The market for comics and collectables in the UK has developed into a highly sophisticated sector, evolving well beyond its origins as a simple hobby. Today, for the discerning collector, the marketplace is defined by a focus on key issues, limited-print variant covers, and high-grade encapsulations. As the market for top-quality graphic novels and graded back issues continues to mature, the distinction between high-street retail outlets and specialist dealers has become more pronounced.
While mainstream stock caters to casual readers, serious buyers require retailers who possess an encyclopaedic knowledge of strict grading standards, market liquidity, and unquestionable provenance. Such specialist dealers provide far more than inventory: rigorous curation, global industry connections and access to investment-grade items.
Navigating this specialist environment requires finding reliable dealers who are capable of sourcing, authenticating, and assessing the market’s most coveted items. From long-established institutions with deep archival knowledge to top-tier online specialists handling premium CGC submissions, the UK has a robust network of experts.
For both the dedicated archivist and the investor, the following is a curated guide to seven of the most distinguished comic and collectable specialists currently operating in the UK.
Comics and collectables: where to buy?
1. Forbidden Planet (London and nationwide)
Forbidden Planet is the UK’s largest and most recognisable comic and cult entertainment retailer. Originally established in 1978, its flagship megastore on London’s Shaftesbury Avenue has been a hub for fans since opening in 2003. The chain now operates multiple locations nationwide, offering Marvel, DC, Image and independent comics alongside manga, graphic novels, statues, action figures and film merchandise. Regular author signings and exclusive variant covers make it a destination for all types of collectors.
Marvel and Star Wars merchandise: Extensive range of action figures, statues and collectables from major franchises.
Weekly new comic releases: Latest issues from all major publishers available every Wednesday.
Credit: Forbidden Planet
2. Travelling Man (York, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle)
Travelling Man is the UK’s most extensive independent comic shop network, with four stores across Northern England. Established in 1991, the chain has built a reputation for friendly service, community engagement and a carefully curated selection balancing mainstream hits with indie gems. Beyond comics, it offers board games, card games, manga and roleplaying game supplies.
Graphic novels: Comprehensive selection of collected editions from major and independent publishers.
Board games: Tabletop games for all experience levels, from gateway titles to complex strategy games.
Credit: Travelling Man
3. Gosh Comics (London)
Gosh Comics has been a London institution for nearly four decades, moving to its current Soho location in 2011 after 25 years in Bloomsbury. It has earned its reputation as one of the city’s leading destinations for graphic novel enthusiasts. This independent shop offers a wide range of graphic novels, indie comics, small press publications and exclusive art prints. The knowledgeable staff and intimate atmosphere create a welcoming space for both newcomers and seasoned collectors.
The Count Binface Comic Book (£9.99): Pre-order exclusive featuring the satirical comic character.
Dredd Good vs Evil print by Mick McMahon (£32.00): Exclusive art print featuring iconic Judge Dredd artwork.
Credit: Gosh Comics
4. Page 45 (Nottingham)
Page 45 is a legendary independent comic shop in Nottingham whose mission since 1994 has been to bring the widest range of quality comics and graphic novels to as many people as possible. It treats comics as serious literature and won the UK’s only Diamond Comics Award for Best Retailer. The shop offers a fiercely curated selection ranging from indie masterpieces to international translations, backed by detailed, passionate reviews written by the knowledgeable staff.
Expert curation: Thousands of graphic novels meticulously selected and reviewed by staff to guide both newcomers and connoisseurs.
Creator-driven focus: A robust champion of independent and self-published works, alongside acclaimed mainstream titles.
Credit: Page 45
5. Sad Lemon Comics (Online UK)
Sad Lemon Comics is the UK’s premier online comic shop, offering worldwide shipping and an extensive selection for serious collectors. The shop specialises in weekly comic releases, exclusive variant covers and CGC-graded comics, with a focus on rare variants featuring artwork from top industry artists. Their pre-order system and store-exclusive variants have made them a go-to source for sought-after modern comics.
ABSOLUTE BATMAN 2025 ANNUAL #1 4TH PTG DANIEL WARREN JOHNSON VARIANT CGC 9.8 (£49.95): CGC-graded variant cover with near-mint condition.
LOST FANTASY #11 CEDRIC POULAT MATTE FOIL VARIANT LIMITED TO 350 COPIES (£25.95): Exclusive foil variant with limited print run.
Credit: Sad Lemon Comics
6. Ace Comics (Online UK)
Ace Comics ranks among the UK’s oldest and most reliable comic book suppliers. The company serves thousands of customers monthly through its website, physical shops, eBay store and subscription service. It specialises in American comics from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse and IDW Publishing, offering titles from Batman and X-Men to The Walking Dead. Beyond comics, it stocks graphic novels and cult merchandise including action figures and statues.
Marvel Comics: Latest Marvel titles including Spider-Man, X-Men and Avengers.
DC Comics: Current DC series featuring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.
Credit: Ace Comics
7. Second City Comics (Birmingham)
Second City Comics brings specialist comic retailing to Birmingham, focusing on back issue comics. Located within Redbrick Market in Digbeth, this shop offers Marvel, DC and independent back issues alongside used graphic novels, graded comics, action figures and Pop! vinyls. The knowledgeable team frequently buys collections, making it an excellent resource for both sellers and buyers of vintage material.
Back issue comics: Large selection of older comics from the Bronze Age to modern era.
Graded comics: CGC and other professionally graded comics for investment-minded collectors.
Credit: Second City Comics
The history of comics and collectables in the UK
The UK comics scene traces its modern roots to the 1970s when the first specialist comic shops began appearing in London and other major cities. These early stores catered to fans seeking American imports not available through traditional newsagents. Forbidden Planet, opening its first London shop in 1978, helped establish comic retailing as a viable business.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, independent comic shops proliferated across the country. Shops like Gosh Comics and Orbital Comics in London became known for their curated selections and community focus. The rise of the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s transformed the market, with online retailers like Ace Comics and later Sad Lemon Comics making rare items accessible nationwide.
Today, the UK market thrives on a combination of physical shops and online platforms. While digital reading has grown in popularity, the tactile experience of browsing shelves and the social aspect of visiting comic shops remain important to many fans. Collecting has also evolved: graded comics and exclusive variants have created new tiers of value within the hobby.
The seven shops profiled here span the range of what the UK market offers, from long-established institutions to innovative online specialists. Between them, casual readers and dedicated collectors alike can find a shop suited to what they are looking for.
