Shops

While anime & manga are traditionally bought online by hip, web-savvy fans, there is an alternative. Here are a few recommendations for real-world anime & manga shopping:

http://www.forbiddenplanetstore.com/

31 Cross Cheaping, 
Coventry, CV1 1HF
Tel: 01203 229672

Forbidden Planet is more of a Sci-Fi shop than an Anime & Manga one, but they do have a pretty decent selection of both, and they also have an impressive collection of art-books and how-to-draw type works. As with most high-street shops, they’re a little more expensive than shopping online, but you can browse through the manga, and art-books and sometimes find nifty models and plushies too!

This is ideal for finding last minute presents (assuming your friend/family-member is suitable) as there is no waiting for delivery.

The people are great there, and you may often find yourself having long discussions about all manner of things. Somehow this seems especially true if you are female.

http://www.astralgypsy.com/

Workshop 7, 
Canal Basin St Nicholas Street,
Coventry, CV1 4LY
Tel: 02476 551912
Fax: 02476 551911

Mon Closed
Tue 10.00am - 6.00pm
Wed 12.00pm - 8.00pm
Thu 10.00am - 6.00pm
Fri 10.00am - 6.00pm
Sat 10.00am - 6.00pm
Sun Closed

Run by one Al Davison and his wife, The Astral Gypsy is a small shop that specialises in a wide variety of graphic novels, manga, anime books and Japanese illustration books. If you don’t see what you like, don’t be afraid to mention it, they will be quite happy to order it for you. They also stock various art and drawing materials, and Mr Davison himself provides weekly drawing lessons on Wednesday evenings.

Go there today and claim your 15% discount with a student card!