Forbidden Planet London Megastore image

Forbidden Planet London Megastore

Toy store Book store Game store Collectibles store Comic book store

One of the Most Reviewed Toy stores in London


Address

179 Shaftesbury Ave, London WC2H 8JR, United Kingdom

Website

forbiddenplanet.com

Contact

+44 20 7420 3666

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (17.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday: 12 to 6 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 7 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: comics (19) books (18) staff (10) items (10) manga (9) store (8) great (8) range (7) stuff (7) lots (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Yousuf P. 7 months ago on Google
    This place is so much fun, lots of helpful staff. So much has changed, last time I came here was in 2008. They have an awesome comics discount section downstairs, lots of cool models and figures. I think it's worth a visit if you're just in town.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hashim F. 7 months ago on Google
    The geek store to visit! Huge range especially of books, comics and mangas, can spend a really long time here just looking through their selection of items. Their Board game selection is pretty modest in comparison. They have lots of IP products also and surprisingly they had thematic cookbooks! Can find geeky peripherals and accessories also.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon B. 2 years ago on Google
    Wow, I was surprised how much there is to see here. Tons of comics and books but also a lot of fun items on display and people watching here is great. Check it out! Good prices too with lots of things on sale if you keep an eye out.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Luke B. 6 months ago on Google
    An iconic spot in the London pop-culture scene! Think: Star Wars, Marvel, Anime and more! A great store for action figures, collectibles, toys, comics, books, TCG’s, and more! SOME items could be a bit cheaper and some of the staff could be a little more approachable/friendly, but overall it’s a fantastic spot.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yesenia B. 1 year ago on Google
    This place is great if you like comics, manga. Or even other things. They have a whole section downstairs with books. They have many collectible items aswell
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dillon G. 1 year ago on Google
    If you're a bit of a nerd this place will be your mecca. Has absolutely everything nerd culture that you'd ever want. And the staff are cool too. Had a chat with one staff member and he was very up to date with the section he was working (trading cards).
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mrs A. 1 year ago on Google
    Wow so many books and collectibles. My teens wanted to sleep over there. Good wide range of books and comics. Good pricing. Lovely friendly staff. Low ceiling not for the claustrophobic. Behaved dogs allowed. Quick line for payment. No parking. Paid £23 for parking.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sunny S. 7 months ago on Google
    So many cool items from all the comics, manga, anime, fantasy and sci-fi worlds. Prices are fair and there are even incredible sales. A place to visit for every person who has interest in these vast, amazing realms of culture. On a personal note, too bad that Sandman Book I was out of stock (and others were available); it's quite frustrating for newcomers to Sandman not to have the first book available. Also, it surprised me to find only one Wonder Woman comic book available.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pinar 2 years ago on Google
    The shop It's a heaven of comic books very big variety of books available. I'm looking forward to seeing the shop again. You can spend there 2 or 3 hours immediately.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sezgin Y. 7 months ago on Google
    A lot of stuff, like a lot! The toys were a little underwhelming not much choice and a lil pricey but they look awesome. But a lot of manga and comics.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michał Kwiatkowski (. 5 months ago on Google
    Really big place, Manga, Comics, Figurine collectors will be in heaven once they enter, different sections of genre make it easy to find something geeky for yourself
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joey T. 5 months ago on Google
    Mine and my children's favourite place. Loads of comic books, novels and superhero stuff to keep you excited. Loads of collectors items and rare memorabilia. Also a section for games too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie F. 10 months ago on Google
    The only comic book store you need in London. Organized clean store with very friendly staff. Everything you can imagine from toys to accessories to books. They even have signed comics too! Accessible store for wheel chairs and strollers
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robin 10 months ago on Google
    Expansive, with solid deals despite the fame. I think part of the stores mystique has been lost with the advent of online shopping, but it was still great to take a look around. Lots of signed copies and things to see, including a focus on UK specific literature.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lev V. 5 months ago on Google
    I can honestly say this is the best geek shop I've been to! I went in there thinking it would be 15 minutes...but I didn't come out until 3 hours later. You definitely don't walk out of there without shopping! Inside I think they have everything from figurines to the comics themselves. There's something for every taste. I'll definitely go back again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Neo e. 3 months ago on Google New
    The store's vast selection of comics, collectibles, and merchandise is a treasure trove for fans of all genres. The staff's knowledge and enthusiasm create a welcoming atmosphere, making it a delightful experience for both seasoned collectors and casual shoppers. Prices can be a bit steep, but the quality and variety of products justify the cost. Overall, Forbidden Planet is a must-visit for anyone immersed in the world of comics, sci-fi, and fantasy.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charlie H. 1 year ago on Google
    Far too many to mention but Dr Who, Star Wars and all the mainstream SciFi is well represented but also lots of more niche items and characters get a look in. Upstairs (ground floor) for figures, posters, statues and t-shirts, downstairs (basement) for books, games and comics. Good prices, lots of variety. Does get crowded though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris K. 1 year ago on Google
    Very bright, spacious store with a good range of stuff to browse. There are more comics than merchandise, but there’s still a good range of stuff. There tends to be a good price range of items for a particular subject, meaning if you’re looking for a specific shows merch you’ll likely find something on the cheaper and more expensive ends of the scale.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rafael V. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the best places to visit if you are into nerd/geek stuffs. Its a big place with 2 levels, the 0 has a lot of figure actions, funko pop and diverse geek itens to watch or buy. Some of those items are on sale, and you can find some funko pop for 5 pounds. The -1 hits different, with a HUGE collections of comics books, graphics novels, magazines, fantasy and SciFi books, card games, board games and a lot of more stuffs, the underground its a perfect place to dig for some treasures, with a lot of things on sale or just a good price. I saw a Berserk deluxe edition with all the manga series for 42 pounds, if i had the money i would certain buy it cause it was truly beatiful! I was impressed by the number of dc and marvel titles i found there, probaly they have all of the new stuffs. At the end of my visit i bought 2 comics on sale, one of Rick and Morty and one of Steven Universe, both of them for my brother.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Charlotte W. 2 years ago on Google
    THE place to go for nerds. If you are into comics, get some of the 2 £ grab bags in the basement. Great value. Also go to the sales corner. You can get great books for up to 80% off.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pablo de M. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible place. Plenty of interesting things like comics, movie action figures, RPG stuff, clothing and much mote.

