Tiny figures in boxes line the walls, watching all who enter and all who leave, while the glare of the light on their plastic beckons any curious customers to take a second look. Covers showing scenes of action and mystery catch wandering eyes and help others remember lost childhoods. A place that is new, yet at the same time old. It’s a place where adventure is preserved on every page and can be viewed in any century. They are considered toys for children, a rage for teens, and memories for adults. Comics and action figures have emerged in Albert Lea, and not only a few, but an authentic store.

“I had 20,000 comics, and I thought ‘why not share with others?’” said Gilbert Johnson, owner of The Chapel tattoo shop. “My collection was growing too large and I always wanted to open one, like as a retirement.”

The comic store had a faux opening recently and is already receiving regular customers. Johnson says he can’t complain on how business is fairing and with changing inventory there will always be fresh items for varying personalities. There is also a free membership that knocks 20 percent off your first purchase and 10 percent off any purchase after.

The real influence of the store however, is to let kids play with toys and comics their parents played with as children. It is about uniting the past with the present. It is also why comic store employee, Casey Olson, enjoys his job.

“I love meeting new people and seeing how excited kids get when they read a comic or play with an action figure,” said Olson. “Comics are getting bigger in this area and we’re getting people to see toys aren’t just for kids.”

Olson has bought rockets and comics from the store and says 9 to 10 people daily check it out. They also accept trades and purchase comics from willing collectors. The most expensive comics and figures are from the Lord of the Ring series. Each comic is priced at $1000 and each figure is $4000, but the majority of figures and comics they sell are around $7, a cheaper price than regular consumer stores in town.

The grand opening of the store was Halloween day. It began at noon with costume and pumpkin painting contests and went until 7 p.m. There was “a ton” of food. With his second business booming, rumors arose that Johnson would retire from tattooing and work the comic store full time.

“No, people won’t let me do that.” Johnson said.

The store is the front half of Johnson’s tattoo parlor, and while the needle whirs in the back, people’s voices will be humming in the front. At the moment the store, is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from noon to 7 p.m. This is another new business opening up in Albert Lea in the last year, maybe some more exceptional changes will be coming.