The location has moved a few stores down since the last time I've visited. It's a little smaller however, still an awesome version of an art/collectors gallery. read more

Forbidden Planet - Wolf. - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

Very cool comic book shop in Manhattan. Recommend checking it out if in the area. Store had a good selection of collectibles and books and had a great atmosphere inside. read more

Forbidden Planet - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

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Awesome, of course. It's not quite as big as the original location in London, but it's got the same charm and wonderful selection of sci-fi merch. The best part? The front door handles are made of Captain America's shield. Don't visit unless you have financial nerves of steel; otherwise 20 minutes later you'll be leaving with two sonic screwdrivers (you need a backup, of course) and an Adventure Time belt buckle. read more

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Fantasy fans meet and mingle at this busy store that stocks graphic novels, toys, and collectibles alongside art books and video games. Fun place if you either have time to kill or know what you are looking for. read more

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Super cool place. Manga selection obviously sporadic as far as full collections but definitely a diverse store for every kind of nerd. Huge selection of collectibles and rares. Great reading selection as well. Helpful and knowledgeable staff if you're looking for something in particular. read more

Ok, so the fact that this place is both located next to Strand and is also like a nerd dream is evidence that I could not live here. Because besides regular "NYC is expensive" reasons, I'd be in this store spending all of my dang money. I mean, you have a store full of toys, games, comics, t-shirts, and other related fantasy/sci-fi/etc items, and I'm just supposed to not spend all my money here? I don't think so, Tim. I've been to somewhat similar stores, but Forbidden Planet seemed to have a better range of items than what I've typically seen. Also, the store was decently spacious. I could probably spend hours perusing the shelves, and I just might have to some time soon. read more

I can't believe I haven't reviewed Forbidden Planet! If you're in the village - and even if you're not - this is the go-to comic book spot. Been going here more often lately and it's really between them and another spot in the city (just depends on where I'm at). Comic books are my therapy, though not much cheaper these days. So it's always fun to have a safe environment to do do in and FB Is definitely that. They have all the latest books, though they run out really quickly of new releases if you're not there by Wednesday evening. Still, the staff is always willing to try and track down some fresh copies as well as help find older issues and trades or gifts. The latter, including non-superhero trades and apparel, is extremely helpful around birthdays and holiday times and I always go here as a first option for doing so. Glad that the new location is just down the block from the old one too. So happy. read more

An awesome selection of comics, games, and toys. Forbidden Planet is one of the most visually interesting comic shops in New York city. As an added bonus, there is a virtual guide around the mega store to the right of the entrance as soon as you get through the doors. Huge displays in the center of the store advertises all their amazing figures and toys. The entire rear of the shop is covered wall to walls with shirts, comics, and games. And as an added bonus, if you're a lover of weird movies, Forbidden Planet has a nice selection of b-movies on DVD and blueray. Only downside is the price, as everything seems way more expensive then other figure, comic, or game stories. Forbidden Planet is much more for people who want a cool experience shopping or want to do all their nerd shopping under one roof. read more

TLDR: Don't buy gifts at Forbidden Planet. I don't write Yelp reviews -- honestly I just don't have the time and I don't like contributing to negative sentiment but after I kinda got screwed by Forbidden Planet, this only seemed fair. My girlfriend bought me an artbook for Valentine's and it turned out I already had it. It took a bit after the 14th, March 3rd to be excact, before we had the time to walk up and exchange for something new. They refused the exchange. They indicated their exchange policy (even with a gift receipt, which we had) was 10 days. Even with a new product, still in shrinkwrap that had obviously never been opened. I could understand some protection against people continually exchanging a read book, but this product was literally still wrapped. To be clear... a 10 day exchange policy -- even with a gift receipt -- means that if you buy someone a product for Christmas, on say, December 15. That's it... there's no point in a gift receipt, because they can't exchange it. I'm sorry, but what in the Hell kind-of a policy is that? It's FULLY absurd. read more

I pratically grew up reading comic books from here and drooling at their awesome collection of toys! It's the geek of all geeks heaven!

