A SERIES of break-ins have not dented the resolve of the owners of a Newport comic book store.

Sin City Comics, in Commercial Street in the city, was repeatedly targeted by thieves at its previous location.

If anything, the staff at Sin City are even more determined to make sure their store becomes a staple of the city centre.

“To give up after the break-ins wasn’t an option,” said Laura Austen, partner of store owner Shane Jordan.

“Our central location has proven to be very successful so far particularly with the extra space we now have.”

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That extra space is proving useful as the store looks to entice gamers inside with a series of table-top activities in the first-floor gaming area.

Board games, RPGs and card games are just some of the offerings at the gaming area. Up to 64 people can play at any one time and the store even hosts weekly events for some of the more popular series including Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons and Dragons and Pokémon.

Game options are not confined to the vast array of titles in-store, however. Prospective gamers can also bring along their own games.

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Sessions cost 2.50 per person to access the Sinner Club and its library, or £10 a month which includes freedom to play during opening hours or late-night gaming sessions.

Sin City Comics also sells comics, as you would expect.

“Comics are and will remain the heart of the business, but we now cater to a vast demographic,” said Miss Austen.

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“For example, we stock official Harry Potter jewellery - the charm bracelets are proving to be very popular.

“We also have the usual DC and Marvel items as well as a large range of gift ideas that range from Disney to anime.”

The store also takes part in Free Comic Book Day, which although seemingly self-explanatory can prove difficult as Miss Austen explained: “Staff sometimes have to convince you the comics are free”.

This year more than 50 titles are created especially for the event and each customer can have three each, no purchase necessary.

“We have comic industry legend Dylan Teague (illustrator for 2000AD and more) joining us as well as a cosplay gathering,” said Miss Austen.

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“In addition, we will be raising money for the Special Care Baby Unit (Neonatal) at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

“We welcomed our first child into the world in December and he was premature.

“It was Christmas and all the babies were given stockings absolutely full of thoughtful, useful gifts.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for what they did for our son who is now very happy and healthy.”

Free Comic Book Day is on May 4 and includes a day of activities as well as the free comics. It is the perfect way for kids and those not sure where to start to find a way into the world of comics.

The store is also an official sponsor of GeekedFest Events, who run comic conventions across South Wales.

For more information about Free Comic Book Day, visit freecomicbookday.com or for more about GeekedFest, visitgeekedfest.com