Ocean Pop is one of many retail shops that sells blind boxes and plushies. One can think of this…read moreplace as a variation of Miniso but without the cosmetics, stationery, and housewares sections. [Parking]: Free underground parking garage at Atlantic Times Square. The shop is located across from Daiso. [What to expect]: In addition to Labubu and POP MART blind boxes, they also have really cute Sanrio character Eternal Flowers Bouquets, crochet flowers, small jewelry, keychains, and trinkets. [Conclusion]: This retail shop is distinct enough to stop by if you are in Monterey Park & especially for those who are looking for slightly different Sanrio character gifts like the Eternal Flowers Bouquet.

New business in Atlantic Times Square just across from the Daiso…read more For those of you who are into Labubus or other Pop Mart blind box goods this is the place for you. I guess if you can't find it at 528 straight across, you can try to find it here. Lots of blind box goods on display and you can get accessories for them too. They also have a DIY station in the back for customizing goods like many of the other DIY arts and crafts that you see nowadays (oshikatsu storage, cases, frames) and they even have acrylic stick on nails here too. They have stickers and lots of strange and cute unique keychains (not from characters or franchises that I recognize so they may be OC's), but aside from the Pop Mart original characters they also have some licenses goods here like the wall of One Piece goods. It's not really my cup of tea, but quick place to grab a gift if you know someone who enjoys this stuff and don't wanna venture into a Pop Mart.

I love this place! So many new manga and artbooks. Everyone's always been nice and the place is…read morepacked. It's pretty pricey though - you can get things you might not see anywhere else but you'll definitely be paying extra for them. They have figurines and some blind boxes and other stuff too! Have been here a few times and will absolutely be back.

Animate LA is the North American outpost of the Japanese Animate chain, and for anime and manga…read morefans in the US it occupies a category largely by itself. I walked into a store that carries merchandise that simply does not surface at most American retailers, and that distinction was the main reason I made the trip. The selection covers a wide range. I saw rows of pins, acrylic stands, stickers, keychains, figurines, manga, and stationery filling the floor, and the depth in certain titles went well beyond what I have found at convention vendor tables or general pop culture stores. The Project Sekai section was one of the more notable dedicated areas and is genuinely rare to encounter outside of Japan. VTuber merchandise and more niche title selections appeared here in a way that reflects the store's connection to the Japanese market rather than just catering to the most mainstream Western anime fanbase. There is also a gashapon section where you can exchange cash for tokens and try your luck at the machines, which tends to draw its own crowd. Prices run higher than what I would pay in Japan directly, which is expected given the import overhead, but for collectors who cannot make the trip the markup is the cost of access. The store is worth visiting for any serious fan of the medium, and even a casual browse tends to surface something unexpected.

Really Great Store and Hidden Gem I shopped in years every time I visit Los Angeles…read more Staff there is very down to earth and kind. But this store has a variety of selection such as Chogokins, Gunpla, Prize Figs, Construction Kits, Etc... Prices there are very reasonable too, honestly, I prefer going to this store compared to places like Jungle or Robot4Less due to price reasons. I would absolutely recommend this store for those who are in the hobby or starting to get into a hobby.

Hidden Gem Alert!…read more Attention hobbyists and gift givers: Neo Happyland might just be your new happy place. Circumstances brought me to this unique and fun store that is practically hidden on the first floor of what appeared to be an abandoned mall in Chinatown, the Bamboo Plaza. Had I not known about this store and its location before visiting, I probably would not have entered the plaza. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by Natalie one of the store owners. I then met with Alan, her husband and co-owner. Both were super personable, friendly and knowledgeable. I overheard them conversing about some of the products with other customers in the store. They really knew their product. The store was jampacked with products from floor to ceiling. I was overwhelmed with how much there was to see. There were so many different model kits to choose from (Pokemon, Bandai, Gundam, etc.). They also had figurines, model paint, books, stickers, Gundam decals, Book Nook and Wonderland items, Pokemon Mini Building Blocks, other building blocks, DVDs and other fun items. Everything was well stocked and neatly organized. I appreciated that most of the items were displayed behind glass so that you could see the actual product vs just looking at the picture on the box. Even though I am an adult, I felt like a kid in a candy store. I did not leave empty-handed. :) If you're looking for a wonderful brick and mortar hobby shop with Asian flair, I highly recommend this shop.

The greater LA area used to be a haven for ethnic enclaves. With the decline of first generation…read moreimmigrants these vibrant cultures have been diminishing or at least shifting geographically. This gem is still located in the heart of the SGV. Thanks to the kind owners it remains an outlet for a different form of entertainment. Both English and Chinese manga are available, and custom orders can be made. There are quite a few series that are hidden gems, and the owners are very helpful with any questions. It's clean, organized, reasonably priced and even has a large meeting room for events for manga loving fans.