I am not a comic book nerd by any means, but that doesn't mean I'm clueless when it comes to them. I'm constantly surrounded by friends that love comics and I support their obsession. This is why a friend of mine and I were recently in the Union Square area and decided to stop by Forbidden Planet. Holy guacamole they have a lot of stuff! Books upon books, apparel, shot glasses, figurines (that are ridiculously real-looking), you name it, they've got it! This is the perfect place to grab a gift for the nerd in your life as well as to grab some books if you're into comics. The layout is awesome, too and very well-organized. Maybe this will convince me to start reading comics. Btw, check-in on the Yelp app and get a 10% off offer. read more

The couple of times I've been in here-usually for gifts, but sometimes to find something for myself-I'm always delighted by how nice the staff is! Their knowledge is extensive and they are happy to help you find exactly what you're looking for! Plus, their recommendation area near the check-out line is dangerous: I ended up picking up a new comic for myself while I was there! Their stock is awesome, great selection of comics, toys, and games. I always leave Forbidden Planet a little happier. read more

Forbidden Planet - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

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For my birthday this year, one of my plans was to tour comic book shops in Manhattan and Queens, and this was one of the first destinations on my list! Forbidden Planet did not disappoint! This shop is phenomenal! There's such a wide range and variety of different fandoms represented, tons of unique collectible figurines and merch both vintage and from more recent times, fun accessories like buttons, pins, keychains, and of course so so so so sooo many single-issue comics, graphic novels, mangas, and collected comics. The employees were so friendly and attentive and helped me find the exact Lumberjanes and Kim Reaper graphic novel volumes I was seeking. For a Harry Potter reference (because yes, there are also wizarding world collectibles galore!) Forbidden Planet is basically the Honeydukes Sweet Shop of comic shops If you're ever in Queens, or doing a comic book tour of your own, this is a must-visit shop! read more

They decided they wanted to sell a comic on eBay rather than to me after I already made the purchase from their site. I get an email that, despite the store not saying it was sold out, there was some mythical hang up in their system. They read an article that the issue was worth more than cover price and decided to be jerks. I'd take my business to somewhere that isn't run by scumbags. read more

I frequent this tourist ridden, NYC geek local watering hole a lot. I tend to come in here to look at a couple of sections like the manga section. Every once in awhile I see something that I like and I usually end up walking away with it. Forbidden Planet has a lot of appeal but my visits are always short because this place tends to get really crowded with people just standing around not knowing what they want to do lol. They have some cool toys but nothing that stands out to me. If you grow up with a dad who is an avid toy and comic book collector you would say the same! They should do more book signings or something you know mix it up make it interesting. read more

They have a lot of toys if that's your thing, also some anime stickers which were cool and a manga section. They have lots of comics, but not a big selection on back issues or discounted comics. Staff is blah but I spoke to this girl name Sarah for a while about our shared interest in comics and other media, she's really nice and personable, forbidden planet needs to hire more people like her. I'll probably be back if I want to get something newer. read more

Loved this place! Perfect if your a comic nerd or a huge star wars fan! I felt very welcome and the employees were super helpful when i asked where some comics were. They have a bunch of collectors items and also a huge selection of funko pop! with some that you'll never find in a store. Worth to check out if you love comics/ want to get into them! read more

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Omg this place is UNREAL. And so reasonably priced! Would highly recommend even for those who aren't massive comic fans! Must see!!

This place is so cool! I think I may have walked out a geek. I was so amazed walking into and through this place that my mouth is still opened in awe and I'm an entire borough away! But on a serious note, this place is a really cool place. I walked in and a burst off comics, hit me right in the noggin. That's to say that this place comes fully equipped with comic tees, coffee mugs, keychains, and of course, comics. All placed strategically throughout the moderately sized shop, a plethora of fun nuggets leave little left to be desired. This is all coming from someone who isn't too much into comics. I walked out wishing I'd purchased something, anything. But the tiredness of my body won the fight. Freight not! I'll be returning this week to buy even a keychain or button. Maybe I'll even step it up and buy a tshirt from their wall! I'll keep you guys posted. Til we meet again Forbidden Planet! Until. We. Meet....Again [end scene] read more

