The Valley has lost a giant in the local comic book community — Helgi Davis of Myth Adventures
Helgi Davis, founder of McAllen comic book and collectibles shop Myth Adventures, died Sunday at age 76.
Born in Reykjavik, Iceland, Davis was a member of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam. After retiring in the ’80s, he moved his family to the Rio Grande Valley.
Since 1991 the store, located at 720 W. Nolana Ave., has nurtured its cult following through its offerings, Davis’ customer service and play events like Dungeons & Dragons and Pokemon League.
“He was one of a kind and he was brilliant,” his family wrote via the business social media page, while announcing his death. “For over thirty years, Myth Adventures was his passion.”
Leonel “L.T.” Flores, local digital creator under his social media handle @houseofgeekery, and who collects action figures and comic books, fondly recalled Davis.
“When I was younger, visiting Myth Adventures was part of my weekly routine, and without fail, Helgi was always there every Wednesday,” Flores said. “The last time we spoke, I was trading some old Batman issues. True to form, he rattled off the trade value of each one from memory — like he had a spreadsheet in his head. His deep knowledge and genuine passion for a hobby I hold dear will be deeply missed.”
Davis was further memorialized in social media posts this week.
>> “… (Through) high school and every Friday and Sunday I would be at Myth. Helgi taught me how tournaments worked, encouraged me when I lost to older players, and beamed with pride in my first tournament win and each one after.” –— Michael Murphy, McAllen
>> “Thank you, Helgi, for the stories, the laughter, the memories — and for showing us what it means to love what you do. We’ll carry your legacy forward with every con, every comic, and every fan who walks through the door.” — RGV Pokefest
>> “To many, Helgi wasn’t just a shop owner. He was a gateway into worlds of fandom, storytelling, and local connection. Whether you were picking up a comic or just stepping into Myth to be among kindred spirits, Helgi made you feel welcome. He was a guardian of heroes, a curator of joy, and an irreplaceable part of what makes our community special.” — Rio Grande Valley Empowerment Zone
“To a great many people here in the Valley, he was their gateway into comics, TCG & D&D. Helgi is and will always be a LEGEND in the pop culture and collecting community in the RGV and beyond.” — Kaboom Comics, McAllen
On Thursday, just prior to a public memorial held for him, Helgi’s granddaughter Kali Martinez spoke of her grandfather’s favorite comic books, Spider-Man.
According to Martinez, Spidey comics were among his most treasured reads. She stood solemnly but proudly next to flower arrangements adorning the beloved comic book store Thursday holding a photo of Helgi with Spider-Man creator, the late Stan Lee — the two joined in eternity.
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