Inventive Comics and Collectibles Store Will Debut at New International Drive Shopping Attraction in November
The nation’s second-largest comic, collectibles and gaming facility is coming to Orlando. Artegon Marketplace Orlando, the new shopping attraction and artisan marketplace opening November 20 on International Drive, has signed a five-year lease with GODS & MONSTERS, the first high-end, innovative comics and collectibles store of its kind in the country.
“GODS & MONSTERS will change the perception of what a comic and toy store can be,” said Co-founders Todd Fisher and Anna Young. “Forget boring racks of worn out back issues and the same old action figures gathering dust in shoddy displays. We’re doing something different.”
GODS & MONSTERS will offer the genre’s most sought-after merchandise including new and rare releases, import items and vintage collectibles. The decor is being created by scenic effects artists whose portfolios include Central Florida’s world-famous theme parks and attractions.
Other features of the 18,898-square-foot facility include:
“Much the same way Artegon Marketplace Orlando is equal parts attraction and shopping, GODS & MONSTERS is more than a shop,” explained Steven Sless, executive vice president for Paragon Outlet Partners, LLC, the developer of Artegon Marketplace Orlando. “This is a perfect fit for the immersive, interactive experience we are creating here.”
Co-founders Todd Fisher and Anna Young have been in the comic and toy retail business for nearly 40 combined years. Multiple winners of ‘Best of Orlando’ awards, the two have operated some of the region’s finest and best loved stores and galleries including Acme Superstore in Longwood, A Comic Shop in Winter Park, Tekno Comix in Altamonte Springs, and Park Avenue Fine Art and Russell-Alexander Fine Art in Winter Park.
The general contractor for GODS & MONSTERS is Craig Hackebeil with Orlando-based CJRT Construction.
Artegon Marketplace Orlando is a 1.1 million-square-foot shopping attraction scheduled to open on November 20 in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district on International Drive. Developed by Paragon Outlet Partners LLC, it features Florida’s largest daily indoor artisan marketplace anchored by some of the biggest brands in dining and retail to create an immersive, interactive experience unlike any other in Central Florida. For more information, visit www.ArtegonOrlando.com.
“GODS & MONSTERS will change the perception of what a comic and toy store can be,” said Co-founders Todd Fisher and Anna Young. “Forget boring racks of worn out back issues and the same old action figures gathering dust in shoddy displays. We’re doing something different.”
GODS & MONSTERS will offer the genre’s most sought-after merchandise including new and rare releases, import items and vintage collectibles. The decor is being created by scenic effects artists whose portfolios include Central Florida’s world-famous theme parks and attractions.
Other features of the 18,898-square-foot facility include:
- The Transmetropolitan Gallery – A pop-culture, fine art gallery featuring an ever-changing array of top quality comic and media themed art – including sculpture, paintings, custom toys and original comic art –from local, national and international artists.
- The Offworld L.O.U.N.G.E. – A Sci-Fi gaming lounge, heavily inspired by the movie Blade Runner, where guests can enjoy flavored iced coffees, artisan sodas and themed snacks while facing off in a round of Cards Against Humanity or wrecking the noobs at Super Smash Bros as they chow down on udon noodle cups at the White Dragon Noodle Bar.
- An interactive app that will provide access to hidden content throughout the store and beyond (to be released during phase II).
- Special events such as creator signings, movie premieres and conventions where fans can meet their favorite writers, artists and stars.
“Much the same way Artegon Marketplace Orlando is equal parts attraction and shopping, GODS & MONSTERS is more than a shop,” explained Steven Sless, executive vice president for Paragon Outlet Partners, LLC, the developer of Artegon Marketplace Orlando. “This is a perfect fit for the immersive, interactive experience we are creating here.”
Co-founders Todd Fisher and Anna Young have been in the comic and toy retail business for nearly 40 combined years. Multiple winners of ‘Best of Orlando’ awards, the two have operated some of the region’s finest and best loved stores and galleries including Acme Superstore in Longwood, A Comic Shop in Winter Park, Tekno Comix in Altamonte Springs, and Park Avenue Fine Art and Russell-Alexander Fine Art in Winter Park.
The general contractor for GODS & MONSTERS is Craig Hackebeil with Orlando-based CJRT Construction.
Artegon Marketplace Orlando is a 1.1 million-square-foot shopping attraction scheduled to open on November 20 in the heart of Orlando’s tourism district on International Drive. Developed by Paragon Outlet Partners LLC, it features Florida’s largest daily indoor artisan marketplace anchored by some of the biggest brands in dining and retail to create an immersive, interactive experience unlike any other in Central Florida. For more information, visit www.ArtegonOrlando.com.