Forbidden Planet - At first I thought they were tins...but they're t-shirts!!! - Toy Stores Near Me - New York, New York

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No words except: It's simply utopia for comic geeks, toy collectors, and basically any pop cult enthusiast. But even when you're not any of the above, you'd be drawn by the glass cases to discover something that reminds you of the nerd(s) in your life. Speaking of which... My nerds are into: Mega Man, Dragon Ball, He-Man, Thundercats, Ghostbusters, Voltron, and Bionic Six (to name a few)--one of whose mom didn't save his toys when he was young, so he's going around now like a madman trying to pick up entire pieces of his lost childhood. And I'm following around with one hand on my forehead and the other holding a coffee cup... So please let me know if and where you've come across any rare finds, and I shall try to direct them to that (their) safe space, esp. if there's a cafe or vintage store for fresh air nearby... Speaking of which, Max Brenner is just a few steps away... read more

I'm from Seattle, WA, and visited NYC for vacation and was told to check out this comic shop. I went to this store 4 years ago in 2015, and it was the first time I ever encountered store staff who are nice to one another but treat customers rudely! The store has an impressive collection of comic books, but the store staff are very rude to their customers! I was visiting NYC for vacation with my girlfriend, and we noticed that the store employees were all laughing and conversing with one another in the store checkout front counter and they seemed like they'd be easy to talk to and treat customers nicely. I asked one of the store employees for help with buying a t-shirt. He quickly changed personalities and spoke to me in a rude intonation and said "Excuse me, can you see what I'm doing here? I'm talking to one of my co-workers and really don't appreciate you interrupting me." Then I apologized and asked if he can help me with grabbing 2 souvenir Forbidden Planet shirts. So the store staff grabbed me the shirts I wanted and ringed me up. He didn't seem too happy to help me out. Then he resumed his joking and merry conversation with his other staff members. It took me a long time to speak out about this, and decided today, that I'd share my honest experience. Wasn't happy with the way I was treated, but it makes me wonder if this is just a NY thing. I heard of the word, "Angry New Yorker" before. This might be a good example of that kind of person. Employees shouldn't treat customers that way.. especially visitors from another state. read more

One of the few chains that feel like a real New York institution. Small business energy, but with the immense selection you would expect of a comic book palace. Staff is always available, helpful, kind, and they'll have good recommendations if you need some help. Come here every time I'm around union square and it makes me wish I was there more often. They sell great t shirts too. Exchange policy is strict but fair. read more

The Forbidden Planet has one of the Best Comic book selections in the City. The customer service is great and the staff actually looks up items for you. They also have a great DVD selection of Horror both current and classic that you should check out for the Horror Buffs. read more

i liked the energy of this place but it was overrated. it didn't have anything I was looking for because they only kept newer stuff instead of the back issues i've been collecting. i understand that some places carry too many types of comics to get older stuff in the specific kind i want, but when one of the main attractions is supposed to be the size, it just felt like a waste of a trip. read more

September 2nd,2020 11:48am Transaction # 2051720 I asked for Graphic Tee to see if they had it in stock, they looked into their computer and they did! i said i wanted it and wanted to take advantage of of their special 2 for 35 deal. The employee asked told me the shirt is at the desk, i said "thanks and told I'm looking to see about another shirt." With a terrible attitude! he said next time tell me in one shot, I gotta go to the basement to get them and walked away. so instead of buying another shirt I saved him from walking 1 flight of steps. Sorry, you looked able to work, sorry if i was mistaken. I even said I wanted another shirt at the desk!! Well I still love this store, buy from at least once a month and the lady at the front was very friendly and wished me a good day walking out. Thank you for that! Manager seem nice as well. read more

They offer no help.You ask which movie or show is the tee shirt based on two different people gave me two different wrong answers.Went to check out the cashier got upset For no reason I left, just a waste of time going in there. read more

*GEEKSPLOSION!* (Batman action figures!) *NERDGASM!* (Little Nemo in Slumberland!) *DORKAPALOOZA!* (A giant bust of Darth Vader! Classy!) *ACCIO NERD REFERENCE!* (That last one was kind of ironic...) read more

