By Emily Smith
A comic book store, frequented by BYU and UVSC students will celebrate its 20th anniversary this Saturday with gaming, activities and a comic book creators signing and sketching event.
'Everyone''s welcome, really, truly, it''s like ''Cheers,''' said Levi Jensen, owner of Dragons Keep.
Beginning at 10 a.m., Dragons Keep, 260 N. University Ave., Provo, will hold game demos. From noon to 4 p.m. world-renowned comic artists such as Tyler Kirkham, who draws individual comics of Spider-Man, and Ryan Ottely, acclaimed superhero comic artist, will provide sketches. Resident artist, Howard Tayler, will also be available for sketches. Tayler has created his own Web comic, 'Schlockmercenary.com.'
The family-oriented event is designed to thank the longtime fans and supporters of Dragons Keep. Previous owners David Starling and John Ortiz will also join the celebration.
Dragons Keep has survived 20 years because its current owners say it''s a place for all.
Levi and Davidson Jensen, graduates of BYU and current owners of Dragons Keep, began managing the store nearly one year ago. Since their ownership, the store has become 'much more inviting, making this a place you want to be,' said Rory Hogan, full-time employee of Dragons Keep, and a 24-year-old graphic design and illustration major at UVSC.
The Jensens love to support the Provo community in all they do. Owners of DK Pizza as well as Dragons Keep, they donate comic books to the BYU Law School and continue to donate books to festivals throughout the Utah valley.
'Our image is about anyone hanging out and meeting new people,' Davidson Jensen said.
Though comic book enthusiasts at BYU say it is an individual pastime, many have become addicted to the draw of a superhero.
'I''m looking for a good story and want to be entertained and uplifted as well,' said John Darowski, a graduate student at BYU.
Darowski, a fan of Dragons Keep, enjoys the timelessness of superheroes.
'Superheroes have been around for 70 years, but they make adjustments to keep up with modern audiences,' he said.