RACINE - There are incredible, epic battles being waged between the pages of the merchandise at a new north-side store.

The Vault of Comics and Toys, 1626 Rapids Drive, is filled with row upon row of superheroes who fight and conquer evil-doers, occasionally die and often find a way to come back to life.

At this stage the little shop near the Sausage Kitchen essentially represents the personal collections of owner Ziam Aslani, 31.

Aslani is a long-time, avid fan of comic books and collectible toys. His merchandise is about half toys and half comic books. The latter represent back issues from comics he's bought over the years, which he sells for 25 cents apiece.

He estimates that his personal comic collection, which he is not selling, numbers "a couple thousand."

Aslani said his comic books include most major titles, and new ones will be "pretty much everything available each week."

He said the lure of comic books is "the story lines - and the characters; I grew up with them. Very few cross the line and kill the villains."

A notable exception was when Wonder Woman snapped a bad man's neck - which caused a commotion among fans.

Despite Aslani's affection for comics, he can also laugh at certain silly trends. For example, many superheroes have been killed off to create high interest in that story line. But often, a later plot device will erase the entire story line that killed the hero, thus returning the hero to life.

Aslani figures he's got the film world working for him to help spawn new comic book enthusiasts like himself. This summer's films, he said, include this lineup: Hulk; Iron Man; Batman; Indiana Jones; Hell Boy II; and Star Wars.

"With all the new movies this summer, I hope it will spark a lot of people getting back into it," Aslani said.

Similarly, he thinks the longevity of the Star Wars franchise maintains interest in the collectible toys - of which he has shelves and shelves full.

"Star Wars is still popular," Aslani said. "A lot of mothers and fathers share it with their kids."

Aslani's livelihood comes from running Hamzi's Family Restaurant, 1709 Douglas Ave., which his parents

founded.

So he said his expectations for the Vault are very modest. "I'm not expecting to make a living out of this place. As long as it pays for itself.

"I am trying to offer things they can't get elsewhere," such as 25 cent comic books and a 15 percent discount on new comics that he buys from a subscription pull list.

Aslani said his greatest goal for the shop is not economic. "My biggest goal is to set up a community for people who are into comic books, toys, role playing, a place to hang out, watch movies."

The game playing will include Magic the Gathering, various card games and Heroclix, a miniature table-top game. And Aslani hopes to have official tournaments with sanctioned judges

present.

Looking ahead, Aslani and other comic book readers are waiting with bated breath for the Final Crisis, a DC Comics mini-series coming out in May.

"One of the five major superheroes is going to die," Aslani explained. That means time will be up for Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, Superman or the Flash.

The rumor, Aslani said, is that Batman is as good as dead. "I would hate to see it be Batman," he said."

"But that doesn't mean he's not coming back."

The Vault is open from 2-7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. For more information call (262) 637-8440.