Guide to comic book stores in London

Forbidden Planet has long been a hotspot for geek culture. Come here and you can immerse yourself in comics, graphic novels, manga, sci-fi, anime, and fantasy. Signed comics and signing events are also available. The flagship store features multiple floors of merchandise and there’s a smaller store in Croydon as well.

A Place in Space is a popular choice with comic fans in Croydon. This friendly and welcoming shop has a warm atmosphere and specialises in old and new American comics. Shelves here are stacked high with a wide range of titles and you can organise subscriptions for your favourite new series.

In Soho, Gosh! Comics is a hotspot for graphic novels, comic books, and related merchandise, and has been for over 35 years. The window displays are eye-catching, with stacks of vibrant comic books on show. You’ll find old and new comics, limited editions, small press publications, and much more in this treasure trove.

There are a number of branches of Foyles, with the flagship store in Charing Cross Road spanning five floors with loads of light flooding in. The stock here covers a huge range of genres, including a section of comics, manga, and graphic novels. The flagship store has a café too.

In Camden you'll find Japan Craft Anime & Manga Store. This store is set in an arch and has shelves stacked with manga comic books, plus related merchandise. You'll find toys, figurines, and posters, as well as Japanese sweets and snacks. There's a sister shop nearby specialising in Japanese arts and crafts.

Open since the 1980s, Mega City Comics in Camden is a favourite with comic book fans. You can trade in your old comics or search for new ones here. There's a friendly atmosphere and the staff are experts in their field. You'll find a broad range of old issues and new releases.

Since 1967, Notting Hill Comic Exchange has been a go-to for buying and selling books and comics. New stock comes in every day so no two visits are ever the same. You'll lose yourself amongst tall shelves full of comics and books, including independent releases and underground gems.

If you fondly remember the Tintin comics you'll love visiting The Tintin Shop. Behind the blue shopfront and on-theme window decals, this store specialises in all things Tintin, selling comic books, figurines, t-shirts, and a wide range of other merchandise. Framed Tintin art is on the walls too.

Crisp and modern Japan House is a celebration of Japanese culture. The venue includes a restaurant, café, library, and shop. The shop sells a range of products, including a small selection of manga comics. This stylish venue offers carefully-curated products in a space somewhere between a shop and a gallery.

Check out the wide range of comics and collectibles available at Piranha Comics. Posters fill the walls and the shelves are stacked with comic books. This welcoming space aims to build a community with its customers. Choices include DC, Marvel, manga, and rare publications, and you can set up subscriptions.

In East London there's independent Jam Bookshop. This cosy shop retails an eclectic variety of books including fiction, comics and graphic novels, and children's books. The store also has a gallery space that's host to exhibitions of cartoon and comic art, book launches, and readings and signing events.

In Richmond, Raygun Comics is a go-to shopping destination for comics and graphic novels. It's a friendly and welcoming space with shelves full of comics, manga, and graphic novels, plus trading cards, games, toys and figurines. There are also regular in-store events like giveaways and gaming tournaments. Gift vouchers are available.

Visit vibrant Calamity Comics for comic books and graphic novels, collectibles, and action figures. It's a lively place with an area for games, and regular events like tournaments and game launches are held here. There's a positive and fun atmosphere and lots of choice if you're looking for new comics to buy.

Although it’s primarily a museum, The Cartoon Museum has a gift shop that stocks a range of comics, plus other cartoon-related items. At this venue you can also view some of the thousands of comics in the collection, plus there are workshops and learning programmes for getting creative with comics and cartoons.

Japan Centre is a must-visit for fans of Japanese food and culture. It’s well-known for its authentic food court and grocery store but it also sells Japanese lifestyle products. This includes books, magazines, and manga comics. These are some of the most popular Japanese comics, with weekly, monthly, and bi-monthly issues.

Krypton Comics has a long history of buying and selling comic books in London. This store is simple, with shelves full of comics lining the walls. Both back issues and new releases are sold here and there's a huge range of stock. New items are continually becoming available here.