. Erin Hampton/ The State News
Comic and game lovers could have a home in East Lansing once again with the establishment of Hollow Mountain Comics, 611 E. Grand River Ave.
Hollow Mountain Comics, located below Cottage Inn, aims to be a haven for comic book lovers and offers a variety of role-playing, board, trading card and miniature games.
The bright purple walls in the front of the store are lined with DC and Marvel editions, image comics and graphic novels. Co-owner Gabriel Cooper, a theatre senior and a former graphic designer at The State News, said they receive weekly editions of comics every Wednesday.
Past the archway that divides the store, a plethora of games provide contrast to the front room’s comic theme. Wooden tables are set up for Pokémon and board game nights hosted at the store.
The owners’ own interests are the reason for the store’s split. Cooper’s specialty is comics, while co-owner Aaron Solon’s main focus is on games.
Although Cooper and Solon, an MSU alumnus, have different areas of expertise, both of them are connected by the common goal of filling the hole left behind by the now-closed 21st Century Comics & Games.
After 21st Century’s owner closed the store at 515 E. Grand River Ave. to pursue other job opportunities, Cooper said he, Solon and the rest of East Lansing’s comic book and gaming community lost a valued sanctuary.
However, Hollow Mountain has risen from the ashes left in the wake of 21st Century Comics & Games and presents a new beginning for the community.
The store had its grand opening on Jan. 1 while students were still away from campus.
Cooper said he was initially concerned people would not come in.
However, he was proven wrong.
“We ended up having a big turnout,” Cooper said. “Everyone either knew we were gonna be here or wandered by and were surprised we existed.”
Game nights at Hollow Mountain also have caught the interest of East Lansing residents.
Solon said their first Saturday tournament was packed with as many gamers as they could possibly fit inside.
“We could barely even move,” Solon said. “It was really exciting.”
Solon added Hollow Mountain plans to have a focus on hosting as many interesting events within the store as possible.
Cooper said he hopes their store will be a comic book and gaming destination for many years to come.
“I just want it to keep existing,” Cooper said. “I want it to always be a welcoming place for people.”
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