THIS haven for comic book and sci-fi buffs is located on New Oxford Street. There are a few other regional branches – Cambridge, Glasgow and even one in New York – but the central London branch is by far and away the most comprehensive.

For comic book lovers there is a huge range of titles ranging from humour – Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, Garfield, the Simpson’s, and even Archie comics to mainstream Marvel and DC starring Spider-Man, Batman et al. There is also a sizeable collection of independent and underground titles, particularly from British creators. You’ll also find the increasingly popular Japanese comic strips. In fact it is difficult to beat Forbidden Planet for range and availability of current titles. The back issue section is less impressive and for that you may have to ferret out the more specialised comic book stores like Mega City in Camden Town.

Along with comic books you will also find an equally impressive collection of related graphic novels, posters, trading cards, toys and memorabilia. Look out for the wonderfully sculptured models but avoid looking at the prices which are usually in excessof 100 pounds!

Also available on the ground floor with the comics are sci-fi related magazines and collectibles. These are dominated by Star Trek, Star Wars and X-Files memorabilia, particularly key chains, post cards and action figures. There is also an extremely impressive section of semi-professional model kits. You’ll find wonderfully crafted resin kits of your favourite movie characters – King Kong, Godzilla, the Alien and Predator Creature as well as movie maniacs such as Michael Myers, Leatherface and Freddy Krueger. The kits are strictly for adults and require modelling and painting skills. Prices usually start from around 45 pounds.

The basement holds the sci-fi book section and a small selection of cult, sci-fi and horror movie videos and DVDs. There are also some books again concentrating on horror classics, sci-fi and cult movies and TV programmes.

If you like cinema and/or comic books then you will be hard pressed to come across a better shop. Definitely worth a visit and take your time browsing. Be warned though that the staff may be difficult to pin down or even find on some occasions!