(Review) Alchemist's Cove Games and Comics, Schuylkill Haven, PA

It was another crazy weekend of local volleyball followed by a drive down to Lancaster for Millie's AAU tournament.  One guaranteed game led to another, and finally an unsatisfying championship, but at least we got that much basketball in before 2pm.  

A still-early departure from Spooky Nook left Maja and myself leaving early.  First stop, finding a Rita's Italian Ice that was still open post September 30th for Maja. (There aren't many, but there are a few to venture to).   For me, it was a much needed meandering trip to Alchemist's Cove Games and Comics before they closed. 

I followed the shop early on when they first opened, but there have been only rare occasions on the weekends to make the hour trip down to Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.  Once I got there, I'm disappointed I didn't go earlier... and make multiple return trips.  

There was a time when every game store was hybrid, selling both comics/graphic novels, a full assortment of games, plus miniatures and wargaming products.  Technically, all three game stores I worked at during the 90s tried to fit that mold.  It was incredibly pleasant to not only see comics in their own dedicated space (more than some of the local comics-only shop), but a library of graphic novels and related books that surpassed Barnes & Noble, and might rival the "immense and diverse selection" that Dreamscape Comics of old..

But outside of some well-done Disney+ product, I've been done reading traditional comics for over 15 years... and mostly gamers that read the blog are interested in the gaming selection.  Still, I have a massive amount of respect for the comics selection 

I would have been quite satisfied with a "selection of magic cards, essential boardgames and a few personal favorites, and a sparse selection of miniatures/supplies that traditionally sell well.   Heck, that might automatically qualify a store for a 3 out of 5, but I figured this was going to be a bit more special.

Cleanliness:  Let's be honest, I had some bias visiting small town FLGS and their cleanliness going in.  Upon review, Alchemist's Cove might rival Games and Stuff and Pop's Culture Shoppe for cleanliness and organization.  Shelves were organized and dust-free, gaming tables were clean, heck, even the kid in the Pathfinder game from the garbage can for drink on the first attempt.  It is definitely a place to bring your friends, family, and non-gamers with zero hesitation.

CCGS:  It's a big part of the store walking in.  Separate display cases for Vintage, Modern, and Commander/Pioneer WITH PRICES!!!!   The back wall was dominated with most of the recent sets in the past few years, still reasonably price, with Pokemon/Yu-Gi-Oh! locked in the display case.    If I played Magic to any extent, I would have plenty of options for cards, packs, and accessories.    

Board Games: Yes, the best-selling board games have their own set of shelves, in case you want a Catan, or Ticket to Ride, but their selection and variety of games might exceed Pop's with the same small footprint in the store.  Better yet, I found custom made shelves that fit a number of small card games and the like, so they're not mixed in and lost amongst the larger boxes.  

RPGs:  Despite a Pathinder game going through some epic flavor text while I was there, I only found a rock-solid selection of 5e D&D books, accessories, and the various licensed D&D minis.    The owner did say he was more than happy to place custom orders for anything (using Southern Hobby Distribution... a new distributor to review monthly solicitations. )

Miniatures:  Classic GW assortment (with fully stock paint rack and overpriced spray paint/primer.  Much impressed!), Bolt Action, Mantic (Kings of War/Armada), and a more impressive selection of Warlord than some game stores with a "historical" interest.  Throw in a boatload of the licensed D&D minis in blisters and sets, and again, the inventory is staggering for a regular shop, much less a shop in a small town. 

Amenities:  Two area for gaming:  a large area that appeared to accommodate 32 folks for CCG tourneys and the like, and a separate area for RPGs.  Snacks and drinks seemed to appear from somewhere (and disposed of properly) but I didn't pay attention to specifics.  A Magic store that sold traditional trading card supplies (boxes, top loaders, and 9-count card sheets) in addition to the pricier Ultra-Pro products was even more refreshing.

Price tags on each jar of paint might seem excessive, but it makes up for lack of pricing over the last year at any other retailer.

Events:  Most CCGs pre-releases, regular tourney and league, plus not only D&D Adventurer's Guild material, but a program dedicated to the under-16 crowd.  

Staff:  The owner seemed personable, knowledgeable, with just the right amount of pride that he had constructed a gaming paradise for all ages in this town.  I know I couldn't prove him wrong , looking at every corner of the store.  

I picked up a few packs of Magic, some top loaders, and a copy Paper Girls for a sleepy Maja who wanted to stay in the car.  

I was going into the visit with high hopes that a store that opened in a small town, located a small strip mall off the main highway, and survived the entirety of COVID would be a solid FLGS, and Alchemist's Cove Games and Comics exceed every expectation.  On the Gaming with the Gnomies 5-Gnome rating system, I happy to score them with five out of five gnomes!

Alchemist's Cove is located at 25 W Main St, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972.  If you're coming into town from PA 61 (most will), once you make the turn off onto PA 443 East, the strip mall entrance is just over the railroad tracks (If you see the The White Pear Formal Boutique on your left, you already passed the parking lot on your right, turn around!)

 I originally found them on Facebook here.