Local comic book shop Vault of Midnight saw a flurry of excited shoppers on Saturday for the grand opening of its new location in Detroit’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood. The fun celebration, which also marked the company’s 25th anniversary, featured live music by DJ Nick Speed and DJ Deadphone, art vendors, free comics, and a video game truck from Round 1 Gaming Lab.

DJ Deadphone spinning live music. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Free comics at Vault of Midnight Grand Opening. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Round 1 Gaming Lab. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

The new shop resides at 2857 E. Grand Blvd. and boasts a 1,000-foot mural on its side featuring a mix of comic book characters and legendary comic-book writer Dwayne McDuffie. “I love comic books so much. I’ve actually been shopping with Vault of Midnight six years prior to them knowing I paint murals,” said renowned street and graffiti artist Sintex. “The funny thing is, I already had a relationship with the owners from coming into the shop. When I was hired to do the mural by a mutual friend they were shocked to find out that “Sintex” was me,” he smiled.

Graffiti and street artist Sintex. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Maia Crown Williams, founder of MECCACON (Midwest Ethnic Convention for Comics and Arts), curated the mural and also coordinated the grand opening event. “This is special to me because neighborhoods like Milwaukee Junction and Northend need dope spaces for children to go to that are just as flashy as Downtown and other areas in the city. I love how the creative community works together to get things done for the children more than anything else. I love the continuance of culture and it’s important to me that we represent Black Detroit and not just [the] new Detroit.”

Painted mural by street/graffiti artist Sintex. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Piece of mural featuring late legendary comic-book writer Dwayne McDuffie. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

The expanded shop is double the size of the old location and allows for more events and in-store inventory. 

Interior of new Vault of Midnight Shop. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Shoppers explore the new store space. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Wall of apparel and comics at Vault of Midnight. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Local artist Ryan El-Yafouri, who was among the vendors under his moniker Rely Detroit, explained what makes him a fan of the Vault of Midnight franchise. “I love that the company is expanding and giving comic-book fans a chance to experience more of what they love,” said El-Yafouri.

Cosplay character poses for a photo. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

“Even if you look at this event there are collectibles, original art, and a big variety here. We’re in a parking lot playing video games and eating ice cream. You can’t beat that.”

Ice cream truck in the lot of Vault of Midnight. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

What do you love most about Vault of Midnight? Share your thoughts with me in the comments!