Here’s the secret sauce: the staff at both shops are not paid to be nice—they’re enthusiastic wizards who actually care whether you leave happy. I once asked for a recommendation at Forbidden Planet, and the employee gave me a five-minute TED talk on a obscure Belgian series about a detective who hates shirts. I bought it. No regrets.
London's Mega City Comics Saved, Renamed As Forbidden Planet Camden
At Mega City, the vibe is equally legendary. The staff will gently roast you for not knowing the difference between DC’s New 52 and Rebirth, but they’ll also hand you a rare variant cover with a wink. Surprising fact: Both shops have a secret underground network of collectors who trade tips on when the next reprint of Watchmen will drop. It’s basically spy-level stuff, but with more spandex.
The Wallet Crisis
Let’s be real: walking into either shop is financially dangerous. You’ll see a graphic novel on the shelf—say, Saga Vol. 1—and your brain will whisper, “You need this. Your soul needs this.” Your coffee budget will weep, but your bookshelf will throw a party. Playful exaggeration: I’ve seen grown adults tear up over a $60 hardcover of Sandman as if they were reuniting with a lost dog.
The real surprise? Both shops offer back issue bins where you can grab comics for pocket change. It’s like dumpster diving, but for superhero origin stories. Pro tip: bring cash because the card reader might have a nervous breakdown from sheer excitement.
London's Mega City Comics Saved, Renamed As Forbidden Planet Camden
