The Fantasy Factory—a name that sparks the imagination—was brought to life in the 1970s by the ever-passionate Tommy Johns. What started as a modest venture into comic conventions and shows quickly blossomed into something much bigger. In May of 1979, Tommy took a leap of faith and opened the first Fantasy Factory storefront on East Morris Street in Dalton, Georgia. From that moment on, the store became a beloved fixture in the community.
By the early 1990s, Fantasy Factory wasn’t just one store—it was an empire in the making, with three locations across Georgia and Tennessee. Fantasy Factory #2, nestled in Calhoun, GA, and Fantasy Factory #3 in the vibrant city of Chattanooga, TN, carried on the magic. But even great adventures face challenges—by the mid-1990s, the Chattanooga location had closed its doors. On June 1, 1997, Mike and AJ Kocher embarked on an exciting new chapter by incorporating as Babbko, Inc. That same day, Babbko acquired the Dalton Fantasy Factory location and took over operations at the Calhoun store. However, the Calhoun location closed its doors on January 31, 2000. A year later, on May 1, 2001, the Dalton store found a new home in a larger building purchased by AJ, setting the stage for future growth.
The magic didn’t stop there. The Fantasy Factory expanded once more with a second store on Battlefield Parkway in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. This location thrived until April 1, 2006, when it relocated to the Gateway Mall in Fort Oglethorpe. Fantasy Factory #2 continued to bring joy to fans until its closure in February 2009.
Fast forward to March 2024, and the Fantasy Factory began an exciting new era as the sole property of AJ Kocher. That same year, AJ demonstrated his passion for the arts by establishing a scholarship for aspiring artists. With a vision to nurture the next Jack Kirby and revolutionize the comic industry, this scholarship aims to inspire and empower the creators of tomorrow.
Through all these changes, one thing has remained constant: the enduring charm and spirit of the original Fantasy Factory in Dalton. It’s not just a store—it’s a legacy.
