#26: Forbidden Planet
The Shop: Forbidden Planet
Union Square: 832 Broadway
Forbidden Planet beacons nerds from all over Lower Manhattan like a Bat Signal gleaming in the night sky. FP has a place in my heart— I have been going to this shop since even before I even lived in NYC, on teenaged visits to my Manhattan family or college Metronorth rides down from Westchester. Forbidden Planet rocks because it’s massive and clearly run by fellow nerds. The comic selection sports mainstreams and indies alike, but it’s not just comics that fill the shelves. FP has horror magazines and paraphernalia, action figures, games, and every time of nerd merch you could imagine. This store is surprisingly divisive among nerds, but then again what isn’t? I’ll concede this store lacks the intimacy of a classic LCS (nerd speak for “local comic shop”) like JHU or Anyone comics, but I’ll give them points for the staff always being knowledgeable, passionate, and willing to put up with me pestering. The worst thing about this shop is that everyone else knows about it. Get there early as possible for hyped up new releases or they’ll be sold out by your lunch break!
What I Got:
Paper Girls Vol 6
Like all Brian K. Vaughn projects, Paper Girls is impossible to put down. This Stranger Things-esque tale of scrappy teens time traveling is so fun, so vibrant, so impeccably paced. Thanks to America’s librarian Allie Affinito for the rec!
Star Trek TNG Captain Dathon Action Figure
“Darmok” is one of the greatest Star Trek eps of all time— a thoughtful meditation on communication and storytelling that teaches you an alien language in 45 minutes plus commercial breaks?? Crazy to find an action figure of a niche one episode character but that’s what being a nerd is all about. This one is going to my brother Sam for his upcoming bday. Temba, with his arms wide!
Now vol. 5
Now is Fantagraphics’ anthology of shorts by disgustingly talented up and coming creators. If you have to buy only one comic title ever, choose this one. It cooks.
Red Room Issue 2
Ed Piskor has established himself as a comics icon with legendary projects Hip-Hop Family Tree and X-Men Grand Design. He’s one of my favorite creators these days due to his funky retro art style and knack for ambitious storytelling. Yes, I subscribe to that Patreon. Red Room is a departure into horror for him and I’m thrilled to read it. Issue 1 was sold out, obviously!
Ice Cream Man #1 reprint
I’ve ranted about this comic enough on this blog. Cool to see Image is reprinting first issues of their titles for $1 each. Image comics has always ruled but I am really excited to see more fan friendly moves like this, no doubt sponsored by their recent fat stack of Invincible cash.