Nexus Vault Origin Story

Welcome to Your Local Hub for All Things Fun!

At the heart of downtown Luverne, Minnesota, The Nexus Vault is more than just a comic, card, and toy store — it’s a gathering place for fans, collectors, and kids-at-heart. Whether you’re diving into the latest comics, hunting for rare trading cards, or searching for the perfect nostalgic toy, you’re in good company here.

Our Story
The idea for The Nexus Vault began as a casual conversation between Tyler Johnson and friend (and now team member) Theo Babb. Both shared a love for hobbies, collectibles, and community — and saw a need for a place in Luverne that could bring all of that together. What started as a dream soon became reality in 2025, when Tyler and his wife Peggy Johnson teamed up with Chris and Katrina Brown to bring the vision to life.

Each of us brings something different to the table — from comic book know-how to card game strategy to toy-collecting passion — but what unites us is a love for the community and the joy of sharing what we love with others.

What You’ll Find Here

  • A curated selection of comic books — from mainstream superheroes to indie gems

  • A wide range of trading cards — including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and sports cards

  • New and vintage toys — perfect for collectors or gifts for the next generation

  • Events, tournaments, and game nights — because fun is better when shared

We believe in supporting local, building community, and creating a welcoming space for people of all ages to geek out, hang out, and find their next favorite thing.

Stop By and Say Hi
Whether you’re a longtime collector or just getting started, you’re always welcome here. Come for the comics, stay for the conversation.

Because at The Nexus Vault, every fan has a story, every shelf hides an adventure, and every visit adds a new chapter to the saga.

The Nexus Vault — Unlock the Adventure.

Located in Luverne, MN – proudly serving our local and surrounding communities.

Faces behind the Adventure

Tyler Johnson

Every hero has an origin story — and Tyler’s began not with a radioactive spider, but with a runny nose and a spinner rack. Home sick from school in 1994, young Tyler talked his mom into letting him pick out Amazing Spider-Man #381 from the local drug store. That single issue set destiny in motion — and in a twist worthy of comic book irony, The Nexus Vault now stands right across the street from where it all began.

From humble beginnings flipping through Sad Sack comics passed down by his parents and grandparents, Tyler’s passion for the page grew at superhuman speed. His collection evolved through Marvel legends and DC icons to indie heavyweights like Image and Dark Horse. But no matter how his tastes have shifted through the years, Spider-Man will always have a spot in Tyler’s collection.

Today, Tyler guards The Nexus Vault — a haven for comic lovers, board gamers, TCG battlers, and toy collectors of every universe. He’s the friendly neighborhood shopkeeper, always ready to swap stories, recommend a new read, or drop a pun so bad even Deadpool would groan.

A happy woman with short curly hair and glasses, wearing a white tank top and a rainbow pendant necklace, standing next to a man with a bald head, glasses, and a full beard, wearing a black T-shirt featuring a video game character. They are outdoors in front of a house with blue siding, a window with decorative bars, and a mailbox.
A close-up selfie of a smiling woman and a man with a beard and glasses, standing in front of a poster with the partial word 'THE' visible.

Chris Brown

Chris is a fun-loving guy with a geeky soul that shines through in everything he does. From the nostalgic worlds of Mario, Chip’s Challenge, Star Trek Voyager, and Pokémon, to the epic universes of Marvel and DC, he’s been a lifelong explorer of imagination and adventure.

But if you ask him which fandom truly rules them all, his answer comes without hesitation — Stargate. Whether it’s quoting the quick wit of Colonel Jack O’Neill, analyzing the moral complexities of the Goa’uld and the Ancients, or debating whether Atlantis or SG-1 reigns supreme (We can all agree that Universe does not!), Chris doesn’t just watch the series — he lives it. Every wormhole jump, alien encounter, and clever twist of science and strategy speaks to his imagination. The dream of stepping through the Gate himself — exploring distant worlds, uncovering ancient secrets, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with an SG team — perfectly captures the adventurous spirit that defines who he is. For Chris, Stargate isn’t just a show; it’s a philosophy of curiosity, courage, and endless discovery.

Beyond fandoms, Chris’s greatest adventure is life with his amazing wife, Katrina. Her love, laughter, and unwavering support are the heartbeat of everything he does. Together, they’re a team in every sense — tackling challenges, celebrating victories (especially on Husker game days), and filling life with fun, creativity, and purpose. Katrina inspires Chris to keep growing — to be a lifelong learner, to stay curious, and to use his passions to bring people together. Whether it’s in their community, their friendships, or their shared adventures, they both believe in the power of connection and in making every chapter of life something worth cheering for.

A smiling man and woman taking a selfie inside a cave, with rocky walls and a small pool of water illuminated in the background.
A woman and a man smiling and taking a selfie outdoors on a cloudy day, with trees and buildings in the background. The woman is wearing a mint green hoodie with pink drawstrings and has decorations in her black hair, while the man is wearing a red plaid shirt and has teased, voluminous hair.