Iconic Camden comic book shop saved from closure - but some fans aren't happy
A comic book shop often dubbed London's best has been saved from closure thanks to a popular chain stepping in. Forbidden Planet has taken over Mega City Comics in Camden Town following news owner Martin Kravetz is set to retire.
The Inverness Street store is now shut to customers until March so it can be renovated and upgraded. Once open, a larger team will work alongside long-time staff members, and familiar faces to many, Vik and Jack.
In an online statement, Forbidden Planet said: "We're very proud to be securing the future of this vital Camden institution - and continuing Mega City Comics' singular relationship with its valued long-term customers in this unique London borough, one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.
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"Camden Town is the focal point of the UK music industry, the cradle of Britpop and the epicentre of Japanese anime culture in London. Where else can you buy award-winning comics & manga and immediately celebrate with a round of drinks at The Good Mixer?"
First started as mail order firm in 1981, Mega City Comics' physical store has been an enduring presence in Camden for nearly four decades. It built a reputation for securing indie titles, little-known graphic novels and collectible comics.
Whilst many fans are glad the institution will remain, some fans are worried what the future looks like. One Facebook comment under the takeover announcement said: "Really sad news. I loved Mega City because it was just comics and not all the other tat too. It was a nice alternative to the Forbidden Planet shop.
Another added: "If this doesn't have back issues or specifically focus on comic books, I'm likely to never come back here," whilst a third added: "Great news that the shop is saved in some form, but overall Forbidden Planet is a huge disappointment now.
"It's just a large comics store, with a few toys and keyrings thrown in. It used to be a haven for all sci-fi and fantasy content."
However, Forbidden Planet's chief operating officer Andrew Sumner appears to have a personal connection to the store, saying in a statement: "I've been a massive fan of Mega City Comics ever since I was publishing magazines out of Camden's Greater London House in the 1990s.
"I was a regular three-times-a-week customer of Martin's and purchased hundreds of the decade's greatest comic-books from him. I also spent many happy hours chatting with Martin's lovely dad. The minute I heard Mega City might be closing, I knew we had to keep this exceptional store alive!'
The takeover marks the third Forbidden Planet shop in London, with additional branches found in Newcastle, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Coventry and Southampton.
You can find Mega City Comics at 18 Inverness Street, NW1 7HJ.
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