HEROES VS. VILLAINS
Sydney River comic shop holds first Heroclix tournament.
Comic book and board game fans were treated to a rare experience on Saturday at the My Secret Identity Comics and Games shop in Sydney River.
The store is the only one selected in the Maritimes to host this year’s WizKids Open. Players came from across the Maritimes to compete for exclusive prizes.
The winner of the event earned a Heroclix National Championship qualification to compete in the Canadian championship.
Heroclix has been growing in popularity among comic book fans. It is a tactical combat game where you put heroes and villains from your favourite comics, movies and TV shows in head-to-head combat.
The fact that My Secret Identity Comics and Games was the store chosen to host this year’s WizKids Open was a delight to fans and the owners of the establishment.
Danielle Gusso, is a co-owner of the shop with her husband, Jeff Gusso, who started the business three years ago. Danielle said that she’s proud the store has had fans of Heroclix come from all over the Maritimes for this event.
“Being selected for regionals is amazing and we did some research — we’re the only ones in the Maritimes hosting this kind of event. The next closest one is in Montreal. Our group went ecstatic when they found out about that,” said Gusso.
The tournament started at 1 p.m. and lasted until about 9 p.m. It’s also an all-ages event that not only brings different people together, it caters to all experience levels.
Even though players come from different communities and backgrounds, Gusso said that the community environment makes everyone feel welcome.
“You don’t need a lot of skill. Everything is played on a grid map. All of your information is right there on a dial and with the basic knowledge of the game anyone can jump in,” said Gusso.
“We have a lot of people who just show up and with our community, you don’t need anything to play — just show up and we’ll loan you some figures and get you started.”
One of the newer players at the tournament was Nate Bond.
“Everybody here is super friendly and if you don’t know how to play they’ll still invite you in and teach you everything,” said Bond.
The Heroclix community at the store is three years old and is for all ages. They play every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. and every other Tuesday. See their Facebook page “My Secret Identity Comics and Games” for Details.
The store is open Tuesday to Saturday from 12-9 p.m. and Sundays 12-5 p.m.