Randy Lander came to Round Rock as an employee of Dragons Lair, working at the Austin-based comic shop’s first expansion store. In February 2007 he purchased the location, and Rogues Gallery Comics and Games was born. The management team at Rogues Gallery has been with the store since 2007, Lander said. “Our staff here, we’re really tight-knit,” Lander said. “We feel like we’re a big family, and that extends out to our customers.” In June Rogues Gallery moved into a new storefront at the Renaissance Square shopping center off northbound I-35, adding roughly 100 square feet of space to the store. “When we moved here and expanded out, the product we had filled the new space pretty effectively,” Lander said. Even with the extra space, the walls of Rogues Gallery are filled with comic books, graphic novels and board games. Lander said the biggest growth area for the store is currently in board games. Rogues Gallery does not just sell board games; it also provides a space for tabletop gamers to meet. The store has about 150 board games available for customers to play in the store or check out as part of a membership program. It also hosts frequent game nights. “I think that’s one of the big things that a brick-and-mortar can offer that the internet can’t—a community—that chance to come in and play,” Lander said. But comic book fans also have a home at Rogues Gallery. Lander said that even as comic books have become more accessible digitally, there is still a demand for print comics. “I think there’s a tactile entertainment to board games and comics,” Lander said. “There’s something about having the components in your hand.” Lander said that no matter where the tides of community interest may turn, he hopes that Rogues Gallery can continue to provide a fun place for people to visit. “We want to be a destination shop and a fun place for people,” Lander said. “We try to build a community of comic book fans and gamers and nerds of all stripes—that’s definitely our mission statement. We want to be a place where people can come and feel like this is their people.” Rogues Gallery Comics and Games 1601 S. I-35, Ste. 330, Round Rock 512-279-8888 roguesgallerytx.com Hours: Mon.-Thu., Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. noon-7 p.m.