By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
Local fans of pop culture, gaming and just geeking out about their favorite things now have a
new place to meet with and make friends with like-minded people.
Draculina’s Nerdvana, 225 S. Main St., is a new store owned and run by Krystal Torres and her
husband, Aaron Torres. Krystal said the store was inspired by her children’s love for cartoons
and anime.
Before opening her store on South Main Street, Krystal spent time selling merchandise at local
markets, and she became known for starting the horror/punk-themed festival Draculina Fest,
which debuted in October 2024. Krystal opened Draculina’s in late May 2025, and since then
she has hosted small gatherings for card games and art classes at the store.
Once you step inside Draculina’s, you will find collectibles from every genre and medium
scattered around the store. Krystal said they have collectibles and merchandise from various
intellectual properties (IPs), such as Mortal Kombat, One Piece, horror movies and DC and
Marvel Comics. She said Draculina’s has “a little bit of everything.”
Draculina also has products made by local artists. Krystal said they have an original Spawn
comic, based on the vigilante superhero from Image Comics, made by local artist Javier
Espinoza, who also designed the store logo for Draculina’s.
Since opening the doors at Draculina’s, Krystal said she has had positive comments from
customers, both from people visiting for the first time and regulars.
Draculina’s is also an official Pokémon League where official Pokémon tournaments are held.
20, 2025. Besides being a store with merchandise from movies and video games, Draculina’s
Nerdvana also hosts game night events for Pokemon, Dungeons & Dragons and Magic:
The Gathering. (Courtesy Photo)
Pokémon card games are held every Friday, and entry fees range from $5 to $25 depending on
the type of tournament.
Krystal said the store focuses a lot on the Pokémon property.
Draculina’s is also affiliated with
the official Pokémon company, which in turn sends displays to advertise tournaments and prize
packs to give to winners. Members of the Draculina’s Pokémon league have competed in the
2025 Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC) in New Orleans, La.
Besides Pokémon card games, Draculina’s also hosts other fun activities such as game nights
for Magic: The Gathering and Dungeon & Dragon and art classes with various themes. Krystal
said her store hosted Harry Potter-themed potion-making classes during the summer.
Krystal said there are plans to expand the store in the future, which includes creating more
rooms where she can sell other unique items such as crystals and facial care products.
