InTucker Magazine

Business of the Month – Challenges Games & Comics

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Tony Cade worked in the catalog order department at JCPenney in Northlake Mall. Today, he remains a fixture of that same mall, though his role has evolved significantly. As the founder and owner of Challenges Games & Comics (CGC), Cade now manages an 8,000-square-foot destination that serves as a hub for pop culture enthusiasts. The shop offers a vast selection of merchandise in addition to hosting community events, gaming tournaments, and expos.

Cade’s journey began over 50 years ago with a childhood passion for titles like Batman and Fantastic Four. Initially, he read them purely for entertainment, but a chance encounter with a neighbor changed his perspective. After seeing a meticulously organized, plastic-wrapped collection, Cade realized that comics were more than just stories; they were potential investments. He successfully convinced his father to fund his hobby under this investment strategy, eventually amassing a personal collection of over 15,000 issues.

This lifelong hobby eventually turned into a business. Cade first entered the industry by partnering with a friend to launch Quatom Comics on Ponce De Leon. When that partnership ended, Cade struck out on his own. He moved into a space formerly occupied by Challenges Amusement Arcade at the North DeKalb Mall. Drawing on the nostalgia of the location, he incorporated “Challenges” into his new store’s name.

After a decade at North DeKalb Mall, redevelopment plans forced a relocation. Cade chose to move to Northlake Mall, drawn by the spacious floor plan and the security of the environment. In the three years since the move, CGC has become a vital community resource. The store hosts free expos featuring industry luminaries such as Emmy Award winning animator Lauren Brown, known for her work on Archer. Other guests have included contributors to Dragon Ball Z, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Marvel, and DC Comics, alongside notable figures like Milton Davis, Dawud Anyabwile, and Don Hilsman II.

Looking toward the future, Cade plans to expand CGC’s educational offerings. He is currently developing classes, including a voice acting course led by Bob Carter, a veteran of over 100 projects including Mortal Kombat.

Although he started as a child reading for fun, Cade continues to learn and grow alongside his business. Located near the Northlake Mall food court, Challenges Games & Comics stands as a testament to a passion that turned into a career.