Jahner used Ryan’s pre-existing “Star Wars” fascination to introduce him to the rest of the heroes of the comic book world. It wasn’t long before Ryan found himself to be a regular customer and later an employee of the collectables shop.

Ryan eventually left town to pursue a degree, but he returned to find then-owner Jahner once again in need of help.

“Probably about eight years ago I was in town and stopped in on a whim, and the people he had working with him doing the gaming stuff weren’t interested in it anymore and wanted to leave,” Ryan said. “He said that we had been friends a long time and worked really well together and that he’d love to be in business with me.”

When Jahner passed away, Ryan stepped up, along with Jahner’s sister Monica, to run the shop. Since then, Ryan has continued to foster the open and accepting environment that once captivated him so much.

“Really with the players it is amazing to watch them. You’ve got 45-year-olds battling 14-year-olds, and they are connecting on the same level,” Ryan said.

The regulars of Capital City Collectables, 2019 E. Michigan Ave, in Lansing do not behave like store patrons. Jokes ranging from lighthearted jabs to obscene wisecracks fill the air with the kind of laughter only audible when surrounded by the closest of friends.

“We’re a family,” Ryan said. “I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”

— Matt Hallowell, The State News