A NEW comic book store and pop culture cafe opened in Bolton town centre at the weekend.

Cherry Moon in Bridge Street, which combine comic books, board games and tasty treats, has been the pipe dream of Bolton couple John and Caroline Crilly for years.

John, aged 37, managed pubs and restaurants for 15 years, but has had a passion for comics since he was teenager.

Unsatisfied with his career, John decided to open a mainstream comic books store where people can pick up and read comic books, which he says Bolton is missing.

His personal collection of nearly 10,000 comics will form a lot of the store’s stock, but he’s not getting rid of it all.

He said: “My favourite character is Wolverine, so I’m keeping that.”

The collection includes comic from the 80s and 90s from both Marvel and DC, but the store will stock new single issue comics as well.

Customers can also buy board games, toys and retro video games and, once the dust has settled from the store opening, the couple hope to sell their comics online too.

The store opened on Saturday when their first customer, Joshua, celebrated his eighth birthday.

John said: “We want it to be as family friendly as possible.”

Cherry Moon is also a pop culture inspired cafe, selling coffee, cake and other treats.

Themed treats include Star Wars waffles shaped like the Death Star, Blue Milk Bubblegum Ice Cream and Clobberin Time Milkshake.

Caroline, aged 29, previously worked at a vets in Astley Bridge.

She said: “Our aim is to create a fun environment in which like-minded people can come together, buy a comic and sit and read it with a coffee.”

The couple are planning to host games nights and clubs.

John explained that customers can use the tables in the cafe to play games but must follow Han (Solo)’s House Rules which means an hourly charge for anyone not spending on food or drinking.

John said: “We want to use the cafe space to encourage people to play games in the shop and create a community.”

Cherry Moon will be open from 10am to 6pm on Monday to Wednesday and Saturday, with late nights planned on Thursdays and Fridays when the store stays open until 10pm.