  • 4/5 Earphone N. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place. But it was really busy and did not really care about social distancing, other than that was great my wallet is dying know but that's what geeks like me do.

  • 5/5 Poom S. 3 months ago on Google New
    I came in to look around as there were so many people milling outside the shop. Massively popular with DC, manga, anime, and pop figurines. Huge selection of everything! Downstairs is especially interesting to see all different genre for manga.

  • 5/5 Kjartan A. 4 months ago on Google
    Five stars for Forbidden Planet on Shaftesbury Avenue! A geek's paradise with an astounding selection of sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture treasures. From rare comics to unique collectibles, the range is unbeatable. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and always ready to help. An absolute must-visit for enthusiasts.

  • 4/5 Marissa D. 2 years ago on Google
    Quite packed. Had a nice collection of collectables. Will definitely revisit once summer rush has finished. I really want this pokemon cap.

  • 5/5 שחף �. 2 years ago on Google
    I love this place! Whether I pop in for a quick browse, or get lost for hours in sections of comic books, novels, games, and toys (that send me back years) - it's always a fantastic time. The staff is nice and knowledgeable.

  • 4/5 Sarah J. 2 years ago on Google
    Went on a Saturday so mega busy! Great range of stuff from most genre favourites. So hot downstairs though! All in all a great shop with cool stuff.

  • 3/5 Scott “DeathBoy” L. 2 years ago on Google
    It's always nice to visit Forbidden Planet, but during covid times, the only precaution taken was an (empty) container of hand wash. Otherwise, it was a crush of people, many of whom wore no masks, we didn't feel very comfortable. Additionally, the stock was out / low (numerous empty shelves) in many places and the checkout guy I got was unusually surly (I had dared to ask for a bag for a huge book I'd bought, he obliged reluctantly). Not it's finest hour! Maybe give it a miss until covid has blown over :P

  • 4/5 Afishy F. 2 years ago on Google
    Was a bit busy when I was there but the staff were friendly and efficient. I thought I would be there for ages but the queue was dealt with extremely quick. Maybe avoid if you are not good with crowds but apart from that two thumbs up from this guy!

  • 5/5 Ruthie J. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a great variety of books and merchandise. My boy loved it and spent so long looking at things. Helpful friendly staff .

  • 5/5 Gregor S. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolute heaven for nerd culture Every comic, dnd supplement, art book, digital artist merch and manga is sold here. You can spend hours perusing everything that Forbidden planet has to offer and is a must see for any tourist vaguely interested in pop culture

  • 5/5 Olmo R. 1 year ago on Google
    Every manga collectors dream. Every mainstream manga you could possibly think of is here and with a 3 for 2 deal on most titles you can spend your life savings without an ounce of regret. Only real negatives are the lack of obscurer titles and the corporate feeling the shop gives off.

  • 3/5 Gary M. 1 year ago on Google
    I was expecting something on the scale of Portland, Oregon's Powells Books but the store isn't that big. Also, the way the books and items were displayed was very utilitarian and conventional. It's still a cool geek space, though.

  • 5/5 Kristoffer G. 1 year ago on Google
    So many amazing things for Sci-Fi fans to find in this store! The main level is geared more towards figures and toys whilst the downstairs is full of books, Manga, and anything Sci-Fi in print. Huge selection.


Call +44 20 7420 3666 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible lift
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ In-store pick-up
    • ✓️ In-store shopping

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Toy stores nearby

Hamleys image
1
Hamleys
Toy store
World-renowned, multistorey toy shop with events, demonstrations and elaborate displays.
$$$ $
4.40 (34.5K reviews)
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square image
2
The LEGO® Store Leicester Square
Toy store
Retailer showcasing the brand's colorful building sets & bricks, plus figurines & toys.
4.60 (15.6K reviews)
The Range image
3
The Range
Home goods store
Chain retailer selling home, garden & leisure products, including furniture & kitchen equipment.
$$ $$
4.10 (3.8K reviews)
The Range, Croydon image
4
The Range, Croydon
Home goods store
Chain retailer selling home, garden & leisure products, including furniture & kitchen equipment.
$$ $$
4.00 (3.2K reviews)
The Who Shop - Upton Park image
5
The Who Shop - Upton Park
Collectibles store
Long-established store selling items relating to the 'Doctor Who' TV series, including toys.
4.50 (1.3K reviews)
Last updated:
()