A Geek’s Guide To Jacksonville, FL

Once upon a time, the term “geek” was used derogatorily. Now, those afflicted with the barb of being called that name have embraced it and made it their own. Every single one of us has a little geek in them. Whether it’s comic books, cosplaying your favorite character, conventions, board games, or role-playing card games, Jax has something for the geek in everyone. Here are our team at Keith Pierson Toyota’s picks of the top places in Jacksonville to get your geek on.

Bold City Con

Leading off this alphabetical list of cool geek destinations is a weekend with all you want in a geek convention, full of celebrity guests, panels, cosplaying, pop culture, gaming, you name it, Bold City Con has it. The next iteration of Bold City’s convention will take place at the colorful ToonTown market in Tallyrand from Apr. 14 through Apr. 16, 2023. Live entertainment, arcades, favorite props and replicas, and tabletop gaming will also be available.

Bold Matsuri

Anime is the name of the game at Bold Matsuri . This annual convention hosted in Jax is similar to Bold City Con but focuses on the cosplay and anime world. This two-day event will play host to many exciting activities for those who love anime. Among the activities on offer are contests, cosplay, anime-focused after-hour events, guest panels, and gaming. You’ll need to purchase an entry ticket, but kids aged 10 years and younger can come for free when accompanying a paying customer. Get dressed in your favorite anime gear and head to the Bold Matsuri.

Collective Con

The ninth iteration of the premier sci-fi, anime, comic book, and pop culture convention is back for another year. Collective Con is a two-day event held over a weekend and a geek paradise, with celebrity guests and voice actors, video game tournaments, after-parties, local vendors, contests, panels, and much more. The next Collective Con will take place from Mar. 17 through 19, 2023, at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. A ticket is required to enter, though kids under 10 are free.

Darby’s Dungeon

The perfect place for those who love games, Darby’s Dungeon offers a unique atmosphere and is the perfect place for gamers. The best geek business in Jacksonville, as voted by the Jax Best poll conducted by WXJT, Darby’s Dungeon is a lounge for tabletop gaming focused on tabletop role-playing games, trading card games, and open-play board games.

Welcoming not only pros of the genre, Darby’s Dungeon offers various workshops for newcomers to learn a litany of different board, trading card games, and tabletop games. It also sells a range of games and game accessories. You can sample a vast selection of sodas, coffees, wine, and local craft beers while you shop or play.

Gotham City Limit

If you’re a comic book lover looking to add to your collection, head to Gotham City Limit on Southside Boulevard. In addition to its extensive array of comic books, Gotham City Limit offers additional items, including toys, collectibles, household items, and apparel. They’re well known for being up to date with all the latest news on all things comic books and have a massive selection of DC, Marvel, and comic books from many other universes.

In addition to comic books, you’ll find graphic novels, trade paperbacks, independent comics, and more. While Gotham City Limit is known for its comic book collection, it also offers an excellent selection of figurines and collectibles, including hard-to-find and rare limited edition items.

Java Game Haus

As the name implies, this is a coffee shop with a gaming bend. Head to Old St. Augustine Road and roll some dice at Java Game Haus . Bring friends and family, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and spend the afternoon playing board games. Just pay a small table fee and choose from its expansive game library of upwards of 650 titles for your enjoyment. It also offers a yearly membership, so you can stop by anytime.

In addition, Java Game Haus offers lessons on how to play its games if you’re a newcomer, as well as many events throughout the year, including gaming tournaments and game meetups. Java Game Haus also offers a full menu of delicious food, such as sandwiches, pizza, and coffee.

Mythical Mountain

One of the largest comic book and toy shops in Jax, Mythical Mountain comics and toys shop , is located in central Mandarin, just off Interstate Highway 295. With a vast array of action figures, collectibles, and comics throughout the 6,000 square feet of displays, this is the place to be if you’re looking for some new geek swag. It has modern and Golden Age comic books and everything in between, and let’s not forget the entire wall of Funko Pops. At Mythical Mountain, you can buy, trade, or consign items, and it also offers a layaway program. It also gives you cash or store credit when trading certain comics.

WasabiCon

Last but not least, the longest-running and largest pop culture event in the Jacksonville area. WasabiCon focuses on many aspects of geek culture, such as cosplay, anime, video games, and tabletop gaming. This event features two full days of all a geek could love. Dress up in your favorite cosplay and experience the two-day event.

You’ll find a variety of enjoyable activities, including local artists and vendors, celebrity guests, gaming, exhibitors, contests, and panels. The attendance in 2021 exceeded 8,700 people, with attendees enjoying over 100 hours of gaming, tournaments, discussion panels, and more. WasabiCon 2022 will take place on Oct. 15 and 16, and you’ll need a ticket to get in.

If you’re interested in any part of geek culture, Jax is a haven for you. If you love tabletop gaming, anime, cosplay, comic books, sci-fi, or anything of that nature and you find yourself in Jacksonville, you’re sure to find something to suit your fancy. If you need a new vehicle to get from one geek activity to the next, see the Keith Pierson Toyota sales team at 6501 Youngerman Circle in Jacksonville, Florida. Complete our secure online form or call us at 888-461-3879 to get started.

fighting with the legends of yore by Scott Swigart is licensed with CC BY 2.0

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