Forbidden Planet London Megastore is one of the largest and most iconic retailers of comic books, graphic novels, and collectibles in the UK. Located on Shaftesbury Avenue, it boasts an extensive selection of merchandise, including action figures, manga, anime, and rare editions. The store attracts fans of all ages, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with merchandise related to popular franchises from comics to movies. It is a cultural hub for enthusiasts, often hosting book signings and events featuring popular authors and artists.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Central London Location Conveniently located in the center of London on Shaftesbury Avenue, the store is easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff The staff are frequently mentioned as being friendly and helpful, assisting customers with finding specific items and offering recommendations.
- Nostalgic and Engaging Atmosphere The store provides a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of classic comic book shops, with a wide array of products that appeal to fans of all ages.
- Student Discounts and Sales Students can take advantage of a 10% discount, and the store often has sales with extremely cheap books and other items, making it more affordable.
- Vast Selection of Merchandise Forbidden Planet offers an impressive variety of comics, manga, figures, games, and merchandise spanning sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genres, making it a haven for pop culture enthusiasts.
Criticised
- Can Be Overcrowded The store is often very busy, especially on weekends, making it difficult to navigate and browse comfortably.
- Inconsistent Stock Arrangement Finding specific items can be challenging, as volumes of the same series or related items may not be located together.
- Limited Clothing Sizes While the store offers a variety of t-shirts and other clothing merchandise, the available sizes are often limited.
- Limited Seating There is a lack of seating, which can be problematic for parents or those who prefer to take their time browsing, creating a less comfortable shopping experience.
- Stuffy Atmosphere The underground location of the store can make it feel stuffy and less appealing, especially for those sensitive to enclosed spaces.
The longer read
Forbidden Planet London Megastore is a highly recommended destination for fans of science fiction, fantasy, comics, manga, and pop culture. Many reviewers describe it as a "geek paradise" or "nerd heaven," with an impressive and vast selection of merchandise. The store is well-located in central London, making it easily accessible. The store spans two floors, with a large downstairs section dedicated to comics, graphic novels, and manga, while the upstairs area features collectibles, action figures, and other memorabilia. The store is known for its extensive collection of items from various franchises like Star Wars, Doctor Who, and anime, including rare and obscure items. Several reviewers specifically highlight the wide variety of manga available. Customers appreciate the well-organized and clean layout of the store. Staff are frequently described as friendly, helpful, and efficient. Many reviewers also mention the availability of student discounts, which make purchases more affordable. The store's size and variety mean customers can easily spend an hour or more browsing. Some reviewers note that the store can get crowded, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a busy shopping experience. A few reviewers mentioned limited seating and stuffy conditions. Online purchases are available, though free delivery is not always offered. Overall, Forbidden Planet London Megastore is praised for its comprehensive selection, helpful staff, and central location, making it a must-visit destination for pop culture enthusiasts.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7420 3666
- Website
- forbiddenplanet.com
| Mon | 10:00 - 19:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 19:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 19:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 19:00 |
| Fri | 10:00 - 19:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 19:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 18:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 26 venues we hold for St Giles, where the most-reviewed is The British Museum.
Still deciding?
- What types of products and collections are available at Forbidden Planet London Megastore?
- Is Forbidden Planet London Megastore suitable for families and children?
- Are there regular events, signings, or launches held at Forbidden Planet London Megastore?
- When is the best time to visit Forbidden Planet London Megastore to avoid crowds?
- What other attractions are located near Forbidden Planet London Megastore in London?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.