Beyond Comics, a regional chain of comic book and gaming stores, will celebrate an official grand opening in Shepherdstown in the coming weeks.

For now, the shops doors are already open to customers while the staff beefs up the inventory of comic books, graphic novels, games and toys.

Store manager, DC Cathro described the new location as a happy medium between Beyond Comics’ two other locations in Gaithersburg and Frederick, Maryland.

“We’re going to concentrate more on the gaming and comics because its a really arty community,” he said.

Cathro said the store will carry the full line of Marvel, DC and Image comics, as well as some smaller names.

As comics are released each month and new titles will hit the shelves every Wednesday.

Beyond Comics also offers a free subscription service for comic fans who want to order multiple monthly titles each month according to Cathro.

Owner Jon Cohen explained that the Beyond Comics name describes what the chain offers, an experience the includes the fan favorite comics, but also so much more.

“We don’t want people to think we’re just a comic book store,” he said.

Cohen said part of the Beyond Comics mission is to support literacy in local schools. Cohen said the chain offers presentations for students on graphic novels and comics, and hopes to expand that to the Shepherdstown community as well.

Cohen described graphic novels as a “bridge,” between childrens’ books and adult fiction.

According to Cathro the Shepherdstown location will be split down the middle in a sense. Gaming events for group games such as Magic the Gathering and Dungeons and Dragons, will be held on one side of the store, and the other will stock most of the shop’s selection of books and novels.

“We’re going to have gaming events almost every night of the week,” he said.

The weekly game schedule will echo that of the Frederick store: Monday- Star Wars/Star Trek; Tuesday- Hero Clix; Wednesday- Dungeons and Dragons; Thursday and Friday- Magic the Gathering; Friday and Saturday- game demos and open play.

Cathro said the shop’s games have already been a hit with Shepherdstown shoppers, as they offer unique hard to find tittles.

“We carry a lot of things that just can’t find anywhere else,” he said.

Not a native of the area, Cohen said he was interested in bringing a comic book store to Shepherdstown because of its unique demographics the small town boasts, including artists and university students.

“It almost screams for a comic book store,” he said.

Staff member, Steve Custer, 28, said he worked at comic books stores while in college at Frostburg State University of Maryland.

Custer said he thinks comic book shops add to the community of a college town and serve as a fun hide out for students.

“I always found it a great comfort when I was in school,” he said.

“I feel like this is going to be a really great home and hub.”

The new Beyond Comics location is open now at 207 South Princess Street, next to Yarnability. Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. More information about the chain can be found by visiting www.beyondcomics.com. Contact the local store at 304-870-4039.