I cant believe Ive passed by this place so many times without noticing it. Like most stores in my…read morearea, It is truly a hidden gem that serves the locals. Me and my gf stopped by after we noticed it while driving and we were appalled by the aesthetics of the store. You walk in and its like you just entered the secret store in an rpg. The store offers rental services as well as purchasing books. Most of the manga/comics are in Chinese, however, they are currently expanding their english catalogs. There is a sitting area with comfy chairs where you can read their manga like a library. The owner was very nice and welcoming. We chatted about things and the store has been in his ownership for about 6 months. I look forward to not having to drive all the way to LA just to buy manga.

A small shop tucked in an upper level of a small commercial block. Have a big collection of model…read morekits. The owner is very knowledgeable and friendly. Some kits have lower prices than retail counterparts.

On a rainy afternoon, my 9-year-old son and I stumbled upon this unassuming little shop tucked away…read moreon the second level above an urgent care. As a middle-aged father looking for a hobby we could share that didn't involve screens or video games, I'd read a bit about Gunpla and decided to give it a shot. What a find! The owner was incredibly helpful and patient with us, taking the time to understand what we were looking for and guiding us to first sets that were perfect for our skill levels. His enthusiasm was genuine, and it made the whole experience fun and welcoming, never overwhelming for complete beginners like us. The prices are very reasonable, which is a huge plus when you're testing out a new hobby with your kid. We both walked out with our own kits, and I have to say, I'm just as hooked as my son! Building these models has been a surprisingly relaxing and rewarding experience, and I'm already looking forward to tackling more complex builds and refining them. I'm planning to return soon to pick up a few more sets for Christmas gifts and to expand my own collection. If you're looking for a screen-free activity to share with your children or just want to explore the world of Gunpla, I highly recommend stopping by this shop. The passion and knowledge of the owner really make all the difference.

U GUYS ARE THE BEST THANK U FOR HAVING SUCH GOOD RESELL…read morePRICES. The workers were super kind and understanding. I appreciated there customer service skills. The shop is organized and easy to navigate.

Really awesome selection with affordable pricing they have a bunch of different characters and a…read morelot of sanrio and my little pony

I have been coming to Toyz In The Box for years, and they always have what I want, even stuff I…read moredidn't know I wanted until I saw it there From Funko Pops to every figure and collectibles you can think of, they have here Come and stop by and for sure you will leave with something! I'll post up a video on YouTube so y'all get an idea of what y'all can find there! https://youtu.be/FHXFTheeKsA?si=cVknCXRd3EaFrLl1 YT: Bootleg Heroes IG: @bootlegheroesmikey

My top spot for anime characters! For anyone close by or far away you gotta check this place out!!…read moreDoes not disappoint

It brings me such pleasure to write a review for Manga Lounge. I may have visited for the first…read moretime today, but this space was like a safe haven that I didn't even know that I wanted. The check-in process was simple once I downloaded the app and I appreciated that first-time visits are $4, so I ended up staying for three hours. (I also saw that the owner will allow people to browse the shelves before they decide to stay or not.) The selection is absolutely incredible: over 7,000 volumes and I saw so many series that I myself am collecting that had their latest volume on the shelf. Each area is categorized by genre (horror, rom-com, drama, psychological, kids, etc.) and the manga are in pristine condition. Mature manga are placed in the front of the store and you can borrow them if you show your ID. There are many types of seating arrangements: tables and chairs, armchairs, even some kind of long bean bag on a carpet. I liked that there were tissues and water available for people, and if you wanted to get a snack or a drink, it was possible to get it up front. (When I was there, I was given a QR code to fill out a survey and upon submitting it, I could get a drink or snack for free.) Loved the lo fi music playing in the background. The air conditioning is strong, but the owner has blankets that you can ask for so that you can be cozy during your stay. I believe that the price is fair, perhaps even overly generous, because it would cost much more money to purchase this manga and you can read it in a quiet, respectful environment. I love that there are community events and that there are additional incentives to come back, such as receiving 30% off if you return within seven days. I personally want Manga Lounge to exist forever--it's rare to find a business that understands that sometimes all you want is a space to read manga and not be bothered for several hours. I will be coming back when I'm in the area.

Went here on opening day. Very cool concept, the selection is massive! I hope they create a monthly…read moremembership some day, I can't see myself coming here often as it'll add up $$, but cool place to come to check out new mangas or get exposed to manga you'll never typically read yourself. I think my favorite section is staff recommendations shelf. Lots of mana I never heard of. I'll likely come back for new releases on manga I'm currently reading myself, and to check out new manga to read.