These days, most people have heard of the evolution of comics. Marvel movies have reached an all-time high in viewership. There are more female characters, more ethnically diverse characters, and more queer representation.

Local comic shops go even further, not only selling books that represent all types of people, but also providing space for other avenues of community building. They offer spaces for card games, role-playing games, and good old-fashioned board games.

Some assume that comic book stores only serve a modest niche market. For those of us who grew up in the 80s, some of these games may conjure up old ideas. Who are these kids and adults playing games in comic book stores?

Dungeons & Dragons in the 80s was described as a game for antisocial nerds. Now, according to the New York Times article “Who’s Playing Dungeons & Dragons These Days?” The Usual Fans, and Then Some,” the game is being played by an ever-growing audience that even includes celebrities like Tiffany Haddish and Anderson Cooper. According to this article. it’s not that D&D isn’t nerdy, but rather that being nerdy has become pretty cool.

So really, if you were wondering, are these game nights open to everyone? The answer is yes!

I spoke to the owners of POW! Card Games and Comics, October Country Comics and Doomsday Comics. The owners of these stores all have a similar mission: to create a safe and fun space for children and adults of all ages to come and play games. More the merrier, the merrier. and everyone is welcome!

What I also discovered is that these owners love what they do. They are the definition of a small, local, independent business. They have a wealth of knowledge on all things gaming and comics.

They work to provide an inviting space not because they will make millions, but because they really, really love what they do. They welcome new players, people with questions and conversations, and seasoned old ones, so stop by one of these places and fire up your game.

POW! Card games and comics

175 Broadway in Port Ewen, offers the following game nights:

Wednesdays: Magic The Gathering Draft at 6 p.m. Admission is $15, which entitles you to three boosters! All ages and skill levels are always welcome.

Friday: Yu-Gi-Oh! Advanced format tournament at 6 p.m. Admission is $5, which entitles you to a promo pack. All ages and levels are welcome!

Saturday: D&D at 1 p.m. Free to play. Registration only, from 14 years old unless accompanied by a guardian. Please contact the store to register.

Sunday: Magic The Gathering Commander Madness from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The $6 registration fee gets you a promo pack. Commander pods shoot all day, so entries until 4 p.m. All ages and skill levels are always welcome.

October Country Comics

246 Main Street, Suite #5 at New Paltz. October Country is owned by Devon Sprenger and Kiel Ferris.

Wednesdays: Dungeons & Dragons youth for 8 to 15 year olds from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. $5.

Fridays: Graphic Novel Club formed now for ages twelve and up. Call for more information.

They offer pre-release Magic the Gathering games whenever a new Magic card game comes out. They have games using these new cards a week before their actual release.

End of the world comics

319 Wall Street, Unit 1 in downtown Kingston. Owned by Michael Humiston and Christopher Livecchi.

Last Sundays: Games night 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. $5

Fridays: chess club from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., ages 8 and up. Free.

Alternate Wednesdays: Learn/Play Magic the Gathering 3-6 p.m. $5.

Sunday: Commander 2 p.m.

D&D games run on a flexible schedule with no long-term commitments. Email them or contact them via social media to sign up. You can register for a game or keep in touch with the calendar.

They have a huge space in the back with a toy library. They encourage people to come and use the tables. They would also be happy to host any game you would like to set up. They charge $5 an hour during business hours and a bit more after business hours.

They will advertise game nights for various occasions. For example, they hosted a Pride Game Night in June to help celebrate Pride Month. Stop by anytime to check out the games available or bring your own and enjoy their space.