Great place that I used to frequent for comics, toys and sci-fi ephemera, back while growing up in the city during the late 80's through early 00's. Found many an interesting read there, as well as difficult-to-find collectibles, during my pre-widespread-internet-use days at least. More recently, on a return trip to NYC to visit family, I had Forbidden Planet to thank for a copy of Killian Eng's gorgeous "Object 5." Still quite the highly recommended place to this day! Anecdote alert: While this NYC location near the Strand bookstore has long been their main, sole stronghold stateside -- I remember when Forbidden Planet was across the screen and kitty-corner from where it is now -- I would also sometimes visit their now long-closed satellite location on 59th street. It was there that I happened to meet comic-artist Mike Zeck, while browsing the racks as a kid. I was a fan of his work on Captain America and we struck up a conversation. Zeck was a really nice fellow who wound up gifting me an autographed graphic-novel, adorned with a large drawing and dedication. Thanks, Mike Zeck -- and thanks very much for the many years of quality geeking-out, Forbidden Planet! read more

I was welcomed by a worker there as soon as I stepped into the store. They have a large selection of books. I could be there for hours. The workers are very friendly and helpful. The store is clean and well organized. I will definitely shop there again and recommend the place. read more

As cool as Forbidden Planet looks, it's an overcrowded, cramped store with a fairly unhelpful and disinterested staff. If you don't want to help me find the latest trade paperback of an independent comic series, don't work in a comic store, and don't fucking work in retail. And cashiers? I don't want to have to try an guess if you're helping a fellow customer or just bullshitting. I'm standing there, waiting to give money to you. It does have a decent selection, but honestly, what comic store in NYC doesn't? read more

Ah, Forbidden Planet. A mecca of pure unadulterated nerdery in the harsh sea of cold unforgivingly cool Union Square. Forbidden Planet is a store that has undergone much change in the past few years, adding large numbers of new employees, becoming more commercialized and redesigning the store to be more "newbie friendly"- the books are in nice neat order and wandering staff are more than happy to give you a hand in finding anything you need. While some of the "old timers" who remember the glory days (when you could roll into the downstairs location and smoke a joint while staring at Jack Kirby's New Gods with bloodshot eyes of wonder) are upset by the changes, they can go bone themselves. Most of the staff is particularly helpful. On more than one occasion I have seen these delightfully chipper little elves give useful recommendations and tips to clearly confused spouses, parents, and girlfriends who have somehow mistakenly wandered into the shop and were instantly overwhelmed by the sea of snarky comic-related tee-shirts and rows upon rows of graphic novels. 90% of these poor souls wander out alive and with a gift to satisfy whatever holiday/birthday/pagan rite/special event they came in for, the remaining 10% were fed to mutated man-eating puppies for the amusement of the regulars. The store's most blatant value is its proximity to the nearby Regal Union Square, which is located directly across the street. It allows the dorky of heart to "seduce" regular folk into going somewhere they would have steadfastly refused to go before. Closet Nerd: Oh the movies not for another hour and a half "Normal" person: Yeah that blows. Closet Nerd: Hey, look at that store across the street that I clearly have never been in before even though all the employees know my name. Lets waste some time by going in there and seeing if they got the latest X-Factor trade by Peter David because I need it so very very badly. "Normal" person: Wait, what? Closet Nerd: Ummm.... I think they have Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Tee-shirts. "Normal" Person: Ok, lets go. If you plan on making regular visits make sure you ask to get a reservation box, as it will give you a discount on anything purchased in the store (as long as you come in regularly and "pull" a specific number of ongoing comic titles). HELPFUL SECRET BONUS HINT! If you are not a comics regular NEVER go to the store on a Wednesday. Wednesday is the day new comics come out and after working hours (4pm or so) the place is packed with regular comic readers who crowd out most of the shelve-space and the staff are too busy with re-stocking shelves from the weekly feeding frenzy to be as helpful as they usually are. Good luck! read more

Favorite comic book store on this planet. I go once or twice a week. It has the coziest feeling, they have items you can't get anywhere else and Zayn Malik goes here as well. What more can I say? read more

