Editor note: Geeky Villain has closed but still has a presence on Facebook. Last we heard, they’d like to reopen their store someday.

There’s something about a card shop that really brings you back to your youth. The smell of cardboard, the warmth radiating off of a lighted glass display case filled with rare cards you could only hope to afford (or pull from a pack), and the sense of community you feel when you see other players engaged in a card game or moving their hand-painted miniatures around a play field.

Geeky Villain harnesses that sense of community.

Located in the coolest strip mall in Everett (seriously: SU-Bees, Mis Antojitos, Middleton Brewing, Midnight Cookie Co., Bricks & Minifigs and A&A Cafe & Tamaleria are all located in the same spot), Geeky Villain prides itself on the community the shop fosters and the more underground games it stocks.

The owner, Edward Evans, started Geeky Villain in 2017 in said coolest strip mall, but eventually expanded to a larger location next door last spring.

“If it's geek-game related, we try to carry it,” Evans said. “Our biggest game is (the) Final Fantasy Trading Card Game.”

Geeky Villain also carries the Pokemon Trading Card Game and Star Wars Destiny as well as miniature-based games like Bolt Action, War Machine, and Monsterpocolypse.

Looking for a more traditional role-play experience? There’s a table just for Dungeons and Dragons in the back of the shop.

Getting into a new game, especially something as deep and potentially nuanced as a tabletop game, can be daunting, but other players and Geeky Villain staff can help you if you’re looking into taking the plunge, Evans said.

"Most major games have starter sets. No, you won’t be winning any tournaments with it, but it'll at least get you in the game.” Evans said about finding a card or miniature game that’s right for you.

However, don’t expect to be winning games against more seasoned players. “…you're playing and you're learning. And that’s the whole plan in the beginning."

Geeky Villain also has a full calendar of weekly events for both casual and competitive play, with Thursday and Saturday nights devoted to Final Fantasy TCG and Sunday’s are for Pokemon, complete with a volunteer professor to help younger players learn the ropes. See the whole calendar on their Facebook page.

"It's super casual,” Evans said about the more popular game nights. “You don’t have to play if you don’t want to. You can watch. But my guys will sit there and explain the game to you and give you cards.”

For those looking to make the jump into competitive play, Evans and his crew run tournaments complete with trophies and a chance to have your name on a plaque on the wall.

True geek immortality.

Evans is looking into expanding the shop even more. Beer and soda are already offered and you can bring in your own food, which is a major plus. Evans is hoping to have a snack bar up and running soon.

So if you’re looking for something to get into while the weather is poor, then pick up a Philly cheesesteak from SU-Bees, walk it across the street, grab a beer and learn a new card game while making new friends.

It’s what gaming is all about.

GEEKY VILLAIN (Permanently closed)

607 SE EVERETT MALL WAY #20
EVERETT, WASHINGTON 98208
(425) 789-1303

HOURS

Mon-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Henry J is a writer, editor and podcast producer for Live in Everett. He lives in the Northwest Neighborhood and beat the Subspace Emissary in Super Smash Bros. Brawl in one sitting after buying it the night it came out.
He still feels gross about it.