New Hope Comic Book Store Finds Niche in Northwest Suburbs

Rockhopper Comics and Games Only One of Its Kind in Northwest Suburbs

At Rockhopper Comics and Games in New Hope, you’ll find Jeff Spain lead a meetup of Dungeons and Dragons game-playing members.

“It isn’t just a strict board game or combat, it’s kind of theater of the mind,” said Spain, the group’s dungeon master. “We create adventures, but we have no idea what’s going to happen or what the players are going to do.”

Spain found Rockhopper not long after the store opened last August.

“I thought, ‘well this is awesome.’ I’ve been looking for a new gaming, friendly store and Rockhopper is it.”

Mikey Wadlund is the man who brought this new universe to the northwest suburbs.

“It’s been my passion ever since I was probably 3 or so,” said Wadlund on his love for comics and games.

Wadlund’s passion took on new life when he opened the store, something he said he planned a long time for.

“It’s a lot of work. More hours than I ever put to any job in my entire life. But I never feel tired. When I leave at night, I always can’t wait to get back the next day,” he said.

Wall of comic books at Rockhopper Comics & Games

Growth in comics

Since Rockhopper opened, Wadlund says he’s seen his store appeal grow.

“It’s a lot of new people discovering comics because of these movies and because of these shows,” he explained. “So I think the industry is growing. And it’s growing beyond who you might typically think is a comic book nerd,” he laughed.

Rockhopper is the only comic book store in the northwest suburbs of the Twin Cities. Wadlund says his location has helped attract costumers from farther out.

“I get people driving from Wayzata, Minnetonka, Elk River, Rogers, and even a little farther out, and they say, ‘Hey, this is the closest one.'”

And it’s not just the superhero blockbuster movies contributing to the renewed interest in comic books. Wadlund said the pandemic had something to do with it too.

“I think the lockdown sort of made everybody kind of rediscover the things that they liked, growing up and everything,” he said.

With literally hundreds of titles to choose from, you may wonder where to begin at the store. Wadlund had an immediate answer.

“It’s my favorite customer. Because who knows what the opportunity will bring,” he said. “It’s any kind of genre you can think of — action, adventure, comedy, romance, sci-fi, fantasy, horror. A lot of horror stuff. People are really into that these days.”

Wadlund said most comics are rated PG-13, but there is a section for younger children too. Adults comprise most of the customer base.

“I suppose the stereotype is that comics are for kids, but really the smallest amount of people who buy comics are kids,” said Wadlund.

As for the top sellers, “Spider-Man,” which is now in its 60th year, remains popular. “Moon Knight” and “She-Hulk,” which happens to be Wadlund’s favorite, also do really well.

“She-Hulk” is being turned into a Disney Plus show. It’s scheduled to arrive Aug. 17, a day after Rockhopper celebrates its one-year anniversary.

“I don’t think that’s a coincidence,” laughed Wadlund.