They have the most extensive collection of indie graphic novels besides the public library. All for the exact cover price of course--- ugh, retail. Nevertheless, it's nice to go while waiting for someone to pop out of the Union Square train station. Actually, I can't resist stepping in after coming out of Strand. It's good. It's soooo good. read more

This place is rather epic. Hence, I shall treat its review as such. PART I: ENTER THE FORBIDDEN PLANET Like most big comic stores, most males in the 16-38 yr old demographic walk in here looking cool as school. Yeah, just another comic shop, no big deal. WHATever. They secretely have a hard-on from the Alex Ross Spectre bust or the mint Web of Spiderman #1 on display. The only non-nerd in the store is the old Puerto Rican mom who's buying xmas presents for her kid and thinks Green Lantern's tights make him look like "a gay". Even if you don't have a superhero-fetish (like me-- I'm still cool, right?), the shelves of $500 statuettes and walls of rare vintage issues are a sight to behold. PART II: MORE SPANDEX So there's a big amount of space dedicated to new superhero comics. The back issues are strangely all crammed together standing up so if you are clumsy like me and try to yank one out causing a ripple effect and one of the employees finds you alone in the aisle with a dozen comics scattered on the floor, you must practice your "dude, I just FOUND them like that!" expression. Very similar to when your new girlfriend discovers your porn stash, aka the "They must be my roommate's!" expression. PART III: SPEAKING OF PORN Somewhere near the anime or alternative section, there are the smut comics. Not the Robert Crumb comics from the 70's but the straight-up Japanese and Spanish imports with anatomically correct illustrations. Yes, culturally, it's interesting. Just don't linger here too long, you creepy bastard. PART IV: THE INDIES I love that a "mainstream" store has a such a decent collection of independents, and they have a BIG collection of 'zines, DIY comics, and small press efforts. I spend most of my time here, finding little treasures. Yes, I am one of those people that will pay $5 for 10 pages of xerox paper stapled crookedly together with what appear to be the illustrations of a dyslexic 5-year old. If a comic store carries one of MY books, I totally point it out. "Hey, I hear this book is AWESOME. You should buy it. Like now.*" * I've never done this.** ** Ok, only once. PART V: THE TOYS No, no, not the double-ended, ribbed, vibrating kind. Those are the kind your girlfriend has. She may think they are cool and all, but when's the last time you saw a dildo go for 5 grand on Ebay? Next time she wants to get a little frisky on a cold Sunday, show her your kinky side with your life-size replica of Thor's Hammer. Hot. PART VI: UPSTAIRS There's anime and card games and stuff, I think. Never been up there. PART VII: EPILOGUE It's a fun distraction. It's good perusing after you go nuts at The Strand bookstore down the block. It's a great pit-stop for comic-readers of all types. It's the perfect place to pick up chicks. read more

What to get for the woman who has everything? "And," you may ask, "who might that be?" My mom. Let me tell you a story -- when I was younger, while my dad would show my brother and me his old baseball card collection, complete with rare cards kept in those crazy hypoallergenic cannot-be-run-over-with-an-18-wheeler encasements, my mom would pull out fun Archie, Betty, Jughead, and Veronica comics for us to read. Sure, these may not be $1000 Mickey Mantle cards, but they still held the sentimental value that gave my brother and me insight into our parents' childhoods. Annnnyway, here I am, walking around Union Square trying to brainstorm a Mother's Day gift for the Most Impossible Person (After My Dad) to Shop For when I come across Forbidden Planet. "Hrm," I think, "an Archie comic book might take mom back to the day..." So I enter the shop to find shelves upon shelves upon shelves of comics, graphic novels, collectibles, and tchotchkes. (Tchotchkes as in I was thisclose to getting my friend the Hello Kitty Pez dispensers. Really!!! A friend!!!) They even had an adorable graphic novel auf Deutsch -- and don't get all snarky by saying "how can a GRAPHIC novel have text AT ALL?" :P The text was the introduction, capisce? I found what I was looking for, and a little bundle of 1950s nostalgia is currently on its way via FedEx back to good ol' San Francisco. The store in which I found them is very cool, and I plan on returning just to browse its seemingly endless shelves in the near future. read more

