Christopher S. Nelson 
You don’t have to be an avid gamer or toy collector to be captivated by the memorabilia that fills the old Stein Mart building near Camp Bowie. This legion of bobbleheads and action figures are part of Fanboys Marketplace, Texas’ largest collectible toy store.
If you grew up with even an ounce of exposure to Marvel movies and superheroes, your inner child will be thrilled to walk on Fanboys Marketplace. This unique store sells specialty merchandise and collectibles including toys, art, action figures, comics, games, and more. Visitors can expect to feel welcomed and included as soon as they walk through the door. “Even if comic books and collectible toys aren’t your cup of tea, Fanboys has coordinated with a variety of vendors selling everything from jewelry to personalized night lights. There really is something for everyone.
While its headquarters are conveniently located next to Camp Bowie next to Tom Thumb, Fanboys has locations in several malls across the Metroplex, including North East in Hurst and Golden Triangle in Denton, with plans for expansion. at the Firewheel Town Center in Garland.
Owner and CEO Mike Rogers shared his vision before the store was established. You see, Mike always wanted to open a comic book store. “I think we all read comics whenever we were little in one way or another,” Rogers said.
Although this unique pop culture retail storefront has been around for two years, the initial concept for the business was much different. Before the pandemic, Fanboys was an event company that organized and participated in events around the world. The pandemic and subsequent cancellation of events gave rise to Fanboys Marketplace.
After opening its doors two years ago, Rogers now operates three stores with a fourth on the way. In fact, Fanboys will be in every major mall in Tarrant County by fall 2022. Hulen Mall and Parks Mall in Arlington welcome the Fanboys concept with open arms. Despite many pivots throughout the pandemic, fans have remained loyal and made this business thrive. COVID couldn’t stop die-hard enthusiasts from coming together around shared passions and satisfying their thirst for community.
This is not your average retail operation; Fanboys is its own community. Geeks of all ages come together for events, card games, and mini-leagues to play games together every week. “One of the things I like about Fanboys is that there are common interests with the people who come here; people feel a sense of belonging,” said Marketing Director Cesar Gamez, “No matter who you are or what you like, you are welcome here.
This family business has yet to meet a stranger. Young and old, patrons of all ages can be found searching for treasures in the form of trinkets. Cesar said it best: “It allows people to reconnect with their childhood.” To verify fanboy market.