Here's the deal. The prices are obscenely high compared to other stores around the city. You are better off purchasing online or at one of the other great options around town. In addition, their customer service is absolutely dreadful. I walked into this store for the first time two days ago. I surveyed the store until I settled on two items because they did not carry a single specific item I was looking for. After my purchase was made, I went home and realized I had made a mistake and I was going to purchase exactly what I wanted somewhere else online. Being as it was my first time in the store, I had no idea of their return policy. I was helped by 4 different people and not ONE person had informed me of the policy. The posted policy is lost in the mess of things on the counter and is incredibly easy to miss. I went in the following day to discuss a solution. I approached Matt, a manager, and pleaded with him to accept that it was a first timers mistake and that given the circumstances, it should have been an excusable offense. He sat behind the counter with his arms crossed and wouldn't even look at me while denying any possible resolve I proposed. He was impossibly rude and gave me condescending tone. I had politely asked him for the name of any other manager I can speak to, to which he replied "Well, my name is Matt." He would not give me any avenue to reach anyone else. I kept my cool and asked another associate what the other manager's name was and left the store. It's truly embarrassing for Forbidden Planet to have a man like that represent the store in management. Despite going back and forth in the phone with Jeff (the other store manager) about the facts, he did not budge and stated all he can do is give me store credit. The truth is that I had already spent enough time searching for the items I had purchased 2 days ago. I wasted more of my time commuting to the store the following day to ask for a return. There was not a single thing I wanted in that store and it is wrong to try to force me to buy something else when I don't want anything. The proper thing to do was to offer a refund. Unfortunately, these people do not care about doing the right thing. I'd rather shop somewhere honorable who makes the policy clearly known rather than hide behind technicalities and shrug at the customers expense. You're better off going online or to one of the many other stores where they know how to treat their customers. read more

The Captain America shield door handles caught our eye before we saw Rocket in their window display with other larger statuettes. Friendly staff in a fairly large store. Primary focus on graphic books and figurines, including slightly boring Funko Pop! vinyls. Pop culture memorabilia alongside comic goods. We came across most of the graphic novels we'd ever read or considered starting. The t-shirts mounted on the wall caught my eye, particularly the baby Groot and Joker/Harley Quinn. Some board games, trading card packs, and motif jewelry as well. Definitely use the check-in 10% discount... Amazon is cheaper on some publications, depending on your binding preference. read more

Yeah, dude at the cash register, that's right. When I pointed at the Yelp sticker on your door, I knew what I was doing. That was no empty gesture, rather a signal of warning-- that I would tell people the truth: y'all are douchebags. Sure, Forbidden Planet is clean enough and has some uber nifty figurines. But give me some grungy, less glitzy comic book joint anyday. What's that, dude at the cash register? No, I am not an expert or superfan of comic books. Nope, I don't have a favorite series. I do, however, appreciate comic books and also have no control over my lack of exposure to them when I was little. So be a dick, but let me stroll the aisles in peace. I may not know much, but I know you overcharge. Is that because of your hipster locale at Union Square? Or is that to fund the pompous egos of your employees who feel superior to all customers? read more

Cute store, has a Captain America shield as the door handle. I stopped in to browse. It has your usual collection of comics, mangas, and comic-based toys, lunchboxes. They sell Ugly dolls of all sizes here. Just seems like a nice, clean comic bookstore with high ceilings. read more

This place is probably enough to give any comic book geek an orgasm - but then again, it wouldn't take much to do that anyways. So I walked in here, one employee greeted me and asked me if I needed help. He was the only remotely friendly person working there as it seems. Half the staff ignored me like I was invisible, and the other half followed me around the store as if they're invisible. I'm pretty sure that one friendlier employee was high, so maybe he just forgot to be an ass to me. The first floor is mostly books and merch. Expect to be blocked out in every aisle by people flipping through comics. Watch the stairs to the second floor - they're built for midgets or something. There's a bunch of manga up there along with some CCG and anime stuff. It's one of the bigger manga stocks I've seen in any brick-and-mortar store. I will end this review awkwardly using this sentence. read more